7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip

Post originally Published May 20, 2024 || Last Updated May 21, 2024

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7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Plan Your Pre-Flight Routine


7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip

Preparing for a long work flight can be crucial to ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Experts recommend a well-planned pre-flight routine, including wearing loose and comfortable clothing, packing essential items like headphones and snacks, and booking a strategically located seat.

Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can help mitigate the effects of jet lag.

By prioritizing rest and relaxation, travelers can make the most of their short business trip.

Wearing compression socks during a long flight can help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially serious condition that can occur due to prolonged inactivity in the air.

Bringing a neck pillow not only provides extra support for your head and neck during the flight but can also help you maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing the risk of neck and back pain.

Consuming caffeine and alcohol in excess can exacerbate the effects of jet lag, as they can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

Experts recommend limiting these substances and staying hydrated instead.

Adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before the flight can help your body adapt to the new time zone, reducing the severity of jet lag symptoms.

This can include gradually shifting your bedtime and wake-up time.

Bringing a variety of entertainment options, such as books, magazines, and noise-cancelling headphones, can help you pass the time more enjoyably during the flight and minimize boredom or restlessness.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Plan Your Pre-Flight Routine
  2. 7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Optimize Your In-Flight Experience
  3. 7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Prioritize Hydration and Nourishment
  4. 7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Stay Productive and Connected
  5. 7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Stretch and Move Around

7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Optimize Your In-Flight Experience


Experts suggest prioritizing seating location, opting for lighter meal choices, and staying hydrated throughout the journey.

Investing in a travel pillow, eye mask, and compression socks can further enhance comfort and reduce the impact of jet lag.

Additionally, arriving at the airport early, downloading entertainment apps, and considering an airport hotel stay upon arrival can help you make the most of your time and arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to work.

Wearing compression socks during a long flight can increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the lower extremities, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by up to 50% compared to not wearing them.

Booking a window seat can improve sleep quality during the flight, as passengers are less likely to be disturbed by others needing to access the aisle.

Bringing a portable white noise machine or earplugs can help block out the constant hum of the aircraft engines, allowing for more restful sleep and improved focus during the flight.

Consuming ginger or peppermint tea can help alleviate nausea and motion sickness often experienced during air travel, offering a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications.

Choosing a seat near the front of the aircraft can shave several minutes off the deplaning process, allowing for a quicker exit and head start on your ground transportation.

Packing a small, inflatable neck pillow can provide superior lumbar support compared to traditional U-shaped travel pillows, reducing the risk of back pain during long flights.

Downloading in-flight entertainment apps before the trip can save valuable time and ensure uninterrupted access to movies, TV shows, and music, even if the aircraft's Wi-Fi is unreliable or slow.

7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Prioritize Hydration and Nourishment


7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip

Staying hydrated is essential during a 5-hour work flight and short business trip.

Experts recommend setting a daily water intake goal and keeping a water bottle nearby to encourage frequent hydration.

Additionally, consuming hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables can help maintain proper nourishment throughout the journey.

Dehydration can impair cognitive function by up to 20%, leading to decreased problem-solving abilities and slower reaction times, which can be detrimental during a busy business trip.

Drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day can boost metabolism by up to 24%, helping to maintain energy levels and support healthy digestion during a demanding travel schedule.

Consuming water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and berries can provide up to 20% of your daily hydration needs, reducing the burden on your water intake from beverages alone.

Proper hydration has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of fatigue by up to 50%, helping travelers maintain a positive and productive mindset during long work flights and hectic business trips.

The human body can lose up to 5 liters of fluid during a 5-hour flight due to the low humidity levels in aircraft cabins, underscoring the importance of frequent water intake to prevent dehydration.

Sipping warm herbal tea can enhance hydration by up to 30% compared to drinking the same volume of room temperature water, as the body requires less energy to warm the liquid to body temperature.

Eating nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins can provide sustained energy and support immune function during the stress of business travel, helping travelers stay healthy and focused.

Tracking hydration levels using a simple urine color chart can be an effective way for travelers to monitor their hydration status and make adjustments to their water intake as needed throughout the day.

7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Stay Productive and Connected


Maintaining productivity and connectivity during a 5-hour work flight or short business trip requires strategic planning.

Experts suggest setting clear expectations, establishing a focused workspace, and utilizing video conferencing to foster engagement with coworkers.

Additionally, taking time for personal wellbeing, such as connecting with one's spirituality, can help reduce stress and enhance happiness while working remotely.

Utilizing a to-do list and setting reminders can improve productivity by up to 25% during a short business trip, as it helps minimize distractions and keep tasks organized.

Scheduling specific "commute" hours during a business trip can enhance focus and efficiency by up to 30%, as it creates a clear separation between work and personal time.

Practicing mindfulness or meditation during a 5-hour work flight can reduce stress levels by as much as 35%, allowing travelers to arrive at their destination feeling more refreshed and focused.

Investing in a high-quality, noise-cancelling headset can improve concentration and productivity by up to 20% during long work flights, as it blocks out distracting ambient noise.

Taking regular breaks to stretch and move around during a 5-hour flight can increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, enhancing cognitive function by up to 15%.

Utilizing web-based project management tools can improve collaboration and task coordination by up to 30% during a short business trip, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Connecting with a trusted coworker via video chat at least once during a business trip can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness by up to 45%.

Setting clear expectations and boundaries with clients and colleagues before a business trip can improve work-life balance by up to 20%, reducing the risk of burnout during the journey.

7 Expert Tips for Surviving a 5-Hour Work Flight and Short Business Trip - Stretch and Move Around


Frequent movement is crucial to avoid blood clots and stiffness during a long flight.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also essential for maintaining good circulation and combating dryness caused by cabin air.

Avoid restrictive clothing and choose comfortable, loose-fitting layers that allow for easy movement.

Pack light and prioritize versatile, soft bags that can be easily squashed under the seat in front of you.

These strategies can help you stay comfortable and mobile throughout the long flight and short business trip.

Regularly moving and stretching your legs during a long flight can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by up to 50% compared to remaining sedentary.

Performing simple leg exercises, such as calf raises or gentle ankle rotations, while seated can improve blood circulation and reduce the likelihood of swelling in the lower extremities.

Bringing a compact resistance band on the flight allows you to perform light strength training exercises that can help maintain muscle tone and prevent stiffness during the journey.

Twisting your torso from side to side while seated can help alleviate lower back pain by gently stretching the spinal muscles and improving flexibility.

Neck rolls and shoulder shrugs can release tension in the upper body and prevent stiffness, which is common during long periods of sitting in an airplane cabin.

Studies show that standing up and walking the aisle for 5-10 minutes every hour can boost oxygen levels in the blood by up to 15%, improving cognitive function and alertness.

Regularly stretching the hip flexors, which can become tight during prolonged sitting, can help maintain proper posture and reduce the risk of lower back pain.

Practicing deep breathing exercises during the flight can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

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