Flight Attendant Hacks: Make your next long-haul flight more comfortable

Let’s not hide it. Long-haul flights can be rough, especially if you’re sitting in economy—but they don’t have to be.

There are many ways to make your next long flight (or, dare we say, even a pleasant one) a positive experience. The strategies to make your next flight (even if it’s for a few hours) a pleasant experience go beyond bringing a pillow and booking the right seat.

Who knows more than professionals who spend the majority of their time in the air? They have spent thousands of hours observing what works for them and their passengers. Recently, we tapped some flight attendants working long-haul flights to find out their insights. insider tips on maximizing comfort At 35,000 feet.

Next time you fly long-haul try to incorporate some of these strategies approved by flight attendants. You might find that time passes faster and more comfortably.

You’re missing some great benefits by not ordering off the menu.

Flight attendants are able to provide much more than the standard beverage service.

Larry Holcombe an American Airlines flight attendant said that passengers can become ill on board. request first aid supplies Like Band-Aids, or pain relievers available over the counter. Even parents of infants may ask the crew to warm baby bottles in hot water. Holcombe says that passengers can request hot water. Hot water may not sound exciting but it will make your trip better if you have packed tea or instant meals.

Anne-Marie Miller, a flight attendant for Air New Zealand, points out that on long-haul flights, passengers can use the in-flight entertainment system to order snacks and drinks—but you can also do something else with them.

She says that many people are unaware they can order dental kits and eyemasks. We have these items available for economy customers on request.

Miller says that you should not hesitate to ask for an extra blanket or pillow if it is cold in your cabin. “We always have some spares stashed away. A little extra comfort can make all the difference,” says Miller.

Most travelers fail to realize the importance of hydration.

Cabin humidity is usually around 20 percent. Comparatively, the average indoor humidity is usually between 40 and 60 percent. Plan accordingly to combat the effects of this dry climate.

Holcombe says, “An airplane cabin can be very dry. It is therefore essential to stay hydrated.” Some customers bring their own refillable bottles and ask flight attendants to refill them. We will be happy to give them water when they are served beverages or at other times.

Miller also agrees that staying hydrated in flight is a critical factor for comfort. Miller says cabin air is very dry, and this can lead to fatigue, dryness of the skin, or headaches. “Try to drink eight glasses before boarding. Continue sipping during the flight.” This simple habit can make you feel so much better when you arrive.

Holcombe suggests that those who are looking to improve their hydration routine bring along their favorite methods, whether it’s a tea or hydration packets individually packaged. Small touches like these can make the trip more enjoyable, and keeping hydrated easier.

When is the best time to switch seats or ask for assistance?

When it comes to making in-flight changes, timing is important. Holcombe suggests waiting until after takeoff to ask about switching seats—never make a request during boarding when the crew is trying to get everyone settled. As long as you don’t disrupt flight flow, flight attendants are usually happy to assist with moving seats within the ticketed section of the aircraft once it is airborne.

What about asking for a refill of a beverage or for assistance? Seatbelts are not required when the sign is turned off. However, it’s best to avoid wearing them between door closing and takeoff. The only time we ask our customers to delay is when the seatbelt sign is off. call button Miller says that the only time you should be sitting down is during landing and takeoff, or when your captain asks you to do so during turbulence.

Here are a few tricks from the crew for those who fly with anxiety.

Anxiety related to flying is very common. “If you’re feeling anxious or unwell, don’t hesitate to let the crew know—we’re here to support you however we can,” Miller says.

Holcombe offers deep breathing exercises to help those with fear or anxiety of flying. He also suggests distraction techniques. He says that nervous travelers may be interested in our Calm Channel which offers soothing music and relaxing soundsscapes.

Holcombe suggests that ginger or over-thecounter medications such as Dramamine can be used to help reduce motion sickness. Also, customers can ask the crew for cold, wet towels to place behind their neck.

What experienced travelers do to make flying more comfortable.

Holcombe says frequent flyers can be identified by their luggage. noise-canceling headphones To block out cabin light, sleep masks are recommended. He says that some people bring their own blankets and pillows or wear layers of clothing to adapt to the changing cabin temperatures.

Miller says you can tell someone is an experienced traveler if they fasten their seatbelt above their blanket. “We like this because it saves us from having to disturb passengers during turbulence check-ins,” says Miller.

Holcombe suggests that experienced travellers “regularly carry a book, or download music, movies, and videos on a portable device for entertainment.” Although it may seem obvious to some, pre-downloading your entertainment (rather then trying to access them on the spotty Wi-Fi in flight) can make all the difference during a long trip.

Holcombe recommends wearing compression socks when traveling long distances. “Standing up, stretching out, or even walking a little is helpful,” says Holcombe. Simple precautions like these can help reduce the chances of discomfort or even serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis during long flights.

The choice of seats is important.

Your flight experience can be dramatically impacted by choosing the right seat. The choice between aisle and window seats is always a compromise. Holcombe said that some passengers prefer to have easy access to an aisle seat to stretch their legs or go to the toilet, while other prefer window seats because they can relax their heads and enjoy a view.

Some passengers might not consider luggage strategy. Holcombe explains how checking a bag will ease the stress of boarding and deplaning and that customers won’t be worried about finding space in overhead bins.

Personal must-haves for flight attendants

What is the most important thing that flight attendants pack when traveling?

Holcombe always travels with a blanket, toothpaste, toothbrushes and at least a change of clothes in his carry-on luggage. He always packs a portable charger and charging cords.

He is especially prepared for travel with family. When traveling with kids I always make sure that we have plenty of snacks, games for quiet times, and kid friendly movies on our iPad.

Miller, however, swears that a good pillow for the neck is essential. She says that at first it might seem awkward, but when you find the right neck pillow, it will make all the difference to your ability to get a good rest. “I’m also never without a pair of earplugs or Bluetooth headphones for blocking out the cabin noise—and I love tuning into our inflight meditation playlists for some relaxation.”

Common misconceptions

Holcombe clarifies that, when it comes to in-flight confusions, passengers cannot move from first class to main cabin even if a seat is available. He added that seat assignments are not the responsibility of flight attendants.

He also warns against some common misconceptions regarding the use of the call button. Holcombe explains that it is not necessary to press the call button when doing small tasks like picking up trash, as we will do this during our cabin walks throughout the flight. Passengers are welcome to ask for assistance politely as we move down the aisles. We won’t bite.

Miller also wants to dispel any notion that flight attendants are against the call button. “One myth” she claims is that flight attendants dislike answering the call buttons outside of scheduled flights. This is not true! If you’d like a drink, a snack, or need help fixing a screen or adjusting your seat, that’s what we’re here for—so please go ahead and press the button.”

Holcombe highlights that there are other factors as well. practical limits What flight attendants are capable of. He says that flight attendants can’t retrieve checked bags to remove prescription medication and car keys. “These are items that customers should put in their carry on bags.”