10 tips to survive a long-haul flight
Whether you travel for work just for leisure, jet-setting off to an exotic destination is always exciting, but the prospect of spending seven hours or more in an economy seat on a plane at 38,000ft is far less appealing.
Long-haul flights can often leave you feeling tired and grimy, sitting in an uncomfortable position or getting hungry as you wait for the next in-flight meal.
Follow our 10 survival tips for long flights to emerge refreshed, relaxed and ready to start when you touch down…
1. Reserve a good seat
One of the most essential long-haul flight tips is to think ahead and choose a good seat, where possible.
Here you have a few simple rules to get the best seat:
- If you want more leg room, opt for exit rows.
- If you want to avoid crying children, stay away from the front of the plane as this is often where you’ll find special provision for babies on international flights.
- If you like to move about the plane make sure you get an aisle seat.
2. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
While sweatpants shouldn’t be your go-to travel attire, it is a good idea to wear more comfortable loose clothing on a flight, especially a long one.
3. Wear the right socks
Compression socks are important if you think you may suffer from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and, since you’ll want to kick your shoes off during the night, having a pair of old socks is a good idea to keep your feet cosy.
4. Prepare yourself for sleep
You’ll be on the plane for the equivalent of a whole day or night, so it’s worth bringing a few long haul flight essentials. Start with a lightweight blanket and invest in a good travel pillow to make sleeping less of a neck ache. Finally, slip in some basic toiletries, such as a hand luggage sized toothbrush and toothpaste, and you’ll feel that bit fresher when you land.
5. Bring your own entertainment
Bring enough books, magazines, games, and movies to keep yourself busy.
6. Take your own snacks
You’ll get fed on a long-haul flight but it may not be when or even what you’re expecting. To stave off any bouts of hunger while you’re waiting the food trolley, stow a few slow-energy release snacks like cereal bars, nuts or dried fruit in your carry on luggage.
7. Do some in-seat exercises
If compression socks are a little too much for you, you can do some in-seat exercises to get the same effect. Exercises include lifting your feet off the ground by a few inches and rotating them in circles, keeping your heels on the floor and pointing your toes up as far as you can, then pointing the toes down while lifting the heels up, and rolling your shoulders forwards and backwards.
8. Bring noise cancelling headphones or earplugs
The ambient roar of a plane’s engine (and background noise in general) is said to cause stress. Noise cancelling headphones or ear plugs will not only block out that noise, but also block out other sounds that will keep you awake, like crying babies and flight attendants who are trying to serve a meal.
9. Download white noise or meditation sounds
In the same vein, white noise or meditation sounds can block our ambient noise, as well as help you relax and sleep better.
10. Travel with the best
Consider travelling with airlines that offer wi-fi or good in-flight entertainment. If you doubt your ability to sleep then it’s a good way of passing those wide-awake hours.
