Helpful Hints to Make your Air Travel Experience More Enjoyable

If you are not accustomed to air travel, those airplane seats in the economy and business classes can soon become unbearable to sit in.  If you have experienced an uncomfortable flight, here are a few helpful hints to make your next air travel experience more enjoyable:

1.  Take advantage of the pillows that flight attendants hand out.  You can scrunch one up and place behind your lower back area to help ease the discomfort of those lumbar-challenged seats. In addition, you can bring your own little travel pillow that is perfect for your neck to ease any pain and provide support.

2.  Keep moving.  When the seatbelt signs are off, be sure to get up periodically and stretch your legs.  This helps keep the circulation going in your legs, feet and rear end! Be sure to do some feet and ankle exercises as well to keep the blood flow going.  Make circular patterns with your toes and rotate your ankles.

3.  Stay hydrated.  Bring a bottle of water with you on the plane if it is allowed or ask the flight attendant for a bottle of water once beverages are served.  Because the plan cabin is pressurized and the air is dry, you will get dehydrated more quickly.  In addition, apply moisturizer all over your body prior to air travel to avoid your skin from feeling too tight.

4.  Don’t wear constricting clothes.  Flying tends to make some people retain fluid and swell.  This is uncomfortable if you are wearing tight fitting pants, bras or shoes.  Dress loose and comfy for air travel.

5.  Bring an activity bag and snacks for the kids. Air travel can be a drag for children.  After all, sitting in the same seat for hours can make even adults crazy.  Be sure to provide enough distractions for your child to get through your flight.  Coloring books, travel games, an iPod or MP3 player and even a travel Gameboy system works well.  And don’t forget to pack snacks for the smaller kids. Food is a great distraction.

6.  Bring a great disposition.  Having a great attitude during air travel not only makes the trip go faster, but you will also meet some great people as well.  Being cooped up in a plane can be tiresome but if you have a good attitude, it just might rub off on your aisle mates.  You could end up with a great conversation partner for the flight which can make time fly by!

7.  Bring gum and basic medications.  Some people have ear problems during air travel. Chewing gum will help equalize the air pressure in your ears thus avoiding a majority of the pain if they cannot adjust to the changes. A pain reliever might help you as well.