Why you feel dry on a plane
The air in an aircraft cabin is much drier than most people are used to on the ground. It is a normal feature of flying at altitude, and on a short flight you may barely notice it. On longer journeys, though, it can lead to dry eyes, a dry throat and skin that feels tight, and mild dehydration can make you feel tired or give you a headache.
None of this is cause for concern for healthy travellers, but a little preparation makes the flight noticeably more comfortable.
Drink steadily
Bring an empty refillable bottle through security and fill it at a water point or cafe before boarding. Sip regularly during the flight rather than drinking a lot at once. Alcohol and lots of caffeinated drinks can add to the drying effect, so balance them with water if you have them.
Lip balm, a small tube of moisturiser and eye drops, if you use them, all help with dryness. Contact lens wearers sometimes find glasses more comfortable on longer flights.
Keep moving
Sitting still for long periods is uncomfortable and not good for circulation. On flights of more than an hour or two, get up and walk in the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off and the crew are not serving. In your seat, you can rotate your ankles, flex your feet, roll your shoulders and gently stretch your neck.
Loose, comfortable clothing helps, as do shoes you can loosen a little, since feet can swell slightly during flights. If you have a medical condition that affects circulation, or have had recent surgery, ask your doctor for advice before flying.
Your seat and your space
Where you sit affects your comfort. A window seat gives you something to lean on and control over the blind; an aisle seat makes it easy to get up and stretch. On AeroVista, Classic fares include seat choice and Flex fares allow any seat, so you can pick what suits you.
Pack a small comfort kit in your personal item: a scarf or light layer for a cool cabin, a travel pillow, headphones and a snack you like. Small comforts make a surprising difference to how you feel when you land.
Good to know
- Bring an empty bottle through security and fill it before boarding.
- Walk the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off on longer flights.
- Pack lip balm and a light layer in your personal item.