Your Guide for Surviving Long-haul Flights

With travel restrictions slowly lifted, many look forward to returning and exploring the world again. And in a recent Expedia survey of 12,000 travelers, 65% said they were ready to splurge on their next trip. That means international and long-haul travel will likely come back in the coming months.

But for those who haven’t flown in a while, the prospect of being cooped up on a plane for hours can be daunting. Here is your guide for surviving long-haul flights so that you can make the most of your time in the air and arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go.

Choose your seat wisely

When booking your flight, take some time to research the different seat options available on the plane. Some airlines allow you to choose your seat when you book, while others assign seats at check-in. 41% of passengers say that a poor choice of seat is their top in-flight concern, so it’s worth taking the time to pick one that will be comfortable for the entire flight.

If you’re someone who gets antsy when confined to one space, an aisle seat may be a better option for you as it allows you to get up and stretch your legs more easily. If you tend to get motion sickness, a window seat will give you something to lean against during turbulence. And if you just want to be left alone, a middle seat may be your best bet as passengers are less likely to bother you.

However, there’s no single “perfect” seat; ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. So, choose the seat that suits you best if you have the option. This way, you can relax and enjoy your flight, knowing you’re as comfortable as possible.

Dress for comfort

You might get tempted to dress up for a long-haul flight since it’s technically an international trip. But remember that you’ll spend several hours in a limited space, so it’s essential to dress for comfort. That means saving whatever’s tight, constricting, or uncomfortable for another time.

Opt for loose, breathable fabrics that won’t make you feel too hot or cold during the flight. And if you tend to get cold quickly, bring a scarf or light jacket that you can layer over your clothes. You can also pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case you feel the need to freshen up after landing.

Either way, what matters is that you feel comfortable throughout the flight, so you can relax and get some rest. Besides, you still have plenty of time to flaunt your style once you reach your destination.

Don’t skip the hygiene essentials

Of course, just because you’re in one spot doesn’t mean you can skimp on basic hygiene. Being in close quarters with other people makes it even more critical to practice good hygiene during a long-haul flight.

If you’re worried about body odor, you can bring some deodorant or wipes to keep yourself feeling fresh. It’s also a good idea to bring some breath mints, gum, or mouthwash to combat bad breath. And if you tend to get frizzy hair, put on some leave-on hair serum before the flight to keep your locks looking smooth.

It would help to wash your hands regularly, especially before eating. But if you want to take things a step further, you can bring along hand sanitizer or wipes to disinfect your hands and surfaces around you. In doing so, you can protect yourself from getting sick and reduce the chances of spreading germs to others.

Pack some entertainment

Long-haul flights can be pretty dull, so it’s a good idea to bring along some things to keep you entertained. Killing time on a plane is much easier when you have something to help pass the time.

Think about what you like to do in your free time and look for ways to replicate that experience on the plane. If you enjoy reading, bring along a book or two (or download some e-books onto your phone or tablet). If you’re more of a movie buff, bring your laptop or tablet loaded with your favorite films and TV shows. And if you prefer listening to music, bring your headphones. You can also use this time to catch up on work or start planning your trip.

Make sure you have a backup if your first choice doesn’t work out. As such, you can avoid getting bored and restless during your flight.

Long-haul flights can be tedious, but you can make the most of them with some preparation. The above tips help you survive a long-haul flight and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. So, the next time you have a long trip ahead of you, remember these tips and enjoy your flight.