Tips for Surviving a Long Flight

Long flights can often become painful and draining, whether you're flying to Europe for seven hours or onboard the world's longest flight for almost 19 hours. Long-haul travel annoyances can range from an occasionally bothersome and annoying person next to you to the outright dangerous and poorly organized travel that can ruin the entire day and a couple of additional days afterward.

Tips That Help A Long Flight Become More Comfortable

Long, hours in a musty aircraft cabin may seem like your cruelest nightmare, but with some planning and a few comfort tips, long-haul flying can be a dream.

Continue reading this post ahead to learn about some tips for surviving a long flight. 

This should go without saying - just imagine an outfit you'd be satisfied with wearing after 10 hours on a flight. Keep in mind that you'll be sitting still while being pummeled by a mighty air conditioning system that could get cold, so either wearing or keeping a few loose layers is ideal for adjusting your temperature as you travel. 

Focus on packing away your accessories or jewelry for the trip; it will only set off the alarms at security at the airport. Closed-toed footwear is preferable to flip flops in emergencies, and avoid wearing footwear that is too tight, as your feet can puff up in higher altitudes.

Booking your tickets earlier for your flight is always an excellent tip to follow. The earlier you book your tickets, the better your chances of securing a seat you like. It's really as simple as that.

The last problem you want before your long flight is the sheer terror of misplacing things or nervousness stumbling your way through a crowded airport — and missing your plane. So it's better to be safe than sorry by checking in earlier.

4. Destress Before Your Flight

Do whatever it requires — practice meditation, listen to relaxing music, practice calming breathing techniques — it will not just assist you in sleeping better, but it'll also be beneficial to your overall mental health. Enjoy your breakfast. Visit the gym. Get a book. Take a walk. It is critical to unwind before embarking on your journey. A healthy mind means a healthy body, and a healthy body means a banging vacation.

5. Choose A Good Airline

There is a distinct difference between a good and a lousy lengthy airline because it's hard to back out once you book. So do some research and read feedback to find out what other passengers think of your preferred airline. In general, the best and most consistent airlines have seats wider than 17 inches and offer something other than a bag of peanuts as an onboard meal, but consider what is most important to you.

Compare in-flight amenities and ask your friends about their travel experiences to see which airlines receive the most praise.

6. Pick The Seats In The Back

Perhaps one of the most important tips is to plan ahead of time and, if possible, select a comfortable seat. You can, however, follow a few simple rules:

Choose exit rows if you need extra leg space.

If you intend to avoid screaming kids, avoid the plane's front section, as this is frequently where special provisions for toddlers on international routes are found.

Choose an aisle seat if you want to move around the flight (or have easy access to the restroom).

Some airlines may require you to wait until one or two days before departure. However, the best piece of advice is to get online as soon as check-in opens to cherry-pick the specific seat you desire.

7. Stretch Every Now And Then

Stretching your legs is essential for your health and well-being on a long back-wrecking flight to avoid growing a deep vein thrombosis. Maintain blood flow in your legs by doing a soothing workout at your seat every two hours, and get up almost every two hours. It's possible that there's not anywhere specific to walk other than up and down the aisles, but shifting around the plane every now and then is far more beneficial for getting some healthy break.

8. Try To Sleep On The Plane

You'll be on the flight an equal amount of the time of day or night, so pack a few long plane ride essentials. To alleviate neck pain while sleeping, start with a light and portable blanket and purchase a good quality travel pillow. Let the other passengers fade in the background by wearing a good night's sleep mask and noise-canceling ear plugs. Finally, pack some basic toiletries, such as a portable toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash, and keep your personal items in a small bag, so they're all an arm's reach away.

9. Don't Pack Too Much Luggage

 While a handful of small extra carry-ons are useful, keep them small and to a minimal amount. Nothing is more strenuous than having to lug a large suitcase all around the departure lounge and unsuccessfully attempting to stuff it within the luggage compartment as everyone else tuts. Take one cabin suitcase and a relatively small handbag or backpack (where hand luggage regulations allow) to hold your smaller essential items like a water bottle, ear plugs, and sunglasses within easy access underneath the seat right in front of you.

 10. Use Your Air Miles For An Upgrade 

If you travel with the same airline often, you can use your travel points for a free upgrade to a premium cabin and fly first class.

11. Bring Your Own Noise Cancelling Headphones

Consider this: you've reached cruising altitude and have the perfect film queued up on your onboard entertainment system. You search for the headsets offered in the seat-back pouch, put those on, and then the realization hits you: you can't hear a single word Tom Hanks is saying onscreen because of the thundering engines and crying kid in the next row. Always carry your own noise-canceling headphones. They are more pleasant than those "one-size-fits-all" plastic devices and help to block out all the white noise.

12. Make An On Flight Friend

If you're traveling alone, making a flight friend helps make the flight feel less lonely and a little more comfortable and familiar.

Key Takeaway!

These simple and easy tips will help keep you from experiencing any trouble on your flight and make your journey as comfortable as possible. Before you know it, you'll arrive feeling a little fresher, cleaner, happier, and totally ready to party!

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