July 19, 2007
What do you do before a long flight?
Tomorrow I fly 14 hours from Seoul to New York. It's a Korean Air direct flight. In the past I never really paid attention to the day before the flight, but as I become more health conscious, I think more about how to prepare.
So today I did some weight lifting. They say that your body needs sleep to build muscle and I plan to get plenty on that 14 hour flight. Not that I ever sleep real well on flights, but there's not much else to do...
Tomorrow before the flight I'll probably go for a run and do some yoga. Hopefully that will make it easier for me to sleep somehow.
I also hope that I won't get too restless. The theory is that if my body needs lots of rest to recover from all the exercise it had to handle, I can rest without thinking about how much happier I'd be if I had more space, somewhere to walk to, etc.
Here's an article on how most people gain weight on vacation. That's actually what I want, but of course I want to gain muscle, not fat.
Speaking of adding muscle, I plan to bring some hard boiled eggs on the plane. I'm sure Korean Air will feed me but I'm on a high protein diet and I don't think that's one of the special meals you can request...
What do you think of my plan and what tips do you have for getting ready for a long flight?
Posted by James Trotta at July 19, 2007 4:55 AM | TrackBack
I'd like to know how all that works out for you so keep us posted.
Posted by: Rose at July 19, 2007 1:33 PMTake extra bottled water. They never have enough to keep you properly hydrated in that dry cabin for a 4-hour flight, let alone 14 hours. That's key for me to feel half-decent during a long flight.
I also make sure I do some walking in the last couple of hours before the flight, and I do some simple (and I hope discreet) stretches before boarding.
Posted by: Jill at July 19, 2007 3:43 PMI am a military retiree,made a few long flights during my career of twentythree years,my method was to walk up to five miles a day before,and on the day of the flight not seat down until I actually was on the plane seat. It worked great for me.
Posted by: julio ruiz at July 19, 2007 4:42 PMI find that asking for water is never a problem on JAL or Korean Air. On one of the US Airlines the service is far worse in my experience, but you're not allowed to bring liquid on board anyway...
As for not sitting before you get on the plane, I understand totally. I try to walk around, stretch, etc. while waiting at the gate.
What really amuses me is when a flight lands at one of those airports where you have to take a bus from the plane to the gate and you see people rushing for the seats on the bus. I mean seriously, you've been sitting for hours and now you're desperate not to stand for a few minutes?
Posted by: James Trotta at July 19, 2007 5:07 PMWear slippers or sandals for the trip. They are more conveniently removed/put-on at security check-up points. Also, sneakers and other confining shoes tend to build-up heat on your feet even when you are just seating in a plane.
Finally, try to lose some weight before the trip. Those few inches you lost around your waist means more elbow room in your seat.
Happy Trip!!
Posted by: Octavio Mamon at July 20, 2007 3:05 PMBy all means get an exit seat, you sometimes have to pay extra, but it is worth it. I just came back from China, my legs kept cramping on the way over so I got an exit seat back, what a relief.
Posted by: Carol Bowman at July 20, 2007 4:00 PMIt helps so much to have multiple things to do on the plane. For example do things that make you happy until you get off like bring a music player or a portable dvd player and some magazines to keep you distracted until you get off the plane. Always stretch before and after the plane ride....it helps your muscles.
Posted by: Alex at July 20, 2007 4:49 PMI have flown from Ft. Lauderdale to Cebu Philippines which is over 30 hours. I try and keep very busy before the flight and walk as much as possible during and between. But mostly keep hydrated is so important. Try and get a flight that leaves at your normal sleep time helps.
Posted by: Gene at July 20, 2007 8:06 PMare you crazy? Weight lifting the day before you fly for 14 hours. Ever hear of muscle cramps and fatigue? Never put your self in a confined space after activity that you are not used to doing. Please dont spread such things if you dont know to whom they may reach!!
Posted by: Jeffrey A. Rowley at July 22, 2007 1:46 AMCrazy? Maybe. But I am used to lifting weights and figured the plane ride would give me some good recovery time. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who isn't used to lifting. But why would muscle fatigue be a problem on the plane?
Posted by: James Trotta at July 23, 2007 1:31 AM