• Trending
  • News
  • Tech Insider
  • Finance
  • Career
  • Life
  • Video
Search
  • Trending
  • News
  • Tech Insider
  • Finance
  • Career
  • Life
  • Video
  • EDITION

    Singapore Malaysia United States INTERNATIONAL Deutschland Australia India Poland Nordic Netherlands France Italy Japan España South Africa
Home News 10 hacks for ...

10 hacks for getting more comfortable on a plane

By
Lara Walsh, Insider
-
November 5, 2018
Sleeping on a plane isn't easy but it is possible.

caption
Sleeping on a plane isn’t easy but it is possible.
source
Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

Although the dropping costs of airfare and the rise of budget airlines have made flying much more accessible, it’s also created a few major drawbacks that can make your flight an unpleasant one. Sadly, shrinking airplane seats and cramped leg room have become the norm as airline companies attempt to stuff as many passengers as they can into a small space.

Here are 10 hacks for getting more comfortable on a plane and ensuring your trip will be as enjoyable and yes, sleep-conducive as possible.


Buy a travel blanket.

caption
It’s worth the purchase.
source
Shutterstock/Matej Kastelic

Fielding constant temperature changes can be one of the biggest issues on a flight, but it can be difficult to dress in layers without taking up too much space in your carry-on bag.

Instead of bringing a bulky scarf or jacket, invest in a travel blanket which can also double as a support for your lower back or for your neck. The best part is that some travel blankets come in small, compact case which won’t take up much room in your bag.


Bring an eye mask.

caption
Darkness is important for sleeping.
source
Shutterstock.com

Whether or not you’re taking a red-eye flight, an eye mask is an essential accessory that can help you sleep. This is because darkness is incredibly important for falling asleep. Darkness stimulates the production of the hormone melatonin, which helps us relax and fall asleep.


Pack products to prevent chapping and dryness.

caption
Bring your own lotion.
source
karolinamis/Flickr

The air inside of an airplane can be very dehydrating, which means you could be facing dry eyes and parched skin while you’re in the air.

Come prepared with eye drops and an all-purpose balm that’s small enough for you to bring on board but that will work overtime on any dryness you have.

If you’re really looking to treat yourself, consider getting a hydrating sheet mask for your next long trip.


Invest in a good travel pillow.

caption
A pillow will be your best friend.
source
Shutterstock / Matej Kastelic

Instead of using your regular u-shaped travel pillow and hoping to catch some zzz’s, guarantee you’ll feel fresh and rested when you land with the cult-favorite Trtl pillow.

The Trtl pillow looks like a scarf but with built-in ribs that let you lean to your preferred sleep position. Plus, the pillow comes in a small package that lets you easily carry it on board.


Check online beforehand to locate your seat.

caption
Go for a window seat if you can.
source
ed.ward / Creative Commons

If you have the option to choose your seat before you take off, flight attendants and experts recommend heading towards the middle of the aircraft and picking a window seat on the left side if you’re trying to get some rest.

“I like using the window as something to lean on. Your seat neighbor will thank you for not leaning on them instead,” Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant Kaipo Kauka previously told INSIDER.


Tune into your airplane’s music channels for a “sleep” option.

caption
Try listening to sleep-conducive music.
source
Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock

While noise-canceling headphones are probably part of your travel arsenal if you fly frequently, you might not know that many airplanes are equipped with a “sleep” music channel playing soothing music or quiet sounds to help you relax and unwind.

Read more: The best noise canceling headphones you can buy

If you aren’t willing to invest in noise-canceling headphones but want to block out a screaming baby or your neighbors’ conversation, simple earplugs should do the trick.


Don’t cross your legs.

caption
Resist the urge to keep your legs crossed.
source
pio3 / Shutterstock.com

Sitting for hours during your flight can put you at risk for getting a blood clot in your legs, also known as deep vein thrombosis (or DVT). Per the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 60,000-100,000 Americans die from DVT each year, so it’s a flight risk you shouldn’t take lightly.

In addition to staying hydrated and taking regular breaks every couple hours to stretch and walk around, resist the urge to cross your legs as it further restricts blood flow.


Don’t drink too much alcohol

caption
Drinking alcohol might not be a good idea on a plane.
source
Universal Pictures

Speaking of DVT, dehydration coupled with hours of inactivity and too much alcohol may make your blood much more likely to clot, according to WebMD.

Although knocking back a couple of glasses of champagne during a long-haul flight is tempting, it won’t help you sleep better, plus the resulting hangover and motion sickness mid-turbulence isn’t the best travel companions.

And while a few drinks might help you fall asleep, alcohol affects both the quality and quantity of your sleep, messing with your circadian rhythm and blocking REM sleep.


Don’t eat too much right before your flight

caption
Be careful what you eat before a long plane ride.
source
REUTERS/Edgar Su

You might be tempted to load up on food at the airport to avoid the dreaded airplane fare, but eating too much and then sitting in one place for hours isn’t a good combination for your stomach, let alone for getting any sleep.

To prevent an uncomfortable flight, eat small meals a couple hours before your flight and try to avoid high-sodium foods that can make your body even more dehydrated.


Don’t watch any movies or shows right away.

caption
Save TV for the end of the flight.
source
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

It may seem counterintuitive, considering that many long-haul flights are equipped with mini entertainment screens, but you’re better off napping first then killing the time with a movie or two if you want to rest at all during your flight.

Immediately tuning in to your favorite show can make it harder for you to fall and stay asleep, due to the melatonin-restricting blue light emitted by your cell phones, tablets, and yes, plane TVs.

Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more.

  • TAGS
  • air travel
  • Airplanes
  • Evergreen story
  • Features
  • Freelancer
  • INSIDER travel newsletter
  • This Is Insider
  • Travel Hacks
Lara Walsh, Insider

Popular Articles

  • Singapore ranked worst place for women to work among top ‘gender-equal’ nations, with about 20% less pay and savings than men

  • Zion Williamson was wearing a $110 pair of Nike sneakers when one shoe exploded and he injured his knee

  • Nike is facing backlash after Zion Williamson’s shoe exploded

  • Wild photos show Zion Williamson’s shoe after it exploded and he injured his knee

  • These 10 emerging markets will dominate the global economy in the next decade

  • * Copyright © 2017 Business Insider Inc. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
  • Advertise with us
  • SPH Digital | Business Insider
  • International Editions:
  • US
  • INT
  • DE
  • AUS
  • IN
  • MY
  • SG
  • PL
  • SE
  • NL
  • FR
  • IT
  • JP
  • España
  • South Africa