HONOLULU (KHON2) — Traveling to and from Hawaiʻi is a long flight. Even coming from nearby ports, such as Los Angeles, is still a long flight to take; and flying for hours in a pressurized cabin can wear you down fast.
Your muscles ache. Your head throbs. You might feel restless, sleepy, hungry or worse all at once. But you don’t have to suffer. A little care and planning can turn a long flight from a grind into something you can manage.
These are simple tips to follow. Some are common sense. Some may surprise you. All of them matter.
1. Do keep your shoes on
You may want to kick them off after takeoff, but don’t. Cabin floors are not clean. Bacteria and sticky spills often stay behind. If your socks soak any of that up, they go with you to your seat. Stay dry. Stay covered.
Your best bet is to have some hard soled slippers that will not constrict your feet but that will protect them.
2. Do clean your tray table
Before setting food or your phone down on the tray table at your seat, wipe it first. Tray tables often carry more germs than toilet handles. Flight attendants have even said they’ve seen diapers changed on them. Bring wipes and use them.
3. Do charge up before you go
You cannot count on seat outlets to work. They often don’t, and crews cannot fix them between flights. Fully charge your devices at home and carry a power bank with you. Download what you need before boarding to ensure you have all the entertainment you’ll need.
4. Don’t spray the perfume
The cabin air cycles quickly, and even a light spray spreads fast. That may cause nausea or headaches for someone near you if you’re spraying strong smells into the environment. If you need to freshen up, then use unscented wipes or gum.
5. Don’t stuff the overhead bin
Trying to jam in an overpacked bag slows boarding and can lead to injuries. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t go. Use a smaller bag and place essentials under the seat.
6. Do watch the safety demo
Even if you’ve seen the airline’s safety videos and demonstrations before, pay attention. A 2016 Federal Aviation Administration study found passengers who did were 40% more likely to follow directions in an emergency.
7. Do drink water often
Cabin air tends to be dry. If you don’t drink enough water, then you may feel dizzy or tired. Carry a reusable bottle, fill it after security and sip during the flight. Staying hydrated has many health benefits while traveling within a pressurized tube.
8. Don’t eat heavy or greasy foods
That burger might sound good, but it can cause bloating and discomfort at high altitudes. Keep your meals and snacks light. You can travel with fruits or whole grains. But don’t forget that things like yogurts and hummus have been banned by TSA, unless you’re purchasing them inside the airport after the TSA checkpoint.
Click here for more information on other banned foods and items.
9. Do use a good, comfy neck pillow
If your neck pillow is stiff or oversized, then you may wake up sore after a snooze on the flight. Choose one that supports your neck without pushing it forward but also gives you a plush experience.
10. Do limit keiki screen time
Too much screen time makes it harder for kids to adjust after landing and can make them more irritable and anxious during the flight. Try mixing in books and puzzles for entertainment options to help your keiki experience different types of physical and mental stimulation.
It’s also a good idea to get them up to stretch when you can. Going to the toilets, making loop in your cabin area can all help you keiki experience a better flight.
11. Don’t use unfamiliar sleep aids
If you’ve never tried a sleep pill, then a flight is the wrong time to test it. Some cause grogginess or make it hard to wake up. Stick to methods you know.
12. Do take breaks to move
Not going to the toilets for hours does not help you in any way. Get up when you can, stretch and use the bathroom. It keeps your body working and helps you feel better.
13. Don’t use seat pocket as a rubbish bin
Seat pockets are not cleaned between flights. Don’t stuff them with used tissues or wrappers. But you can ask for a bag if you need to collect trash.
14. Don’t consume too many sugary drinks
Sodas and sweetened juices might seem like a treat, but the crash later will drain your energy. Water is better. See #7.
15. Do use an eye pillow
Using an eye pillow can really help you shut out the rest of the cabin. It creates comfort for the eyes and helps you eliminate some the visual stimulation that can cause a flight to feel longer than it actually is
These ideas are small; but together, they can save you and your family from a rough trip. The goal is simple: arrive feeling as human as possible.