Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - The Science of Airline Seat Discomfort
As any frequent flier knows, spending hours crammed into an airplane seat can be downright painful. But why exactly are airline seats so notoriously uncomfortable? As it turns out, there's some complex ergonomics and physics at play.
It all started in the 1970s when airlines began realizing there were profits to be made by squeezing more seats onto planes. Over the next few decades, seat widths shrank from an average of 18 inches to just 16.5 inches today. Legroom also decreased dramatically from an average of 35 inches to about 31 inches now.
This cramped configuration wreaks havoc on the human body in several ways. First there's the issue of circulation and blood flow being restricted, which can cause leg swelling and numbness. Changing positions frequently is key to avoiding deep vein thrombosis.
Then there's the lack of lumbar support. Airline seatbacks are usually thinly padded and curve inwards, placing stress on the spine's natural S-shape. This can lead to backaches within an hour or two of flying. Bringing a small inflatable lumbar cushion can help alleviate this issue.
The confined quarters also reduce mobility and range of motion. Tight rows prevent people from fully extending their legs or standing up to stretch. Limited overhead room restricts the ability to raise arms overhead. This immobility combined with the circulatory problems increases the risk of stiffness, soreness, and muscle cramps setting in.
And don't forget about the psychological component. The lack of personal space and inability to move freely creates a sense of discomfort and anxiety. The constant noise, dry air, and interrupted sleep add to the stress. This mental unease exacerbates the physical aches and pains.
What else is in this post?
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - The Science of Airline Seat Discomfort
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - In-Flight Entertainment Hacks to Distract You From Discomfort
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Strategic Seating for Avoiding Crying Babies
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Expert Tips to Rest Despite Limited Legroom
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Packing Essentials for In-Flight Comfort
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Clever Carry-On Luggage Packing to Maximize Space
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Inflight Exercises You Can Do While Seated
- Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Mastering Relaxation Techniques During Turbulence
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - In-Flight Entertainment Hacks to Distract You From Discomfort
One of the best ways to take your mind off the physical discomforts of flying is to immerse yourself in movies, TV shows, music, games, and other entertainment options offered on the inflight system. But don’t just settle for watching whatever lackluster comedy or romcom the airline happens to be featuring. Instead, go prepared with your own customized playlist and content to get lost in.
The first hack is to load up your phone or tablet with downloaded movies, e-books, podcasts, and playlists prior to boarding. This ensures you always have entertainment lined up, even if the onboard wifi is spotty. Be sure to bring headphones and external battery packs as well. Noise-cancelling headphones are ideal for blocking out cabin noise.
Don’t have time to download content before your flight? Many airlines offer onboard streaming through apps like United’s entertainment option. The key is linking your device to the plane’s wifi and accessing all the shows and playlists available. Downloading the airline’s app ahead of time makes this process smooth.
Binge watching a riveting series is one of the most distracting inflight activities. Get drawn into a complex world of characters and storylines that make the hours fly by. Some great options are addictive dramas like Breaking Bad, action-packed historical epics like Vikings, or mind-bending sci-fi like Westworld or Black Mirror.
For relaxing music, create playlists tailored to your tastes. Focus on songs with minimal lyrics and instead let the melodies transport you. New age, classical, ambient electronica, or acoustic covers all work beautifully. You can even make playlists timed to the duration of your flight.
Inflight games ranging from trivia to arcade classics to interactive stories are another avenue for distraction. For a mental challenge, choose strategy games that require concentration and puzzle solving. Or opt for fast-paced skill games to pass time trying to top your high score. Multiplayer games add a social element if you want to participate along with other passengers.
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Strategic Seating for Avoiding Crying Babies
Finding yourself trapped next to a wailing infant or restless toddler can quickly turn an already uncomfortable flight into sheer misery. While children crying is inevitable and every parent dreads disturbing fellow passengers, smart seating selections can reduce the chances of being surrounded by fusses and screams. Through trial, error, and tips from veteran globetrotters, I've learned how to be strategic when booking seats to minimize exposure to the littlest travelers.
The first key rule I follow religiously is to only choose seats in the front section of economy. This area is often called "baby-free zone" by those in the know. By sitting closer to first class and the flight attendant galley, you decrease the likelihood of being near families traveling with infants or lap-held toddlers. Statistics show the back section of coach class has the highest concentration of babies and children. Fliers report front economy seats being blissfully kid-free on most flights.
Aisle seats are another go-to for avoiding crying fits within earshot. With aisle access, I can quickly escape a shrieking nearby child. When stress levels rise, I simply take a brisk stroll to clear my head and return when the decibel level decreases. Aisle-seat veterans recommend bringing noise-cancelling headphones to retreat into your own calming auditory bubble as needed. Window-seat devotees argue for drawing the shades and feigning sleep when kids get rambunctious.
While there's no fool-proof way to dodge babies altogether, researching seat maps helps optimize chances. On planes with 3-3 configurations, window seats in center sections guarantee no one is behind you. For 2-5-2 layouts, aisle seats in the middle segment work nicely. You still may get babies ahead or across, but it beats front and back. Paying extra for bulkhead rows or emergency exit rows is worthwhile, gaining you additional legroom and further distance from potential baby zones.
