Picture by Me at Zurich Airport
Air travel looks glamorous on Instagram.
In reality? It’s recycled air, cramped knees, suspicious sandwiches, and someone reclining into your soul.
But over the years across long-haul flights, red-eyes, budget airlines, and those 8-hour layovers, I’ve learnt something: You can make your journey more comfortable by some simple tips.
1. What to Wear and What to Pack
Wear:
Soft layers (planes are cold. They might give you shawls in the flight but if you have a transit, airports could be cold)
Compression socks on long flights
Slip-on shoes (I remove my shoes and wear them only when I get up from the seat to move) or Floaters/ loose footwear (feet often swell during long flights)
Comfortable trousers. I prefer light pants that breathe and stretchy elastic bands at the waste are better than belts. I also prefer them to have many pockets. Yeah, tracks are good too, but I am no longer a college kid and yeah, I am Gen X 😜
I prefer long sleeved soft cotton shirts (non wrinkle types)- many times the AC is too high and when it is not, I can always pull the sleeves up.
Pack in your cabin bag:
Lip balm + moisturiser
Reusable water bottle (fill after security)
Snacks you actually enjoy
Eye mask + earplugs
I also keep some cotton balls to stuff into my ears during take off and landing and I carry some hard candy to suck on (it helps me prevent ear blocks). My daughter prefers chewing gum.
Wet wipes
I wear prescription glasses to I keep a case to store them when I doze off
I carry a book to read, pen (handy also to fill immigration forms) and a small notebook because I have a habit of writing notes
2. Choosing a seat
Sleep easily? Window seat.
Need freedom? Aisle (I prefer this on long flights as you can walk around to stretch your legs or go to pee without having to disturb anyone)
Want less turbulence? Sit over the wings.
Nowadays, I find most of the aisle or window seats available only for a fee. You can either pay for it (worth it, if it is a long haul flight), or you can opt for auto assign while checking in online and then try to change it when you check in at the counter (but this might not guarantee you a preferred seat, especially if the flight is full)
2. Hydrate and Move
Picture taken by Me
Hydrate Like It’s Your Job, Eat light
Cabin air is extremely dry.
Drink water regularly. Limit alcohol and too much caffeine. Eat light (I know, I know, that’s too much food in the picture, but I shared it with my husband. Really 😁)
Move. Even If You Don’t Feel Like It.
On flights longer than 3 hours:
Rotate ankles
Stretch calves
Stand every 1–2 hours
Walk when possible
What To Do During Transit (Without Losing Your Mind)
Picture taken by Me (Istanbul airport)
Transit is where energy dips.
But it can also be your secret reset window.
✈️ If You Have 1–2 Hours:
Walk briskly through the terminal (get those steps in)
Stretch near a quiet gate
Refill water
Use the restroom even if you “don’t really need to”
Avoid doom-scrolling
Short transits are about efficiency.
🌍 If You Have 3–5 Hours:
Eat a proper light meal
Freshen up (face wash changes everything)
Change socks if it’s a long-haul journey
Sit near natural light if available
Do 10 minutes of mindful breathing
Explore the airport and you might find some hidden gems. I found a beautiful observation deck on the 3rd floor near Gate 57 of Zurich airport, where you can have a great time watching planes landing or flying out of the airport
This is recovery mode.
🌆 If You Have 6+ Hours:
If visa rules allow:
Step outside and explore (even one café changes your mood)
If staying inside:
Find a lounge
Read uninterrupted
Journal about where you’ve been and where you’re going
Do gentle stretches
Listen to music and just… be
Transit doesn’t have to feel like wasted time.
It can be a pause between worlds.
Some of my best travel reflections have happened sitting at airport windows, watching planes land in countries I’ve never been to.
If you enjoyed this, or you have additional tips, do let me know. I read and respond to all emails 🙂
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