By Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Long flights can be exhausting, but a little preparation can make hours in the air much easier.
Airplane flying over palm trees. Hanson Lu. Unsplash.
Long-haul flights, or flights lasting between six and 15 hours, can be challenging even for seasoned travelers. From cramped seats to restless nights, spending hours in the air comes with its fair share of discomfort. But these five tips are here to help make your next long-haul flight more comfortable.
1. Wear Comfortable Clothes
When you're sitting in the same seat for hours, comfort should definitely be a priority. So prior to boarding, make sure you consider what you’ll be wearing for the flight. Loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal, as they allow you to move around more easily and prevent you from feeling restricted.
Layering is also a good idea since airplane cabins can fluctuate in temperature. I recommend wearing an easily removable sweater or jacket over a short-sleeve shirt so you can adjust if the cabin gets too warm or too cold.
And don't forget about your shoes! Wearing comfortable shoes is essential when you'll be spending eight or more hours on a plane. Slip-on shoes are especially convenient, allowing you to easily remove them when you want to relax in your seat or try to sleep.
2. Bring Snacks Aboard
Open suitcase with clothes. Vlada Karpovich. Pexels.
Free snacks and food are almost always provided on long-haul flights, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't bring your own. Airline meals are served at set times, so you may find yourself hungry between meals. Plus, you can't always guarantee that the food will be something you enjoy.
I learned this firsthand on a 13-hour flight from Madrid. By the time the flight attendants reached my row, they had already run out of vegetarian meals, leaving me with few options. Thankfully, I had packed some of my favorite snacks, so I didn't have to go hungry.
Before boarding, stock up on a few snacks you'll actually enjoy. Pack a mix of options, whether that's dried fruit, crackers, granola bars or a favorite sweet treat. Having something familiar to eat can make a long journey feel a little more comfortable.
3. Don't Think About the Entire Flight at Once
When preparing for a recent flight to Australia, I was so nervous after learning it was a 15-hour journey. The idea of sitting for that long was incredibly daunting. One trick that helped time pass more smoothly was breaking the flight into small sections.
You can mark these sections by different activities or destinations you’ll pass overhead. For example, instead of viewing the journey as 15 hours, think about how in four hours you’ll “get” to Hawaii. Six hours after that, you’ll pass over Fiji.
Rather than constantly checking the flight tracker and counting down every remaining hour, focus on what's immediately ahead of you. Somehow, long flights can become much more manageable when you stop thinking about the total hours left.
4. Move Around Before and During the Flight
For any long-haul flight, you're going to be sitting down for a long time. That's why it's worth getting some movement in before you board. Instead of sitting at your gate until boarding, take a walk around the terminal or stand up and stretch.
Once you're on the plane, try to change positions and move around periodically when it's safe and appropriate. You can also do simple movements from your seat, such as flexing your feet and ankles or gently stretching.
After several hours in the same position, even a little movement can help you feel less stiff when you finally land.
5. Aim to Sleep
Airplane window at sunset. Shamia Casiano. Pexels.
If you're crossing several time zones, getting some rest can make the transition to your destination easier. You may not get a perfect night's sleep at 35,000 feet, but even getting a few hours of rest can leave you feeling much better when you arrive.
That being said, one of the hardest parts of a long-haul flight is surely figuring out how to sleep. To make things easier, try using an eye mask, neck pillow and headphones or earplugs. These items will help you settle down and are great for blocking out the noise and activity around you.
Sleeping is also a great trick for passing the time! If you’re lucky, you could sleep through the entire flight, but even a few hours of rest can make the journey feel significantly shorter.
Long-haul flights can feel endless, but they don't have to be miserable. By dressing comfortably, packing snacks and essentials, moving around and preparing for sleep, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of your flight and arrive at your destination feeling ready to explore.
Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Cove is an English student at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her writing can be found in the Daily Bruin, The Teen Magazine, Piece of Cake Magazine, and other publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling.