This week I had four flights over three days, which included 5 different airports, 4 airport lounges, 3 security checkpoints, 2 new suitcases and a partridge in a pear tree.
While the Covid-19 pandemic days are seemingly in the rear view window (?), interestingly, the day I was flying, there was an article in the Washington Post on the dirtiest spots on an airplane - read here. And as I was searching for this article online, a Washington Post Sept. 7, 2023 article popped up in my feed about other airline grossness - which was scarily fascinating - read here. (The Washington Post will let you read two articles for free.) Also interesting - the other articles in my feed were from February 2020 and seemed to indicate how safe flying is health wise. Hmmm…
Anyway, it got me to thinking about flying and wellness in general.
Sleep
I listened to a “Passport to Everywhere” podcast episode titled “Jet Lag Hacks and the Science of Sleep.” Some of the suggestions include adjusting your meal and sleeping times in 15 minute increments 1-2 weeks before travel, which I don’t know is practical for me. But the podcast it is a good listen and reinforces the importance of sleep on your long term health.
When I can, I do try to secure an economy comfort seat. The extra leg room really does make a difference. Instead of using miles to book a flight, I’ll use my miles to “pay” for the upgrade from economy to economy comfort. In doing so, I still earn the miles on the flight (which I wouldn’t on a reward ticket.)
Stress
Plane stress for me used to be about “will I find overhead bin space for my wheelie bag?” There are certain items I won’t put in my checked baggage - laptop & related paraphernalia, iPad, phone, cords, eye glasses, jewelry, money, breakables, any thing that is irreplaceable to me, etc. This can add up to a lot of weight when carried, so I prefer the wheelie bag. I now pack a lightweight bag in the wheelie suitcase so that should I need to gate check the suitcase, I can transfer the important stuff to a smaller bag to carry onboard. Since I’ve been doing this though, somehow there always seems to be enough bin space!
The other stress of flying seems to be time related, specifically how much time to allow at the airport before the flight and how much time between flights. While generally you have control over both of these depending on the choices you make, more and more flights are delayed these days. On a recent flight, a flight attendant confirmed that earlier flights are safer bets for on-time departures - it’s kind of like getting the first doctor appointment of the day - less risk of things getting backed up and having a domino effect.
Nutrition
One of the points suggested in the sleep podcast was to skip the meal and free wine you get on the long haul flights and go right to sleep. Alcohol and eating close to sleep both can have a negative impact on sleep, and as the podcast host suggested, chances are the food at your destination will be far more delicious than anything you are served on a plane. It’s something to think about, especially if you are someone who is into intermittent fasting.
And airport food? If you are going to skip the onboard meal , how are airport options? And on short haul flights, it seems more often that snacks, let alone meals, are the passenger responsibility. I do see more and more healthy options at the airport. Still expensive, but healthier. And if you have access to lounges, you can usually find some healthier selections.
Props to Paris lounge for the edamame and quinoa! Nuts and yoghurts are nice options as well. Some less nutrient dense items made it in there, too. Still a process.
Hydration
More and more airports also seem to have water bottle filling stations. Win-win for reducing plastic usage and keeping hydrated without breaking the bank. Airports are now also hosting water emptying stations before the security checkpoint so you can ditch any water you forgot about in your bottle and help water plants. Another win-win for you and the environment.
According to an AARP article by Laura Powell, “Dehydration often sets in before landing, thanks to the dehydrating effects of air travel. Airplane cabins have very low humidity levels. To counteract the dryness, the general rule of thumb is to drink 8 ounces of water per hour (alternating with electrolyte-filled fluids).” Having that personal water bottle helps!
Movement
A google search will yield various inflight exercises you can do. I always feel a little self conscious doing them; but, then again, in general I prefer to not “work out” in front of people. Still, some simple stretches help up in the air. I like to have an aisle seat so I can easily get up every so often on a flight (which, let’s face it, drinking the water is going to necessitate).
Airports, though, are great places to walk and get those steps in. Skip the moving walkways. And if you don’t have a wheelie bag, by carrying your bag or backpack, you are essentially performing a form of rucking - carrying extra weight while moving.
And my random last two wellness-related thoughts:
Compression Socks - a few years back I started wearing these for any flight longer than a few hours. They have improved circulation and reduced muscle tiredness immensely.
Lounge Shower - if you have access to a lounge shower after a long haul flight with a connection, do it! It’s lovely to feel clean and don at least a fresh top.
As we are traveling through Italy this week, this is my first post written entirely on my phone, so I apologize in advance for any strange formatting or typos.
Like many these days, I think about my “challenges” (such as above) compared to the challenges of those whose basic safety is threatened or nonexistent. I do not take lightly the world I am able to inhabit.
Gratefully, see you next week for tales of Venice, Verona and the Italian Riviera.
Bon Voyage & Bon Appétit!
Re-posted August 25, 2024
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