3 Ways to Manage the Discomfort of Airplane Travel

Most people enjoy the novelty and convenience of airplane travel – it sure beats having to drive for days at a time to cross continents! Moreover, while airplanes are generally comfortable and focus on the service experience, it’s fair to say that they’re not what everyone would prefer. If we were all honest and a little bit unreasonable, a private plane with a large television, all the movies we could watch, a delicious private kitchen and bar, and a comfortable seat and bed would be fantastic.

Photo by Sergey Zhumaev

Air travel has become an unavoidable necessity for millions of people, yet the physical discomfort of cramped seats, dry cabin air, and awkward sleeping positions can leave even seasoned travelers feeling miserable upon arrival. Long flights particularly take a toll on the body, causing everything from swollen feet and stiff necks to dehydration and jet lag that can ruin the first few days of any trip. The confined space of airplane cabins creates unique challenges that most people simply endure rather than actively address with strategic preparation and in-flight techniques.

Unfortunately, most of us can’t afford that, nor are we going to fly on Air Force One anytime soon. For this reason, most of the people reading this post (us included) will be flying on standard seats, in standard airplanes and among average people like ourselves. This isn’t so bad, but if you haven’t done it for a while, you may forget some of the little discomforts that can come along with it.

David’s business travel schedule required monthly cross-country flights that left him arriving at important meetings feeling exhausted, achy, and mentally foggy. After years of accepting airplane discomfort as an inevitable part of traveling, he discovered three simple strategies that completely transformed his flight experience. These practical techniques helped him arrive at his destination feeling refreshed and ready to tackle his work responsibilities instead of needing a full day to recover from the journey.

Managing airplane travel discomfort requires understanding how altitude, cabin pressure, and prolonged sitting affect your body, then implementing targeted strategies to counteract these effects. Smart preparation before boarding combined with intentional actions during the flight can significantly reduce physical strain and help you arrive feeling more comfortable and energized. These proven methods work for both short domestic flights and long international journeys.

In this post, we’ll discuss how to enjoy the best experience going forward:

Bring A Eye Mask & Earplugs

You might not want to feel rude on the plane by closing your eyes, but you’ll find that shutting off the world can be a very welcome reprieve from all the hustle and bustle. An eye mask can help you get the rest you need on a long flight by blocking out light from the cabin and the windows. 

Earplugs can work with that, blocking out all the sound from conversations, crying babies, and the drone of the airplane itself. A good set is a nice lifeline, and may eve help you get to sleep. It can certainly help you feel more comfortable. It’s so hard to relax on a long flight so a bit of sound and light blocking can get you there if you’re tired of watching movies.

Wear Your Neck Pillow Correctly

A neck pillow can be your best friend or worst enemy on a flight, all depending on how you use it. Some people put the pillow behind their neck, but that’s not the right way, as it can push your head forward and make you feel cramped and uncomfortable. 

The correct way to wear your neck pillow is by putting the open part in the front under your chin. This supports your neck and keeps your head from bobbing forward if you do drift off. A good neck pillow is one of the best things you can bring on a flight, because it might save you from an awkward wake up as you rock forward and snort. We’ve all been there.

Have Your Medication On Hand

You never know when a headache, stomach ache, or other small discomfort will creep up on you, so it’s a good idea to pack a small bag of your go-to medications. Usually, customs will let you have some small medications in your hand luggage if necessary, and you can grab a few pain relievers, some antacids, and anything else that you use if you can prove it. 

Just keep this small bag right in your carry-on for easy access so you won’t need to dig through all your luggage. This is especially helpful if you are traveling with family. Also remember that sometimes planes can affect us oddly, especially with the differing pressures. This guide to keeping ears healthy while traveling can be a good place to start.

Arriving Refreshed Instead of Exhausted

Managing airplane travel discomfort transforms flying from an endurance test into a more pleasant part of your journey. Simple strategies for hydration, movement, and positioning can prevent the aches, swelling, and fatigue that typically accompany air travel. These techniques require minimal effort but deliver significant improvements in how you feel both during and after your flight.

Comfortable air travel is achievable when you understand your body’s needs at altitude and take proactive steps to address them. Proper preparation and strategic in-flight actions help you arrive at your destination ready to enjoy your trip rather than needing time to recover. The investment in travel comfort pays dividends in better sleep, improved mood, and increased energy upon arrival.

Implementing these airplane comfort strategies becomes second nature with practice, making every future flight more enjoyable. Small adjustments to your travel routine can eliminate much of the physical stress associated with flying.

With this advice, we hope you can manage the discomfort of airplane travel with care.