Many people assume that economy seats are all the same, but choosing the right one can make a big difference. Use tools like SeatGuru or airline-specific seat maps to scout the cabin in advance. Avoid seats near the lavatories or galleys—these areas get noisy and foot traffic is constant. Bulkhead rows might offer extra legroom, but they can come with fixed armrests or no under-seat storage. Exit rows are another leg-stretching option, but sometimes they don’t recline. If you’re someone who likes to get up often, an aisle seat gives you freedom without bothering anyone. Prefer to lean and snooze? Go for a window seat and bring a good travel pillow. Smart seat selection won’t turn economy into first class, but it can save your sanity over 12+ hours.
Preload Your Body Clock
Jet lag hits hard when your internal body clock clashes with the local time zone. You can fight back by gradually shifting your schedule 3–4 days before your flight. If you’re heading east, try going to bed and waking up earlier. If you’re flying west, do the opposite and push your bedtime later. Eat meals aligned with your destination’s daytime hours and get some natural light exposure if possible. Apps like Timeshifter can help plan your transition. This small shift helps your body begin adapting before you even leave the ground, which reduces grogginess when you land. Your trip will start smoother, and you won’t feel like you’ve been hit by a truck.
