Things You Should Never Do on a Long Flight (And One That’ll Save You)
Long-haul flights can be grueling, with hours of sitting in confined spaces, fluctuating temperatures, and the constant challenge of staying at ease. While most travelers know to pack extra snacks or download movies, there are several habits that can lead to an unpleasant experience.
Here are some things you should never do on a long flight to ensure your journey is stress-free and satisfying.
Use the Tray Table When Uncleaned
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It’s tempting to place food and personal items directly on the tray table, but do so only after cleaning it first. Research reveals that tray tables harbor more germs than airplane restrooms. In fact, a former flight attendant shared how they’ve witnessed nappies being changed on them.
Rely on the Seat Outlet
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Malfunctions in power outlets are more common than travelers expect, and airlines usually do not fix them in the middle of back-to-back trips. Prepare by charging devices before leaving home, and pack a backup power bank with enough juice for the duration of the trip. Download content like books, movies, and documents in advance.
Spray Fragrances in the Cabin
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Scent sensitivity is common on flights, and even mild fragrances can cause headaches or nausea for some passengers. The air in the cabin circulates quickly, and a single spray can overwhelm those sitting nearby. So, it’s best to fight the urge to spritz perfume or oils to freshen up.
Go Barefoot
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Resist the urge to take off your shoes during a flight. Airplane carpets hide bacteria and unidentifiable spills that cleaning crews rarely address thoroughly. The cleanliness of cabin floors can be especially questionable after turbulence, when drinks or food may spill.
Overstuff the Overhead Bin
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When you’re rushing to store your bag, try not to force it into a tight overhead bin. Overstuffed bins can cause your bag to get stuck or fall out during turbulence, which could lead to delays or injuries. Keep your items well-packed and place only essential items in the overhead.
Skip the Safety Demonstration
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Watching a flight attendant perform the same old actions may feel repetitive, but the safety demonstration is there for a reason. On this note, a 2016 study from the Federal Aviation Administration found that passengers who paid attention to the safety briefing were 40% more likely to follow emergency procedures correctly in the event of an emergency.
Forget to Drink Water
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Dehydration is one of the most common issues passengers face on long flights and often leads to headaches and fatigue. It’s easy to forget about water, especially if you’re avoiding the restroom lines. However, staying hydrated is crucial for your ease. Bring an empty bottle to fill once you’re past security, and sip regularly.
Recline Without Checking Behind You
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After hours of sitting in cramped airport seats and dealing with the stress of flying, it’s understandable that all you want to do once you’re finally in your seat is lean back and relax. Reclining your seat might feel like the relief you’ve been waiting for, but doing so could cause the person behind you to spill their drink, knock over their tray, or disturb their work.
Let Kids Watch Screens Nonstop
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While screens can be an easy way to keep kids entertained during a flight, they can also make it harder for them to adjust to a new time zone. Parents often find that their kids are highly restless after an extended screen binge. Try to balance screen time with books, puzzles, or simple stretches instead.
Consume Sugary Beverages
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Nervousness and anxiety are common for many passengers before and during a flight, and sugary beverages can seem like an easy way to calm those nerves. However, while they may feel relaxing in the moment, sugary drinks can actually contribute to energy crashes later.
Use a Poor Neck Pillow
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Settling in with a poor neck pillow can make your journey far more uncomfortable than it needs to be. If the pillow is too bulky, too stiff, or lacks proper support, it can lead to neck strain, soreness, or stiffness that lingers even after you’ve landed. Improper neck support during the long haul can also lead to headaches and bad posture.
Leave Trash in the Seat Pocket
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Avoid using the seat pocket as a trash bin. Seat pockets are almost never cleaned in between flights, and you risk spreading germs by leaving trash behind. Instead of stuffing wrappers or tissues into the pocket, ask a flight attendant for a small bag. It’ll be easier to keep things organized, and your seat will be cleaner for the next passenger.
Hold Off Bathroom Breaks
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You may think holding off on bathroom breaks is a way to be considerate of those around you. But not relieving yourself can lead to bloating, lightheadedness, or urinary tract issues. Take advantage of calm moments to stretch your legs and use the lavatory. It will make the trip comfortable and keep your circulation and digestive system running smoothly.
Take Unfamiliar Sleep Aids
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Some medications, especially sleep aids, can make it harder to wake up or cause grogginess, which is not ideal during a flight. If you’re unfamiliar with a sleep aid, it could backfire quickly.
Eat Heavy Foods
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Stay away from greasy or heavy foods, which can lead to bloating and discomfort at altitude. But feel free to go for light snacks like fruits, unsalted nuts, and whole grains. A little foresight in what you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel during onboard and after landing.