Best Tips For Long Haul Flights

Traveling to a far away destination can be so fun and exciting. The downside is that it usually involves a long haul flight. Long flights can be exhausting, boring, uncomfortable and all around unenjoyable. Most of us, myself included, can’t afford first or business class tickets but with a few items and some planning long haul flights can be made way more bearable. In today’s post I’m sharing my best tips for long haul flights.

Best Tips for Long Haul Flights

Dress in Layers

One of the crazy parts of flying is that you may take off in one climate and then land in another. Meanwhile the flight cabin can range in temperature too! The only way to be able to adjust to all of the changes is to dress in layers. Start with a soft and comfortable layer like joggers or leggings with a basic t-shirt or button down. Add a light top layer like a thin sweater or jacket. The jacket can be taken off when hot and then worn or even used as a blanket during the flight.

Wear Compression Socks

Long distance flights mean a long time sitting. One of the major issues that can arrive is deep vein thrombosis. To prevent this, slip on some compression socks once you take off. This will also just help with any leg or ankle swelling too. And socks are way more comfortable to be in while flying!

Organize Your Personal Item

Whether you carry on or check luggage, your personal item will be what you have the most access to during the flight. Take some time to organize it and have anything you’ll want or need during the flight ready to go! I promise this will alleviate stress and make the flight more enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone when you get up to get something out of the overhead bin.

I use this bag as my personal item for flights (see my review here). I then use Stoney Clover pouches to organize all the small items

Stay Hydrated

Even 48 hours before a flight, really focus on getting yourself hydrated. There are so many benefits to being well hydrated! First of all, you will feel so much better. It helps you sleep, recover and even helps with jet lag.

If you are worried about having to go to the bathroom several times during the flight, add something like a Liquid IV to your water so you can drink less but still be hydrated.

Limit Alcohol

Most long haul flights mean you are headed on vacation and starting off a vacation with a celebratory drink is always fun. I would never say you can’t drink, but be cognizant of how many and compensate with more water. Drinking sometimes messes with my sleep so if I am going to sleep on a flight, I typically only have one drink.

Pack a Meal or Snack

This tips for long flights is especially important for anyone with a food allergy or issue but I recommend it for everyone. Most long distance flights will provide at least one meal or snack, most of the time they aren’t real satisfying. I have found that packing my own food makes me feel so much better. I have a meal I know I’ll like and something that won’t upset my stomach or cause any problems. Just make sure it isn’t something too smelly or messy to eat. Now most airports have really great, even healthy options you can take on the flight.

Plan Some Entertainment

Most large planes that do long haul flights have TVs in the headrests with a selection of movies and tv shows. Pack a pair of headphones that are wired and plug into the jack! I also like to download some tv shows and podcasts to my phone or Ipad to have other options. This will also be nice if you have any layovers or time at the airport. Reading is also such a great option for entertainment. Pack a book or magazine or load up your e-reader with a few things.

There are very few times where you have hours uninterrupted like you do on a flight. Take this time to work on something you have never had time to do. Have you wanted to journal or write? Do you have some work you could get done? Whatever it is, planning ahead for some entertainment ideas will help with the potential boredom.

Pack a Portable Charger

With all the electronics we use in a day, having a portable charger can be a lifesaver on a flight or your vacation. This portable charger is amazing. It has a build in plug, holds a lot of charge and 3 different cords to cover all the different items that need to be charged.

Use Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones can make anytime on an airplane better. Whether you are sleeping, watching a movie or listening to music the noise cancelling headphones will drown out the hum of the plane. I find myself so much more relaxed when I don’t hear the constant hum. I just purchased the Airpods pro and love them for flights!

Have an In Flight Beauty Routine

Dry airplane air can wreak havoc on your skin. Having a simple in flight beauty routine can help out your skin tremendously. A thick moisturizer will combat the dry air. Not flying with makeup on will also help with any pesky breakouts. And having your skin at its best when you get to your destination will make your vacation even better. I shared my plane beauty routine here.

Create a Routine

With a long flight, it can be helpful to create a bit of routine for yourself. If it is an overnight flight, you’ll want to plan to sleep a good portion of it so you’ll be able to enjoy the day when you land. And instead of just trying to sleep, do part of your normal bedtime routine to calm yourself and tell your body it is time for bed. Maybe bring something to wash your face, read a little and then go to sleep. Then plan at a certain time for landing to do a “morning routine”.

If your flight is during the day (probably heading west) then you may not be sleeping much of the flight. Instead you could make a plan to do certain things at certain times for the flight. The plan can help the flight not feel so monotonous and ongoing.

Get Some Sleep

While this can be a challenge, nothing passes the time on a long haul flight like sleeping! If you are headed to Europe from the US, you will typically fly overnights. Being somewhat rested is paramount to making the most of your arrival day. Getting on local time as soon as possible is a big help in combating jet lag.

Now that you know you need to get some sleep… how do you do it? As mentioned in this post, creating a routine can be super helpful. Do a few things that you normally do before bed to get your body ready. Consider taking some melatonin or another sleep aid, but only if you’ve taken it before. Trying something like this for the first time on a flight is NOT a good idea. Neck pillows can help you get comfortable. I just bought this trtl pillow and will report back soon on if it helps.

Several of the other tips in this post will help with sleep:

• Exercising before the flight
• Limit Alcohol
• Stay Hydrated
• Dress in Layers
• Find a Way to Relax

Arrive Early

After the slow down of travel in the last few years, it is truly back! Add to that the staffing struggle many airports have so now the airports are busier than ever. When you have a long haul flight give yourself extra time at the airport. This way you aren’t rushed and any issues that come up will be taken care of.

Find a Way to Relax

Easier said than done but finding time to relax on a long haul flight is crucial. This will help you sleep, help jet lag and just have a more enjoyable experience over all. Download some calming music or a meditation to listen to. Or try to incorporate anything that helps you relax when you are home.

Book a Seat Early

When booking a long haul flight don’t leave the booking to the last minute. This way you will be able to pick a seat that you like. Check out seat guru to see some of the best seats on your flight. Some airlines will have a fee for picking your seat ahead of time. If you can afford it, it really does pay off to do this ahead of time. You’ll be able to avoid the dreaded middle seat and have your pick of aisle or window. If you want a seat in front, you’ll be more likely to get it.

Don’t Sit Near the Bathroom

No matter where you like to sit. Avoid seats close to the bathroom. Closer to the bathroom is louder where people are lined up and all the noises of the bathroom. Plus passengers stand around there as they wait for the bathroom.

Exercise Before the Flight

Since a long haul flights keeps you sedentary for quite some time, it is important for you to get some movement in earlier in the day. If you have time, work out the morning of your flight. First it helps limber up your body which will help it fell better after the flight. It will help you sleep on the flight as well. The workout doesn’t need to be super strenuous, even just walking around the airport can help! Don’t do too much to the fact that you could get super sore. It will be worse to have sore muscles and be stuck sitting on an airplane.

Have a Landing Refresh

After a very long flight, no matter how it goes, can have you feeling worn. Having a short routine to freshen up before landing can be a huge help in getting you ready for your destination! Just cleaning your face, brushing your tooth and reapplying deodorant can be a big step in feeling refreshed. Baby wipes can be helpful too! Next do a very simple makeup routine. I focus on some concealer, blush mascara and lip gloss. If you slept on your flight, going thru this routine will also wake you up!

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