How to Make Long Haul Flights More Comfortable – 10 Tips!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got a long-haul flight on the horizon, and you’re wondering how to survive it without losing your mind. These flights can be daunting, but it is possible to make long haul flights more comfortable! Long flights can be both exciting and daunting and, until recently, gave me anxiety. However, I have become more comfortable as I am trying to get my flight time passed by as quickly as possible. 

Having spent countless hours in the air, I’ve picked up some valuable tips to help make long-haul flights more comfortable that can help you survive and enjoy your extended time in the sky.

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Plan your trip wisely

1. Choose your travel time wisely

The key to a successful long flight starts before you even step onto the plane. Choose your seats wisely, consider flight times, and pick flights that align with your natural sleep patterns. Booking a red-eye flight can be a smart move, allowing you to sleep through most of the journey. 

2. Choose your seat

I prefer the window seat on a red-eye flight but usually opt for the aisle seat when traveling in the daytime. 

3. Check if you can bid for an upgrade

Some Airlines allow you to bid for an upgrade shortly before departure. This is a great chance to score for an upgrade on a budget. Doesn’t matter if it’s economy plus or first class – an upgrade can make long haul flights more comfortable!

Get ready to travel 

1. Create a checklist for your carry-on luggage:

These are some of my all-time flight essentials and enhance my comfort tremendously.

• An inflatable neck pillow 
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Sleep Mask
• Scarf which can be used as blanket or head cover as well
• Water bottle (make sure to fill up after security)
• Fluffy socks that allow you to take off your shoes without disturbing your neighbour 
• Compression socks: keep your legs from swelling up while lowering the risk for thrombosis  
• Vanity Kit (Dental care, face wipes, Lotions, Lip balm, and hand lotion)
• Basic makeup kit
• Healthy snacks: bring your favorite snacks in travel size
• Electronics: Always securely carry all electronics in your carry-on
• Power bank and chargers 
• Bluetooth transmitter
• Spare outfit: after my luggage got lost several times, I feel a lot better bringing one spare outfit with me
• Hygiene wipes
• Nasal Spray

2. Pack Smartly 

Packing efficiently is essential. The piece of luggage and the way you pack it can significantly enhance your comfort. It will allow you to pass through security without creating a mess in your luggage, so store your luggage quickly when boarding while having easy access to your belongings.

Opt for a Carry-on backpack with wheels: Backpacks with wheels have become a total game changer. They are small and soft enough to fit under the seat in case cabin space is already full but they are also great for staying organised. Plus they make moving around the airport a breeze.

Organize your belongings in packing cubes: I use small packing cubes for my carry-on luggage to stay organized. Plus, by packing my spare outfit into a packing cube, I can use it as an extra cushion on the plane. 

3. Plan Your Meals

Some airlines offer a choice of meals for long-haul flights, so check in advance and pre-select your preference if possible. Additionally, bring your favorite snacks to curb hunger between meals. And because a well-fed traveler is a happy traveler, I always bring my healthy flight snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars to keep my energy levels up

4. Prepare your In-Flight Entertainment

I may be a bit hyperactive, but there is no way for me to do one thing for 9-10 hours or longer.

So I usually bring different entrainment options:

Lonely planet travel guide to whichever designation I am going

Magazine: I can leave it on the plane and don’t have to worry about carrying it with me

I add new songs and some podcasts to my Spotify playlists to be sure. 

Most airlines offer a variety of entertainment options, from movies and TV shows to music and games. Bring a Bluetooth transmitter so you can enjoy better sound quality. This has been a complete game-changer in terms of sound quality! 

On the road – start your journey comfortably 

1. Navigating Airports

Navigating airports can be stressful, but it can become an enjoyable experience with some preparation. Learn how to move through the airport quickly. Arrive early to allow for security lines and potential delays. Keep your passport, boarding pass, and other essential documents in a designated travel wallet for easy access. 

