How to survive long haul in cattle class
By Faz Abdul Gaffa for Yahoo! Travel
It's hardly glamorous - much unlike the flashy Pan Am TV show that makes flying look like it's an absolute breeze. Flying long-haul is excruciating and it cannot get any worse when you have to cross a few Oceans in economy class. Here's how to brave and survive cattle class:
Prepare thy meds
A long-haul flight is the worst place to be, second to a hospital, for a hypochondriac. The germs that threaten to plague the stale air that you'll be in for the next half of the day is not a walk in the park. Bring all the medication you might need - you won't know if the person next to you has pet dander on them that might trigger allergies. Make sure you carry prescription medication in their original packaging in case security officials ask about them.
Charge your gadgets
While top passenger carriers offer entertainment options and even charging options at your seat, it's better to be safe than to want to pull your hair out four hours into an 11-hour flight. Make sure your gadgets are sufficiently charged and bring a charger if you think you'd need more battery power some time during your journey.
Pack snacks
Whether it is that you're allergic to half the things they serve on a plane, or you're just trying to make sure you keep up your calorie count, packing your own snacks can make all the difference. Sometimes, an apple or a travel-sized bottle of Tabasco sauce can make a world of difference.
Carry layers
Have you ever noticed you'd suddenly get overly cold, and then too warm later on a flight? At least I do. The ability to shed or don layers can be helpful and knits can double up as super comfy blankets!
Hold on to your personal space
Sometimes when you're stuffed like a can of sardines in a metallic flying object in the air, not having enough space to yourself can get to your head. Arm yourself with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and plug it into the in-flight entertainment system. Even if they're not plugged to anything, a good pair will make sure you won't have to put up with the inane blabbering from the people next to you.
Sync your sleep
Chances are, if you're flying long-haul, you'd be in a completely different time zone, so instead of popping a Tylenol PM the moment you step into the plane, sync up your sleep with the time of the place you're heading to. This will make sure you're not going to be hit with killer jetlag when you get to your destination.
Wear appropriate shoes
Leave your heels in the check-in suitcase. Feet tend to swell at high elevations, making shoes uncomfortable. There are several ways to relieve the pressure: Wear relaxed-fit or slip-on shoes, hydrate before and during the flight, walk down the aisles, and don't cross your legs. Also, if you decide to remove your shoes whilst seated, make sure you put them on before you go to the bathroom. God only knows what lingers on the floor of the airplane bathroom!
