By Guest Writer, Cassie Steele
A Guide To Staying Healthy And Fresh On A Lengthy Flight
Airlines all over the world have recently added long-haul flights to their schedules to improve their services. In 2019, Singapore Airlines launched a new route that takes passengers from Singapore to Newark, and this route currently holds the record for the world’s longest flight as it tops out at almost 19 hours. In the same year, Qantas Airlines also debuted its own non-stop flight which takes passengers from Perth to London in just a little over 17 hours. As long-haul flights are predicted to become the norm in the near future, travelers should be ready to cope with them so they can stay healthy during the flight and arrive in good spirits. Here’s a guide to staying healthy and fresh on a lengthy flight.
Wear comfortable clothes
Being well-dressed for a flight will allow you to look great for your Instagram shots. But after a few hours, those tight-fitting jeans and heeled boots will make you feel uncomfortable and prevent you from getting a good night’s rest on the plane. Instead of restrictive clothing, make sure to wear comfy clothes that will keep their shape and look good during the long-haul flight. A soft t-shirt worn under a cardigan, paired with trousers with an elastic waist or upscale jogger pants is an outfit that will make you look good and feel great. Wear slip off shoes such as soft driving moccasins or sneakers, and socks that promote healthy blood circulation, like diabetes socks. You may wear the socks at home or don them once you’re all buckled up in the plane, but make sure to have them as not only do they keep your feet warm, but they may also prevent deep vein thrombosis, which is a health condition that travelers might experience during long flights.
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Bring a pack of disinfectant wipes
Airplanes are regularly cleaned after each flight, but to be on the safe side, make sure to bring a pack of disinfectant wipes so you can wipe down your surroundings and reduce the risks of getting sick. Wipe down all hard surfaces such as your airplane seat, the seat belt buckle, the head and arm rest, the tray table, the remote control, and the touch screen. However, if your seat is upholstered with a porous material, you may want to spritz it instead with a quick-drying alcohol spray as wiping it with a disinfectant wipe may lead to wet spots and cause bacteria and germs to spread even faster.
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Stay hydrated
Spending hours cooped up in an airplane can be dehydrating as the high humidity levels inside the cabin can contribute to water loss. To stay hydrated, plan on drinking eight ounces of water for every hour that you’re in the plane. Remember to never drink the tap water and ask for bottled water from the flight attendants to reduce the risks of getting stomach flu. You can even pack your own travel-friendly water bottle from the Yampu Store.
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Apart from dressing comfortably, practicing good hygiene, and staying hydrated, it’s also important to stretch and move around whenever possible to avoid body aches and stiffness. You should also keep your hands clean at all times during the flight. Most importantly, try to get some rest and sleep when you can. Being on a lengthy flight may present some challenges, but with some preparation and constant vigilance, you can stay healthy and fresh while you’re up in the air.
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About Cassie;
Cassie formerly worked as a flight attendant for over a decade, taking her all over Asia, including South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India, among others. The combination of exciting cultures, low prices, and delicious food was the reason why Asia became a favorite stop of hers.
A couple of years ago, Cassie took a step back to spend more time with her family and became a freelance writer and editor in which she uses her vast knowledge on Asian destinations to further inspire other travelers to witness the beautiful continent.
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