Recently, I took a 12-hour flight to Madrid, and it was quite an adventure. From navigating time zone changes to dealing with cramped seating and throwing up passengers, I learned a lot about how to make the experience more bearable. This is why I wanted to write an article with the tips I wish I had had before my flight!
So whether you are a seasoned traveler or gearing up for your first long-distance flight, these ten tips will help you survive and even enjoy your long-haul flight. Buckle up and get ready for a smoother, more comfortable journey with these tried-and-true strategies.
#1 Wear Comfortable Clothes
The clothes you wear on a flight can significantly impact how you feel during and after the flight. For a long-haul flight, opting for loose-fitting clothes made from moisture-wicking materials or breathable fabrics like cotton is especially beneficial. This is because loose-fitting clothes allow you to move around more in your seat, plus you are less likely to feel claustrophobic in airy clothing.
Layering your clothing is also a good idea since airplane cabins usually vary in temperature. I suggest wearing an easily-removable jacket or sweater on top, a short-sleeve shirt beneath, and a tank top as a base layer. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing to stay comfortable if the cabin is too warm or too cold.
Lastly, comfortable shoes are a must! You don't want to be trapped for 8 hours or more in uncomfortable shoes, so before leaving for your airport, make sure you are wearing shoes you will be fine wearing for several hours. Ideally, these shoes should be easy to slip on and off for security checks and when you want to relax during the flight.
Overall, make sure you wear comfortable clothes when preparing for a long-haul flight because you'll be in them for several hours. So, if that means you wear your favorite pajama pants or fuzzy cat socks on the plane that is completely fine!
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#2 Bring Snacks Aboard
Free snacks and food are almost always provided on long-haul flights, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't bring your own. One of the main things I learned after my latest long-haul flights is that bringing snacks aboard is a game-changer. Airline meals are served at specific times during the flight, and you might find yourself feeling hungry in between.
Additionally, the quality and type of food provided might not always suit your taste or dietary needs. For example, on my 13-hour flight from Madrid, the flight attendants had run out of vegetarian meals by the time they got to my row, leaving me with a soggy chicken sandwich. Thankfully, I had brought some of my favorite snacks aboard, so I had something to eat.
That is why before you board your flight make sure that you are stocked on your favorite snacks. I suggest bringing a mix of healthy options, like carrot sticks, dried fruit, and protein bars, as well as a few sweet treats for a morale boost, such as gummy bears. Overall, by packing your favorite snacks, you ensure that you have food you enjoy. Plus, eating something familiar can be comforting during a long journey.
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#3 Charge Your Devices Before
Phones are great for entertainment, whether you use them to watch movies, scroll social media, or read books. That is why you would hate to find your battery drained halfway through the flight. And even though many long-haul flights have in-seat power outlets or USB ports, there's no guarantee they will be available or functioning properly. (Something I learned first-hand on my latest long-haul flight.)
As a result, you should always charge your devices before a long-haul flight, so you can make the most of your flight time, whether that's catching up on the latest series or staying connected with friends and family. Overall, having your devices charged before your long-haul will significantly enhance your in-flight experience, making the long hours pass much more quickly.
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#4 Download Movies Prior
Relating to the previous point, it is also a good idea to download your favorite movies and shows prior to the flight. This is because it can be difficult to find reliable wifi while on the go and even if you do, you may have to buy it. Plus, while most long-haul airlines offer in-flight entertainment, they may not have a wide selection of movies and shows. As a result, downloading movies and shows onto your device before the trip ensures that you can watch and read what you want, whenever you want.
#5 Aim to Sleep
Even though it is difficult to fall asleep on a plane, you must rest on a long-haul flight. A few hours of sleep can make a significant difference in how you feel once you land. Adjusting your sleep schedule to your destination’s time zone even before you board can help minimize jet lag and make the transition smoother.
To maximize your chances of getting some sleep, I suggest you bring a neck pillow and a cozy blanket. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can also help drown out the sounds of the aircraft and fellow passengers.
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#6 Bring Painkillers in Your Carry-on
Anything can happen on a long-haul flight, which is why it is good to be prepared. And what better way to be prepared than by packing painkillers in your carry-on? Simple over-the-counter painkillers, such as Advil can be lifesavers if you experience any symptoms in the middle of a long-haul flight.
For example, maybe you become nauseous after the served meal or you get a headache during the flight. Whatever it is, keeping a few painkillers in your carry-on is a great idea when going on a long-haul flight.
A bonus tip would also be to bring a mini first aid kit alongside the painkillers. While it might seem excessive, you will certainly be glad to have a first aid kit if a minor problem arises, such as a paper cut or dry eyes. In your first-aid kit, I recommend lip balm, band-aids, wipes, gauze, and eye drops.
Overall, long-haul flights can be unpredictable, which is why painkillers and a small kit with essentials like band-aids can save you a lot of discomfort. Bringing painkillers (and a first aid kit) in your carry-on isn’t just smart thinking, but essential on a long-haul flight. For anything from cramps to dizziness, painkillers are always important to have on hand.
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#7 Walk Around Before Boarding
For any long-haul flight, you're going to be sitting down for…a long time. So, walking around the airport before you board the plane is beneficial. Walking around the terminal, doing some light stretching exercises, or even just standing up periodically can help get your blood flowing and prevent health issues and discomfort.
Plus, once you are on the plane, you should make it a point to get up and move around every couple of hours. Take a stroll down the aisle, do some gentle stretches in your seat, or flex your feet and ankles to keep the circulation moving. Trust me, your body will thank you!
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#8 Pack Lightly
Packing lightly for a long-haul flight is key. Bringing only the essentials in your bag means you have less stuff to lug around the airport and onto the plane, ultimately making it easier for you to move through security and find overhead bin space. Plus, with less clutter in your carry-on, you will likely have more space under the seat in front of you. This is because your carry-on bag will fit better under the seat, so you will have more legroom to stretch out and get comfortable.
Packing light not only streamlines your travel experience but also maximizes your personal space, ensuring you can stretch out and enjoy your flight from takeoff to touchdown.
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#9 Hydrate
You must remember to hydrate while on a long-haul flight. The dry cabin air in an airplane can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, and just overall discomfort. Therefore, you need to make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the flight, even if you don't feel particularly thirsty.
Relating to that, you should also avoid excessive caffeine before and during a flight as it can contribute to even more dehydration. One piece of advice is to bring a refillable water bottle. This way you can fill up your water bottle after security and you can ask flight attendants for water refills to help ensure you stay hydrated from takeoff to landing.
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#10 Expect Discomfort
I know that this might sound pessimistic, but ultimately, you should know that there is no way to be completely comfortable on a long-haul flight. Long-haul flights are difficult for everyone, even the most experienced travelers. From the cramped seating to the dry cabin air and unpredictable turbulence, numerous factors make these journeys challenging.
This is why one of the best things you can do before boarding a long-haul flight is to come to terms with the fact that you will be uncomfortable. In fact, throughout the flight, your legs will start to ache, your back will stiffen, and you are sure to become tired. As a result, it is good to mentally prepare yourself for this long stretch of sitting by going into the flight expecting discomfort.
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Whether you are jetting off on an international school trip or a family vacation, surviving a long-haul flight doesn't have to be a daunting task. Remember, even though the hours in the air might feel endless, a little preparation and a positive mindset go a long way in making your journey smoother and more comfortable. By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of your flight and arrive at your destination feeling ready to explore. Safe travels!
