No one wants to spend the first few days of their holiday recovering from their flight, but if you are flying long haul, this can be a common occurrence. Aside from taking obvious precautions before your flight, such as getting a good night’s sleep in one of the Gatwick hotels and paying for a better seat, these tips should help improve your chances of getting a few hours’ kip.

You don’t want to be like this!

1. Pick a Quiet Seat

Research by EasyJet found that the most popular seat on a standard European flier is seat 7F. This is likely because it’s right at the front of the plane making it the best place to sit for quick disembarkation. However, the seats at the front of the plane are usually reserved for families travelling with babies and toddlers: neither of whom can be guaranteed to remain quiet for the duration of a flight. Instead, opt to sit at the back of the plane in one of the window seats.

Wish your seat was like this – alone, in a desert? Me, too. Fall asleep and dream...

2. Recline as Far as Possible

Unless you’re lucky enough to be travelling in business class, you’ll need to find a position that you feel comfortable enough in to sleep.  Experts recommend reclining your seat as far back as it will possibly go. Sitting up straight can contribute to lower back pain, and although it may be controversial to recline for the whole flight, that’s what your seat was designed to do. Other options include leaning forward onto your tray table, or curling up fetal style if you have a free seat next to you.

Sometimes you just want to curl up and sleep.

3. Keep Your Seat Belt Visible

There is nothing worse than nodding off to sleep only to have a stewardess tap you on the shoulder to find out if your seat belt is buckled up. To prevent this, make sure your seatbelt is visible over your clothing or blanket. That way, if the captain does switch the seatbelt sign on, it won’t distract you from your sleep.

4. Bring a Pillow

Travel pillows may not have a good reputation, but they can help you to sleep a lot more easily. Aside from the blow up neck pillow that everyone is aware of, you could also look into buying an elastic band pillow or an ostrich pillow. Both of these not only help to keep your neck comfortable, but they also provide eye and ear protection, helping you to not only sleep but also avoid distraction from your neighbours.

Why yes, please.

5. Pop Some Pills

Finally, as a last resort, you can also carry some sleeping aides onto the plane with you to help you overcome the noise and discomfort you are feeling.They should, however, only be used on long haul journeys otherwise you may wake up feeling drowsy and disoriented. It’s best to discuss the best option for you with a travel clinic or your GP before you travel.

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Can you think of any more tips for catching an in-flight nap?  Please share your advice in the comments.