Picture this - You are at the airport about to catch a long-haul flight to London. As the excitement of a relaxing trip builds, so does the overwhelming thought of sitting for 9-10 hours in the aircraft to get there. However, these long hours on the flight can turn into a breeze with the right advice and a little preparedness, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Air India’s seasoned cabin crew, Hufriya Bhivandiwalla, shares tips that can transform your travel game.
1. Hydration is everything
Like the golden rule to any skincare routine or nourishing diet, drinking ample water is key for any long-haul flight. The reason? The aircraft cabin is dry and dehydration can be one of the main culprits that makes you feel drained at the end of the journey. Drink at least one and a half litres of water during your flight. A sustainable option is to keep a sipper bottle with you and fill it up frequently. Stave off the craving for caffeinated or aerated beverages, but if you cave in, double up with two glasses of water. You will feel the difference at the end of the journey.
2. Beat jet lag like a pro
If you do not want jet lag to stop you from enjoying your trip, you need to be prepared well before you arrive at your destination. Adapt your body clock according to the time zone of your destination in the days leading up to your travel. Try to align your meals and sleeping schedules with the time zone by setting your watch accordingly. This simple trick can minimise jet lag once you finally arrive there.
3. Sleep well
A restful sleep on a flight can often prove to be a challenge. From the lights to the cabin temperature, the conditions may not always be ideal for you to switch off. Simple adjustments like picking a seat away from busy areas like the galley and the lavatories can go a long way. For added comfort, you can bring a neck pillow for better support and use noise cancelling earphones or earplugs and an eye mask to block out distractions. You can consider playing some calming music to ease into a peaceful slumber.
4. Stay comfortable and active
Long hours of sitting in the flight can lead you to feel stiff and uncomfortable. So, take a few minutes at regular intervals to stretch your back, move your neck, shoulders, waist, and limbs. When the seat-belt sign is off, you can take a quick stroll down the aisle every couple of hours.
For a comfortable journey, opt for loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes as it promotes healthy blood flow.
5. Skincare is essential
Caring for your skin is important as flights can be harsh to your skin. Avoid heavy makeup and let your skin breathe. Do not forget applying a light moisturizer on your hands, feet and face to fight dryness. As UV rays are stronger at high altitudes, sunscreen becomes an essential. Do not forget reapplying at regular hours to minimise the impact of the harsh rays during the day.
If you are flying in Air India’s First or Business class, you can enjoy skincare essentials like the Ferragamo body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, along with a comfortable pair of socks, a plush eye mask, and a specially designed Air India keepsake amenity kit. The First-class kit additionally includes a luxurious Eau de Parfum.
For our Premium Economy guests, the amenity kit includes skincare essentials by the renowned Swedish label, Verso - eye mask, socks, and hand lotion. These thoughtfully put together kits are packaged using premium quality recyclable and reusable Kraft paper.
6. Unwind and relax
Sip a warm beverage and listen to relaxing or meditative music to make the most of your time on the flight. You can switch to Air India's in-flight entertainment library for a wide variety of curated content. Browse through movies titles from across the globe, available in 17 languages along with Air India’s extensive music library and exclusive children-focused content on Wobble.
As you soar through the skies at 35,000 feet, we hope that your journey is as relaxing as your destination.
