Airplane Mode: How to arrive fit and relaxed at your destination

Flying is exciting — but your body doesn’t always agree. Limited movement, an unusual daily rhythm, and the drier air at over 30 000 feet can take their toll. Don’t worry, with a few smart tricks, you can arrive relaxed, stay hydrated, and even have fun above the clouds.

Movement and breathing: Mini workouts at your seat 
Sitting for hours can be tiring. To support circulation and relieve your muscles, just a few minutes of activity per hour can make a big difference. Try these simple exercises you can do right in your seat:

  • Ankle circles: improve blood circulation 
  • Knee lifts: activate leg muscles 
  • Shoulder and neck rolls: say goodbye to tension 
  • Straighten your spine: create more space for breathing

And for your nerves: inhale for four seconds, exhale for six. Simple, but effective.
Apps like Moova (movement), Headspace (breathing), or Calm (relaxation) are perfect companions. If you prefer more structure, you can also enjoy short yoga sessions (Yoga on a Plane) available in SWISS In-Flight Entertainment on all long-haul flights.

water bottle inside aircraft
When travelling on an airplane, hydration is key.

Feel good above the clouds
Hydration is everything. Cabin air is drier because it comes from high altitude, is heated, and continuously circulated. That’s why it’s important to always keep water within reach and keep your skin well moisturized. In addition to onboard beverages, it’s worth bringing a reusable water bottle. You can carry it empty through security control and easily refill it with drinking water at the airports in Zurich and Geneva. To prevent your skin and mucous membranes from drying out, consider packing a sea salt nasal spray, hand cream, and a moisturizing face cream or mask. Loose-fitting clothing adds extra comfort. Snoring seatmate? Pull your hoodie over your head and pop in some earplugs — travel instantly becomes more relaxing.

Extra tip: Book your trip on the new SWISS Airbus A350. Why? Thanks to modern technology, humidity levels are about 20% higher, and cabin pressure corresponds to an altitude of around 6 000 feet (instead of 8 000 feet on other aircraft). This reduces fatigue and enhances your overall comfort in the air.

Entertainment and beating boredom
Bored on board? Not a chance. SWISS In-Flight Entertainment offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, music, and even an airshow that lets you track your flight on a map. If you’ve already watched everything: grab a book or get inspired by the SWISS Magazine (available online during the flight, or in print on the A350). Everyone has that one book sitting unread at home—the outbound flight is the perfect time to finally dive in. Reading takes up little space and lets you escape into other worlds. Individual reading lights above your seat make the experience even cozier.

woman watching inflight entertainment, man reading a book
Whether you're watching a movie or reading a book, once you get lost in it, time flies by.

Help with discomfort or fear of flying
If you feel uneasy or anxious about flying, apps can help. The German app PassengerGuard acts as a personal “anxiety companion,” offering breathing exercises, calming techniques, and practical answers to common questions about flying. Another smart app is SkyGuru. It uses your phone’s sensors to explain flight phases and interpret sounds. The idea: understanding what’s happening reduces fear. And remember — you can always ask the cabin crew any questions. They’re happy to help.

Flying doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few tricks, some movement, proper hydration, and good entertainment, your journey becomes an experience in itself. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon and wish you “many happy landings”.