How do I survive flying coach?
A student recently asked me that question – one that applies to all of us. Every year it seems that seats in coach get narrower and have less leg room. And airplanes are almost always full.
The solution comes in two parts, one a piece of postural know how, the other a handy prop.
But first, here’s how NOT to sit in coach, or business, or first class.
This woman is uncomfortable for the following reasons.:
Her knees bump up against the seat in front of her.
Her lumbar spine collapses forward. You can tell by the fold at her waist.
Her head and shoulders hunch forward.
She is shaped like this because she is sitting on the back of her pelvis.
Check out one of our San Francisco granddaughters accompanied by Juniper, her beloved dog.
When she moves her pelvis back and sits on the bottom of her pelvis notice how:
She has more leg room.
Her back aligns and lengthens up.
Her neck and head back up.
Often on an airplane, the seats are so curved that the head rest pushes my head forward, as in this photo:
This situation forces my spine to curve, and then I spontaneously push my head back. It’s very uncomfortable. My solution is to take off my jacket or sweatshirt, fold it lengthwise, put it vertically up the back of the seat. Check the photos below.
Now for the prop.
For most of the last 10 years, Mike and I have flown to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to see operas in the spectacular setting of their outdoor auditorium. You can see the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains both through the stage and on either side.
But weather is unpredictable. Sometimes, there’s rain, thunder, lightning and chilly weather. If you’re unprepared, which we certainly were early on, you will be buying a blanket at the gift shop during the intermission.
The blanket has a strap that can be attached to my backpack when I travel, as shown below.
It’s a substantial roll and when I put it up my back on the airplane my spine extends upward, my shoulders are no longer pushed forward, and my neck aligns. On one of my latest flights the plane was freezing cold. I was so grateful I could keep my coat on because I had brought my own back support.
The other use I found for this traveling roll is in a rental car. Just like in the airplane, I place the roll at the top of my sacrum (butt) and vertically up my spine. Truly, I don’t think I could drive for any distance without this support.
I am investigating having these blankets for sale and will let you know when they are available. In meantime, here’s a workable substitute. Get a generous piece of fleece, 30 inches wide, and 3 feet long. Fold it in half lengthwise and roll it tightly. Secure with thick rubber bands or hair ties.
I want to emphasize how important it is to put something up your back. Airplane seats in general are too curved. You must augment the seat with some support that goes vertically up your spine. With a little bit of effort, know-how and preparedness you can be at ease on the plane and enjoy your travels.
