Make Your Long-Haul Flights A Breeze With These 25 Practical Tips

The worst part of traveling is none other than spending tons of time inside the plane. Imagine being stuck in a cramped aircraft for at least eight hours.

According to a recent study conducted by MMGY Travel Intelligence, a significant 25% of Americans planning trips within the next six months are aiming for international destinations. This figure marks an increase from 19% reported in 2022, representing the highest percentage recorded in the past couple of years.

Among the preferred regions is the Asia-Pacific, known for its ultra-long-haul flights. For instance, traveling from New York to Tokyo and from Los Angeles to Sydney takes around 15 hours.

Whether you're embarking on a 12-hour journey to Asia or tackling the nearly 19-hour marathon of the world's longest flight, extended flights can become monotonous, uncomfortable, and draining. The challenges of long-haul travel can vary from minor inconveniences like bothersome seatmates to serious health risks such as deep vein thrombosis.

A poorly organized trip has the potential not only to spoil your day but also to affect the subsequent ones. Fortunately, there are several simple strategies to significantly enhance the comfort of a lengthy flight.

So how do you cope with the boredom and monotony during a long-haul flight? We've got some tips for you.

Before the flight.

Here are some things you can do to better prepare for the flight.

1. Go jogging prior to the flight.

Exercising before a flight is an excellent method to prevent feeling anxious. Consider the extended duration of sitting ahead of you.

By the time you disembark the plane, you'll likely feel the urge to run a mile.

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2. Comfort over fashion.

As much as people want to flaunt their airport fashion, comfort becomes essential when you find yourself rushing to gates and squeezing into cramped seats.

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3. Layering is key.

You'll experience various kinds of temperatures during a long-haul flight, so plan your garments so you can take them on and off quickly.

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4. Lessen your carry-on baggage.

Reduce your belongings to just one small personal bag and a lightweight carry-on suitcase.

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5. Pack your essentials even if they seem bulky.

The most cumbersome item to carry around an airport would be a neck pillow. Yet, you'll deeply regret not having one during your flight.

While traveling light is crucial, particularly for personal belongings, don't overlook essentials like pillows, headphones, blankets, eye masks, and more.

Prioritize your comfort game, folks!

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6. SeatGuru.com is your friend.

Entering your flight number on the website will display the layout of the plane, allowing you to plan for boarding.

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7. Keep essentials handy.

Place those items you would use for sleepovers in a small bag.

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8. Pack moisturizers and sheet masks.

The dry air in airplanes can have a negative impact on your skin, so it's important to pack moisturizer and lip balm. And you'll spend most of your time being seated, anyway.

So bring a sheet mask too!

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9. Bring along forms of entertainment that won't drain your battery.

Books may feel bulky, but having alternative sources of entertainment to keep yourself occupied without resorting to scrolling through your phone is always a wise choice.

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At the airport.

Here are the things you can do at the terminal.

10. Shop or go window shopping.

Sitting for a long time isn't healthy. Buy some items if you've got some cash to spare, or just browse around the stores and boutiques.

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11. Don't fight with other passengers for outlets.

Do some sneaky moves by hooking up your USB charger to one of the TVs.

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12. Work and relax.

This is the best time to read and reply to those emails.

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13. Buy food to cover the meals for your whole flight. Avoid sodium.

The most important thing during the flight is to stay hydrated, so avoid purchasing foods high in sodium.

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Boarding and during the flight.

Some quick tips for when you're about to board and when you're on your flight.

14. People rush to board, but there are advantages to waiting until the end.

While others hurry to their seats ahead of you, consider hanging back and inquiring with a flight attendant about potential upgrades. You might just secure a complimentary upgrade to business or even first class if there are vacant seats available!

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15. Avoid the front row sections of the plane.

Airlines typically assign seating to larger groups, such as families, at the ends of seating rows. Avoid being seated near fussy babies.

While we all dislike long flights, as adults, we're expected to handle our frustrations without screaming.

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16. Get seated near the wing if possible.

Bouts of turbulence can be terrible and scary. Minimize the anxiety by aiming to be seated closer to the wing.

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17. Adjust your watch and device times.

Ease into the rhythm of your destination by acclimating your brain to it beforehand. This will enable you to adjust your sleeping schedule on the plane accordingly, reducing disorientation upon arrival.

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18. Try to move around frequently and elevate your legs whenever you can.

Deep vein thrombosis is far from appealing, so if you're unable to wear compression socks, aim to take a walk every hour or so to keep your blood circulating.

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19. If you're hungry, go for the special meal.

If you're feeling lightheaded because you skipped dinner, order the flight's special meal so you'll be served the quickest.

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20. Steer clear of carbohydrates if flying tends to leave you feeling bloated.

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21. Stay hydrated.

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22. Show respect and courtesy to flight attendants.

They're the ones who'll take care of your safety during the flight, after all! The least you can do is show some respect for the job they're doing.

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23. Induce sleep by tricking your brain.

Just follow your regular routine before you sleep to convince your brain that it's time to sleep.

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24. If your seatmate seems friendly, have a chat.

Engaging in a great conversation can easily pass a significant amount of time during long-haul flights.

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25. Don't get wasted.

Nothing will leave you feeling worse than combining jet lag with a hefty hangover.

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26. Choose your pick-me-up wisely.

Go for tea instead of coffee. It will give you the energy you need without the crash and jitters that don't mix well with jet lag, just like a hangover.

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Going through long-haul flights can be made significantly more bearable with strategic planning and a few simple adjustments. From prioritizing comfort to staying hydrated and minimizing jet lag effects, these tips ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

Bon voyage and safe travels to all! And if you're bringing a friend along, why not tell them about this post?