Long haul flights can be boring, uncomfortable and sometimes even unbearable. Walk off the plane feeling fresh and rejuvenated by following our tips for long flights that will help make your flight a bit more enjoyable, or at least endurable.
How to Survive a Long Flight
Here are some long haul flight tips for more comfortable travel:
Buy your tickets early.
The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to secure your favorite seat, whether that’s next to the window, aisle or restroom – or in an exit row. You may even be able to score affordable seats in the premium cabin if you book early enough!
Bring sleeping gear.
One of the best things to do on a long flight is to sleep. Investing in a comfortable pillow, cozy blanket, some noise-canceling earplugs and a sleep mask is a good idea if you plan on getting some quality rest on your long flight. A good neck pillow will help keep your spine aligned so you don’t wake up with kinks in your neck or back.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Travel with loose, comfortable clothes that allow you to maneuver and snuggle in when you want to rest your eyes. It’s a good idea to dress in layers on a long-haul flight so you can add or remove extra clothing in case you’re affected by the shifting temperatures.
Make sure your devices are charged.
The last thing you want to happen on a 12+ hour flight is for your tablet or phone to die halfway through. Be sure to charge your devices or power packs while you’re waiting at the airport to avoid losing power during your flight!
Bring your own entertainment.
Don’t rely solely on in-flight entertainment because it may be broken or fail at any moment throughout the flight. Be sure to bring your headphones, tablet, laptop or your phone with music, podcasts and movies downloaded for your trip! Books, magazines and games are also great for keeping yourself busy.
Pack snacks.
It’s important that you stay well-nourished with some light snacks throughout a long flight. To avoid spending money on expensive snacks onboard, pack your own in your carry-on!
Stay healthy.
Sitting in a cramped space for a long period of time can be extremely uncomfortable. Be sure to drink plenty of water, pack healthy snacks like fruit and granola bars, get some quality rest, and stretch when you need to!
Stay hydrated.
Air travel is incredibly dehydrating, so it’s important that you keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water. Continue to drink water throughout the entire flight, especially if you’re drinking any coffee or alcoholic beverages.
Prepare for jet lag.
If you can, try to book an overnight flight to beat jet lag. Otherwise, begin to shift your sleep schedule an hour each day a few days prior to your trip to avoid the pain that comes with crossing multiple time zones quickly. Getting a few hours of sleep on the plane will also help ease you into a new time zone smoothly.
