7 Tips to a More Pleasant Flight

SIT AT THE BACK OF THE PLANE

Obviously, you’re trading something quite valuable here: Being able to disembark earlier. The truth is, though, for the extra 10 or so minutes that you have to wait before you can make your way to the door, you can more easily slip to the galley and ask for snacks, a gin & tonic, or meals if there are any leftover. There’s also a bit more room at the back for you to stretch out once the lavatory crowd has died down.

ASK FOR MORE FOOD IF YOU’RE HUNGRY

Most flights stock up extra meals that end up being thrown away if they’re unconsumed. A few hours after the main meal service is over, make your way to the galley and politely ask if there are any leftovers. Unless the flight is completely booked, your request is more than likely going to be accommodated. You may not get the complete tray—just the main course at times—or you may get the vegetarian or kosher option, but nevertheless, it’s still a satisfying meal.

GET EXTRA CUSHIONING

Roll up a jacket, stuff the provided blanket into the pillow, or buy a dedicated lumbar support pillow and place it at the small of your back. Doing this mimics the natural bend of the spine and helps prevent lower back pain once you get off your seat at the end of the flight.

RECLINE

A slight recline in your seat greatly improves your comfort level during the flight. However, be considerate and do not recline completely—and make sure you shift it upright during meal service.

DRESS FOR COMFORT—BUT NOT A SLOB

While 30,000 feet in the air, roomier is better, and that includes what you’ll wear. A sweater and a pair of joggers are great, as do shirts and jeans with a bit of stretch.

KNOW THE TRADE-OFF FOR BULKHEAD SEATS

Bulkhead seats are the first row of seats in between sections of the plane, usually right after the galley or lavatories. They have more leg room compared to the rest of the seats and you don’t have to worry about the person in front of you reclining. Best seats in Economy class? Well, not quite. They come with their own caveats:

You cannot have anything on the floor in front of you during take-off and landing.
The bulkhead row has the bassinets for children. Be prepared for the possibility of sitting next to a crying baby.
Your entertainment console is underneath your seat, which restricts the width. In addition, you will be asked to stow them during landing, while everybody else still has a few more minutes to finish the movie they’re watching.

MIND YOUR LOWER EXTREMITIES

Dress for comfort, as mentioned above, but you should don compression socks during the flight. These snug-fitting socks from VIM & VIGR “hug” your legs and help improve blood circulation and prevents blood from pooling. In turn, you help ensure that deep-vein thrombosis, a life-threatening condition that can affect people who are inactive for an extended period of time—i.e. being stuck in a flying tin can for several hours.

Photos Daniel Frese (cabin), Dylan Bueltel (bulkhead), Vim&Vigr Instagram (compression socks)