Long-haul flights, especially in economy, can leave you feeling stiff, sore and more drained than when you boarded. To help make these cramped quarters more bearable, ergonomists shared types of items that support your posture, promote small but meaningful movement and make it easier to sleep, eat, watch a movie or even get some work done more comfortably at 30,000 feet.
Economy seating prioritizes space efficiency over comfort, which is why it can feel so unforgiving on long flights. “The lack of lumbar support, limited recline and minimal leg space can cause awkward postures while sitting,” says Lauren Brizendine, director of ergonomics at Fit For Work. “In cramped conditions, even small misalignments in posture can compound discomfort during long-haul flights.” Sitting still for too long also reduces circulation and stiffens joints, raising your risk of deep vein thrombosis, a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, which can cause pain and swelling.
Ahead, see what Brizendine and other experts recommended to create a little more comfort in these cramped conditions.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
