Get your body prepared The day before your flight, spend some time at the gym, walking or stretching in preparation for spending 24 hours in a sitting position. Make sure you're well-rested, too – denying yourself sleep in order to be exhausted on the plane can backfire.
The cabin can play havoc with your ears, sinuses, gut and sleep. gut problems – just accept that you're going to fart more. You can also feel more sleepy than usual. That's due to the body not being able to absorb as much oxygen from the cabin air at altitude than it would on the ground.
Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting. Try these exercises next time you travel: Raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes on the floor. Raise and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the floor.
It can take travellers up to 48 hours for their diurnal rhythms to recover from long haul flights and Dr Townend advises postponing important functions such as business meetings — particularly for passengers travelling east into shortening days.
Jet belly: (noun) the bloated state in which your stomach inflates post-flight. Also, a very unpleasant feeling. May also make you look like you're 3 months pregnant.
Anything tight
Restrictive clothing does not pair well with bloating, also common on airplanes. You want to be able to move comfortably, encouraging healthy blood circulation and avoiding deep vein thrombosis. Avoid cramping by doing exercises in your seat and taking a walk to the lavatory, whenever possible.
What is a Long-Haul Flight? Each airline has a different definition of what a long-haul flight is. However, a long-haul flight is generally any direct or non-stop flight that has a journey time of between 6–12 hours.
But one expert has warned that holidaymakers should be careful what materials they pick when dressing for a flight. Leggings could potentially be a safety risk in the case of an emergency on your journey.
Usually 2 meals and 1-2 snacks. Some aircraft like the A380 have a small self serve snack bar with some water etc also.
Compression socks help deter potential blood clots
They work to stimulate circulation in the lower half, which is especially useful during long flights when you're sitting for prolonged periods.
Drink lots of water
Taking a bunch of short walks will keep your system moving so this helps with fluid retention and belly discomfort. As such, an aisle seat may be the best seat option whenever possible so you can get up without disturbing your seatmate!”
You may feel discomfort and notice minor swelling in your abdomen area as well. Luckily jet belly shouldn't last more than one week after you land and can be relieved using different techniques and by taking natural supplements.
What to eat: Light, non-greasy meals: Opt for light meals that are low in fat and won't weigh you down. Examples include salads, grilled chicken or fish, and steamed vegetables or non-salted mixed nuts. Fresh fruits: Fruits are a great option as they are hydrating and contain natural sugars that provide energy.
"If you do happen to pick up bacteria or fungi that's not your own, this may lead to itchiness and bumps on the skin and scalp. Showering after flights is probably a good thing—regardless of the length! —if only to have that clean feel after being cooped up in a cabin."
These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
Adjust your sleep-wake schedule: Getting on the sleep-wake schedule at your destination quickly may help with jet lag symptoms. Focus on getting quality sleep: Sleeping on the plane, if you can, may help your body adjust faster to a new time zone.
Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.
“If you experience leg pain or cramps—especially in your calves—during flight, don't ignore that ache. The most dangerous type of ache in the body during a flight can be a blood clot," warns Summit internist Dr. Soma Mandal in an article for Yahoo Life.