In-Flight Comfort

We have something like 14 hours of travel time in planes in order to get to Russia. Even in a 747 jet, that's a long time in a confined space. Here are some ways you can improve your comfort level during the flight.

1) If you are prone to earache during ascent and descent of an airplane, try these tips: (1) keeping your lips closed, gently blow to relieve the pressure in your eustachian tubes; (2) try swallowing several times; (3) chew gum or suck on a lozenge or hard candy during takeoff and landing. If you have a cold, or if the above methods do not work, use a nasal spray or take a decongestant an hour before takeoff and an hour before landing.

2) If you are prone to motion sickness, you should take products such as Dramamine one hour before takeoff (we have a bottle of 100...so don't worry about getting any). A follow-up dose may be required for long flights. Unique bands that put acupressure on the wrists are effective in eliminating motion sickness for many people and can be used repeatedly. These can be found at almost any sort of drug store like Wal-Greens or Rite-Aid.

3) Airplanes are hollow tubes filled with people of disparate origin, many of whom are afflicted with coughs, colds, and worse. The germs the exhale are recirculated and inhaled by the other passengers repeatedly for hours on end. Taking large doses of Vitamin C for three days before and after a flight can help build your immunity to the common ailments of others. Also, it is not recommended to use the pillow airplanes provide unless you know for certain that it hasn't been used before.

4) An airplane's cabin air is drier than that over a desert. To help your general feeling of well-being, use a moisturizer and saline eye drops several times during the flight. Drinking a glass of water or juice once each hour can restore moisture to your body and reduce travel fatigue.

5) Remove your shoes and elevate your legs if possible. Make a point to walk around the cabin once an hour or so to improve circulation. Wear loose or tieable shoes or you could discover that your shoes will not fit when you go to put them on after landing.