2. Bring hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.

No surprise that an airplane is not the cleanest place in the world and the last thing you want is to be sick on your trip. The moment you sit down, pull out a sanitizing wipe and clean the armrest, seatbelt, tray table, inflight entertainment screen, and any other surfaces you might touch. Be sure to bring hand sanitizer (not alcohol-based) to use after the restroom and before meals.

3. Stay hydrated!

The aircraft’s filtration system actually causes the humidity levels to drop from the comfortable level of 30-65% to 10-20%! Make sure you drink lots of water before the flight and during. I even recommend eating a salad before the flight too, so you don’t feel so full, and you get that extra bit of water. Bring hand lotion to keep your skin moist (apply it throughout the flight) and many people recommend nasal saline spray and natural eyedrops as well.

4. Play Musical Chairs.

On a recent flight to London, I discovered that on many airline apps (mine happened to be United) you can move your seat around quite frequently and close to departure. Dreading a middle seat for 8 hours, I pulled out my phone and minutes before the flight, United cleared upgrades from coach to business class and economy plus, freeing up a nice empty aisle seat in coach for me to claim.

5. You’re in the clouds…why not take some time to dream?

Pack a notepad and pen then just brainstorm, journal, write a story, get creative! My creative spirit comes out more when I travel, especially on airplanes. When you’re traveling and exploring a new country, you’re taken out of your normal environment and thrown into a whole new world, but the moment you step back on an airplane it’s a familiar place that allows you to reflect and process all of your thoughts and feelings. It’s the perfect time to harness that energy and use it for something productive! (ViaExperience was even created on an airplane!)

What helps you survive a long flight? Let us know in the comments section!