Flight Tips

Some people seem to brush this off, that’s something I recommend you don’t do because 10+ hour flights in an uncomfortable position is a horrible experience. Don't begin your well deserved trip or if you work you deserve to have comfort whenever possible.

Flight Tips: How to Travel Smarter and More Comfortably

Flying isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about making the journey as smooth and manageable as possible. Whether you're on a long-haul international flight or a short domestic hop, small choices can make a big difference. This guide covers seat selection strategies, comfort tips, and lesser-known hacks to help you fly smarter—not harder..

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What we'll go over:

Where Should I sit
Legroom and how to maximize it
Reduce the impact of turbulace
Safest Spots
Layovers
Flying with others
Congestion and colds
Food
Reducing Flight hours up to 50%
On-board Entertainment
Dress for comfort

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Long-Haul Flight Survival Kit: What You Really Need by Joyful Living with Jen Lefforge

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"The more you know, the farther you'll go." - Dr. Seuss

Where should I sit

Your seat selection directly impacts your comfort, convenience, and even peace of mind.

On the other hand, window seats offer a more private space to lean against and an unobstructed view of the sky. However, they do limit mobility, as getting up typically requires cooperation from fellow passengers.

Aisle seats allow easy movement and quick access to the restroom. If you have a tight layover, sitting near the front of the aircraft can speed up deplaning.
Window seats offer more privacy and something to lean against, but limit mobility and may require disturbing others to get up.
If you’re prone to anxiety or dislike feeling confined, aisle seats provide a sense of openness that can help reduce stress.

If you can snag or bid‑upgrade to ANA or JAL Premium Economy, the 38‑inch seat pitch gives four extra inches of knee‑space over standard coach—worth every yen on a trans‑Pacific red‑eye.

Legroom and How to Maximize It

Legroom is a valuable commodity on flights, and airlines know it—often charging a premium for bulkhead and exit-row seats.
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Exit-row seats, in particular, tend to offer the most legroom in the economy cabin, making them a top choice for taller travelers or anyone looking to stretch out. However, these seats come with added responsibilities, such as assisting in an emergency, and are often restricted to able-bodied adults. Bulkhead seats also provide extra space but may come with fixed armrests or limited under-seat storage.

If you're not keen on paying extra for those options, there are still small ways to maximize comfort. One often-overlooked trick is to make use of the small space beneath the seat in front of you. By occasionally extending one leg into this area, you can ease muscle tension and improve circulation—especially on longer flights.

A light stretch routine—ankle rolls, seated knee lifts, aisle calf raises every two hours—keeps blood moving and helps ward off deep‑vein thrombosis on flights longer than eight hours.

Remember to switch leg positions periodically and avoid blocking the aisle, as flight attendants and service carts need clear paths. Also, be mindful of personal items stored under the seat ahead to avoid cramping your own space. Small adjustments like these can make a big difference when you're confined to standard seating.

Reduce the Impact of Turbulence

If you're sensitive to turbulence, choosing a seat over the wings can make a noticeable difference.
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‍This section of the plane is closest to its center of gravity and benefits from structural stability, resulting in less up-and-down motion during turbulence. In contrast, seats near the tail or nose often feel bumpier, as these areas experience more pronounced movement.

When booking your flight, check the airline’s seating chart and aim for a seat in the middle of the aircraft—ideally directly over or just slightly in front of the wings—for the smoothest ride possible. Rows 10–20 on most 777s/787s, where the aircraft’s centre of gravity sits; you’ll feel 30–40 % less bump than in the tail.

Before boarding, check the free Turbulence Forecast map (or JAL’s on‑app turbulence advisory) and tighten your belt low and snug as soon as the captain turns off the sign—loose belts cause injuries, not turbulence itself. Keep hot drinks in a lidded cup, stow laptops when the crew warns of “rough air,” and rest your head on the seat‑back rather than the window; sudden jolts feel stronger at the fuselage wall.

If anxiety spikes, try 4‑7‑8 breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 7, exhale 8) and play white noise through noise‑cancelling earbuds—lower startle keeps heart rate steady until the bumps pass.

Safest Spots

While flying is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, some passengers still prioritize safety above all else.

Research has suggested that seats toward the rear of the aircraft may offer a slightly higher survival rate in the rare event of a crash. If safety is your top concern, consider choosing a seat near the back of the plane—ideally in an aisle position—to improve your chances of a quicker evacuation. While this may come at the cost of convenience, it can offer added peace of mind for safety-conscious travelers.

Whichever row you choose, count the seat rows to the nearest exit during the safety demo—it’s quicker than looking for lights if the cabin goes dark.

Note: This is based on limited data and doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. Always follow crew instructions and safety briefings.

Layovers

Tight layovers can add stress to your travel, especially when navigating large or unfamiliar airports.

