10 Tips for Surviving Your Next Long-Haul Flight
How to Survive a Long Haul Flight in Economy
Anticipating a long-haul flight can be daunting, even for frequent travelers. I just took my first one in a long time traveling to Paris, and I made a few mistakes. Being cooped up in a small space for hours on end, wondering when you’ll get to eat next or get your next drink, and if you’ll be able to sleep can give anyone anxiety. By learning from my mistakes and with some smart planning and the right tips, you can make the journey more manageable. This post will walk through helpful strategies to get your mind and body prepped so those marathon flights feel easier and maybe even a bit more enjoyable. A little preparation goes a long way toward taking the stress out of long-haul travel.
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1) Get an aisle seat
My first long-distance flight tip is, if you’re not seated next to a loved one, I highly recommend considering getting an aisle seat. During my last 10-hour flight (flying solo), I opted to pay a little extra for an aisle seat. This choice provides the freedom to move around as necessary, and there’s nothing worse than feeling confined in a window seat when you need to stretch your legs.
On short flights, I do prefer the window and it’s nice for sleeping against but for long-haul flights, I really appreciated this tip.
2) Bring a neck pillow
An important tip for long-haul flights is to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep. I questioned whether or not I should lug a neck pillow around but when I finally needed it on the plane, I was thankful I had it. I flew United on my last long flight and they did have neck pillows on every seat but I found them to be flimsy. There are tons of options out there for these.
Click here for neck pillow options
3) Wear comfy clothes
Wondering what to wear on your long-haul flight? Don’t wear stiff pants with a tight waistband! Wearing stiff jeans or a tight waistband during a long flight can be quite uncomfortable. I’m not the most stylish person but some cute pants are not only fashionable but also incredibly comfortable, ensuring you feel at ease without sacrificing style during your journey.
Check out some comfy options on Amazon
4) Wear comfy shoes
Another tip for a long-haul flight is to wear comfortable shoes. Wearing comfortable shoes can truly make a significant difference during a flight. I vividly recall a 5-hour journey to Hawaii where I neglected this advice, and the discomfort was palpable—aching feet and the reluctance to take off my shoes. Learning from that experience, I invested in a fantastic pair of Reef shoes for my flight to Paris. These lightweight, slip-on shoes not only provided comfort but also made security checks a breeze.
Click here to see my favorite travel shoes
5) Bring a water bottle
An essential for a long-haul flight is to bring a collapsable water bottle. After my flight to Paris, I was so dehydrated and it was the worst. Getting off the plane I had a long walk then a longer walk & train ride to find my husband in a different terminal. Being thirsty and dehydrated made it so much worse and made the jet lag worse. The water on planes wasn’t served all that frequently so having a backup water bottle is important. You can bring a collapsible water bottle through security and fill it up at water stations after you get through.
Click here to see great collapsible water bottles
6) Stand up and walk occasionally
Another long-haul flight tip is to take breaks and stand up. Standing up and moving during an extended flight is crucial; it not only provides relief for leg muscles but also helps prevent the formation of blood clots, particularly in older individuals. My mom, after returning from Portugal, unfortunately, discovered she had developed a blood clot due to the prolonged flight. Making a point to stand up and move around every few hours can significantly reduce this risk. Additionally, wearing compression socks during the flight can be beneficial in promoting circulation and preventing such issues.
Click here to buy compression socks
7) Freshen up
A great tip I learned during my last long-haul flight is to freshen up before you land. Carrying a travel toothbrush, mouthwash, facial wipes, and eye patches can make a significant difference after a lengthy flight. I dislike feeling unrefreshed, and these essentials can be a game-changer as you disembark the plane and transition into the next phase of your journey.
Click here for great facial cleaning wipes perfect for a long flight
Click here for handy travel toiletry kits
8) Bring snacks
I consistently overlook bringing snacks when I travel, and the regret sets in every time. While international flights typically offer substantial meals, it’s the domestic longer flights, like from Denver to New York, where having delicious snacks on hand can truly enhance the overall flight experience.
Click here for healthy snacks on Amazon
9) Bring an audible, kindle or download movies
Anticipating your entertainment options is crucial to avoid being limited to the airline’s selections, which may not always be complimentary. For avid readers, Kindles offers a great solution, while Audible provides an excellent option for those who enjoy listening to books. Additionally, downloading movies from Prime or Netflix allows you to enjoy them on your iPad or laptop during the flight, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable in-flight entertainment experience
Click here for a discounted Kindle Unlimited Subscription Offer
Click here for a free trial of Prime Video
10) Self-soothe and don’t stress if you can’t sleep
Having a few tools to stay calm and comfortable is perfectly fine. I find solace in the complimentary wine on international flights, and an occasional Gin and Tonic keeps me content during my journey. If those aren’t your preferences, a comforting cup of tea or a Diet Coke (my mom’s favorite) can do the trick. Long flights are all about finding your comfort mechanisms. Since I struggle to sleep on flights, I strategically plan my arrival time to check in promptly at the hotel, allowing me to take a nap before embarking on city exploration.
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