The year will end in about two weeks’ time, some public and private organisations have started winding down their operations for 2019. Now is the time of the year when many people usually travel from one country to another to enjoy the holidays. Aviation experts and bodies have always described December as the busiest air travel period of the year. Experts have said holiday travel is not fun especially as the airports get busier, and airlines are fully booked because of too many passengers. For those planning long haul flights such as Nigeria to China (13 hours), Nigeria to United States (13 hours) or Nigeria to Australia (18 hours), the experience might be worse. However to minimise the awful experience long haul flight passengers might have during this period, experts have suggested the following tips. Choose good airline, seat, this is the best decision you could take while planning long haul flights. Do some research before booking an airline and reading reviews to see what other passengers think of your chosen carrier. The best long haul airlines are those which carry a seat width of more than 17 inches, look for what matters most to you, comparing things like aircraft’s legroom measurements to know how comfortable the flight might be. After reserving a good airline, reserve a good seat. If you want more legroom, opt for exit row, if you want to avoid crying children, stay away from the front of the plane as this is often where you will find special provision for babies on International flights. If you like to move about the plane or have quick access to the loo make sure you get an aisle seat. You might have to wait until one or two days before departure with some airlines, the best advice is to get online as soon as check in opens to handpick the exact seat you want.
Avoid peak travel dates. The year end peak travel dates are December 22 to January 1, 2020. These days are regarded as the worst days to travel due to high airport traffic, high flight tickets etc. Things get hectic at airports during this period for passengers.
Leave early for the airport. During peak travel times, much of the trouble you will face include traffic jams on your way to the airport, cumbersome security check in, absence of airport shuttles and long queues at airlines counters. Knowing you have a long trip ahead, it is important you leave for the airport early to avoid any delay one might encounter. Most airlines recommend checking in 90 minutes early for domestic flights and two hours early for international flights. For holiday travel, it is wise to arrive earlier.
Drink water, eat fruits during flight. The pitfalls of long flights can include jet lag, bloating, swelling of the legs and feet, dehydration and dry skin, the food you eat in the air can make a huge difference in the way you feel, both in flight and after the plane touches down. By choosing your snacks carefully, you can diminish the negative effects of flying. Water is most important, flying can dehydrate you due to low humidity levels in the cabin, so it is vital to increase your water intake. Drinking lots of water prevents bloating, headache and fatigue. Apart from water, fresh fruits are also recommended during long haul flights. Fresh fruits like watermelons, strawberries, grapes, citrus fruits are easy to travel with. These fruits are high in water content and fibre, they help prevent bloating and provide hydration, plus, the antioxidant and vitamin C value of these foods can help keep your immunity up.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, although caffeine has a lot of health benefits, consuming it or alcohol before taking or during long haul flights could cause headaches, fatigue, irritability and contribute to jet lag and poor sleep, instead of caffeine or alcohol, club soda with lemon or lime is recommended and sticking to water was the best way to enjoy long haul flights.
Move around the plane, stretch your legs, keep the circulation flowing in your legs by doing gentle exercises at your seat and get up every two hours. You can use the period to boost creativity, use the time to catch up on that book you have not had the chance to read, get excited about your destination by going through the guidebook. See those long hours as bonus time and your long flight will become a positive thing. Since one would be on the plane for the equivalent of a whole day or night, is worth bringing in a few long haul essentials, start with a blanket, a good travel pillow to make sleeping less of a neck ache. Slip in some toiletries, such as hand luggage sized toothbrush and toothpaste and you will feel a bit fresher when you land.
Wear comfortable clothes, an outfit you will be happy to wear sitting for 10 hours in a plane. Remember, sitting still and being blasted by a powerful air conditioning can get chilly, wearing several loose layers are ideal to adjust your temperature as you fly.