5 Surprising Things To Do For A More Comfortable Flight

Not long ago, someone who had only flown once or twice was sharing with me how much they disliked the experience. That wasn’t the first time I had heard that, but if you want to travel and don’t necessarily love flying, my advice is always fly more. As counterintuitive as that sounds, sometimes the only way to get used to something is to do it more.

People aren’t clamoring to ride in an airbus just to be doing it; the reward of flying is always the destination. The more you fly, the more you figure out tricks to personalize the experience and make it as comfortable as possible. Getting through the airport can be simplified by doing things like:

• Downloading airline apps to your phone and checking in digitally

• Investing in TSA pre-check so you don’t have to remove hats, jackets or anything out of your bags going through security

• Only traveling with a well-organized personal item and one carry on suitcase as opposed to checking bags

More importantly, you can create a boarding routine that ensures your comfort for hours in the air. Here are some things I do:

1. Wear a heating patch.

Regardless of whether you’re in first class, comfort zones/preferred seating, or basic economy, sitting for a long time can be generally uncomfortable and even hard on your body. I suffer feminine issues so I always travel with heating pads no matter where I’m going. The pads I use are created for menstrual pain and cramp relief, but bad lower back pain once led me to attach a heating pad to the front and back of my underwear, and it gave me so much relief for a flight that was hours long.

Not only are heating pads good for pain relief, they also can help keep you warm and cozy for the often draftiness of airplanes. My absolute favorite heating pads are the Rael Heating Patches for Menstrual Cramps.

2. Carry a travel blanket.

Airlines might provide blankets but only in certain zones, and even then, they may not always be available. Planes can be very cold and jackets or even hoodies are often not enough. I always, always, always travel with a blanket that gives me comfort and even familiarity on a flight. You can choose one that suits your preferences, whether it's soft and plush or lightweight and compact. Snuggling up in my own blanket makes me feel more like being in my own cozy space.

3. Take an edible.

This one certainly is not for everybody, and I would not recommend edibles for a beginner traveler or even a beginner user of cannabis products. I'm a regular user of them, so I’m more familiar with the mental and physical effects of them. If you experience anxiety or have trouble relaxing during flights, taking an edible can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Edibles have to be dosed correctly, meaning even for a flight, you may only want to take a quarter or an eighth of a gummy to experience the calmness without the total high.

4. Choose your own seat early.

Selecting your seat as early as possible allows you to have more control over your comfort. Whether you prefer an aisle seat for easy access or a window seat for a view, choosing your seat in advance ensures you have the best chance of getting a spot that suits your needs. It also minimizes the risk of being stuck in an uncomfortable position during the flight. When you choose your seat early, you also have control over what zone you’re in depending on what you can afford. In first class, comfort zones, or even preferred seating, you’re more likely to board earlier and have more room for the duration of the flight.

If possible, choosing a seat in the exit row is also an option for additional legroom, allowing you to stretch out and find a more comfortable seating position. It’s worth noting that when you’re in an exit seat, you do not have the option of having your personal item bag at your feet; it must go in the overhead bin.

5. Wear thick socks and/or slipper-like shoes.

Keeping your feet cozy and comfortable is key to not only walking in the airport but also to a pleasant flight. Choose thick socks or slipper-like shoes that provide both warmth and support. You can choose shoes like Birkenstocks, Crocs, or Uggs that can be easily slipped off during the flight if you want to relax your feet.

While all of these things are helpful to me, they are not surefire ways to make your flight more comfortable because it’s all about what you like. What’s important is experimenting and finding all the ways that personalize your experience and make getting to your destination as smooth and enjoyable as possible.