While Qantas holds the record for the world’s longest flight (a 19-hour nonstop journey from New York to Sydney), flights lasting longer than 7 hours is still a relatively new concept. With that said, there’s no doubt that many tourists are likely flying in on long-haul flights to Korea as well. If you’re planning on traveling to Korea on a long flight, you’re going to want to bring a book or two — but there’s more to prepare for than just on-board entertainment. Whether you’re planning on moving to Seoul or are simply vacationing in Busan, here are three important tips for surviving any long -aul flight to Korea.
Stay hydrated
One of the most important things to survive any long-haul flight to Korea is to stay hydrated. The reason this is so important is that the low humidity in the cabin can easily lead to dehydration. Dehydration could result in headaches, dry mouth, and decreased urine output, meaning that drinking enough water on board is vital to staying healthy. Bringing a water bottle on board is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the duration of the flight (and can be purchased or filled in the airport after security), though staying hydrated while onboard isn’t just about drinking enough fluids. Because of the environment of the cabin, the dry air that’s present can also dry out your skin, meaning that lip balm, facial moisturizer, lotion, and even hydrating nasal sprays are all good things to bring on board.
Keep moving
While a long-haul flight might mean a lot of time sitting in an uncomfortable airplane seat, it’s necessary that you don’t spend all of your time sitting down. In fact, it’s very important to get up and stretch, walk to the bathroom, or simply pace the aisles periodically throughout the flight. This is because a lack of motion for a long period of time can result in restricted blood flow, and combined with the cabin pressure, you could be putting yourself at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, if you don’t get up and move enough. DVT is a condition where clots form in your deep veins (typically in the legs), that results in pain and swelling, and can even lead to a life-threatening situation. Continually moving throughout your flight can reduce these risks by keeping your blood flowing, and using products like compression socks can also be helpful in promoting blood flow.
Get comfortable
While it’s necessary to get up and move or stretch while on a long-haul flight, you’re going to want to get comfortable at some point — after all, you’re going to be on the plane for a while. With that said, in addition to the in-flight movie, it’s important that you get some rest. While many recommend trying to sleep according to your destination’s time schedule, others prefer to break up their time onboard by sleeping on and off throughout the flight, balanced with eating, entertainment, and stretching in between. No matter how you choose to designate your time, bringing along a book, eye mask, music, and travel pillow can all help to make your time onboard more comfortable.
Long-haul flights are often seen as a dreaded way to travel but are well worth it for anyone visiting Korea. Once you’re in the air, it’s important to stay hydrated, get comfortable, and periodically stretch your legs so that you can arrive as refreshed as possible.
Korean air always makes flying the best experience. I choose them as much as possible despite the price.
It’s been awhile since I used them.