I’ve taken my share of long-haul flights and I’ll be the first to admit, they can be as daunting and exhausting as they are exciting and memorable. However, over the years, I’ve come to rely on a few strategies that help keep me comfortable ….and sane when I’m spending so much stationary time in the air. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first long flight, these 13 tips will help you breeze through the skies like a pro.
1. Choose Your Seat Wisely – When booking, opt for a seat that best suits your needs. Prefer extra legroom? Snag an exit row or bulkhead seat. Need to use the restroom often? Be sure to get the aisle. Want to sleep? A window seat might be better for leaning. Tools like SeatGuru can help identify the best spots on your flight.
2. Dress Comfortably – Ditch the jeans and heels for your favorite flats and breathable leggings, yoga pants or any loose-fitting clothes. And because airplanes are often chilly, be sure to layer up with a travel wrap, light sweater, or even a cozy blanket to adjust to the cabin’s fluctuating temperatures.
3. Upgrade When You Can – Flying first class isn’t always feasible, but if it’s in your budget, upgrading to premium economy or business class can provide more comfort and space. And let me tell you, on long-haul flights, extra leg room can make all the difference in the world. Keep an eye-out, airlines sometimes offer last-minute upgrade deals or you may be able to upgrade using points/miles if you have them.
4. Invest in a Good Neck Pillow – Skip the flimsy, airport-bought or airline pillows. A memory foam or inflatable neck pillow offers better support and comfort for sleeping upright. When I took my family to Italy a few years ago, I bought one for each of us and they worked great.
5. Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones – The hum of airplane engines, chatter of passengers or clanging of beverage carts at 2am can make it hard to rest. A solid pair of noise-canceling headphones will help drown out distractions. I had no idea how much this would help until I tried them, and once you do, you won’t go back!
6. Stay Hydrated – Cabin air is dry, leading to dehydration, which can cause other issues like dry mouth and headaches. Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up at an airport water station before boarding. Continue to refill on the plane using bottled water and sip regularly to stay hydrated.
7. Pack Healthy Snacks – Airplane meals may not always cut it. Packing healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or protein bars can prevent you from getting hangry and can also help you maintain your healthy lifestyle. Personally, I like to pack individually wrapped cheeses, almonds, carrot sticks, clementines and all natural cheese crisps. Knowing what not to eat on flights is also important. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that can make you feel sluggish and go easy on the alcohol.
8. Download Entertainment in Advance – Most major airlines have their own app filled with pre-loaded entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music and podcasts. However, in the event the airline’s app or other in-flight entertainment system is not offered or not working properly, it’s a good idea to load up your devices with your favorite entertainment before takeoff.
9. Cover Your Eyes – Although most overnight flights will at least dim the cabin lights to create a darker environment, there are always lights on for safety and some are brighter than others. And for some reason, these lights seem even brighter when you’re trying to sleep. To offset the ambient lighting, bring a comfortable eye mask that completely covers your eyes – like the noise-cancelling headphones, it will make a huge difference.
10. Stretch and Move – Sitting still for too long can lead to discomfort and swelling. Unless you are fast asleep in a comfortable position, every couple of hours, get up and walk around the cabin, or do some simple stretches in your seat to improve circulation.
11. Bring Carry-on Essentials – A well-organized carry-on bag with essentials like a toothbrush, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, and lip balm will keep you refreshed mid-flight. One of my favorite carry-on items? Refreshing face wipes – they are a lifesaver when you’re not able to properly wash your face after a long night in the air.
12. Use Your Watch to Offset Jet Lag – Upon boarding, adjust your watch or phone to the time of your destination. Start mentally adjusting your routine—whether it’s eating, sleeping, or staying awake—to help with jet lag.
13. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation – Long flights can feel endless. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a long-haul flight and have found myself unable to sleep, staring at the time on my phone or watching the little plane on the video screen sluggishly inch it’s way across the ocean. While they won’t make your flight go faster, apps like Calm offer guided meditation and breathing exercises to reduce stress and make the journey feel more peaceful.
With these pro-travel tips, even the longest flights can feel smoother and more bearable. Now, who’s ready to fly?
Ciao and Happy Travels My Friends!
Jennifer
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