Long-haul flights can be horrifying for heavy smokers and can often bring about withdrawal symptoms, similar to how quitting smoking would make you feel. If you’re wondering whether you can smoke on long haul flights, you can bring cigarettes with you, as long as you don’t light up. In the UK, indoor smoking is not permitted; however, some airports have smoking rooms inside the terminal or designated smoking areas outside the departure level. Just because you can’t light up on a flight doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. With a little help from the experts at Boots, follow these practical flying tips for smokers on how to make your travels bearable, before and during long-haul flights. 

START A PROGRAM

SMOKING CONTROL PRODUCTS

PRACTICAL TIPS

In addition to starting a Stop Smoking Program, there are lots of smoking control products available that can help to curb those nicotine cravings. The Nicotine patch is available in various strengths and can be worn under clothes so that they’re not at all noticeable, whereas nicotine gum, lozenges and spray are taken orally and will give the user something else to do with their mouth other than drawing on a cigarette. Nicotine inhalers are one of the best nicotine replacement for a long flight. They have the added benefit of being handheld and inhaled, like a cigarette, which is an action many smokers miss when trying to quit smoking. All of the above smoking control products are available in the Boots NicAssist range, and when you sign up to the Boots UK Smoke Less Plan, you’re able to switch between types of nicotine replacement therapy to find the one that suits you best, using the unique nicotine exchange service.

Avoid Alcohol

It’s common for travellers to indulge in a tipple or two at the airport or on-board their flight to mark the start of their sunny holiday, but if you’re a smoker this could lead to reaching for the cigarettes again. Alcohol and smoking can often go hand-in-hand and cravings for a cigarette can become worse once you’ve had a drink – it’s best to stick to the soft stuff if you want to keep the cravings to a minimum.

Swap Smoking for Snacks

Keeping your hands and mouth occupied is often the key to cutting down unwanted cravings. Hard-boiled sweets, mints or toffees are good choices as they take a while to suck on or chew – regular or nicotine gum is also a good option.

Keep Yourself Busy

Find something you enjoy doing that you can pick up and put down at a moment’s notice - sort of like a portable hobby – and keep it in your hand luggage during the flight. Whether it’s a good novel, puzzle book or video game, keeping yourself entertained during a long flight means your mind is engaged and your hands are busy!

Have A Nap

Feeling anxious can make the urge to smoke stronger, so it’s important to find other ways to relax while up in the air – and what better way is there to relax than taking a nap? Whether you take a pillow, don an eye mask or listen to calming music, snoozing through your long haul flights is sure to send any cravings on their way – so put on your comfies (preferably not pyjamas) and take a trip to the land of nod.

PLAN A REWARD

Before you land at your holiday destination, it can be helpful to think about the fantastic things you would like to experience. Whether it’s swimming with the dolphins or you want to take a helicopter ride, an amazing holiday is the ultimate treat for smokers.