I recently came back to LA after spending the holidays with my family in Spain where I grew up. Before my flight there, I knew there were a few things I absolutely needed before boarding. Traveling in general can get tiring, but especially long haul flights AND being pregnant!
As a former model who used to take red eyes to straight to set all the time, I take my travel game very seriously! Now being pregnant I apply the same rules plus some new tips I've learned recently from my OBGYN, I thought I'd share with you. These are good tips in general for flying to help with the overall effects from a long flight. You are cooped up in a chair and it often leads to bloating, swollen feet (struggle to get your shoes on after a flight!?) dry skin, puffy under eyes, and overall exhaustion, yeah its not sexy….
With that, let’s dive in! If you have any tips or tricks you use for long haul flights or travel in general let me know in the comments. I'm always looking for unique ways to combat jet lag or tips on how to get good sleep on a flight. Let me know I’d to hear it!
Sharing some of my favorite tips that I recommend for your next flight to make it smoother, especially for all my pregnant girls!
1. Let’s talk food!
I always bring my own meals and snacks with me from home or buy them before actually arriving at the airport. One, airport food is expensive and the options are typically pretty bad! And food directly on the airline itself is often loaded with sodium that will leave you feeling more puffy and dehydrated.
Before my flight I stopped at Erewhon to pick up some goodies and a meal for my flight. I really like their “madwrap” packed with protein and fiber. I also grabbed Masa tortilla chips by Ancient Crunch, they're delicious and actually satisfy you. Plus a banana and a chocolate muffin because sometimes you just need something sweet. Try to avoid airline food if possible, I swear it also helps with jet lag!
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
It's often the answer to everything but sooo important. I like adding electrolytes to my water for added minerals and flavor. In general you want to drink plenty of water for hydration but ALSO it forces you to get up regularly to use the bathroom which leads me to my next point. I bring my Hydro Flask water bottle with me every time, it keeps water cold, its a good size and I can refill it after security.
3. Get up and move regularly
This promotes circulation which is so important, especially when you're pregnant. All that water you're drinking will naturally get you up to use the restroom, but even beyond that, try to walk up and down the aisle a few times during your flight. While you're sitting, do some in-seat stretches. Point and flex your feet. Roll your ankles around. Get your legs moving even in small ways. It makes such a difference in how you feel when you land.
4. Wear compression socks and comfortable clothing
You will be sitting for a while and the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable from tight, restricted clothing. I wore the Alo comfiest sweatpants and hoodie I own because layers are key with airplane temperature.
Compression socks are especially good and honestly a game changer. They counteract fluid buildup that causes puffy ankles and legs during inactivity. The pressure helps veins work more efficiently to return blood to the heart, especially for journeys over four hours, as prolonged sitting is a risk factor. And especially while pregnant! I’ve been using them even before pregnancy, I never fly without them.
5. Skincare
A personal preference but not totally necessary. I'm a puffy girl so I like to apply Summer Fridays Jet Lag eye patches about an hour before landing. I also love with their overnight eye serum (but beware there is retinol so not recommended while pregnant!). To cool and depuff I use my Therabody depuffing wand it feels really soothing and has an ultra cold setting that I personally love. This helps me feel and look slightly better stepping off the plane after spending hours in the air.
Also, quick tip - close your window blind to avoid too much UV exposure. And I bring my blue light blocking glasses which help me actually rest during the flight, lights at the airport and airplanes can be really aggressive so I like to wear a hat too.
6. Once you land, stretch and move
Lastly, once you arrive at your destination try to stretch and walk to get the body going and help with jetlag! Even just 10-15 minutes of walking around helps so much. Your body needs to wake up again after being compressed in a seat for hours.
Let me know what I missed or if you have any tips I should add to my travel routine!
I've also just posted a new YouTube vlog from before I traveled to Spain, if you want to take a look! Plus more BTS from my January shoot for T — F Studio's Strength & Sculpt program.