Travelling is always an important event, especially if you have to cross the ocean. A long flight can be a challenge. Or it can be fun, depending on how you prepare for it. Here’s how to plan an ocean crossing, thousands of miles, and many time zones so you can leave the airport in a good mood.
1. Choose a connecting flight
For example, a direct flight from New York to Moscow is at least nine hours, and after such a long flight it is difficult to be awake. Give yourself a chance to rest for a while – choose a connecting flight.
Even if the gap between flights is short, you can at least stretch your numb muscles at the airport. This is especially important if you are traveling with children or the elderly: such passengers are not easy to long flights.
Yes, in this case your trip will be a few hours longer than if you did not change planes, but you can take a break. And you will hardly overpay: such flights are comparable to direct flights, and often they are even cheaper.
If your luggage is overweight and you can’t leave anything else at home, it may be a good idea for you to take a hand baggage. If you don’t have a connecting flight, check in your checked-in baggage before you reach your final destination. Tips from https://trackingo.ru/
2. Minimize the risk of jet lag
Changing several time zones is a great strain on the body. After a flight, especially a transatlantic one, you will definitely want to sleep if you don’t rest en route. Without special preparation, your body will confuse day and night for a few more days.
The most common advice is to go to bed an hour or two later for three days in a row before your flight. This helps your body gradually adjust to the new time zone. It is also advisable to change the clocks on all your devices to the new time during the flight. And if you arrive in the afternoon, try to get some sleep on the plane so that you don’t collapse into bed before dinner. Go to bed when it’s late afternoon in your new time zone.
3. Take care of a comfortable seat
It’s ideal if you’re flying business or first class. But it can also be comfortable in economy – you just need to know the seats.
If you don’t like to look through the window during the whole flight, it is better to sit near the aisle. This way you can stand up comfortably, and you can stretch your legs: during a long flight you often want to do this.
If possible, try to take a seat near the emergency exit: there will be more leg room. You can choose these seats at online check-in. For example, if you are flying on a Boeing 767, they will be on row 20, if the 330 model Airbus, they will be on row 28. On the diagram of the aircraft they are marked as exit row.
4. get dressed properly
You have several hours of very limited mobility ahead of you. Dress for your flight so that nothing constrains your body: avoid tight jeans and uncomfortable shoes. The best option – pants of cotton, T-shirt and a warm sweater or thick cardigan that is easy to remove. And if it does get chilly on board, you can always ask for a plaid.
During the flight your clothes can get very wrinkled because of the seat belt or an uncomfortable position. If you can not change your outfit for a clean and ironed immediately upon arrival, it is better to prefer something made of nonwoven fabric.
5. Take snacks and water with you
On transatlantic flights, as on any flight longer than six hours, you will be offered two hot meals and drinks. If you’re sure you’ll have an increased appetite en route, stock up on snacks before you arrive at the airport. Take a pack of lollipops just in case: they will help you cope with motion sickness. And it’s not a myth: pressure changes during takeoff and landing can make you sick in the ears, and active swallowing and chewing can help to remedy the situation.
If you are thirsty, you can always ask the flight attendant to bring you a glass of water. It is allowed to take a bottle of water with you if you bought it in the “clean” area (otherwise you have to throw it away during check-in at the airport).
6. Have fun things to do on the plane
You’re sure to bring a smartphone, and your backpack will probably have a tablet or laptop. Don’t forget to bring noise-canceling headphones and a power bank to keep your gadgets working throughout the flight.
Did not have time to download new movies – no problem: music and movies will definitely be on board. Long-haul flights have built-in multimedia systems, including the latest movies.
During the flight it is better to find time for sleeping, but if you plan to work or communicate in messengers instead you can use the Internet on board for an extra fee. However, not all airlines have the technical possibility for such a service.
7. Move!
Even after a long flight, you can feel awake if you get out of your seat more often and stretch your stiff limbs.
Do simple exercises that do not require much space: stand on tiptoes, stretch, stretch your neck. This way you will not only release muscle tension, but also help your blood vessels, which feel the additional load due to pressure fluctuations.
By the way, if you know for sure that you have problems with blood vessels, consult a doctor before the flight. He may recommend that you take compression stockings on board. They will improve circulation and reduce the risk of leg swelling.
A transatlantic flight is just the beginning of your exciting journey. Even a long trip will be comfortable and interesting if it’s taken care of in advance. Leave some of your worries to a reliable airline.