Avoid Dehydration on Your Next Flight

Airplanes are modern marvels, but the havoc they can wreak on your hair, skin and eyes is less than marvelous. As everyone knows, cabin air is drier than most people are used to, humidity hovers around 10 percent, and this can make for an uncomfortable flight.

Even mild dehydration has unpleasant consequences — constipation, headaches, pale complexion, static hair and a general feeling of ill ease. Follow these tips to make your next flight as comfortable as possible.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to constantly chug water to stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon and apples can help keep you hydrated. In addition, these fruits and vegetables provide fiber to keep you full and help prevent constipation.

Pack moisturizing eye drops, travel-size nasal spray and face lotion in your carry-on luggage. These inexpensive drugstore finds can drastically improve your comfort level on long flights. Pack a leave-in-conditioner or hair treatment to help ease static and prevent dryness and frizz.

This almost goes without saying, but drinking enough fluid, excluding alcohol and caffeine, is essential to staying hydrated. Bring your own water bottle (an empty one to get through TSA) and take advantage of the free drinks most airlines offer.

Drink up and safe travels!