How to Prevent Discomfort When Traveling By Plane

Airline travel, as convenient as it may be, can leave many of us feeling uncomfortable after the fact. In fact, even a short trip in the car causes back pain, muscle stiffness, and fatigue for some travelers, and a flight is no different. The seats on an airplane are not meant to cause discomfort, but unfortunately, they may not cater to perfect posture as much as flyers would like.

Airplane seats are commonly arched, with the headrest protruding slightly for a better viewing experience. However, holding your head forward – even slightly – can result in headaches and neck strain. If there is no way to adjust your headrest so that your neck remains straight, you may want to place a rolled up item of clothing or towel behind your neck. This way, your neck will be supported, helping to better align your body.

The same technique can be very helpful when it comes to lower back pain as well. By placing a rolled item or cushion of some kind in the small of your back, your spine is encouraged into a more natural position. Posture is key: if your spine is misaligned for the duration of the trip, you will no doubt feel the pain afterwards. All too often, travelers rave about a comfortable flight, only to wake up in the morning feeling stiff and unpleasant.

To help keep your spine in its natural position, place your feet flat on the floor. If you are on the shorter side and you have trouble comfortably reaching the floor, you may want to bring along something small to place underneath your feet, such as an angled wedge typically placed under the desk of office workers.

Also remember to hold your head back, since it can be all too easy to jut your face forward to watch movies or look out the window. This is of particular concern for travelers with poor vision. Last but not least, bring a small pillow for a more comfortable nap, as our heads have a tendency to roll to the side when unsupported.