Don't Make These In-Flight Mistakes

Image: PHOTO: Sunrise from a commercial airliner. (photo via Flickr/Lenny K Photography)
Image: PHOTO: Sunrise from a commercial airliner. (photo via Flickr/Lenny K Photography)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Wed March 8, 2017

Did you know you could make or break your trip based on your behavior on the plane? A new report from Smarter Travel shows that you can self-sabotage your trip on the airplane.

"Seemingly innocuous activities can set you up for exhaustion, illness, and jet lag - all total vacation killers," writes Christine Sarkis.

One of the biggest killers is just not moving at all.

"Sitting in an airplane seat is hard on your body. If you're not moving and stretching at regular intervals in-flight, you're putting yourself at risk. Opt to remain in your seat for hours at a time and you'll likely arrive with the aches and pains of tight muscles," writes Sarkis.

Unfortunately, drinking is another bummer.

"A glass of wine with dinner on an international flight? Reasonable (especially if you're also drinking a healthy amount of water). Three vodka tonics in quick succession on a cross-country flight? Recipe for regret," says Sarkis.

Marathon movie-watching is also probably not a good idea. The best plan is to get some rest.

[READMORE]READ MORE: How to Pack Like a Travel Pro [/READMORE]

"Before you take off, set your watch for your destination and let that time zone loosely guide your activities. Try to sleep during your destination's nighttime (cabins are often dimmed accordingly)," suggests Sarkis.

For more examples of what you don't want to do on a flight, read on here.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...