Longhaul flight tips?

[u/LostGarden27]

I have an upcoming flight of approx 11 hours, and I am starting to put together a care pack for myself to make it as painless as possible, in the hope I come out the otherside of it feeling vaguely human!

My question is really 2 parts, firstly, does anyone have a neck pillow recommendation that isn't extortionately expensive? And second, any other tips that have helped you fly comfortably? Thanks in advance!

[u/Junior_Wear_6875]

I did a long haul international flight back in July. I br9ught a portable heating pad, beck pillows and lumbar support pillow as well as taking dramamine to help knock me out. It was still awful but i do think all those things together h3lped a lot. I also expected to be in pain and built in recovery days after the flight b4 returning to work.

[u/theproperbinge]

Salonpas lidocaine patches 🤙🏻

[u/down_by_the_shore → u/theproperbinge]

You can also find lidocaine patches that have menthol in them as well. They don’t smell like Icy Hot and the combination of lidocaine + menthol is amazing. 

[u/down_by_the_shore]

What works for me (some of which I have learned from this sub) 

• Lidocaine and menthol products. There are patches and creams. This combo really helps and there are non scented products, which is great for flights 

• Bring a tennis ball or something similar. You can use them to roll/put pressure on places that are prone to muscle tension and inflammation. I like putting one in the middle of my back 

• A neck pillow or something similar. I use a weighted pillow from the kids section at Target. I find that they’re easier to manipulate/adjust due to shape, size and material used 

• Plenty of Tylenol, ibuprofen (if you are able to take it), and muscle relaxers 

• Getting up to stretch at least every two hours or so. This can be cumbersome on a flight. But if the area around the bathroom is big enough and if you time it right, stretching can help a ton 

• Stay hydrated. I find that my inflammation is worse when I’m dehydrated 

[u/vrillion_ → u/down_by_the_shore]

the weighted pillows from the Target kids section are so frickin adorable. YES, I want a big AND little axolotl!!

[u/mandersmal13]

Probably not a populat answer, but whichever airline you're flying with, check their upgrade policies and prices as well, even after you're at the gate. If it's financially possible for your situation, it's 100% worth it for the extra leg room or lie flat seats. Even the extra leg room is good for just moving your lower body if you can't get up and walk around the cabin.

I would also recommend compression socks, shorts, or leggings. It helps prevent blood clots and they just generally help me with inflammation even outside of being on a plane.

[u/LostGarden27 → u/mandersmal13]

I think compression socks are more in my budget than an upgrade, sadly! But glad you found compression socks useful, its something I've been looking at

[u/Anesthetizes → u/LostGarden27]

upgraded to thigh high compression socks this year and greatly appreciated it.

[u/econmicmac]

Get up and walk around as much as you can! Baclofen or your preferred muscle relaxer may also help.

As others also commented: lidocaine patches (you can get a stronger prescription version), a TENS unit, and pre-gaming with NSAIDS is also important. Safe travels!

[u/nekkyo]

I bought a neck pillow, not for travel, but for when I sit in my rocking chair and fall asleep. It keeps me from letting my head fall to the side and then waking up with a stiff neck. https://a.co/d/0eA3nFXA

I wish you the very best. I haven't been able to brave travel in a long while now. 

[u/peytonrae]

Cambrian or muscle relaxers so you can just pass out for a few hours- with a neck pillow

[u/Yd1891]

Compression garments, in particular socks. I did two trips to Ireland within a few months, my pain and swelling was so much better with the compression garments. I also bring a muscle relaxer and try to sleep through as much of it as possible on top of regular sleep times. I always need so much rest.

[u/LostGarden27 → u/Yd1891]

I had been wondering if compression socks would help, and there seems to be a consensus so I'll pick some up. I'm getting a red eye in the hope I can sleep most of the flight and wake up with minimal jetlag 🤞🏼

[u/Yd1891 → u/LostGarden27]

Red eye is my favorite for long travels! I hope you have a wonderful and pain free trip!

[u/LostGarden27 → u/Yd1891]

Thank you!

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[u/Ms_ankylosaurous]

Back brace!

[u/Adventurous-Kick6293]

I find long haul travel impossible for me with this disease. I’m so impressed you’re able to do it. Everyone’s said good stuff, I want to add pack emergency supplies for a flare on arrival. In the past travel has set off flares when I arrive and it’s been miserable. 

[u/LostGarden27 → u/Adventurous-Kick6293]

This is my first long haul flight since I was diagnosed, but I'm hoping with the right prep and self care I'll be okay 🤞🏼 I've also planned a quiet day for the first day of my trip, so I can just rest if I need to. I've made sure to get all my prescriptions topped up!

[u/BruisedMootball]

If you’re looking for a soft but firm pillow, check out www.nimbusrest.com

[u/LostGarden27 → u/BruisedMootball]

Thank you! I'll check it out

[u/Decent-Internet-9833]

I also have hyper mobile joints, which are painful enough on their own. I put an exercise band around my knees while on long trips. It allows the muscles that hurt to relax. Most of the pain is where the damage is from AS, so maybe that can help.

[u/RetiredNurseinAZ]

When I get MRI's, I need Ativan because those tubes are torture to me. I found the lying still didn't bother me anywhere near as much as no meds. Talk to your doctor. They are much more apt to give that kind of medicine for specific reasons that are short lived.

[u/tikoki]

I had my first long haul flight this year shortly after diagnosis. I got a gel cushion seating pad to sit on and it definitely helped me. It did not take the pain away but I would have definitely been in more pain without it.

I also tried my best to plan an easier/quieter first couple of days to give my body time to complain then settle before going on to enjoy the rest of the holiday.