6 Products to Make Airline Travel More Comfortable
Airline travel is a miracle of modern technology—but it’s not exactly comfortable. As convenient as it is to travel thousands of miles in just a few hours, the limited legroom and stiff, upright seats can quickly make you miserable. If you’re traveling by plane in the near future, here are a few simple products to bring with you that will help to make the experience more comfortable.
Neck Support Pillow
Many people who travel by plane opt to bring a neck support pillow. Whether you’re planning to try to catch some shuteye on your flight, or you’re just looking for a more comfortable way to relax in your seat, a neck support pillow can do this for you. There are many different models available. Inflatable ones are quite popular for airline travel, as they’re more compact and easier to stick in your carryon bag. However, blowing them up can be a nuisance, so keep that in mind and make sure that you can inflate your pillow easily and comfortably.
Compression Socks
Isn’t it incredible how sitting for such long periods of time can make your legs ache just as much as an intense lower-body workout? The reason for this is that sitting for extended periods interrupts the blood flow to your legs. Reduced circulation can leave your legs feeling tired and achy at the end of a long flight. Getting up periodically can help with this, but most people don’t want to try to navigate those narrow airplane aisles every hour and risk getting in the way of flight attendants and other passengers.
Another option to improve circulation in the legs while traveling is compression socks. These socks are designed specifically to help improve blood flow in the feet and calves by applying gentle pressure all around the foot and lower leg. Simply pull these on when dressing for your flight, and you’ll find that your legs are much less achy when you get off the plane.
If you have circulation problems in your legs or are prone to blood clots, compression socks may actually be a medical necessity for you while traveling. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what level of compression is best for your needs.
Foot Hammock
Another great way to reduce leg discomfort and swelling on a flight is to elevate your feet. Of course, packing a blocky, traditional footrest would be difficult. That’s why some inventive individuals have created foot hammocks. These hanging footrests hook over the arms of your tray table and provide a comfy, memory foam resting place for your feet. This slight elevation can be a lifesaver on long plane rides and may help with any circulation issues.
Laptop Stand
If you intend to work on a laptop or take a tablet with you on your travels (as many people do), it may be worth spending a few dollars to get a laptop stand for the plane ride. The positioning of the tray tables on an airplane causes you to hunch over to view the screen of your electronic device. In this position, it won’t take long for you to develop neck and back pain. A simple laptop stand can keep your computer or tablet slightly elevated so that you don’t have to assume the “hunchback” position to see your screen.
Lower Back Pillow
Unfortunately, the seats in most planes don’t offer excellent lumbar support. If you already have lower back issues, a long plane ride can become quite painful for your back. We recommend bringing a lower back pillow to give your lumbar a little extra support and reduce that pain. Most of these pillows are quite small and can easily be slipped into a carryon bag. As an added bonus, when you’re not using it for back support, your pillow can double as a nice headrest or as a cushion if you find your seat a bit too hard for your liking.
Facemask
In today’s environment, it would be impossible for us to talk about airline travel and not talk about facemasks. Currently, every airline in operation requires its patrons to wear a facemask. While a mask may not make you more comfortable on your plane ride, it will help protect you and those around you—and help you to avoid uncomfortable conversations with airline staff. Be sure to wear a mask that you can use with relative comfort for an extended period of time. For example, if the elastic earpieces on many masks bother your ears after only an hour or two, opt for a design that ties around the back of your head instead.
While airline travel on a commercial airliner may never be truly comfortable, having these products with you can make the experience much better. Call or stop by one of our many locations to see if we have these items in stock now!