travel essentials for long flights

A six-hour flight from New York to LA or an eight-hour flight from Chicago to London can seem like an eternity when all the space you have is confined between two strangers. Fortunately, many airlines have really stepped up their customer service to make flying as enjoyable as possible. But in addition to the in-flight entertainment, catering service and cushy legroom, there are many things you can bring and strategies to implement to ensure that your flight is near bliss. And any way you cut it, making the proper travel preparations and adjustments is paramount to managing longer flights.

When you’re booking business accommodations or corporate travel, here are some ways to survive the journey!

Strategic Seating

A great place to start is to always have a good seating game plan. If you’re in first class, congratulations! You’re pretty much set, except maybe consider giving up your seat to a young blogger sitting in coach (kidding!). For those sitting in economy and especially coach, some airlines will let you select your seat at booking time – take advantage of this! We strongly recommend that you consider ponying up and grabbing an exit row, especially if your flight is over four hours long.

You don’t want to be in between two random strangers either, and the exit row gives you unlimited freedom to do the second most important thing – exercise and stretch. We’re not suggesting that you should occupy the aisle the whole flight, but stretching and walking around the plane during the flight is incredibly beneficial to stimulating your blood flow and overall mood, and it can do wonders for your arrival state.

BYO Everything

As far as key items to bring on the flight, make sure to pack your own headphones and entertainment. Sorry airlines, your headphones just don’t cut it (if you are even offered them). Carry a foam or neck pillow for sleeping comfort, and we also suggest carrying a sweatshirt or jacket for extra sleep cushion. Speaking of comfort, it’s never a bad idea to fly in loose-fitting and relaxing clothing. Another great relaxation tip is carrying healing essential oils like lavender, rosemary, ginger and orange. These life-giving formulas will also help with sleep on the plane.

Hopefully with these tips, your business travel will be as enjoyable as the comforts of home, and if you really want to make the relaxation last, consider booking your lodging with the corporate travel experts at PC Housing. With anytime check-in, you can be sure that a delayed flight or red-eye won’t be a hassle, and you can immediately relax in your home-like surroundings after that long flight.

Image: Flickr