7 Lessons from Taking a Long Flight:
1. Drink lots of fluid. Sometimes it really stinks to have to use the restroom in the middle of the long flight. But it’s good to have a reason to get up and move around a little bit.
2. When the line for the restroom is long, be patient. Let me tell you, the line was long both times I had to get up and go, but it was worth the wait. Plus, I got to stand up for a longer amount of time. (Bonus!)
3. Take advantage of the free movies and tv they have on the screens. We had several different optoins for things to view (all for free!), so watch. Not a ton, though. Because…
4. Make the most of who you’re sitting with. Try to talk to them, maybe start up conversations. Our squad was sitting next to each other for the most part, so we are semi-familiar with one another. But still, pursue them. Be bold.
5. Do leg exercises. I know that might sound really strange. But it is what kept my legs from cramping up. I would move them, wiggle them, stretch them while sitting in the plane. And it’s all super helpful to try to stay moving, even while sitting for a long time.
6. Socks are essential, at least for me anyway. For some reason, it always seems to feel like the air blows right at our feet, which is fine. But it can make for some cold tosies. So wrap those puppies up to make sure you’re nice and toasty.
7. It might seem like a really long time to be on a plane. But between talking, sleeping, and watching a couple of movies, the time can really fly by. So just be intentional in keeping yourself busy. Bring a few things to do. But enjoy the experience. I mean, how many times are you really going to be flying for 15 hours straight? (Probably not many.)
I really enjoyed flying these past couple days. I love everything about it. (I do have a slight fear of my plane crashing during landing…but it’s just a tiny one.) But travel hasn’t really been stressful so far–thank goodness–and that has a lot to do with two of my squadmates who take care of all of our travel logistics and lead us well. Thanks Carli and Ana for all y’all do for us!
