How To Survive Your Next Long Flight

How can you prepare for your next long flight? 

Long flights can be challenging, but with a little preparation and the right strategies, you can turn it into a smooth and even enjoyable part of your vacation. Follow our tried and true tips for long haul flights to your next dream destination.

Tips for Long Haul Flights

Before Your Long Flight

1. Choose your seats and consider an upgrade on your long haul flight.
   Choose your seat and consider an upgrade. Choosing a seat in first or business class will definitely make your trip the most comfortable. There will be nothing like the lie down beds to help you relax and sleep in flight. If that expense isn’t manageable then consider a smaller upgrade to help your comfort. Premium seating will offer bigger seats, more leg room, a footrest and the seats recline more. For a smaller fee you can try to reserve the bulkhead seat or exit row for additional space.
   
   Look for a seating map on a direct airline website or use Seat Guru Seat Map to view a seating map of an aircraft for free.
2. Dress comfortably.
   Wear layers of  loose fitting, breathable fabric that doesn’t wrinkle to adjust for the cabin temperature and duration of the long flight. Cozy socks or compression socks can help with warmth and circulation.
3. Bring personal comfort items.
   Pack a few essentials: a travel blanket and pillow (although the airline usually provides), toiletry kit, medications, ear plugs, sleep mask, and noise canceling headphones.
4. Stay organized. 
   Keep all of your important travel documents like your passport and boarding pass in an accessible location.

Keep Comfortable On Your Long Haul Flight

1. Move around.
   When it is safe to do so, move around by taking short walks around the cabin. Stretch your legs and do some simple in seat exercises to improve your full body circulation. Exercises for Air Travel
2. Sleep 
   Sleeping on a long flight can be difficult but try to sleep as much as you can so that you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go. Sleep will also help reduce jet lag. Use a sleep mask, ear plugs or noise canceling headphones. Consider taking a sleep aid like melatonin or consult your doctor for prescription medication. Make sure to test before to see how you react to the sleep aid. 
   
   During your flight try to adjust to the final destination time and try to sleep and eat appropriately.
3. Stay hydrated.
   Airplane cabins are very dry. Drink plenty of water before and during your long haul flight. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine that contribute to dehydration.
4. Freshen up.
   Freshen up and restore moisture as the cabins are dry. Bring towelettes, toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturizer, lip balm, face hydrating mist, lubricating eye drops and saline nasal spray. Our favorite  luxurious face hydrating mist is TATCHA – The Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. For a less expensive alternative we love MARIO BADESCU Facial Spray.

Entertain Yourself 

1. Entertain yourself on your long flight.
   Most long flights have a screen and provide earplugs for watching movies and more.
   
   You can also bring your own device with downloaded apps to listen to music or a podcast, watch a movie or series, read a book, play games, learn a language. Make sure to bring your headphones and portable chargers for your devices.

You now have our tried and true tips for long haul flights to ensure that you survive your next long flight. Use our tips and tools to ensure you are comfortable and arrive at your dream vacation refreshed and ready to explore!

Book your complimentary consultation and ask me your questions!