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Why your glasses are better than contacts (and 9 other air travel tips)

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Image: JESHOOTS.COM

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

Fly like a pro

Why your glasses are better than contacts (and 9 other air travel tips)

Flying is a modern marvel, but let’s be honest: entering the stratosphere in a pressurized metal tube isn’t exactly what the human body was designed for. Between the desert-dry air and the cramped quarters, a long-haul flight can feel like a marathon you didn't train for. To ensure you arrive at your destination feeling like a human being, here are 10 essential health tips for safer, more comfortable air travel.

Never, under any circumstances, pack essential medications in your checked luggage. If your suitcases go missing, your health shouldn't suffer. Keep all prescriptions in your carry-on bag in their original containers. Not only does this ensure you have them if your luggage takes an unplanned detour to Timbuktu, but it also makes it easier to pass through security.

If you live with a chronic condition (such as diabetes, epilepsy, or severe allergies), carry a medical notification card or wear a medical ID bracelet. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency mid-flight, cabin crew and redirected medical professionals need to know your history instantly.

Airplane cabins often have humidity levels lower than 20%; believe it or not, that’s drier than some deserts. We know freebies are tempting, but it is best to skip the booze and caffeine: both are diuretics that will leave you feeling parched. Instead, aim to drink at least 250ml (one cup) of water for every hour you’re in the air.

Have you ever experienced that painful "pop" during takeoff and landing? It is caused by the pressure differential between your middle ear and the cabin. To find relief, you can try the Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently try to blow out through your nose. Another strategy is to practice "active swallowing" by chewing gum or sucking on hard candy to keep the Eustachian tubes open frequently.

If the feeling of turbulence usually gets to you, try to book a seat over the wings: this is the most stable part of the aircraft. During the flight, you can keep your eyes on the horizon or a fixed point to avoid discomfort. Also, consider natural remedies like ginger lozenges or acupressure wristbands to keep motion sickness and nausea in check.

Sitting still for hours increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). To keep your blood flowing, you can walk down the aisle. Simply take a stroll to the galley or restroom several times during your flight. Every 30 minutes or so, you can do some seated stretches like ankle circles, knee lifts, and toe points. Also, if you usually suffer from swollen legs when you travel, wear compression socks to prevent blood pooling.

Contact lenses and recycled cabin air are a recipe for sandpaper eyes. If you can, wear your glasses for the duration of the flight. If you absolutely must wear contacts, bring preservative-free re-wetting drops and apply them frequently to prevent the lenses from drying out and sticking to your corneas.

You don't need an aisle to stay limber. While seated, you can still manage some stretches. For example, do some shoulder rolls, pulling your shoulders up to your ears and rolling them back. Add neck tilts, gently move your ear toward your shoulder to release tension from those tiny airplane pillows. Lastly, if space permits, lean forward to touch your shins to stretch your lower back.

Airlines are there to help, but they aren't mind readers. If you have special needs, ask for accommodations and authorizations before your flight. Most carriers require at least 48 hours' notice for specific requirements. This includes dietary restrictions, like needing a low-sodium, vegan, or gluten-free meal; mobility assistance, such as reserving a wheelchair or an aisle-accessible seat; or bringing special equipment, like your own CPAP machine or portable oxygen concentrator.

Cabin temperatures can fluctuate from "Arctic Tundra" to "Tropical Rainforest" in minutes. Wear breathable, loose-fitting layers and always pack a light scarf or sweater. Comfort isn't just a luxury; it reduces stress, which in turn keeps your immune system in better shape for a pleasant, stress-free vacation.