Tips to Increase Your Comfort as You Fly this Holiday Season

The holidays have long been considered the most fraught travel season of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. The reality is that the final six weeks of the year find tens of millions of Americans with a desire to be home for the holidays hitting the road en masse. Throw in the prospect of inclement winter weather ranging from downpours of rain to blizzard whiteouts, and you have conditions sure to foster long lines and short tempers.

And holiday travelers find little relief in the friendly skies, particularly not this year, with inflation driving airfares to new levels and major carriers still groping with post-pandemic staffing shortages. Given that, it is more important than ever to find ways to keep your cool if you’re flying this holiday season. Fortunately, there are some basic steps you can take to keep the madness at bay and make your flight home (or away) as enjoyable as possible.
 
Wardrobe Department: While there’s nothing wrong (and quite a bit right) about heading to the airport in your Business Casual best, your flight time will more quickly fly by if you’re dressed comfortably. Make sure to avoid heavy or restrictive clothing, opting instead for soft fabrics and stretchy garments for peak comfort and coziness. It’s also always wise to layer, given shifting cabin temperatures, and it’s worth investing in compression socks for health and comfort during long flights.

Take Your Seat: Most domestic airlines these days give you the opportunity to choose your seat, albeit for a substantial additional cost. Spend the extra money if you can fit it in your budget, as doing so can make a big difference in the quality of your flight experience. Not only might you be able to score added legroom, but you can opt for one of the cabin’s low-traffic areas.

Time, the Avenger: Just as the proverbial watched pot never boils, your flight just seems to crawl if you’re looking at your watch every five minutes. How best to beat time? First, the moment you get to your seat set your watch to the time at your destination. Second, break out all the attention-holding material you were smart enough to stow in your carry-on bag. Focusing on video entertainment, projects from the office or simply a good book helps pass the time.

Get Some Sleep: Heading home for the holidays in a timely manner often involves taking early morning flights or, worse, dreaded red eyes. Knowing how difficult it is to sleep on a plane, it’s best to come prepared if you do hope to catch 40 winks. Essential items include good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, a sleep mask and a high-quality neck pillow, preferably one that attaches to your seat’s headrest.

Get on Your Feet: If you are going to be in the air for an extended period, it is important you take care of yourself up there. Get out of your seat, stretch, stand or walk around when you can and don’t forget to stay hydrated and take and vitamins or medications that are part of your usual routine. You’ll feel better when you land and ready to meet the holiday joys and challenges at your destination.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful