Flying soon? Learn how to pick the best seat, dress in layers, stay hydrated, sleep better, and feel fresher with simple, practical in-flight comfort tips that work.
Many of us find ourselves flying more and more—on vacation, for work, or simply to visit loved ones. Yet even a short hop can feel draining without a bit of preparation. To stay calm and comfortable on board, a handful of simple, genuinely practical tips is often all it takes.
The right seat can shape your whole flight. If sleep is the plan, choose a window: you can lean against the wall, and no one will brush past you.
If you want to stand up and stretch easily, the aisle is the better pick. Seats near the lavatories are a compromise at best—lines and noise rarely add comfort.
For more legroom, look to the rows by the emergency exits or the front of the cabin—there’s usually extra space there.
Dress for comfort. Loose, layered clothing works best, since cabin temperatures can shift. A warm sweater or a scarf is worth having on hand.
Drink water. The air on board is dry, and fatigue often sneaks in through dehydration. Coffee and alcohol are better skipped—they tend to make it worse.
For entertainment, download films, music, or books in advance so you’re not tied to whatever the airline serves up.
Sleeping upright isn’t simple, but a few helpers improve the odds: a neck pillow, an eye mask, and earplugs. These small things cut out light and noise.
If relaxing is hard, play calm music or plain white noise—many people drift off faster that way.
When you’re ready to doze, recline your seat—just make sure no one behind you is eating or working. Posture alone can transform the quality of your sleep.
On long flights, sitting still the whole time can take a toll. Even basic leg exercises and short walks down the aisle can lift your energy.
Another small fix that makes a difference: a moisturizing cream and a lip balm. Cabin air really dries the skin, and a touch of hydration improves overall comfort.
A smooth flight isn’t luck—it’s preparation. Think ahead about where to sit, what to wear, how to pass the time, and how to unwind, and even hours in the air feel easier. The tips are simple, but they work—and they help you step off the plane not drained, but alert and in good spirits.