by Lizz Mceneaney

Created on: March 02, 2008   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

How to Survive a Long Haul Flight

You're looking forward to your holiday with anticipation. You can't wait to spend days lying on the beach, drinking cocktails by the pool, checking out museums, shopping for hours and taking in the sights but first you have to arrive at your destination. This means being stuck on a plane, in cattle class, for 30 plus hours and arriving dehydrated and tired!

You want to make sure you reach your destination feeling fresh and relaxed. So before you board your plane take a look at these tips on how to survive a long haul flight.

1. Be comfortable

Wear loose fitting clothing like track pants and tee shirts. Don't wear jeans, these are restrictive and make it hard to sleep and relax.

Take something lightweight and warm to put on when you get cold. The air conditioning on planes is chilly.

Wear flat comfortable shoes. Your feet will swell at high altitude, so you need a pair of shoes that you can easily take off and put back on at the end of the flight.

Wear flight socks, although very unfashionable, these are an excellent idea for keeping your feet warm and comfortable. Flight socks also help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

If you have long hair take a hair tie or clip. After sleeping in a confined area your hair will be sticking out all over the place. You can't wash your hair in the plane!

If you're a woman don't wear lots of makeup. There's nothing worse than arriving at your destination with raccoon eyes from warn mascara, blotchy skin from foundation that has come off and lipstick that has bleed.

2. Keep sane

Take a book.

Pack magazines.

Load your iPod or MP3 player with your favourite tunes.

Take a crossword puzzle book (remember to take a pen or pencil and eraser, if you make mistakes).

Watch the in-flight movies (we suggest you take your own headphones too as the plane headphones are very basic).

3. Keep hydrated

Get hydrated well in advance of your long haul flight by drinking lots of water a few days before your trip.

Drink lots of water on the plane.

Avoid coffee as this is a diuretic which will make you dehydrated.

Don't overindulge in alcohol as this will make you dehydrated and give you a headache (it's not much fun having a hangover on a plane).

Also remember to get out of your seat and walk around the plane regularly to prevent the dreaded economy class syndrome or DVT. Take note of the in-flight exercises shown on the airline's video at the beginning of your flight and make sure you do them. Even young people can get DVT (you could be at risk if you are on the pill, are overweight or have recently undergone surgery).

Hopefully you will arrive at your destination well rested and ready to have fun. Happy flying!

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