Some flight itineraries include connections as short as 45 minutes, leaving little room for delays or long walks between gates.To reduce the risk of missing your next flight, choose a seat near the front of the aircraft—preferably on the aisle—for a quicker exit after landing. If you're particularly concerned, politely inform a flight attendant; they may be able to assist with early disembarkation or offer guidance.

It also helps to research the airport layout in advance, especially if you're connecting through large or unfamiliar hubs. Tools like flightstats.com can help you monitor gate assignments and updates for your flights in real time.

Got time to refresh at Narita? Terminal1 &2 shower rooms cost ¥1 050 for the first 30 minutes and include towels, shampoo, and a hair‑dryer.

Flying with others

Some airlines charge extra to guarantee seats together, but there are ways to possibly avoid this fee.

Unless you're booking last-minute or traveling with a large group, you can often secure adjacent seats by contacting the airline directly after purchasing your tickets. If that doesn’t work, try again during check-in or speak with the gate agent before boarding. As a last resort, you can politely ask fellow passengers to swap seats once on board—most are willing to help, especially when families or couples want to sit together.

Families can often pre‑assign a bassinet row for free—phone the airline within 24 hours of booking before those seats disappear online.

Congestion and Colds

Flying with congestion can cause significant discomfort, especially during takeoff and landing, due to changes in cabin pressure.

If you're prone to sinus issues, consider using a nasal decongestant before the flight and staying well-hydrated throughout your journey to keep your airways clear. Chewing gum or yawning during ascent and descent can also help equalize ear pressure. For more tips on managing congestion while flying, check out our dedicated guide.

Saline nasal spray every few hours keeps cabin‑dry air from scabbing sinuses—and it’s TSA‑size‑compliant, so toss one in your liquids bag.

If you travel while congested, there's a risk of barotrauma, which is pain or injury caused by pressure changes in the air-filled spaces of the body—most commonly the ears or sinuses. You can read more about it here.

Food

Airline meals may not always be satisfying, but many passengers don’t realize they can sometimes request extra portions as not everyone will eat.

Any leftover food—such as bread rolls, snacks, or even full meals—is typically discarded at the end of a flight. If you're still hungry, it never hurts to politely ask a flight attendant if there are any extras available. While it's not guaranteed, you might be offered a second helping at no additional cost.

If airplane food isn't your thing, you can always bring your own meal onboard—just buy it after passing through security.Many terminals offer a wide range of takeaway food options that you can carry onto the plane and eat during the flight. However, avoid purchasing food or drinks before clearing security, as beverages and certain items may be confiscated. Always double-check TSA or airport-specific rules if you're unsure.

Flying JAL? Pre‑order an ‘Asian Vegetarian’ or ‘Low‑Salt’ special meal 24 h ahead; they’re loaded first and come out piping‑hot before the main trolley service.

Reducing Flight Hours up to 50%

One of the best ways to make a long-haul flight feel shorter is by sleeping through as much of it as possible.

If your schedule allows, try staying awake the night before your flight so you're ready to doze off soon after takeoff. To improve your chances of falling asleep onboard, avoid napping before departure. Instead, keep yourself alert by walking around the airport and staying well-hydrated. A little strategic fatigue can go a long way in making those hours in the air pass quickly.

Pack 3 mg melatonin and time it to your destination’s bedtime; studies show it can trim jet‑lag recovery by nearly a day.

On-Board Entertainment

Short domestic flights often lack in-flight entertainment, so it’s a good idea to bring your own distractions.

On international flights, you’ll usually find a wider selection of movies and TV shows but there's still the chance they don't have something to keep you entertained throughout the flight. Pack a book to read or pre-downloaded shows, games, and music on your devices to help pass the time.

The complimentary earbuds provided on flights are often low in quality, offering poor sound and minimal comfort.For a better listening experience, bring your own wired headphones. Most aircraft still support the standard 3.5mm AUX jack. Occasionally, you may encounter a dual-prong (double socket) audio port—commonly found on older or international aircraft. In most cases, your own earbuds will still work if you plug into just one of the sockets, though you may only get mono sound unless you use an airline adapter.

Most newer cabins have USB‑C power at every seat—pack a 30 cm cable so you can charge phone + watch while streaming.

Dress for Comfort

Long-haul flights call for comfortable, travel-friendly clothing.Opt for breathable, loose-fitting attire with some stretch to stay comfortable during extended periods of sitting. While pajamas might feel cozy, they’re often too casual for public travel. Instead, go for soft fabrics or athleisure wear that strike a balance between comfort and presentability.

Choose breathable, stretchy fabrics like athleisure—not pajamas, but not formalwear either.

Layers help you adjust to unpredictable cabin temperatures.

Compression socks can also reduce swelling on longer flights.
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Whether you value comfort, safety, or efficiency, choosing the right seat and preparing thoughtfully for your flight can make all the difference in your overall travel experience.

Merino‑wool tees resist odour for 48 h—handy if itinerary hiccups strand you overnight in transit.