Home / Tips for Making a Long-haul Flight More Comfortable
Are you dreading your upcoming long-haul flight? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
Spending hours in a cramped aeroplane seat with limited legroom and little to no entertainment can be a nightmare. However, with some preparation and valuable tips, you can make your long-haul flight experience comfortable, enjoyable, and even fun. This article will share the best long-haul flight tips to help you survive your journey.
Long-haul flights can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to being in the air for extended periods. However, you may make your lengthy travel more comfortable with some planning and useful advice.
Here are our best tips:
The key to a comfortable flight is wearing comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing too tight or constrictive clothing because they might be uncomfortable and limit movement. Instead, choose loose-fitting clothing from breathable materials such as cotton or linen.
Remember, you’ll sit long and want to be as comfortable as possible.
Booking a good seat is essential. If you prefer a window or aisle seat, book it in advance. A window seat provides a great view and a place to rest your head, while an aisle seat offers easy access to the restroom and more legroom.
If you’re travelling with a partner, consider booking a pair of seats together, so you can sit next to each other and chat or sleep comfortably.
Sleeping during a long-haul flight can help you pass the time quickly and make the journey more comfortable. Pack a neck pillow and a blanket to keep you warm if you want to make sure you get some sleep. Caffeine and alcohol can make sleeping difficult before and during the journey, so they should be a no-no for you.
Pack some snacks to keep you fueled during the flight. It’s possible that the food on the plane won’t always be to your taste, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and fed while you’re flying. Pack easy-to-eat snacks such as nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit.
Ensure to avoid packing anything that may have a strong smell or be messy to eat. You also need to keep the other passengers in mind!
Sitting for long periods can cause discomfort and even health problems. Ensure that you stand up and walk around the plane every few hours. Walk down the aisle, stretch your legs, and exercise simply to get your blood flowing.
Moving around can also help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur when blood clots form in your legs due to prolonged sitting.
Overpacking your cabin bags can make it difficult to store them in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you. Keep your bag inside the airline’s weight and size restrictions by bringing what you need. This can lessen your anxiety and facilitate easier boarding and deplaning for you.
And trust us; you won’t need all that extra stress!
Most long-haul flights feature in-flight entertainment systems with many films, TV series, and music. Take advantage of this and relax while watching your favourite shows or movies.
This is an excellent method to pass the time and improve the travel experience.
If you’re travelling alone, talk with someone sitting next to you. You never know; you might make a new friend and learn something new about the destination you’re travelling to.
But… don’t force conversations with people. That can be rude.
Noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver on a long-haul flight. They help block out the noise from the engine and other passengers, making sleeping, relaxing, or watching a movie easier. A nice pair of noise-cancelling headphones is an investment, so include them in your carry-on.
Maybe, you won’t have to hear anyone whining this time!
An eye mask can be a great tool to help you sleep during the flight, especially if you’re sensitive to light. It can also be a valuable tool if you want to nap during the day. Pack an eye mask in your carry-on bag to easily access it. Don’t put it with your other luggage!
If you’re travelling across different time zones, jet lag can be a real problem. To fight jet lag, try to adjust your sleeping pattern a few days before your flight so you’re better prepared for the new time zone. During the flight, avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as they can disrupt your sleep pattern.
Instead, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated (duh), and sleep on the plane according to the new time zone.
Pack a comfortable pillow to help you sleep better during the flight. An inflatable pillow is an excellent option, as it can be easily deflated and stored in your carry-on bag. Alternatively, you can use the pillow provided by the airline, but they are often uncomfortable and not suited for everyone.
It’s essential to stay hydrated during a long-haul flight, as the dry air inside the plane can quickly dehydrate you. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can further dehydrate you.
If you are a caffeine lover, please don’t hate us!
Long durations of sitting can also make your back hurt and make you uncomfortable. Maintain proper posture throughout the flight to avoid this. When sitting with your feet flat on the floor and your back straight, try to rise and stretch every hour or so.
Bring a portable charger if you’re using electronic devices during the flight. This way, you can recharge your devices if they run out of battery, and you won’t be stuck without entertainment or communication options.
Moreover, remember to be polite and considerate to your fellow passengers and flight attendants. Avoid being noisy, disruptive, or rude, and try to be understanding if someone else is having difficulty during the flight.
Even if you’re flying to a warm destination, the air conditioning on the plane can make it feel chilly. Consider packing a warm blanket in your carry-on bag to help you stay cozy and comfortable during the flight.
Long durations of sitting can make your legs and feet uncomfortable and tight. To prevent this, try to keep your feet moving throughout the flight. You can do this by flexing and stretching your feet, tapping your toes, or taking a quick walk up and down the aisle.
The dry air on the plane can cause your skin to become dehydrated, including the delicate skin around your eyes. Consider packing an eye cream in your carry-on bag to help keep your skin moisturised and prevent puffiness and dark circles.
Planning your sleep schedule is essential if you’re crossing multiple time zones during your long-haul flight. Adjust your sleep pattern a few days before your flight so you’re more likely to fall asleep on the plane. Try going to bed and waking up earlier than usual for a few days before your travel.
In conclusion, surviving a long-haul flight is about preparing and making the most of the journey. Don’t forget to fight jet lag, pack a pillow, and relax by watching a show or chatting with someone.
Following these long-haul flight tips can make your journey more comfortable, enjoyable, and fun.
Bon voyage!
