An economy seat on an airplane can sometimes feel like you're an inmate chained in a transfer bus, especially on long-haul flights.

An economy seat on an airplane can sometimes feel like you're an inmate chained in a transfer bus, especially on long-haul flights. However, there are things that you can do to alleviate feelings of constraint, boredom and anxiety.

Toys and Gear' to Pack in your Carry-on

- Snacks (Often on long flights there is a gap of time between meals. Granola bars, trail mix and snack packs are great for bringing on the plane). Note: keep an eye out for quarantine regulations when hopping between countries dispose of food when you see alert signs.)

- Reading material (If you tend to get sleepy on long flights, I suggest easy reading is best, although if you need more stimulating material opt for a novel or factual reading).
- Music (MP3 players or iPods are ideal because you can download a variety of music or even audio books to suite your interest and keep you out of the boredom zone'.
- Pillow (If you plan on sleeping during your trip finding comfortable head support is important. Travel stores sell different varieties. Warning: cheap blow-up neck pillows tend to deflate, which leads to frustration!)
- Loose/soft clothing (best to wear for comfort).
- A change of clothes (to keep fresh if you have a few flights to catch).
- Thick socks or slippers (if you want to pop off your shoes to feel more at home', bringing an alternative cozy comfort is a good choice).
- Toothbrush (keep your teeth clean if you've been flying for awhile!).
- Facecloth (to freshen up in the bathroom or after your flight).
- Eye drops (often being up in the air dehydrates your body and you can feel dryness in your eyes. Drops that are purely a lubricant can prevent dryness).
- Tissue (small hand packs are great).
- Hand moisturizer (again to prevent dryness).
- Hand sanitizer (to help disinfect your hands from all of the things you've touched and people you've contacted before you eat your meal!)

Make the Most of Airline Services

- Remember that if you're thirsty ask for a drink, flight attendants will be happy to get you water. Most airlines supply bottled water these days, however I recommend avoiding ice if they ask (there have been reports of bacterial contaminates on ice from on airplanes).
- Ask for a blanket/pillow if they don't provide them.
- If your airline has a personal audio/visual system, it can keep your attention focused for a few hours. Some airlines have choices like music, tv shows, movies, games and news at your finger tips and start on your command.

Making a Move

- If you are a social person, you can walk the aisles (when the seatbelt sign is not on of course!) and chat to people who look awake and seem friendly.
- To keep your circulation flowing, walking up and down the aisles gets the blood pumping if you have been sitting for awhile.
- It's a great idea to stretch while on the plane. Often you can go to the back, near the bathrooms and stretch your muscles out. Don't worry about what other people will think they feel tight muscles too.

One Last Tip

- If you are in-between flights and are waiting in the airport it makes you feel better to wash up. Having a shower is best if you've been flying for 15 hours or more and shower facilities are sometimes available in airports. If this is not possible, washing your face and hands will make you feel fresher. Changing your clothes & underwear helps you feel clean and ready to tackle the next flight.

Remember to relax and try to enjoy the free time! (That is if you're not flying on the job).