5 tips for a comfortable flight

All it takes to have a comfortable flight is five things: keep what you will use during the flight to hand, wear comfortable clothes in layers, drink water regularly, have something to eat and get up to move around now and then if the flight is long. They are simple details, but they make the difference between getting off the plane exhausted or keen to start your trip. Add to that a sixth tip that people often forget: having sorted out how you will get from the airport to your destination.

The less you take into the cabin, the quicker you board and the more comfortable you are in your seat. Put what you will use during the flight in a small bag or rucksack, so you do not have to keep opening the overhead locker:

• Travel documents, boarding pass and wallet.
• Phone, headphones, charger and power bank (power banks always go in the cabin).
• A book or downloaded content, because not every plane has wifi or screens.
• Medication, tissues and an empty bottle to refill after security.

If you are not sure what you can take in the cabin or check in, we explain it in tips for travelling with your luggage on a plane.

On a flight you spend hours sitting in a small space at a changing temperature: warm when you board, cold from the air conditioning in mid-flight. Ideally wear loose clothes, in fabrics that do not pinch, and a warm layer that is easy to put on and take off, such as a sweatshirt or a jumper. Shoes should be comfortable and easy to take off at security. On long flights, a pair of thick socks is welcome.

Cabin air is dry and, on long flights, you notice it in your skin, your eyes and how tired you feel. Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty, and go easy on alcohol and coffee, which dehydrate you. As liquids do not get through security, take your bottle empty and refill it afterwards, or buy water in the departure area: on many airlines, especially on low-cost fares, drinks on board have to be paid for.

Food on board is not always included and not always appealing. Some biscuits, nuts, fruit or a sandwich will save you if the flight is delayed or the meal takes a while to arrive. Solid foods usually get through security without any problem; creamy or liquid ones follow the same rules as other liquids. Bear in mind that some countries restrict certain fresh foods from being brought in, so finish them before you land.

Spending many hours without moving is not good for your circulation. On long flights, get up every so often to walk along the aisle and do simple stretches in your seat: rotating your ankles, bending your legs. For sleeping, a neck pillow, an eye mask and earplugs help a lot.

Beating jet lag

If you are crossing several time zones, switch to your destination's time as soon as you board: sleep if it is night-time there and try to stay awake if it is daytime. When you arrive, natural light and eating at local mealtimes help your body adjust sooner.

After hours of flying, the last thing you want is to work out unfamiliar transport with your suitcases. Find out before you leave how you will get to your hotel or home. If you are heading to Madrid, there is the official taxi rank as you leave the terminal, as we explain in taxis from the airport to Madrid, or you can arrive with everything sorted by booking an airport pickup with your flight number.

From Barajas to central Madrid or anywhere inside the M-30, the fixed fare is €33, regardless of traffic. If you are arriving as a group or with lots of luggage, you can ask for a private transfer from the airport in a vehicle with up to 7 seats. And if you are coming off an intercontinental flight, remember that you will go through passport control first, as we explain in international flights.

Before all this, of course, comes getting ready for the trip: there is a full list in last-minute preparations before travelling.