Frequent Flyer Points: Top tips to avoid the aches and pains of flying

As a seasoned traveller, usually on a bit of a budget, I know the joys of flying economy all too well.

Being from the UK, I’ve made the most of being so close to Europe, flying to the mainland for short trips throughout the years. I’ve also done the big journeys over the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, for flights to Costa Rica, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, Brisbane and Queenstown to name those that span the globe. Here’s some tips I’ve garnered along the way to keep the experience as smooth as possible and bring you some comfort during the flight.

Overhead headphones

I love my AirPods, don’t get me wrong. But do I trust my AirPods when I’m flying? No.

It goes without saying, they’re not attached to your head, so don’t expect them to be when you slump down and wake up to one of them having rolled five rows ahead.

We can also thank the padded surroundings of overheads to dull unwanted noise. As someone who finds it hard to fall asleep on a plane as it is, the sporadic jostles of seats, chatter and flight announcements don’t make it any easier. A majority of overheads actively remove these background noises, so add some soothing music or a podcast and it’ll be that little bit easier to fall asleep sitting upright.

My recs

If you’re looking at my other articles, you’ll see I’m usually on somewhat of a budget so these stick around the £100 mark:

Sennheiser 450BT I love that they fold down to slip into a bag, a good battery life of 30hrs and active noise cancellation

Sony WH-CH720N Slightly longer battery at 35hrs but don’t fold down. Also noise cancelling

Stay hydrated

Prioritise water.
Flying dehydrates the body making you feel worse for wear throughout and after the ordeal. Of course, enjoy your coffee at the gate and say yes to a little tipple, but keep in mind how much water you should also be consuming.

It’s best to bring a thermos through security with you so you have your own cold water for the flight. Top tip - don’t fill it all the way to account for cabin pressurisation.

If keeping your skin nice and supple on the flight is important to you, I would forgo the comfort of the window and grab yourself an aisle seat so you feel comfortable drinking as much water as you want and, therefore, going to the loo as much as you want. Don’t feel you can’t ask for more water too, keep that bottle filled up.

I find being hydrated on the other end also lessens my chances of feeling groggy when I arrive, I can head out as soon as I’m at my destination and make the most of my trip by exploring even on the afternoon I get there.

My recs

Tried and tested, YETI I stick to the 532ml to keep it easy for travel

Chillys loved for a reason, I’ve never had an issue with my Chillys bottle. I’ve linked to their 90% recycles series 2 bottle, which I love the initiative behind

Your skin is thirsty too

Your skin is bound to dry out whilst flying, even on a short haul flight you’ll feel the effects. With the air in the cabin drawn from outside, the humidity can be as low as 10% due to the high altitude. Prolonged time in a low humidity environment draws moisture from the skin and, without replacing that moisture, the skin can become flaky and weaken its protective physical barrier.

Facial skin is some of the most sensitive on the body and most susceptible to drying, therefore try to combat this by applying skincare throughout the flight.

I always bring a small facial spray and a rich moisturiser (both decanted into travel containers to keep them in your carry on). I don’t go as far as a sheet mask or under eye patches - not until I’m in business. But go for it if you want some intense hydration.

My recs

I’ve linked to the travel mini option where available - saves time and money on decanting

Mario Badescu facial spray reduces redness and refreshes the skin before locking in with moisturiser

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Moisturiser cooling gel texture to soothe the skin and hydrate, and don’t worry about the watermelon scent, it’s not overpowering

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask an intensive mask for mid and post flight hydration. Unscented, only focussing on key ingredients to nourish and hydrate

Refy Eye Balm balm stick format, easy to apply on the fly. Cooling texture with hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture.

Did you wash your hands?

The amount of germs we come into contact with during travel is unthinkable. It’s hard to avoid touch points that have never seen an anti-bacterial wipe - suitcase handles, passports, mobile phones and airplane seats being the main culprits.

It’s easy to look past, but I try to wash my hands (or at least use hand sanitiser) as often as I can.

Especially when it comes to applying skincare on the flight, I bring my cosmetics bag to the bathroom with me so I can wash my hands thoroughly, splash my face and apply my skincare before touching any surfaces.

Reduce chances of getting sick from stomach or sinus bugs, striving to be as close to 100% as you can be for your travels.

My recs

Haan Hand Cleanser cute selection of colours and scents, all in slimline, great for travel, packaging

Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Mist Formulated to promote hydration, small but mighty option

Finding best option flights

For some, the worst bit of the holiday is booking it.

I know it’s tempting to head to cheap flight search engines to build your flights for you and save time, but they won’t save you elsewhere.

Prices aren’t always accurate and won’t take into account any further costs like baggage or seats. There’s a reason travel agents ask for a premium, you’re paying for their time to research flights, timings and logistics.

If your budget's tight, take the time to research yourself. Go direct.

Open up your private browser window* and a notepad and tot up the best options you have for the flights you need. Sometimes searching for two single flights (even with different providers) will give you the best price.

Also, be as flexible as you can with dates, changing the time or day you fly can save you hundreds that you could then spend on another night’s accommodation.

*I say private window, so there’s less chance of the site recognising your IP and upping the price if your session times out.