How to Prepare for a Long-Haul Flight

Long-haul flights are no picnic unless you’re being pampered in first class. Whether it’s the indeterminable hours cruising in altitude limbo, the dodgy battle of the seat wars, combating restless boredom or refraining from death-staring that screaming toddler in the next row...

Journeying through the clouds is a physically and mentally demanding experience in its own right. But not all long-haul flights have to be dismal.

The good news is that there are a few tricks I’ve learnt along the way to provide you with a rock-solid plan to fritter your hours from one side of the globe to the other.

I, myself, am definitely no stranger to long-haul flights. Considering my hometown, Melbourne, Australia, is all the way on the other side of the world, I’ve been dealing with these day-long flights for over a decade.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• Invest in the right gear

• Pack your own headphones

• Opt for a smaller backpack

• Prepare your own snacks

• Keep occupied with self-care

• Wear comfortable clothing

• Get active

• Download pre-flight entertainment

• FAQs

• Tips for a Long-Haul Flight

• How to Budget for a Big Trip

Here are a few tips I’ve tried and tested over the years for surviving or enjoying a long-haul flight.

Gear up! Invest in a decent travel pillow, earplugs, and a sleep mask

Your body and brain will thank you for every small commodity, especially on a long-haul flight. These are the essentials if you want to drown out screaming children, pilot announcements, engine noise, etc., and get that serious shut-eye that you deserve.

Pack your own headphones

For a long-haul flight, bring your own pair of noise-cancelling headphones. More often than not, you'll find that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ headphones provided by your airline carrier simply don’t cut out the swarm of uproar dominating the aeroplane.

Want to sleep like a baby? A good pair of headphones will be your best friend.

The smaller the backpack, the better off you’ll be

No matter how tall or short you are, when it comes down to slumping in the same small seat for hours and hours, every inch of legroom becomes sacred. The larger your gear, the less legroom and the more cramped you’ll be as you find yourself competing with yourself for your own sleeping space…

Top tip: Always secure your valuables, like your passport, credit cards, cash, etc., deep inside your bags. A long-haul flight gives people the opportunity (and time) to check out the location of their valuables and strike when they’ve fallen asleep.

Stock up on your own snacks

Before boarding your long-haul flight, pack some munchies and a reusable bottle. Small treats like nuts or a trail mix are perfect.

By stocking up with some of your favourite goodies, you’ll feel less tempted to splurge on unhealthy items on the in-flight menu. My best advice is to ditch the in-flight food, especially those extra heavy meals.

Compact meals keep you awake. This is mainly because they are more problematic to digest when all you’re going to be sitting down for X hours.

Brush those pearly whites

If you struggle to sleep in the air, you should try brushing your teeth before nodding off. It’s simple but effective and can help trick your body into thinking it’s bedtime. Plus, freshly brushed teeth can add to your comfort radar when trying to get some shut-eye on a long-haul flight.

Some other things that might help you refresh yourself before dozing off include packing a few baby wipes, deodorant, a face mask, or even a simple lip balm. Comfort is key!

Dress comfortably

Choose clothes that are breathable, loose-fitting, stretchy and easy to sleep in, and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Unless you’re strutting straight off the plane directly into a business meeting, a long-haul flight is not the time to prioritise your steeze. Don’t forget an extra layer, like a hoodie or sweater, in case the plane gets chilly. Cold nips no more!

Top tip: Bring a scarf; this will not only help you beat those aeroplane chills, but you can also fold it into an extra pillow or blanket.

Go for a stroll every couple of hours to get that blood pumping

As well as gracing those aisles with a few moonwalks, step clicks, or whatever floats your boat. No matter your aisle style, just get up and move at some point in your long-haul flight.

Try moving, flexing, and stretching your legs to increase blood flow, as well as rolling your shoulders back and forth and rotating your ankles. Jiggle it, and wiggle it, my friends.

Download entertainment onto your devices before boarding

Download various podcasts, a movie or TV series, and a few games onto your phone. Don’t forget about some killer tunes to block out the delightful noise of the aircraft…

I personally am pretty big on books. Set yourself up with a variety to keep you entertained throughout your long-haul flight.

FAQs

What is a Long Haul Flight?

A long-haul flight refers to a flight that covers a considerable distance, usually through various time zones and lasting over six hours. Generally operated by commercial airlines, these flights are used to travel between continents or across the ocean.

