Taking a plane can mean a lot of things: the beginning of an exciting vacation, the means by which you travel home from college, the place where one might run over notes before an out-of-town business meeting.

Whatever flying means to you, it doesn’t have to mean dry skin, sore muscles, fatigue, and/or an upset stomach. By heeding these quick and easy tips, you are likely to feel infinitely more refreshed upon arrival, wherever your travels may take you.

Avoid Caffeinated/Alcoholic Drinks

Alcohol is particularly potent at 30,000 feet in the air, so it does not take much to feel tipsy on a flight. Coupled with alcohol’s diuretic effects, chances are you will start to feel bloated, headachy, and drowsy very soon after ingestion. Alcoholic (even caffeinated) drinks are best skipped altogether, but don’t let that discourage you. Ginger Ale is great for settling an upset stomach, for instance. Just drink lots of water every now and then to maintain hydration.

Stretch

If your flight is overseas, and therefore quite lengthy, make sure to stretch your limbs every once in a while. The altitude of a plane both affects blood flow, and puts pressure on joints so it is important to uphold circulation. Use your better judgment when moving about the cabin. If circumstances forbid standing, most in-flight magazines do offer examples of exercises you can do while seated, like ankle rolls, shoulder rotations and knee lifts. T

hese are very advantageous for the long-haul flier, and are recommended even for those who fly on a regular basis. Take a look in your front seat pocket, or ask the flight attendant for any suggestions regarding in seat exercises.

Bring Your Own Snacks

Domestic flights tend not to offer full meals in the ticket price anymore. This could be a blessing or a curse, I don’t know. Either way, the snacks that are now offered on flights tend to be a) overpriced, and b) high in sugar content. So before you board the plane, grab a sandwich, a yogurt, or a salad to bring with you. Having a light snack during a flight is significantly more beneficial to you in the long run, and will aid in fighting off indigestion and lassitude. If you fly out in the evening, or have a shorter flight, eat a meal before you leave home to curb in-flight hunger.

Arrive On Time

Nothing is more frustrating than racing to the gate. A lot of what makes a good flight depends on your mood when boarding the plane, so try not to sabotage yourself by arriving to the airport with just enough time to get sufficiently flustered. Give yourself breathing space to get through security without tapping your foot incessantly, and glaring at your watch.

Take Your Vitamins

Vitamin-C is a one-way ticket to beating any allergens or bacteria that will inevitably be floating around the cabin during your flight. If you’re particularly cautious, hand-sanitizer is not a bad idea either.

Nap

If you can, close your eyes and picture arriving at your destination. It can be very difficult to sleep on planes I know (the noise is mind-numbing, turbulence is distracting and disconcerting, your ears will not pop, and the dry, recycled air is just plain gross), but visualizing your arrival puts a positive spin on a long-haul flight. Set your watch to the time of your destination and adjust your sleeping and eating patterns accordingly to offset jet lag.

Dress Accordingly

Gone are the days when air travel meant donning your Sunday best. These days it’s about comfort and practicality, so ear loose fitting cotton clothes and sneakers if possible. 

Last Minute Details

Security is exceptionally vigilant these days (and with good reason), but it’s still never fun to see a tube of toothpaste or contact solution get confiscated. Make sure you remember security guidelines when packing your in-flight toiletry tote to steer clear of any future annoyances. Having toiletries makes feeling fresh and relaxed on a plane a lot easier. Think about brushing your teeth, washing your face, and moisturizing at some point during your flight.

Finally, we don’t always land to go straight home to bed, or to a hotel to shower. Whatever the circumstances may be, these tips should go a long way in making your trip a more positive and invigorating experience, before, during, and after the flight. Bon Voyage!

Jasmin is a recent graduate with a degree in art history and classics from Mount Allison University in Canada. Dividing her time between Ontario and California, Jasmin loves to travel and experience the little things in life. She wants eventually to swim with whale sharks, build a house, and learn a new language, but until then, writing, in all its forms, suits her just fine.

Photo from http://www.cibccards.com/morebizmiles/images/womanInPlane.jpg