The Consummate Traveler – Keeping Hydrated at 37,000 Feet

It is probably no surprise that the air in the cabin of an airplane is extremely depleted of moisture. According to some statistics it may be as low as 3 percent.
The Consummate Traveler – Keeping Hydrated at 37,000 Feet
2/7/2013
Updated:
2/7/2013

After years of traveling, I have recently begun to experience very dry sinuses and a headache the day following my flight. Since this never really happened to me before, I was a bit perplexed about what was going on. It was particularly bad after my recent 14-hour flight from New York City to Japan a few weeks ago.

It is probably no surprise that the air in the cabin of an airplane is extremely depleted of moisture. According to some statistics that I have seen while searching the Internet, it may be as low as 3 percent. This can quickly lead to excessive dryness in skin, hair, eyes and sinuses. I have also heard that the low moisture can be a contributing factor to jet lag.

Well, I guess my prayers were answered. On my return flight from Japan just days ago, the airline gave all passengers in business and first class a water based spray mist to use during the journey. I can honestly say it was the first time I was ever given this type of product (thank you Korean Airlines!) Like a kid with a new toy, I immediately had to try it out.

All I can say is “Magnifique!” The minute I misted my face and nose with this product, I knew I had just found a very important travel “must have” that would accompany me from this day on. I felt an immediate relief in my skin and my nasal passages. It left my face so soft and smooth that I quickly became addicted to it, and had to have a spritz every hour.

Given this new inspiration, my wheels began to turn—and I came up with an idea to further boost the moisture in my nasal area, which was starting to hurt. So, I took a cotton swab and drowned it in some cool water from the bathroom sink and placed it into my nostrils. It was so refreshing, I almost felt like I had gotten 10 hours of sleep! I ended up repeating this routine every hour or so for most of the flight.

In addition to all these new techniques, I drank more water than I usually do—and kept away from too much caffeine, which is a weakness of mine. This magic formula worked wonders, and I am happy to report that I felt quite well and suffered no headache after my long journey! In fact, I had no jet lag the following day. Is this a coincidence? I’m not sure.

Wasting no time, I have already searched online and purchased the facial water spray from Evian in a set of three travel-sized 1.7 ounce bottles for $20. Although it is a bit expensive, it seems like a worthy investment—especially since I will have a 15 plus hour excursion in a few weeks from New York to Mumbai, India.



If you too suffer from symptoms of excessive dehydration while flying, I urge you to try the facial water spray, and be sure to stay away from soda, alcohol, and caffeine during your flight.

As always, I wish you all happy travels!

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