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According to a 2014 report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), almost half of the world’s population take a flight every year, with at least 8 million people flying every day. If you’re one of those people, the chances are that you’ve complained about your experience a few times, mostly because it was long or uncomfortable or both.

Although this is a common case for frequent flyers, flying is still one of the surest ways to travel and flights can only provide you with so much comfort. Bearing this in mind; and with little or no choice but to move on, here are 15 ways to own your flight experiences and disembark in smiles.

PRE-PLANNING YOUR FLIGHT:

If you are terrified of turbulence or get sick easily:

Take a morning flight or pick a seat near the wings.

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Flying-Turbulence-Wings-Hack-Ventures-AfricaIf you’re scared:

Sit at the rear.

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Come up with a seat plan to feel like a first class flyer

It’s all about planning.

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BEFORE YOU GET ON THE PLANE:

Arm yourself!

…with gadgets and entertainment; your headphones for the noise, an extra battery pack (of course), music, ‘light reads,’ games, and so on.

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Then hit the gym.

You’re probably wondering why. So, here goes…

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Get comfortable.

How else to begin? Wear your most ‘cushiony’ clothes and shoes.

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Drink water or other healthy drinks.

Hydration is key. And it works wonders on a flight.

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…also for your skin.

Have extra lotion handy against the effects of cabin air.

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Bring your own ‘juice’

Lots of flights tend to offer alcohol, but we all have our preferences. Think very small bottles, however.

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Next step: Wait for everyone to get on.

WHILE YOU’RE FLYING:

Make friends with the flight attendants.

Be familiar.

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Take advantage of your legroom.

That extra stretch might be what does the trick.

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Plan to use your time wisely.

Make sure that you’re never bored on a flight by scheduling your pre-arranged ‘activities’ properly. Even if it includes staring out the window.

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…And that includes sleep time.

Make sure you have your comfy sleeping masks, socks, and other such accessories.

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Pamper yourself in-flight.

Yes. It can be done.

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AFTER FLIGHT LANDS:

Wait for everyone to get off.

With the right mindset and flight kit, even the most tedious flights can be improved.

Courtesy:

Lifehack.org – 12 Ways to be Comfortable on a Long Flight

Buzzfeed – 16 Incredibly Simple Hacks to Make Flying Suck Less

Complex – 18 Life Hacks to Make air Travel Easier

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