As I prepare for a long trip to Japan and New Zealand, I wanted to share some of the best tips I’ve learned over my years of traveling.
Long haul flights can be challenging, especially when you’re crossing mutiple time zones and spending hours in a cramped seat. These tips for long haul flights will help you arrive refreshed and ready to explore. Here’s a guide with travel hacks for long flights, long flight tips, essentials for long haul flights, and strategies for avoiding jet lag.
Table of Contents
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Book Your Seat Wisely
Choosing the right seat can make or break your flight. For more legroom, opt for exit row seats or those in the front of each cabin. If you prefer sleep, a window seat is perfect for leaning and resting your head. If you need a lot of bathroom breaks or want to roam around the cabin choose an aisle seat.
Dress Comfortably
Wearing loose, breathable layers that you can easily adjust depending on the cabin temperature. Compression socks are also a must-have to improve circulation during long flights.
Pack an In-Flight Essentials Kit
Include items like noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow, an eye mask, and toiletries (lip balm, moisturizer, and facial wipes).
Stay Hydrated
Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, so drink plenty of water. Bring an empty water bottle to fill up after passing security. If you can bring a frozen bottle of water that will get through security and you will have cold water to drink! Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Bring lots of snacks such as nuts, protein bars, dried fruit, crackers with hard cheeses, popcorn, and your favorite treat.
Stretch and Move Regularly
Make it a habit to stand up, stretch, or walk around the cabin every few hours to keep your circulation going and reduce stiffness and discomfort.
Use a Good Travel Pillow
Investing in a good travel pillow can make all the difference. It will support your neck and help you sleep better. Nothing worse than waking up with a sore neck!
Download Entertainment Ahead of Time
Load your devices with movies, books, music, and games before a flight. Most long haul flights offer in-flight entertainment, but I have been on flights when entertainment is down so have a backup.
Bring a Portable Charger
Keeping your devices charged is essential, especially on long flights. A portable travel changer ensures your phone, tablet, and e-reader stays powered the entire trip.
Utilize In-Flight Amenities
Many international airlines provide blankets, pillows, and amenity kits with eye masks and earplugs. Don’t hesitate to ask flight attendants if you did not bring your own.
Prepare Sleep
If you plan to sleep, bring an eye mask, earplugs, or my go-to over the ears noise-canceling headphones. A neck pillow can be a game changer for sleep as well as melatonin.
Make the Most of Layovers
If your long haul flight includes a layover or two, take advantage of the time to stretch and walk around.
Airport lounges are a must for me during layovers. Even if you don’t have lounge access through your airline, credit card, or with priority pass, you can often purchase a day pass. Lounges provide a comfortable place to relax, with perks like free Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and quieter spaces to rest, making it well work the investment for long trips.
Best airport lounges around the world
Additional Tips for Long Haul Flights – FAQ
- What should I bring on a long haul flight?
- Essentials include a neck pillow, eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, compression socks, and a portable charger.
- How can I stay comfortable during a long flight?
- Dress in layers, stay hydrated and walk around every couple of hours.
- What’s the best way to avoid jet lag on long flights?
- Adjust your sleep schedule before your trip, stay hydrated before and during the flight, avoid alcohol, and if it is nighttime at your destination, sleep, if not don’t! On arrival, stay awake until it is local time for bed.
Flying long distances doesn’t have to be miserable! With these tips for international flights, you’ll be ready to make your next long trip as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
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