How to Maximize Comfort While Flying In 2017, travelers set a new record for worldwide exploration, with over 4 billion passengers traveling by air. As the cost of air travel goes down and the available destinations increase, the demand for plane tickets will likely continue on the upward trend.  Unfortunately, travel isn't always the most comfortable experience. Flights can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 16+ hours and for the entire length of time, you're crammed into rows of tightly-packed seats with barely enough room to stretch your legs. At this point, economy flying is an almost unbearable experience for many customers.  While you may never be able to find the same comfort in the sky as you can get on the ground, there are ways to remain comfortable, even when traveling. 

1. Improve Your Sitting Position

First, posture can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel. According to experts, it's essential to maintain a straight spine during a flight, which means keeping your back and hips pressed up against the rear of the seat. Once you're settled in, use a blanket, sweatshirt, or something rolled to give you some essential lumbar support at the small of your back.  Remember, even if your posture is on point, you still shouldn’t spend the entire flight sitting down. Make sure that you get up regularly so that you can stretch your legs and keep your circulation flowing freely. If you can't walk around the plane, try to still stretch your arms and legs every once in a while. 

2. Dress for Success

People sometimes make a habit of dressing up for a flight, as they see it as a chance to show off their sense of style when they arrive in a new location. However, try dressing for comfort, not fashion. Wear clothes that are as close to your favorite PJs as you can get. That means sticking to cozy trousers, flat shoes, and loose-fitting shirts. Avoid anything that cuts into your skin.  Pay attention to your accessories too. We're not talking bracelets and earrings here, but headphones that can block out the sounds from the plane so that you can get some much-needed rest. Consider using an eye mask as well to eliminate light and distractions. 

3. Bring Your Own Cushion

If you can attach it to your hand-luggage or take it with you as an added extra, a cushion doesn't add a great deal to your load. Having the right pillow can be an incredible way to give yourself a boost in comfort. For instance, the original tush cush is a compact way to upgrade any seat with support that has been carefully designed to protect you during those long and exhausting flights.  You can also opt for something simple, like an orthopedic pillow that will allow you to snuggle up in your seat when you decide it's time to sleep your way through the rest of your flight. 

4. Stay Hydrated

While you're traveling, there are few things more important than staying hydrated. Up in the air, there's not as much moisture as there is on the ground. The more dehydrated you get, the more uncomfortable and unwell you'll begin to feel.  Drink plenty of water the day before you fly and avoid anything caffeinated or alcoholic, as both of these things will make it difficult to drift off to sleep once you’re on the plane. What's more, they'll also dehydrate you even further, as they're diuretics.  Stick with large bottles of water to keep you feeling fresh by the time you get off your flight, or consider indulging in a vitamin-rich green juice before you board your flight. Don't forget to hydrate your skin from the outside in as well, with plenty of moisturizer and lip balm. 

5. Massage on the Go

Finally, even if you're flying first-class, it's worth noting that the various forces involved with air travel, coupled with the awkward positioning of plane seats, can result in a more restricted flow of blood. One of the biggest problems that people face when flying is a build-up of blood pressure in their lower legs. Cramped airline seats make it difficult to stretch out and get the circulation moving. With that in mind, consider investing in a portable massager that can simultaneously reduce muscle stiffness and increase blood flow. Multiple studies have shown that these massagers can improve muscle recovery and reduce injury risk.  Need more help making the most of your travel situation? Follow the Back Store on Instagram for health and wellness tips, whether you're on the ground or in the air.