Boarding an airplane can be one of the most thrilling ways to start a vacation. The ritual, the altitude and the promise of a new destination are just a few reasons why flying is so appealing. Make sure you keep your flight as happy and successful as possible by taking measures to stay healthy while in the air.

Get some sleep. It’s common for people to exhaust themselves before a trip so they can sleep on the flight, but the 30 or so inches your seat offers won’t compare to your bed, and nothing is worse than spending your first day of vacation drained.

Hydrate. A few days before your flight, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prepare your body for the dehydration of being up so high. Lay off the salt, alcohol and caffeine, and you’ll feel refreshed when you arrive.

Keep moving. Even though the person in the aisle seat may not approve, it’s important to move around the cabin — especially on long flights to keep your circulation up, and to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis — a disorder linked to lack of blood circulation.

Want to find out how to kick jet lag and prepare yourself for long-haul flights? Learn more about the easy steps you can take to stay healthy on your flight, with our comprehensive Travel Tip about Air Travel and Health.

© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney