Insider tips: Here’s why you should NEVER consume in-flight meals - and the essential items for a comfortable flight

With the world more connected than ever before, it's easier to travel to far-off destinations and experience different cultures.

Long-haul flights have made it possible to traverse the globe in a matter of hours, but these flights can also pose a challenge to even the most seasoned traveler.



The quality of the journey can vary depending on the airline and the route, and for those enduring a flight of over four hours, the challenges can seem insurmountable.

From uncomfortable seats and cramped quarters to bothersome passengers, there are many factors that can contribute to a less-than-pleasant experience.

However, with a little preparation and knowledge, it's possible to make the most of your time in the air and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and energised.


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An experience flight attendant shared his top tips for maximising your comfort during a long-haul flight. Credit: Pexels/Stefan Stefancik.



Kris Major, a flight attendant with 24 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge on the intricacies of air travel, recently shared some of his top tips with a popular news source, giving us all a way to make our next flight a dream.

Kris' first suggestion came as somewhat of a shock. He advises against eating in-flight meals. The reason? Not enough rest.



He believes that instead of using those hours to eat, it's best to use them for rest and rejuvenation. After all, arriving at your destination with plenty of energy is the goal, and sleep and a good routine help you achieve that.

If you're worried about getting hungry during your flight, Kris recommends eating before you board. However, it's always a good idea to pack some snacks in case you start feeling peckish later on.

The flight attendant recommended bringing a few essential items on board to enhance the comfort and peacefulness of your air travel experience.



First on the list is an eye mask. Kris pointed out that eye masks are a simple but effective tool for blocking out unwanted light and ensuring uninterrupted sleep, which is especially crucial if your flight is scheduled for an early morning takeoff when the sun is about to rise.

A travel pillow and a small blanket are also key to a comfortable journey.

You don't need to worry about these items taking up valuable luggage space, as they can be carried on with you.

Where you sit is also important, as not all seats are equal. For those prone to travel sickness, the best place to sit is at the front of the plane, as this is generally the area that experiences the least turbulence.



If sleep is the aim, then a window seat is usually the winner for comfort and staying asleep.

Travellers who are tall or have larger legs might find economy seats to be quite uncomfortable, but there's a similar way to get extra legroom without having to pay the extra cent.

Booking the seat in the emergency row will routinely get you more leg room while also ensuring you are safe and following the rules, as you must be able to heed any instruction given by the crew in case of an emergency.



Another important tip is hygiene, particularly when the people sitting beside us can be strangers without knowing where they’ve been.

Jamila Hardwick, a former flight attendant who has now transitioned into a content creator, has some helpful recommendations for air travel.

Firstly, she suggests wiping down your tray table with a pre-packaged moist towel to ensure cleanliness.

Hardwick advises against consuming teas and coffees on board, as the pipes powering the beverage dispensers are not usually cleaned.

Key Takeaways
  • Kris Major, a flight attendant, recommends not eating in-flight meals, so you have more time to rest and achieve a comfortable journey.
  • Travelers should bring an eye mask, pillow and small blanket to maximise their rest and comfort.
  • To get extra legroom, look for an emergency row seat and sit at the front of the plane if you are prone to motion sickness.
  • Jamila Hardwick suggests wiping down your tray table with a pre-packaged moist towel and avoiding teas and coffees onboard.



So, members, next time you’re preparing for a long-haul flight, why not use these tips to make your journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible?

If you have any other tricks to share, feel free to drop them in the comments below. We'd love to hear your suggestions for making the most of a long-haul flight.
 
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Here is a tip for short people like me: buy an inflatable pillow, in places that sell traveling items, to put under your feet during the flight. It really makes a huge difference to your legs 😊😊
 

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