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|Updated on October 2024|

 

Whether you’re crossing continents or heading to a dream destination, preparing for a lengthy flight is key to arriving refreshed and ready to explore. From packing essentials to in-flight strategies, here are some tips on how to survive a long-haul flight!

 

How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

By preparing well for the long plane flight ahead, packing the long flight essentials, and following a few easy tricks, you can ease your travel anxiety! In addition, there are simple steps you can take to start viewing your travel day as an opportunity to rest, refresh, and enjoy some well-deserved entertainment.

 

It is easier said than done, but your long-haul flight will be as comfortable as possible if you truly do your homework. Read further to learn more about long-haul flight tips and tricks.

How to Prepare Well for a Long Flight

When preparing for a long flight, there are a few ways you can plan to make your flight much more enjoyable. Preparing well for a flight begins when you purchase your flight and continues up to the moment you hop on the plane. Here are some ways you can prepare beforehand to enhance your flight experience.

 

1. Purchase Flights Based on Quality, Not on Price

 

You will probably have undesirable flight times, poor seating options, and long layovers when you purchase flights based on price. However, by focusing on the quality of flights, you can surely choose an airline with comfortable seating and various options for seating.

 

2. Choose a Seat Thoughtfully

 

That is on an aisle or near an emergency exit to have more space. In addition, you may even consider upgrading your long economy flight to business class or first class to have a more comfortable flying experience.

 

More than just comfort, upgrading flights could give you better food or entertainment options. First, consider the price you will pay to upgrade your travel experience.

 

3. Think Twice About Your Travel Outfit

 

It is tempting when traveling to pick out the most stylish outfit or an outfit that is suited for the destination that you will be arriving at. Although style and fashion are factors to consider, make sure you choose a travel outfit that keeps you at the right temperature, is comfortable, and allows you to walk around easily when traveling through the airport. I always wear a hoodie and yoga pants and can’t think of a more comfortable flight outfit for myself at all.

 

Items like stylish joggers, cropped sweatshirts, sneakers, flowy tunics, hoodies, leggings, and graphic tees are all comfortable on long flights.

 

4. Charge Your Devices for a Long-Haul Flight

 

Nothing is worse than settling in and opening your tablet to discover that your device is almost dead. So whether you read books on a Kindle, play games on your phone, or watch movies on your tablet – make sure that all your devices are fully charged!

 

Activities on phones and tablets can quickly drain the battery. Not all flights have accessible charging stations. You can prepare well for the long flight ahead by ensuring each device is fully charged.

 

Packing Long-Flight Essentials

There are a few items that can enhance your travel experience on a long flight! By bringing these few items along with you, you can have a more enjoyable travel. Many of these items are things that you may already possess, or you can easily purchase at a store nearby.

 

1. A Water Bottle and Snacks

 

Your body can easily become swollen and dehydrated during a long travel session. Make sure you bring a large, reusable water bottle to ensure that you are staying adequately hydrated.

 

Many airports have hydration stations that allow you to quickly refill your bottle before a flight. Hydration helps reduce swelling and overall discomfort when traveling.

 

Bring healthy snacks to help keep you satiated throughout the flight. Unfortunately, many snacks and meals offered on flights are high in sugar and sodium content. Sugar and sodium can increase your swelling and discomfort when traveling. Plus, they are always overpriced, so it is always better to bring your own.

 

You can stay energized and nourished throughout your travel day by choosing high-protein, low-sugar snack options. Protein bars, apples, dark chocolate, and nuts are specific items you can pack in a carry-on bag.

 

Check out this article, How to pack light, and more tips.

 

2. Entertainment and Headphones

 

As was mentioned in the previous section, there are many devices you can use to stay entertained on flights! Use your flight to treat yourself and enjoy a book or a movie that you have not yet had the opportunity to experience.

 

Download a new movie you’ve been dying to see, or bring the hottest book your friends have been raving about. Finding a source of entertainment will help the time fly by!

 

But, don’t forget to bring your headphones along. Headphones not only help you absorb movies and shows, but they also help you block out the noise of people snoring loudly or children crying in other parts of the plane.

 

3. Your Toiletry Basics

 

A few toiletry items allow you to feel fresh and rejuvenated even as you travel through the air. Some of the recommended toiletry items to bring on a long flight for your travel comfort include:

• Lip Balm and Moisturizer. Your skin can quickly get dried out on long flights. Bringing moisturizer and lip balm is an easy way to have fresh skin after a long-haul flight.
• Hand Sanitizer. With so many people coming on and off planes, it is easy to contract germs from other travelers. Have hand sanitizer on you at all times to ensure you are not receiving any unwanted bacteria.
• Deodorant and Toothpaste. Nobody wants to step off a plane feeling less than their best. By bringing deodorant and toothpaste, you can freshen up before your long flight is over.
• A Simple Face Serum. A simple face serum can help firm up your features and brighten your skin immediately! By applying a simple serum, you can come off the plane feeling fresh.

 

4. A Travel Pillow and Socks

 

Bringing along a travel pillow will allow you to take a nap comfortably during your long flight. It is not easy to fall asleep if you are chilly. And pack a pair of socks to warm up if you begin to get cold.

 

Check out this related post on 9 Common travel problems and how to solve them

 

Best Tips for Surviving Long-Haul Flights

Following simple long-haul tips, you change your mindset toward long flights. Below are a few ways that you can begin to shift your mindset to conquer your flight with great success.

 

1. Start Adjusting to the Time Zone That You Are Traveling to

 

When you are on a long flight, try to adjust your body to the schedule you will be on when you arrive. For example, if it is the evening you arrive at your destination, don’t sleep in the hours before your arrival. On the other hand, if you arrive in the morning, try to catch some Z’s as you fly. This adjustment will allow you to combat jet lag quicker once you arrive at your destination.

 

2. Stay in Motion as Much as You Can

 

This long-haul flight tip is most important for those who fly in the economy, and that is the answer to the question of how to survive long flights in the economy. Try to do a few laps up and down the plane’s aisle every few hours. It is essential to keep your blood flowing to stay energized while on a flight.

 

3. Consider a Long Travel Day as an Opportunity to Rest and Relax

 

As you approach a long travel day, begin thinking of this period as a chance to rest, enjoy hobbies you may not typically be able to, and try something new. So bring along your favorite snacks, download episodes of your favorite show, and bring a sleeping mask that will allow you to disconnect and rest.

 

By viewing your travel day as an opportunity to rest, you can take the time to truly disconnect and re-energize before you arrive at your destination or arrive back home.

 

I recommend planning your activities for a long-haul flight well in advance. This way, when the day arrives, you’ll be fully prepared with all your entertainment options ready at hand.

 

Final Thoughts

Although a long day of flying is not ideal, it is a necessary part of traveling to the destination of your dreams! So begin shifting your mindset to view travel as a chance to rest, restore, and do something you love. There are easy steps you can take to stay fresh and entertained as you travel over oceans, across cities, and through the air.

 

Now you know how to survive a long-haul flight and make it as comfortable as possible.

 

What was the longest flight you have had so far?

 

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