Wearing this on a plane can leave you feeling 'stiff and fatigued', according to pilot
As Aussies, we are no strangers to a tropical getaway. But there is one thing some of us might have done before that is making the journey there a little less pleasant.
Fiji Airways pilot Captain Etika is responsible for regularly transporting travellers to their beach escape.
Speaking to 9Travel, he says a very common mistake he sees people making is wearing the wrong thing on the plane.
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Wearing the wrong thing on the plane can ruin your journey. Getty
"As a Fiji Airways pilot, I see a lot of passengers heading to the islands in shorts and singlets – which makes sense for where they're going – but aircraft cabins are typically much cooler than people expect," he tells us.
"At cruising altitude, the outside temperature can sit around minus 50 degrees Celsius, and while the cabin is pressurised and climate-controlled, it's still on the cooler side for comfort."
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Instead, he says the smartest way to dress for a flight is to use layers.
"Something easy to add or remove. A soft jumper, a scarf, or a light jacket can make a long flight far more comfortable," he adds.
"When you're sitting for several hours, even a small drop in temperature can leave you feeling stiff and fatigued.
"Staying warm helps you relax, sleep better, and arrive feeling refreshed – which means you start your holiday or business trip in a much better state."
Keeping warm will help you feel refreshed. Getty
Other than keeping warm there are a few more things passengers can do to make their flight a little more comfortable.
Indeed, choosing your seat can make a big difference to your experience, especially when in economy class.
"I always recommend selecting your seat wisely. If you value mobility and easy access to the aisle, choose an aisle seat," Etika says.
"If you prefer uninterrupted rest and a place to lean, a window seat is ideal. That small decision can significantly improve comfort over several hours."
Staying hydrated is another key factor.
"The cabin environment is very dry, so drinking water regularly helps reduce fatigue and jet lag. I also suggest limiting caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration."
Fiji Airways pilot, Captain Etika, flies many travellers on their beach holidays. Supplied
In his own travels, Captain Etika also has a specific kind of suitcase he prefers using to make things go as smoothly as possible.
"I prefer travelling with a hard-shell carry-on that has four spinner wheels. From experience, when you travel frequently, you start to value efficiency and durability more than anything else," he says.
"A hard case protects everything inside whether it's clothes, documents, or electronics and it holds its shape well even when compartments get crowded.
"The four wheels make a big difference too. Moving quickly through airports, especially during tight connections, is much easier when your suitcase glides."