So, what is considered a long-haul flight? Generally, it’s a flight that lasts anywhere between 6-12 hours or longer.

What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight?

When deciding what to wear for a long-haul flight, comfort and practicality should first come. This isn’t a fashion parade, people. Don’t forget that the destination country's dress code should also be considered; always have an extra layer with you, just in case. Here are some suggestions:

1. Loose-fitting clothing: Choose clothes that won't restrict your movement or blood flow. Think cotton, silk and cashmere. Track pants and a sweater could be your best friend!

2. Layers: Long-haul flights can get chilly, so layer up - onion style. Think sweaters, jackets, etc.

3. Comfortable shoes: You're going to be seated for a long time. So, ditch the stilettos and opt for shoes that won't pinch or rub your feet.

4. Compression socks can prevent swelling and deep-vein thrombosis, perfect for a long-haul flight.

5. A change of clothes: Let’s be real; things can go wrong. Whether it’s spilt ice cream or something worse, it’s best to bring a change of clothes with you.

But if you’re wondering what to wear on a long-haul flight and look stylish, you could consider matching sets, monochromatic tones and wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Take it up with stylish hair products, a stylish bag or a statement piece.

What are the Essentials for a Long Haul Flight?

When embarking on a long-haul flight, there are a few travel essentials you should know about beforehand. These basics can make your journey go from 0 to 100 real quick. Of course, these travel essentials can vary significantly depending on the destination, the climate and carry-on restrictions.

1. Travel documents: passport, visa, ID, credit cards, travel insurance and documents, etc.

2. Headphones or earbuds: to watch a movie, listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks, etc.

3. A book or e-reader: in case you can’t fall asleep

4. A travel pillow and blanket: to help you sleep more comfortably (rolled-up sweaters and clothing also do the trick!)

5. Water bottle and snacks: to keep hydrated and avoid any hangry outbursts (it happens!)

6. Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, hand sanitiser, deodorant, face mask, lip balm, etc.

7. Medications: any prescription medications, over-the-counter pills, etc.

8. Portable charger: to keep your mobile, laptop, earphones or tablet charged

9. A jacket or sweater: extra layers can be used as pillows or blankets

Tips for a Long-Haul Flight:

1. Don’t deprive yourself of sleep the night before a flight, hoping you will sleep the entire way.

2. If you’re a fussy eater, or if you’re a vegan/vegetarian, be sure to do a bit of research on the meal offerings of your various airline options.

3. If you plan on taking an over-the-counter sleeping pill, sedative, or something along these lines, try it out at home before you fly with them. It’s important to remember that certain drugs can vary significantly in how they affect each individual. Just because something worked well for your friend doesn’t mean it’ll do the same for you!

4. Hydrate yourself well the night before the flight. You could also try electrolyte drinks to give it that extra kick.

5. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before a flight, coffee, soft drinks, and even chocolate. You’ll thank me later!

6. Ditch the makeup and stick with moisturiser. Think about it. You’ll be flying at 30,000 feet with dry cabin air, so it’s best to say adiós to those pore-clogging products. Stay loyal to your moisturiser!

FAQS

How do I prepare my body for a long flight?

Before catching a long flight, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol or excess sugar the night before and the day of arrival. Do a few leg exercises and arm movements in your seat and stroll down the aisle.

How do you survive a 15-hour flight?

Adjust your body clock or circadian rhythm. If you’re crossing multiple time zones, plan your naps according to the time in your desired destination. Move around as much as you can in the terminals, and when you get on the plane, do leg movements and walk up and down the aisles.

How do you prevent fatigue before a long-distance flight?

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the flight. Eat healthy foods before the flight, and avoid too much sugar and alcohol. Exercise and get a good night’s sleep before the day of your flight.

How can I make my 10-hour flight comfortable?

Wear comfortable clothing, make your seat more comfortable using a sweater and stay hydrated. Keep yourself entertained/distracted with a book, podcast or series.

How to Budget for a Big Trip

Tackling a big trip and budgeting for it sure takes a lot of time, research and thought. But it’s an integral part of the planning process and one part you simply can’t miss. Before you jet-set abroad, get creative and save this guide on How to Budget for a Big Trip.

Have you got any tricks on how to prepare for a long-haul flight?