8 hours or more in the air — a challenge for body and mind. With the right preparation, you can make the flight comfortable and even restful.
1. Strategic seat selection
Window seat — for sleeping (lean on the wall). Aisle — if you get up often. Bulkhead or exit row — more legroom.
Check SeatGuru for info on your flight — avoid bad seats.
2. Hydration — critical
Cabin air is very dry in flight (10–20% humidity). Fluid loss is significant. Drink 250 ml of water every hour during the flight.
Avoid alcohol and coffee — they worsen dehydration.
Bring an empty water bottle — after security, you can fill it for free.
3. Comfortable clothing
Don't wear tight jeans or shoes. Loose, layered clothing is recommended — it's often cold on board and warm on arrival.
4. Movement — DVT prevention
Long periods of stillness raise the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Get up every hour, walk the aisle. Foot exercises in your seat — ankle rotations, toe movements.
5. Sleep schedule — beat jet lag
When flying east (Europe → Asia), sleep on the flight. Flying west (Asia → Europe), stay awake. On arrival, switch to local time immediately.
6–10. Additional tips
- 6. Noise-canceling headphones — Bose, Sony XM5 — worth the money for flights
- 7. Sleep mask + neck pillow — for comfortable sleep
- 8. Snacks — bananas, nuts, granola — skip the plane food if needed
- 9. Entertainment — pre-download movies, books, podcasts
- 10. Move — try yoga poses in the aisle
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