With only four days until the entire Selective Asia team hightails it to Bangkok to celebrate the company’s 10th birthday, we’ve decided to share our hard-won secrets for making long-haul flights more comfortable!
Although it’s tempting to indulge in a latte whilst waiting to board - and to swallow as many free hot drinks as the flight crew are willing to give you - caffeine should be avoided. Wait until the first breakfast of your stay before your next hit.
After reading the safety card thoroughly, of course! This’ll give you a little extra knee room, less clutter and more space for your own book / mag / tablet etc.
Valerian affects people differently, though, so test it out in advance - it can cause odd dreams and make people feel groggy the next morning. Pukka and Clipper both do good ones. Nytol also contains valerian - again, test it out before you fly to make sure it suits you.
This one can be hard to do because eating on the flight relieves boredom, but a scientifically proven way to avoid jet-lag (according to Ed!) is to eat the appropriate meal for your destination’s time zone before you board the flight (eg, eat breakfast if it’s morning in Bangkok) and try not to eat too much on the flight. When you arrive, eat the first appropriate meal as soon as you can.
Many of the team carry antibacterial/antiviral hand foam or gel, and wipes to clean the seat, screen, armrests and tray table - apparently these are sometimes not cleaned properly for weeks at a time.
Nearly all our travel experts say to take your toothbrush and a mini toothpaste on board. Cabin air-con can be very drying, and a quick minty brush-up helps keep you fresh on the flight. And if your hold luggage goes missing, you will at least have nice clean mouth while you wait for it.
Different reasons were given - some said it's because they tend to spill food down themselves on the flight, and some because they’re afraid their luggage might go missing, although this rarely happens!
The consensus is that you should definitely take one, but the inflatable ones don’t cut the mustard. Many of the team own U-shaped microbead neck pillows that sit around the neck, but ex flight attendant Ed recommends the J-pillow, which tucks under your chin as well. We’re testing it out right now, and it’s very snuggly and supportive!
Whilst not in every location, they do exist and will revolutionise your state of mind when landing.
Take ibuprofen or aspirin before and during the flight
It helps stop swelling. Make sure you don’t take it on an empty stomach.
Not just on board the plane, but in the days and hours leading up to your flight as well.
The crew will usually be happy to top it up with hot water for you.
Tastebuds are numbed at high altitude, so it’ll add a kick to any less-than-flavoursome meals.
Before you fly, familiarise yourself with the current exchange rate if you plan to withdraw from the airport ATM on arrival - post-flight brain fog can make maths hard.
This stops packaging mounting up on the tray table before the crew come round again to collect it.
To quote one of our experts, it ‘properly sorts out the dry pappy mouth on arrival’.
You heard it here first.
Many newer aircraft have USB charging ports next to the TV screen.
Think elasticated waists, tracksuits or leggings, and comfy socks. There’s no need to dress up!
Lou pointed out that a long cotton scarf often proves useful for wrapping up against fierce air-con, and for lying or sitting on, as well as covering up in temples and against the sun.
Works for nearly any ailment. Apparently it’s also ‘the best hangover cure in the world’.
Some of the team may find this useful on the way home...
A big thank you to the team for their input!