Long-haul flights can be daunting for any traveler. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, spending hours in a cramped seat, breathing recycled air, and dealing with jet lag can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. But don’t despair — there are some simple strategies you can use to make your long-haul flight more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are 10 proven tips to help you survive a long-haul flight without losing your mind.
1. Book your ticket as early as possible
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth long-haul flight is to book your ticket as early as possible. This will give you more options to choose your preferred seat, whether you want a window, an aisle, or an exit row. Booking early also means you can take advantage of lower fares and avoid last-minute stress. If you have frequent flyer miles, you can also use them to upgrade to a more spacious and luxurious cabin.
2. Wear your most comfortable outfit
When it comes to long-distance travel, comfort is key. You don’t want to wear anything that’s too tight, too heavy, or too scratchy. Instead, opt for loose-fitting layers that you can easily adjust according to the temperature and your mood. You can also bring a scarf, a sweater, or a jacket to keep you cozy and warm. Another essential item is compression socks, which can prevent swelling and blood clots in your legs.
3. Pack your carry-on essentials
Your carry-on bag is your lifeline on a long-haul flight. It should contain everything you need to make your journey more pleasant and productive. Some of the items you should pack include:
- A travel pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask to help you sleep better
- A pair of headphones or earbuds to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks
- A book, a magazine, or a Kindle to read something interesting
- A laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone to watch movies, play games, or work on something
- A power bank or a charger to keep your devices juiced up
- A water bottle and some snacks to stay hydrated and nourished
- A toothbrush, toothpaste, and some wipes to freshen up
- A face mask and some hand sanitizer to protect yourself and others from germs
4. Choose your food and drinks wisely
What you eat and drink on a long-haul flight can have a big impact on how you feel. To avoid indigestion, bloating, dehydration, and jet lag, you should follow these tips:
- Drink plenty of water before and during the flight
- Eat light meals that are low in fat, sugar, and salt
- Avoid spicy or greasy foods that can upset your stomach
- Bring some healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, or granola bars
- Chew gum or suck on candy to relieve ear pressure
Move around and stretch
Sitting still for hours on end can cause stiffness, soreness, and cramps in your muscles and joints. It can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition where blood clots form in your veins. To prevent these problems, you should get up and walk around the cabin every hour or so. You can also do some simple stretches in your seat or in the aisle, such as:
- Rolling your shoulders and neck
- Twisting your torso from side to side
- Bending forward and touching your toes
- Lifting your knees up to your chest
- Rotating your ankles and wrists
6. Adjust your sleep schedule
One of the biggest challenges of long-haul flights is coping with jet lag. Jet lag is the mismatch between your internal clock and the local time at your destination. It can cause fatigue, insomnia, irritability, headaches, and digestive issues. To minimize jet lag, you should try to adjust your sleep schedule before and during the flight. Here are some tips:
- A few days before your flight, start shifting your bedtime closer to the time zone of your destination
- On the day of your flight, avoid napping or sleeping too much
- During the flight, set your watch to the local time of your destination
- Try to sleep when it’s night time at your destination
- Use a travel pillow, an eye mask, earplugs, or headphones to block out noise and light
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol before sleeping
7. Entertain yourself
Long-haul flights can be boring if you don’t have anything to do. To pass the time and keep yourself entertained, you should bring some fun activities that suit your interests and preferences. Some examples are:
- Watching movies or TV shows on the in-flight entertainment system or on your own device
- Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks that make you happy or relaxed
- Reading books or magazines that inspire you or teach you something new
- Playing games or puzzles that challenge your brain or make you laugh
- Working on something creative or productive like writing, drawing, knitting, or coding
8. Be friendly and respectful
One of the most fun ways to survive a long-haul flight is to strike up a conversation with your seatmate or that person that’s on the same toilet schedule as you. You never know who you might meet on a plane — they could be a potential friend, a business partner, or even a soulmate. However, you should also be respectful of their privacy and personal space. If they don’t seem interested in talking, don’t force it. Also, be mindful of other passengers around you. Don’t hog the armrests, kick the seat in front of you, or recline too much.
9. Treat yourself
A long-haul flight can be stressful, but it can also be an opportunity to pamper yourself. You can treat yourself by:
- Buying something nice at the airport duty-free shop
- Ordering a special meal or drink on board
- Applying some moisturizer, lip balm, or eye drops to hydrate your skin
- Using some aromatherapy oils, candles, or sprays to create a relaxing atmosphere
- Giving yourself a massage with a roller ball, a tennis ball, or your own hands
10. Enjoy the journey
Finally, the best way to survive a long-haul flight is to enjoy the journey. Instead of focusing on the negatives, try to appreciate the positives. Think about how lucky you are to be able to travel across the world in a matter of hours. Think about how amazing it is to see different landscapes, cultures, and people from above. Think about how exciting it is to explore new places, learn new things, and have new experiences. A long-haul flight is not just a means to an end — it’s part of the adventure.