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Expert Tips to Rest Despite Limited Legroom
Cramped quarters and contorted sitting positions make resting on flights nearly impossible for many passengers. Between back pain, loss of circulation, and constant interruptions, quality sleep seems out of reach. However, travel pros swear by certain techniques that can actually lead to decent inflight snoozing. With the right strategy, you may find it's not as hard as it seems to log some ZZZs at 35,000 feet.
The first tip frequent flyers recommend is to avoid caffeine and alcohol pre-flight. Stick with water instead – hydration makes all the difference. Arrive at the gate relaxed, free of stimulants that could thwart drowsiness later. Once onboard, request a pillow and blanket. Having a sleep surface, eye mask, and warmth aids comfort. Pick a window seat if possible - walls offer back support and block activity. Aisle seats leave you exposed to carts and traffic. Scope out empty rows where you can spread out. Flight attendants are often willing to let you move mid-flight.
Don't underestimate the wonders of melatonin. Pop a fast-acting tablet 30 minutes before you want to sleep. It jump-starts the relaxation process so you naturally get drowsy. But don't overdo the dosage – start with 1-2 mg then increase if needed. Pack over-ear noise cancelling headphones and listen to sleepytime playlists. White noise apps with soothing ambient sounds promote nodding off.
Neck pillows work wonders for providing head and spine alignment. They prevent your head from slumping forward uncomfortably. For lumbar support, use a pillow or rolled-up sweater behind your lower back. Regularly shift positions to get circulation moving. Stretch legs, flex feet, and twist the torso gently. A mild muscle relaxer like cyclobenzaprine helps release tension, allowing you to unwind.
Pro travelers swear by the cross-body airplane pillow hug method. Wrap both arms tightly around a large pillow and lean to one side or the other. This takes pressure off the neck, back, and hips for side sleeping. Or place a pillow at your chest and lean forward onto the tray table. Mastering makeshift positions that let you fully recline beats sitting straight up.
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Packing Essentials for In-Flight Comfort
Given the cramped quarters and contorted positions endemic to air travel, packing smartly is key to maintaining some semblance of comfort at 35,000 feet. Certain items can make a world of difference in helping you stay relaxed amid the indignities of modern flight. Through extensive personal testing and insider tips from frequent flyers, I've compiled a list of carry-on essentials for minimizing inflight misery.
The most crucial piece of gear for in-flight comfort is noise-cancelling headphones. The constant loud droning of jet engines and cabin chatter quickly grates on nerves and prevents quality rest. Having your own auditory oasis blocks out the irksome ambient noise letting you retreat into podcasts, music and movies. For complete sensory blocking, pair headphones with a sleep mask. Look for cushioned, contoured over-ear models that fully encircle the ear for maximum noise reduction. I swear by my Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs.
Neck pillows are another must-pack item. They provide extra support and stabilize the head during fitful attempts at sleeping upright. This prevents your head from slumping forward and straining neck muscles. Opt for memory foam styles that mold to your contours. Some wraparound models like the Trtl support chin and shoulders too. In a pinch, a sweater or blanket twisted into a doughnut shape can work.
Given inevitable dehydration from the pressurized cabin, carrying an empty water bottle to refill post-security is advised. Hydration relieves headaches, dry mouth, and grogginess. Compression socks encourage healthy circulation and reduce leg swelling and cramping. Gel pads that stick onto seats can transform rock-hard cushions into cozy comfort. Seat belt pillows provide lumbar support. A small travel blanket lends warmth. All contribute to a more restful environment.
Mindfulness and relaxation are also key pillars of in-flight tranquility. Apps like Calm offer meditation guides, breathing exercises and sleep stories to help zone out. Pack relaxing fragrances like lavender oil to sniff when stressed. Melatonin tablets encourage drowsiness when you need to sleep. Light snacks like nuts boost serotonin and keep energy levels stable. Staying mentally centered makes the miles go by faster.
For entertainment, download books, podcasts, playlists and movies to your phone pre-flight. Bring multiple charging devices and external batteries to keep devices powered. I always pack both lightning and USB-C cords. Choose window seats to lean against walls for napping. Scope out empty rows for extra space to fully recline. Regularly stretch and shift positions to keep your circulation moving.
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Clever Carry-On Luggage Packing to Maximize Space
Given the prevalence of checked baggage fees and restrictive carry-on size allowances these days, discovering how to pack more into limited luggage real estate is a crucial skill for savvy jetsetters. With some simple organization strategies, packing cubes, and smart clothing choices, you’ll be shocked by just how much you can fit into a single carry-on.
Veteran one-bag travelers swear by the “roll, don’t fold” method to conserve space while avoiding wrinkles. Lay clothes face down and tightly roll them lengthwise before packing into a rectangular cube or suitcase compartment. Pack socks and underwear into the crevices and gaps between larger rolled items. Utilize inside zippered pockets to tuck away undergarments, toiletries, medications and electronics.
