I’m no stranger when it comes to taking a long-haul flight. I’m a travel blogger, serial expat and my home country is tucked away in the corner of the south pacific – all of this has resulted in plenty of travel and many long flights over the past six+ years.
The idea of taking a long-haul flight is generally exciting, it probably means you’re heading off on an adventure! Unfortunately the actual reality of a long flight is often not as exciting as what awaits you at the other end. Luckily over the years I’ve learnt a few tips and tricks to turn what could be an awful experience into something far more enjoyable. I figured it was time to share these and hopefully it will help to improve your next long-haul flight too!
These tips might only be relevant if you are travelling in economy class – sadly I’ve never travelled premium/business/first class so can’t offer any advice there (but I’m sure you will be enjoying the experience nonetheless!)
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Tips and Advice For
Taking a Long-Haul Flight
Table of Contents
Preparation is Key
This is quite possibly the most important tip – everything else follows from this. If you want your flight to go well, you need to prepare in advance! Don’t just pack with the actual trip in mind and call it day, take some time to think about all the things that would help make your time in the air more enjoyable.
A few things you should consider before your departure day:
+ Reserve the perfect seat – most international/long-haul airlines will allow you to choose a seat, usually at the time of booking or when checking in. Making the most of this opportunity to reserve a seat will hopefully help make your flight more comfortable. Personally I like to book a window seat, away from the toilets (areas surrounding toilets always tend to be busy with people waiting for the loo throughout the journey). Plus I also like to book a seat away from the special section for babies, simply because that means less chance of being sat next to a crying baby.
+ Find comfortable clothing – ensure you have something to wear that you will be comfortable in for 10+ hours. Bring layers to avoid overheating or freezing on the plane, the temperature on a plane is never consistent. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, plus bring some cosy socks for when you are sitting in your seat.
+ Take snacks – While you’re bound to be fed on your flight, it’s a good idea to bring some of your favourite snacks just in case you don’t like what they are serving or get hungry between meals.
Don’t Overpack Your Carry-on
Just as it can be easy to overpack your suitcase/travel pack, it’s also a slippery slop to overpacking your carry-on or personal bag. Likely with things you won’t even touch on the flight. Be realistic about what you actually need; are you going to carry out a full facial on the plane, do you need 10 different kinds of snacks, will you really use all of those electronic devices, do you need a paper book AND a Kindle? Take the time to think about the items that will improve your flight and ditch the rest.
Trust me lugging around that extra weight will only make your flight that much worse.
It’s also important to me that my personal bag with all my essentials can fit underneath the seat in front of me, so I can grab any item at anytime without having to pull things down from above. I usually choose the window seat so doing this would require annoying my seat mates too!
Another thing to keep in mind, when you are flying long distance the airline often provides plenty of food and drink options throughout the flight along with other items like tooth brush/toothpaste, hand-wipes, socks etc. So it might be a good idea to check this out before packing these things.
When it comes to which bag I use, the the Fjallraven Kanken has been my go-to for 5+ years now. I’m in the market for a new carry-on sized suitcase, but I usually just go for a simple black option. Next time I’m thinking I might go for something a little brighter like this Burnt Orange one Samsonite
Keep Those Devices Charged
This is crucial. Your Kindle has a new book waiting and you’ve downloaded your favourite shows on Netflix ready for the flight. You sit down, get comfy and open your device only to realise you forgot to charge it. Don’t let this happen to you, ensure you fully charge everything the night before your departure. Also, don’t forget to pack the charging cables in your carry on – nothing worse than being on a 12 hour flight and realising the cord is packed in your checked luggage.
Don’t Be Afraid to Move
This tip can be applied in more ways than one.
Firstly, ensure you stand up and move around throughout the flight. This is incredibly important to avoid the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), so don’t get caught up watching movies and forget to leave your seat. As an avid window seat fan, I always take every opportunity to get out of my seat in a way that will cause the least amount of disruption. Every time the person sitting next to me go for a walk or head to the bathroom – so do I.
Secondly, once boarding is complete and doors are closed if you have spotted an empty row don’t be afraid to ask if you can move. Having an entire row where you can actually lie down to sleep, or even just an extra seat between you and someone else can make all the difference on a long flight. Just make sure you remember to ask, as some airlines prefer passengers stay in their assigned seats or only allow you to move after take-off.
Stay Hydrated
Flying can be incredibly dehydrating so make sure you are drinking plenty of water during your flight. Bring a reusable drink bottle, which you can then fill up after security (many airports now have dedicated water filling stations) and remember you can always ask the flight attendants for water anytime.
Your skin will also feel the effects of dehydration, so it’s a good idea to pack a hydrating moisturiser or face mask in your carry-on. If I’m bringing a face mask, I like to have one that doesn’t require washing off – my favourite is the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. This means I don’t have to worry about trying to wash it off using the tiny bathroom sink on the plane.
Use the time to sleep
While some people think it’s better to adjust your sleeping pattern the moment you get on the plane to suit your end destination, I’m not sure I agree with this. Travelling long-haul can be exhausting, and if you are forcing yourself to stay awake during what could be prime sleeping time you’re only going to exhaust yourself more than necessary.
If you find yourself feeling sleepy on the plane, take a little nap.
The same goes for if you have a long layover – don’t force yourself to explore the airport or head into the nearest city. Save that energy for you reach your travel destination. Use the time at the airport to rest.
Hopefully some of these tips will help make your next long-haul flight a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Have I missed anything?
I’m always looking for ways to improve the journey.
Let me know in the comments!
Here are some other posts you might enjoy
Advice from a Traveller on Planning Long-Term Travel
10 Tips to Make Moving Home After Travel Easier
Top Tips for the Solo Traveller
Guide to Picking the Best Hostels
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