Listen up fellow travellers! No more back hurting, leg cramps, stiff necks, and bleary-eyed arrivals. Here are the top hacks to make your flight journey as comfortable as possible at pocket-friendly rates.

With airlines trying to cram in as many passengers as possible, flying is a drag, especially on longer international routes. Now just because you are confined to your seats with hardly any leg room, it doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable for the entire journey. You can call on indigo customer care for any compliant and enquiry.

With a few smart tricks up your sleeve, you can fly comfortably without having to spend a fortune purchasing first-class tickets.

  1. Choose Wisely

The best way to ensure a comfortable journey is to choose your tickets carefully. Typically, full-service airlines like Vistara Airlines, Kuwait Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates and several others have comfortable seating and a wide range of amenities compared to budget carriers like Scoot, Air Asia, Spice Jet, indigo flight status and others.

When you book your flight tickets, don’t just look at the base costs. Instead, consider all the amenities offered onboard. After all, no one wants to spend a 16-hour journey without any meals and drinks or in-flight entertainment options.

Insider Tip: Sign up for fare alerts and newsletters of premium airlines to enjoy exclusive deals and offers on flight tickets.

  1. Invest in good quality Travel Accessories

A top-notch travel pillow can make all the difference in the journey; it enables you to sleep well. The free cushions that most airlines provide are flat, thin, and slippery, and prevent you from having an uninterrupted sleep.

Instead, look for special horse-shoe shaped travel pillows that you can slip around your neck; they come filled with foam or other special materials. If you have back pain, then pack a lumbar cushion in your cabin baggage for additional support to your back. Additionally, an inflatable footrest helps to elevate your foot and improves circulation.

  1. It’s all about the Seat!

Yes, there’s no denying the fact that some seats are better than others even in the same travel class. A window seat will ensure that you don’t have to get up every time your co-passenger wants to go to the john. While exit rows offer better leg space, they aren’t ideal as they don’t recline. Instead opt for the row right behind the exit row, as the seats behind don’t recline.

Always keep an eye on free seats in the cabin. If you find an empty row, ask permission from the crew and move there. Lift up the armrests, and you can lie down flat. Might be, if you’re lucky you’ll be upgraded to business or even first-class.

  1. Bring your Sleep Accessories

Loud noises are the bane of flight journeys. Whether it’s a crying baby, engine noises, or a chatty neighbour, there are times when you want to tune out the rest of the world. Good quality ear-plugs and headphones will not only help you block the cabin noise, but you can also listen to relaxing music to help you fall asleep.

Additionally, a well-designed sleeping mask cuts off the light of the cabin and helps you retreat into your cocoon.

  1. Stay Hydrated

Ditch the aerated drinks and coffee and opt for plain water. The sugar and caffeine will leave you feeling dehydrated. Also, flight cabins have lower humidity levels (10 to 20%) compared to the humidity levels in a regular room (30 to 65%). This dries your skin, eyes and makes you feel tired, bloated and itchy. So, make sure that you keep on sipping water to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

It’s all about the attitude. Politeness and a bit of luck can help you in getting free upgrades even if you have booked the lowest airfare tickets. So, put on your sunny smile and mentally prepare yourself for an exciting journey that leaves you feeling fresh at your destination.

Above all, some wise man once said, “The Journey is as important as the Destination.”

By krish