An experienced flight attendant shared unexpected nuances of passenger behavior during long air flights

Any air travel can be stressful, but some people find long flights especially difficult. British flight attendant with 24 years of experience, Chris Major, revealed in a conversation with CNN Travel several secrets that will make the flight more comfortable.

If you’re flying on an overnight flight and want to get the best sleep possible on board, Major suggests grabbing a snack before boarding the plane. Major, who also represents European cabin crew and pilots as chairman of the European Transport Workers’ Federation’s Joint Flight Crew Committee, says it’s telling that most business travelers turn a blind eye as soon as they get on board.

If you’re flying business or first class, you may also be tempted to make the most of the abundance of food on offer. But it can take a good two hours for food and drinks to be delivered to the cabin, which is wasted leisure time.

If you are flying a long-haul flight, passengers will be offered food one way or another. However, should you refuse food if you are not hungry or just want to take a break?

Major says passengers should do whatever fits their travel schedule. If you are tired, it is better to sleep. This will be better than forcing yourself to eat dinner at about 3 am.

When it comes to bringing food on board, Chris Major recommends doing so. Especially if you have a medical condition for which fasting is not recommended. This is important if you are traveling with children.

Airlines typically provide pillows for long-haul travelers, but Major says that depending on your preferences, it may be a good idea to bring your own eye mask, travel pillow and/or blanket.

Additionally, although this is rare, there is always the possibility that there will be no airbags, which can be a big problem during, say, a 14-hour flight.

“It happens,” says Chris Major. “So I would say this: take care of your comfort and your needs as much as possible.”

Many of us find it difficult to sleep on airplanes. The reasons may be different: unfamiliar noises, uncomfortable seats, limited legroom… Is it worth persisting in these cases and trying to sleep? Major argues that this makes no sense. However, he warns that if you are going to be driving or going straight to a meeting, you should try to get as much rest as possible.

Major’s top tip for feeling refreshed after sleeping on a flight may seem obvious, but he insists it makes a huge difference: “Brushing your teeth always refreshes everyone the most.”

Sitting in the same vertical position for hours is uncomfortable, but it is not always possible to get up and stretch.

Chris Major emphasizes that even just wiggling your toes has meaning: “Move in the seat, move your legs, do what comes naturally – rock, move, get the blood flowing. People who have circulatory problems should talk to their doctor.”

The flight attendant also recommends that travelers remove their shoes during a long flight for comfort and improve blood circulation. However, Major strongly does not recommend putting your feet into the passage. The reason is simple: flight attendants or other passengers may simply trip.

Which place is better to choose? If you’re concerned about turbulence, Major advises sitting near the front of the plane. If you are tall, it may be worth reserving an emergency exit seat to gain extra legroom. But it’s worth remembering: “You can’t put your bags at your feet or anything like that because it will block the escape route.”

Major’s personal choice on a long-haul flight is to book a window seat: “I can lean against the wall, put my head down and fall asleep. Whereas you can’t do that when you’re sitting in the aisle or in the middle.”

The middle seat is never to be envied, but it may be especially unattractive on a long flight.

In Major’s experience, those who are afraid of flying are worried about one of two things. Or it is “lack of control” and “foreign environment”. Or it’s the fear of a plane crash.

Some people find it reassuring to hear Major walk them through the mechanics of an airplane, explaining that unknown engine noises are normal, or that air travel is generally very safe and there are many safety features.

Some people may have chosen not to know all the subtleties, but this is a great help to take their mind off things.