The dry recycled air on airplanes can play havoc with your skin. But, the hazards don’t stop there: long distance and overnight flights, highly processed food and travel related stress can all leave you feeling on less than top form. Make sure you have these hand-baggage must haves to hand.
In Your Easy Access Hand Luggage
Lip Balm & Moisturizer
Cracked lips aren’t fun, especially when you’re planning a trip that’s going to involve sea water and sun. Constantly re-apply lip balm, face and had moisturizer. Exfoliate when you get off the plane and you’ll look all fresh and dewy (because the surface skin cells will be softened from all the moisturizer and easily slough off).
A Bottle of Water
Yes, the air hostesses usually come round offering drinks once every few hours, but don’t wait for them to do so. Make sure you always have water on hand and that you’re drinking it constantly. Ask the hostesses to refill your bottle when they com around.
The dry air literally pulls moisture out of your body as you breath. Bonus: Getting up to pee often is a good excuse to get out of your seat and move – that will decrease your chance of suffering DVT (a blood clot in your leg that can lead to stroke).
Facial Cleansing Wipes
Because it’s really hard to wash your face in a tiny airplane bathroom. They also come in handy when you spill stuff, when things leak in your bag or if you’re a really messy eater like me.
A Blanket or Scarf
Sometimes the air-con on planes can get really cold and there’s not much anyone can do about it. On longer flights, they usually give you a blanket, but it’s always a good idea to have your own. If you’re traveling light, just use a scarf (it has a mired of other uses).
Gear
An iPad, earphones (for inflight entertainment), Kindle, MP3 player – or even an old fashioned book (magazines only take half an hour to ‘read’) will help the time to pass so much faster. If you’re traveling with friends, chatting is often made hard with ear imbalances and constant engine noise so leave it for the airport.
What to Wear
Leggings are ideal because you can put your legs in any position while you’re on the plane without worrying what other people can and can’t see. They’re also stretchy and they won’t let you feel the chill of air-con blowing directly at you. I once wore ridiculously short shorts during a stop over in a majority Muslim country – needless to say, I was splattered with disapproving looks my way for the entire layover.
Sweat-pants are an alternative to this – but they can be a bit hot on arrival if you’re traveling to a warmer country. I’ve also found Indian Punjabi pants really comfortable and well suited to airport lounging. They’re very backpacker-esque unfortunately, most guys can’t stand the sight of them.
A long sleeved t-shirt will be so much more comfortable than any button-up shirt. It will also keep your arms warm. Another option is an oversized t-shirt paired with leggings.
Big fluffy socks are great to have on an airplane. Uggs would also be ideal if you’re not planning on traveling light. If you are traveling light, just have some socks on hand in case your feet start getting iced over in their flip-flops.
When it comes to footwear, remember that your feet are likely to expand while you’re flying and will take up to two hours after landing to go back to normal!
If in doubt, you can always wear your pajamas. Subscribe to Glamour Underground‘s articles for free: via email, RSS or Twitter.
