Aero Survival

When facing a long-haul flight, there’s one thing you should never leave home without, and it’s not a piece of green plastic. It’s acceptance. The fact is, unless you’re flying at the pointy end, at some time between six and 15 hours, you’ll be uncomfortable. Accept it. The sooner you do, the easier the flight will be. But there are some things that can make the experience a bit more tolerable, even downright enjoyable. Here are ten of them:

1. Earplugs. Cheap insurance against infant wails, too-loud conversations and general environmental ruckus.

2. Blow-up pillow. Get over how ridiculous they look and avoid somnambular head jolts—or worse, slumbering on the shoulder of the person next to you.

3. Eye mask. They turn off the lights in the cabin, but the person in front of you switches on his or hers. A mask offers your own personal bubble of darkness.

4. Skin ointment. In these days of limited liquid carry-on, one 25gm tube is enough for hands, lips and face, keeping you moisturized mid-air.

5. Sleep clothes. Change into something dark (for spillage), stretchy and comfy after take off; change back into your street clothes just before touchdown and be fresh on arrival, not crumpled. You don’t sleep in your clothes at home; don’t do it at 30,000 feet.

6. Small empty water bottle. Get the cabin crew to fill it for you on board. Much better than those itsy-bitsy cups. The more water you can drink, the better you will feel later.

7. MP3 player. Load it with a meditation of your choice, or your favourite soothing music. This got me through an unbelievably hot night-time flight in a wing seat that didn’t recline.

8. Toothbrush and toothpaste. Find a tube smaller than 100g and bring it on board—there’s something about air travel that makes breath stink. And something about a clean mouth that refreshes!

9. A puzzle or other book. The in-flight entertainment system has failed on more journeys than I can remember. Don’t rely on it; come prepared.

10. Sense of humour. Your fellow passengers are people too! Just remember: we’re all in it together (except for those at the pointy end).