If you have long layovers, check the facilities at your stop-over beforehand. Navigating through unknown airports can be a hassle, but it is also pretty exciting and fun if you come prepared. If you are into books, know where the bookshops are, check the location of the food court, or look up wellness treatments or lounges you might want to visit. 

2. Dress Comfortably

Opt for loose, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely. Layers are a great choice; they can help you adapt to the changing cabin temperature. Remember to wear comfy socks and slip-on shoes for easy trips to the restroom.

3. Take care of your skin before you enter the airplane

The dry cabin air can wreak havoc on your skin. Treat yourself to some self-care during the flight. Bring a small pouch with skincare essentials like cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. A refreshing facial mist can also help combat that post-flight dryness. I usually wash my face and apply plenty of lotion to relieve my skin and give me a sense of self-care and wellness. 

4. Apply nasal spray

This can be a life safer, especially if you have trouble clearing your ears.

Ten tips to make long haul flights more comfortable

1. Settle in

Take out your packing cube with your in-flight essentials & pillow to get settled. Wipe down your space to feel comfortable during your long travel hours. Put on your compression and fluffy socks.

2. Clear your ears

Clearing your ears while on an airplane can be crucial for your comfort, especially during takeoff and landing when changes in cabin pressure can cause ear discomfort. To clear your ears effectively, try the following technique: swallow, yawn, or chew gum. These actions help open up your Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to the back of your throat, allowing air to flow and equalize the pressure. If none of these methods work, you can also try the Valsalva maneuver by pinching your nose shut, closing your mouth, and gently blowing out to force air into your ears. However, be cautious not to blow too hard to avoid potential damage to your eardrums.

3. Stay Hydrated

Airplane air can leave you feeling sluggish. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight to stay hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, as they can dehydrate you even more. I bring an empty, isolated self-cleaning bottle through security and fill it up right before I go on the plane. This way, I always have extra water available to stay hydrated. 

4. Stretch Regularly

Avoid the dreaded “cabin fever” by getting up and stretching your legs regularly. Take short walks up and down the aisle to prevent blood clots and keep your circulation flowing. I personally love this little in-flight yoga session. If you are into in-flight yoga, make sure to download an episode or two beforehand. 

5. Healthy Snacking

While airline meals have improved over the years, it feels so luxurious to enjoy my healthy snacks. Just make sure to eat them before you reach your destination because you are usually not allowed to bring them to your destination. 

6. Time Management

Adjust your watch or phone to your destination’s time zone as soon as you board the plane. This will help you mentally prepare for the new time zone and reduce jet lag upon arrival. I usually love working when flying so the time passes faster, and I have more free time at my destination. However, I put in some relaxation time as well. 

7. Relax and Unwind

Remember that a long-haul flight is part of your adventure. Embrace the opportunity to relax, unwind, and disconnect from the daily grind. Put on soothing music, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. You’re on your way to a new adventure!

8. Cherish the View

Don’t forget to look out the window occasionally if you have a window seat. Witnessing the breathtaking landscapes from above can be a magical experience that makes the hours fly by.

9. Get to know your Fellow Passengers

Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with your seatmate or fellow passengers. You never know who you might meet or what fascinating stories you’ll hear. Plus, it’s a great way to pass the time and make a connection.

Etiquette tip: If they have headphones in, people tend to not want to be bothered.

10. Adjust Your Seat

Experiment with different seat positions to find the most comfortable one for sleeping, working, or watching movies. I use my carry-on as a food rest, making me feel way more comfortable. 

I know this is a huge online debate, but you don’t want to be miserable the whole flight. Try not to be in your neighbor’s lap either though.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, making the most of your long flight is all about preparation, comfort, and relaxation. With the right mindset and a few well-chosen accessories, you can turn those hours in the air into a part of your journey to look forward to. Have a safe and comfortable trip, and enjoy your next adventure!

Read More Flight Tips

Essential Tips for a Long-Haul Flight

17 Tips for Sleeping on a Plane

What to do if your flight lands in the Middle of the Night

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck – which is right for you?

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