10 Helpful Tips To Survive Dreaded Long-Haul Flights

The ‘bitter’ part of the ‘sweet’ holiday you’ve been waiting for… the long-haul flight.

For many, the lead-up to the flight is an anxious period. Part of this is caused by the nightmare of boredom on this long journey.

Taking overnight flights is a popular way to encourage the mind and body to rest, which helps make the time fly by.

However, in this post, you’ll discover other essential ways you can ensure a restful (or at best comfortable) trip in the air!

This includes essential items and travel hacks (budget-friendly of course) that will guarantee a more pleasurable experience.

Let’s go take a look!

The airport outfit has always been of great importance.

Back in the early 90s when air travel was only possible to the very rich, the dress code favoured looks that complimented this luxurious service.

However, towards the end of this century, prestigious clothing brands slowly evolved into stylish yet more comfortable flying wear.

Therefore, to improve the enjoyment of long-haul trips, I recommend choosing an outfit that isn’t restrictive on your movements. Besides, if you’re flying economy, your ability to move is already restricted enough!

My tip would be to throw on a matching tracksuit for the ultra chilled-out look that doesn’t compromise on relaxation.

Few things are worse when travelling for a long time than being unable to sleep on a plane.

AND let’s face it, economy seating is rarely comfortable when staying sat for hours, let alone when trying to fall asleep!

This is why it’s important to try to create as much of a relaxing atmosphere as you can with all the variables that you DO have control over. These include:

• Try blocking out the light! Try using a comfortable yet effective eyemask. I used this pink silk eyemask which I loved for being extremely delicate on my sensitive skin!
• Restore peace with earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are great at stopping noise from distracting your sleep. You can even listen to some relaxing music to elevate your sleeping experience further!
• Pack a neck pillow. If you get neck pain from sleeping upright, then purchase a neck pillow. These are a lifesaver when you’re in the middle seat and have even less room to find a somewhat comfortable sleeping position. Try out this convenient inflatable neck pillow if you don’t want to be carrying around any extra luggage!

This tip is probably the most important since ignoring this has resulted in many uncomfortable flying experiences.

Although the body does favour a slightly cooler environment to fall asleep, being too cold is not great when attempting to drift off.

I have spent many trips pulling my jumper over my knees to keep warm, so please learn from my mistakes!

I always assumed that flight crews gave out free blankets to the passengers but on a few longer flights, I’ve been asked to pay for a blanket.

Some may think I’m stingy but when you’re backpacking on a budget, it’s a good idea to avoid these unnecessary and preventable expenses.

To avoid a frozen flying experience, make sure you:

• Wear (or at least bring in your carry-on luggage) some long trousers and a hoody.
• Bring a small blanket in your carry-on bag.
• Pack thicker or extra socks for those who constantly have freezing feet like me!
• Avoid sitting by the airplane doors. Although this feels like one of the hottest seats on the plane, I also find that it’s one of the coldest. Cold air can pass through the seal on the exit door (don’t worry this is normal and safe), causing the temperature around you to fall!

If you were hoping to find somewhere with a little extra leg space then try to be sat next to the exit doors of the plane.

However, remember in economy seating we will have to make a ‘sacrifice’ in return for this legroom luxury. This sacrifice entails being exposed to cooler air (as mentioned in the previous point) and having additional responsibilities such as opening the exit doors in the case of an emergency.

This is great for budget travellers wanting extra legroom without paying premium economy or business prices!

Unless you have access and can afford the ridiculous prices of wifi on airplanes, you’ll want to make sure that all entertainment on your devices is downloaded before boarding the flight!

This includes films, TV shows as well as podcasts (my personal favourite).

It’s a good idea to download films or TV series, instead of independent films if are an avid binge-watcher. This also has the benefit of making time pass quicker since you’ll be immersed in the world of the film or show you’re watching.

If you get bored of TV (there are only so many films you can watch after all), then why not cozy up with a book?

As a self-proclaimed bookworm, reading on long-haul flights is a dream.

Think about it… the minimal distractions + long journey = the PERFECT way to sink into that book you’ve been too busy to read/ putting off for so long!

To save money and space for my travels, I download all my books on the Kindle App.

I cannot recommend Kindle Unlimited enough for any fellow reading enthusiasts. This subscription grants access to over 1 million e-books, for less than the cost of a single paperback!

This makes it great for getting more bang for your buck and saving space, while also contributing to the protection of the environment.

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When preparing for a long-haul flight, I like to pack a few items that allow me to stay feeling fresh when flying and when I land. Some pampering travel essentials include:

• Travel toothbrush. Brushing your teeth is game-changing when wanting to freshen up during flights. It’s also great once you’ve landed to feel a little more awake and put-together for when you arrive at your destination.
• Mini hairbrush. I swear by having a mini hairbrush on me at all times. It’s a convenient way to feel a little less rough without taking up precious hand luggage space.
• Moisturising mist. The air on the plane is extremely dehydrating and that can leave your skin feeling dry. Using a moisturising mist is perfect for freshening up while in the air.
• Lip balm. The dry air can also leave your lips feeling flakey and dry. To avoid cracked lips, stock up on your favourite lip moisturiser.
• Sheet face mask. Try not to give other passengers a jump scare while pampering yourself on your journey. I like to use these midways through the flight as a little reward for making it halfway!

Grabbing a small puzzle book for the long journey ahead is a fun way to stay entertained and keep you from going crazy.

Suduku, quizzes, and crosswords are popular mentally stimulating games that we all know.

However, other unique puzzle books such as this ‘Murder Mystery Logic Puzzles‘ book is an excitingly different and engaging way to survive the otherwise dreaded journey. Why not give it a go?!

Completing productive tasks such as planning for your trip or even organising the photo album on your phone will leave you with a sense of accomplishment.

This is especially great if you have a busy mind like me and struggle to sit still for long!

Therefore, avoid feeling as though you’re wasting time by ticking off these mundane tasks that you cannot usually bring yourself to do.

Besides, going through old photos is an extremely fun way to reflect, which is something we busy humans don’t have much time to do in our daily lives!

I have been known to get super lucky and had entire rows to myself when flying long-haul.

This is a rare occasion but if you notice that a flight is relatively empty, you can ask a flight attendant if it’s okay to change seats after take-off.

Remember, flight attendants may not be permitted to do this so if they refuse then stay polite- they’re only doing their job.

However, at the same time it’s more than likely they’ll allow you to go stretch out if there is lots of space available!

After all, it doesn’t hurt to ask!

This post provides 10 useful tips and ideas to help you survive those dreaded long-haul flights. Don’t forget to save it for later!

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