Investing in a set of packing cubes revolutionizes organization and transforms even the most jumbled suitcase into a space efficiency machine. Sort clothing types into different cubes - pants in one, shirts in another, etc. The cubes compress contents and keep things neatly separated. They stack perfectly like tidy little storage bins. Some even have different size compartments built in for sorting small items.
Choosing versatile mix-and-match clothing in a cohesive color palette lets you create multiple outfits from fewer pieces. Stick to fabrics that resist wrinkling like wool, jersey, microfiber, polyester blends. Remove bulky hangers and launder clothes so they’re dry before packing. Limiting shoes to 2-3 versatile pairs saves a surprising amount of room.
When it comes to toiletries and beauty products, remember that everything you bring must fit in one quart-sized plastic bag. Minimize liquids by buying trial and travel sizes. Fill containers only halfway to leave room for expansion during flight. Transfer products into smaller, reusable bottles. Skip bulky hair dryers and curling irons - most hotels provide them. Only pack essential makeup you’ll actually use.
To maximize workspace and free up legroom, forgo a roller bag for a lightweight, flexible duffel or backpack you can stash under the seat. Soft-sided bags conform to available spaces versus rigid suitcases. Compression sacks for dirty clothes allow you to neatly condense items over time. A folder for travel documents keeps important papers wrinkle-free.
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Inflight Exercises You Can Do While Seated
Sitting immobilized for hours during flight can lead to muscle cramping, joint stiffness, and circulation issues. But there are techniques you can use, even in cramped quarters, to keep your body limber and energized as you cruise along at 35,000 feet. Don't underestimate how small movements and stretches done regularly throughout your journey can boost comfort.
Experienced fliers swear by doing ankle rolls every 20-30 minutes – flexing feet forward and pointing toes back stretches calves and improves blood flow. Shift ankles side to side as well. Discreetly rise up out of your seat periodically and do mini-squats to wake up glutes and hamstrings. Exhale as you engage leg muscles then slowly lower back down.
For hips, cross one leg over the other knee and apply gentle pressure to open up inner thighs and outer hips. Repeat on the other side. Draw imaginary circles with your ankles to mobilize joints. Place hands behind head and rotate bent elbows forward and back to loosen shoulders. Discreet tricep stretches are doable too - reach one arm behind your head grasping the elbow and gently pull.
Neck rolls release tension – slowly tilt head side to side bringing ears toward shoulders. Look up to the ceiling and down to your lap. Shrug shoulders up and back - good for upper back stiffness. Subtly puff out your chest and press shoulders down to open up the front of the torso. Squeeze shoulder blades together to target midst and lower back tightness.
For circulation-boosting foot flexes, rise up onto your tiptoes inside shoes then extend feet flat. Make hands into loose fists and pump arms up and down to get the blood flowing. Exhale deeply engaging core muscles then relax - repeat this breath cycle throughout the flight to stay centered and stress-free.
Discreet isometric exercises offer strength training benefits too. Squeeze thighs together and hold for five seconds. Flex feet and grip armrests to work calves, quads and biceps. Draw navel in toward spine activating deep core muscles. Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor.
Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: How to Survive Air Travel Misery, According to a Vanderbilt Professor - Mastering Relaxation Techniques During Turbulence
For many people, turbulence evokes visceral feelings of anxiety and fear. The plane may careen and shake, eliciting panic about plummeting from the sky. Heart rates quicken, palms sweat, and knuckles turn white from gripping armrests. Yet turbulence very rarely causes accidents, and learning to stay calm is key to enduring rough patches smoothly. With insights from veteran globetrotters and psychologists, here’s how to master relaxation when your flight gets bumpy.
First, understand turbulence poses little real danger. Aircraft are engineered to withstand far greater forces than anything encountered in rough air. Turbulence simply feels alarming due to the unfamiliar sensations of motion. But sudden drops of a few feet do not threaten the structural integrity of large planes. Pilots are highly trained to handle turbulence and steer around the worst of it. Focus on statistics showing air travel as extremely safe rather than fixating on irrational what-ifs.
Second, avoid fixating out the window. Visually seeing the airplane buck up and down can trigger fearful reactions. Instead, close your eyes and withdraw your senses. Redirect attention inside your mind and body. Recall affirmations like "this plane is strong and I am safe." Breathe slowly and deeply to interrupt anxious thought spirals.
Incorporate centering techniques like meditation and mindfulness to cultivate calm. Imagine you're in a tranquil oasis rather than on a shuddering airplane. Repeat peaceful mantras and visualize relaxing imagery. Listen to ambient music and white noise via headphones to muffle the worrisome rattling. Reach your energies outward to loved ones who represent your safe, steady ground.
Strategically tense and release muscles to discharge nervous energy. Squeeze armrests firmly, curl toes inside shoes, and flex leg muscles.Then unwind tension and repeat. Discreet isometric exercises give your mind something practical to focus on. Avoid clenching facial and neck muscles which can heighten pain.
Notify flight attendants if you feel close to a panic attack so they can provide support. Know you have the right to disembark during layovers if anxiety is severe. Consider coping aids like anti-anxiety medication, herbal supplements, or acupressure bands. Therapy often resolves underlying phobias that magnify turbulence reactions.