Worried About Long-Hauls? How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

We can all agree that the worst part of any trip is the journey there and back. Most of us college students choose economy over first class while flying. Seats are too small, so your legs have to be cramped up, and there’s no place to lay your head, so forget about being comfortable. We have done our fair share of flying and have created their list of survival techniques for enduring lengthy, tiring flights.

Get Your Tickets As Soon As You Can

Most of the time, it is not worth waiting for a $20 price decrease to make a purchase. Not only will you have less stress in the days, weeks, and months leading up to your trip if you book your tickets in advance, but you also have a better chance of getting the seats you want, whether you want to be close to the window, along the aisle, or near the exit. If you procrastinate, you can find yourself (and your elbows) in the dreaded middle seat. Are you a frequent flier? It’s time to trade in those miles for a better seat.

Wearing Loose, Comfy Clothing For Lengthy Trips Is A Must

Assuming this is understood, consider what you would feel comfortable wearing on a plane for ten hours. Keep in mind that sitting motionless and being blasted by a strong air conditioning system may make you rather cold, so it’s best to dress in multiple loose layers so you can regulate your temperature as needed throughout the flight. 

Keep the jewelry at home and stow it in the hold; it will merely trigger the security alarms at the airport. Closed-toe shoes are preferable to flip-flops in an emergency, and you should avoid excessively tight shoes since your feet will swell at higher elevations. You can always take off your bulkiest boots and replace them with a pair of cozy slipper socks if you’re traveling light.

Whenever Possible, Choose A Seat Beside The Window

A window seat is your best bet if you’re going to endure a 10-hour journey (unless you have extremely long legs, then you should take the aisle seat). You will be very thankful that you have a window seat not long into the journey. A less-than-ideal sleeping arrangement is preferable to none at all.

Getting Ready For Bed

You will be in the air all day and night, so it’s smart to pack for a lengthy trip. You might start by bringing a thin blanket and upgrading to a quality travel pillow to make sleeping more comfortable. Putting on a nice sleep mask and earplugs can help you forget about the other 349 people on the plane. 

Finally, don’t forget to pack some simple necessities like a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to feel refreshed when you arrive. Read our piece on making the economy seem like first class if you want further advice on making the most of your travel experience on a budget.

Prepare For Your Flight With A Quality Travel Cushion, Earplugs, And Eye Mask

The temptation to use the little tube of toothpaste included in your long-haul care kit is understandable. There’s always that one pair of earplugs you forget, and even the greatest international airlines fail to fully deliver on the promise of such little but crucial amenities. 

Planning a flight of more than 12 hours? The appropriate set of moldable plugs that remain in your ears, a silky (even adorable!) sleep mask that you won’t even notice wearing, and a quality neck pillow that gives comfort while also keeping your spine straight, so you don’t wake up with a crick in your neck are all things you should invest in. What a godsend memory foam is!

Pack Some Disposable Cleansing Wipes

No, we are not talking about sanitary napkins; we’re referring to cleaning wipes. On a lengthy trip, it might be helpful to have some prepared cleaning wipes to freshen up. Put them on your face, back, or anyplace else you think you may need a pick-me-up. Since most airplane restroom sinks are too tiny to provide a full face wash, they are an excellent purchase for lengthy journeys.

Bring Your Refreshments

Food is served on long-haul flights, but it may not be when or what you anticipate because of the time zone differences. For example, you may be served breakfast for supper or noodles or curries for breakfast. While waiting for the food cart to arrive, have a few cereal bars, almonds, or dried fruit in your carry-on to prevent hunger.

The seats on an airplane are quite cramped and narrow. Once you’ve been sitting for a while, getting up and moving about may do wonders for your body. You can avoid being stiff and painful by getting up and walking about on every occasion, even if there is not much room on an aircraft. 

Long-distance flights are physically demanding, taxing, and taxing on the body. Don’t show up unprepared at the airport! If you follow the tips we have come up with to prepare for a long trip, your body will be grateful when you finally reach your destination. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.