Didn’t pay extra for first class? Didn’t get picked for the emergency row or bulk head seats, known for their extra leg room? Not to worry. Whether you’ve got the aisle in the front, or the middle seat in the back, we have some tips to help you stay comfortable on your flight this travel season!

Dress for the Flight

Skip the linen or denim pants- opt for stretchy leggings or exercise attire. Layer, layer, layer!! While boarding and taxiing, the planes often don’t have the air conditioning going so it heats up. Be able to take layers off until the cabin temperature is comfortable. Once the plane is in flight, and especially if you have a longer flight, the air conditioning can become frigid. Always take a scarf or light jacket onboard! Be prepared to layer and undress as needed. Choose comfortable shoes for both the flight and security. Wears socks through security – airports are a mecca for germs and you don’t want to be barefoot where everyone walks.

Take Vitamins

Before and after your flight, take natural energy boosters. Minerals and vitamins will help you feel refreshed, rehydrated and reenergized after a flight. It is also a good idea to take a booster like airborne to help fight against any germs that are circulating through the cabin. Emergen-C and AirBorne are often found in flight staff’s bags for a reason!

Control Your Fluid Intake

Fluid intake during air travel is very important because the body tends to dehydrate. It is important to drink often, but in smaller doses. If you consume too much fluid while in sedentary position, kidneys begin to fail to properly filter the liquid and can accumulate in the body, causing swelling in the legs. However, airplanes’ air circulation is so dry. Keep slowly sipping water to alleviate the thirst.

Stretch and Walk Around

If you have a long flight, make sure to get up once an hour and walk around the cabin. If you are resigned to stay seated, by choice or by an illuminated seatbelt sign, there are plenty of exercises you can do to keep blood circulating. Circle your ankles and wrist, flex and extend your ankles, knees and legs as much as possible. Avoid crossing your legs.  Travelers who have a less active lifestyle are more likely to find their ankles or feet swollen at the end of a long-haul flight. Give it some time and the swelling should go down with movement.

Upgrade

The best way to be comfortable is to splurge for an upgrade. There’s only so much room on a plane, and you pay for it. An upgrade isn’t always open or in the budget. We’ve all had that flight stuck in the middle seat without the elbow rests. It’s the worst. Hopefully that person isn’t you on this flight! Even if you are, do your best to stretch, watch a show, eat a snack, walk around.

Have a safe flight!