The Best Airplane Routine

Most of my travel is on long-haul flights around the world. These types of flights can be really uncomfortable if you don’t fly often.

Book a windows seat

I fly economy, and I’m a Miles and More Lufthansa traveler, so usually if I fly with them or one of their partners. I’m usually able to automatically get a window seat with my account number- but I always double check. I like the windows seat not because I want to look out, but because I literally curl into a little ball and lean against the wall and create a ‘nest’.

A nest consists of a blanket, neck pillow, headphones, shoes and handbag neatly stored at your feet, and food/water tucked into the pocket for easy access (you literally cannot duck down to the floor if someone’s seat is reclined)

Bring snacks into your seat

Whoa, don’t think you can just jump up out of your seat and go scavenging in your carry on luggage in the overhead bin like a rat in heat. Before I jump into my window seat, I make sure I have stuffed any candy, nuts, chips, water bottle, etc into my purse so I can dump it all into my seat before my other aisle companions arrive. The worst thing ever is crawling over people to be annoying to get some Sour Patch Kids you’re craving in hour 6 of the flight.

Taking Shoes Off

Yeah, I take them off. Studies show that flying makes everything swell – and it can also be dangerous for blood clots if you aren’t able to move your legs around. Please make sure your feet and socks are clean, and PLEASE put your shoes back on when you make a trip to the restroom. You have no idea what bacteria is hanging out in those horror-dens.

Wear something comfortable

I know women love looking cute on planes – but I always look like I got hit by a bus. I’m fine with that, because usually I am waking up at 3am to catch a 6am flight that I will be subdued on for 10 hours. I don’t want to put in my contacts, curl my hair, and wear high heels and subject myself to ultimate discomfort. I usually opt for my Topshop leggings, layer a tank top with a comfy shirt, and a scarf so it can double down as an eye mask.

Don’t gulp all your water at once

Planes are super dry, and can often dehydrate you. But you need to think survival skills here. I always buy a bottle of water before boarding the plane so I am not dependent on getting my supply from the air hostess. Also, when they pass out water during meals, I keep refilling my bottle. I take little sips throughout the flight to keep my throat parched and just enough so I don’t have to pee every hour. I usually only hit the bathrooms twice during a 9 hour flight.

“I only need to go every 4 hours…and usually so does everyone else.”

Stay away from alcohol and sodas

As well as going easy on the water, I also try to eliminate soda and alcohol. I don’t mind an occasional mini-bottle of wine or shots of whiskey, but this is the easiest way to get a headache at 30,000 feet. Also, you will have to pee quicker, which will mean you need to ask your aisle companions to get up more times than you’d like. Also, coffee is a no-no unless you are about to land. You want to try to sleep on the plane.

Plan your restroom trips

Probably didn’t think about that one, did ya? Well, being in the window seats come with responsibility; don’t ruin your aisle companion’s flight by getting up every hour and crawling over them. Usually with my water consumption strategy, I only need to go every 4 hours…and usually so does everyone else. When any of my aisle companions get up, I take the opportunity to do so as well!

That is my basic routine for how I prep for flights. Do you have a special routine? Let me know in the comments!

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