Practical Tips for Tall Travelers to Enhance Comfort During Flights
For tall travelers, flying can often be a challenging experience, with cramped seats and limited legroom. However, there are effective strategies to make air travel more comfortable, even in the constraints of an economy cabin. Here are seven tips specifically designed for the height-endowed passenger to help transform their flying experience.
- Aim for the Exit Row: The exit row in economy class offers the most legroom, crucial for tall passengers. While it might cost extra, the increased comfort can be worth it. Try asking the ticket or gate agent politely for an exit row seat – sometimes, they might accommodate your request for free.
- Avoid Bulkhead Seats: Contrary to popular belief, bulkhead seats can be restrictive for tall people as they don’t allow stretching out legs under the front seat. Opt for other seats where you can utilize the space under the seat in front of you.
- Know Your Aircraft: Use resources like SeatGuru to understand the seat layout and legroom of the aircraft you’ll be flying. This knowledge can help you select the best available seat for your height.
- Utilize the Aisle Armrest Button: On many aisle seats, there’s a button underneath the armrest that allows it to be raised, giving you a bit more space to maneuver. This can be particularly helpful for tall passengers needing to stretch.
- Implement Lumbar Support Hacks: Long flights can strain your back. Use a water bottle wrapped in a blanket as a makeshift lumbar support pillow for added comfort.
- Consider Comfort or Economy Plus: For longer flights, investing in comfort or economy-plus seats can be worth the additional cost. These seats usually offer more legroom and overall space.
- Use Points for Upgrades: Accumulating and wisely using airline points can be a game-changer. Save points to upgrade to business or first-class on long-haul flights where the extra space can significantly enhance comfort.
General Comfort Tips for All Travelers:
- In-Flight Toiletries: Carry essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and facial moisturizer to maintain personal hygiene and comfort.
- Compression Socks: These can reduce the risk of DVT and alleviate swelling in the legs, a common issue during long flights.
- Portable Charger: Ensuring your devices are fully charged can reduce travel anxiety and keep you connected post-flight.
While the average traveler might find flying comfortable enough, tall passengers often face additional challenges. However, with these seven tips, even the tallest travelers can find ways to make their journey in the skies more enjoyable and less of a squeeze. These strategies, combined with general comfort measures, can significantly improve the flying experience for tall individuals.