Tips on How to Survive a Long-haul Flight in Economy
My first long-haul flight ever was flying from New York to Greece. At that time, the longest I had ever been on a plane was 5 hours. The thought of flying for 10 hours to Greece was so crazy to me. But now after taking 4 long-haul flights, I feel like I’ve gained experience and can share what I’ve learned.
The most important thing when flying for a long time is comfort! If you’re like me and your bank account is not big enough to get one of those lie-flat comfy seats in business or first class, this guide is definitely for you! So today I’m sharing with you the best long haul flight tips that will help you survive our flight with your sanity intact ready to enjoy your final destination!
The new Skyscanner app tracks flight prices for you and notifies you whenever the price drops. It’s super helpful for when you’re trying to get the best flight deal.
1. Choose the right airline and seat
This is by far the most important tip on this list. This alone might make or break your trip. It can make it a comfortable and painless experience or a horrible one. I learned this real quick. When booking my flight to Thailand, I had so many airline options to from. I was a bit overwhelmed, and my main thought was how to survive a 16-hour flight. The airfare ranged from affordable to very expensive. I’m always looking for a great deal so it would’ve been easy to book the cheapest option with the best connection. And that is what I almost did! But I’m also a researcher and love to read reviews on everything.
I found Airline Quality which gives you reviews on all the airlines. When I typed in the airline I was considering their rating was a 4 out of 10. Yikes! Poor customer service, old planes, uncomfortable seats, lost luggage. It was bad. While the airfare was super affordable, did I really want to spend 16 hours flying in those conditions? No way!
I ended up doing some more research and finding another airline whose airfare was a little more expensive, but whose reviews were great. It was Cathay Pacific, and it was the best decision I could’ve made. Friendly flight attendants, pretty good food, and spacious, comfortable seats.
Make sure you research all the airlines you are considering. Not all airlines are created equal; in fact, long-haul travel may be where you find the most significant differentiation between airlines. If you can, choose a newer model plane. It will be equipped with up-to-date equipment and amenities.
You’ll want to make sure that it has in-seat power outlets. Believe it or not, but many airplanes still don’t have power sources at the seats. This means your phone is probably going to die before you land and you’ll be forced to listen to in-flight music.
Speaking of seats, that’s the next thing you should focus on. Picking the right seat is equally as important. Now I’m usually a window seat person, but the thought of being stuck in a window seat for 16 hours straight (flight from JFK to Hong Kong) gave me anxiety! The aisle seat is the best way to survive a long-haul flight because you will have the luxury of being able to stand frequently and stretch your legs and make frequent bathroom visits without disturbing your seatmates.
You can go to SeatGuru, which has airline seat maps and a comfort rating system. You can plug in your flight number, and it shows you the layout of your plane. Not only can you see what seats you can choose in your cabin, but there are also reviews from previous passengers. They let you know things like if a seat is uncomfortable, a seat does not recline, or if the seat does not have overhead space. I found this super helpful.
Picking a seat that is not too close to the bathrooms or galley helps so much if you do not want to be disturbed. You can also consider an exit row which gives you more legroom. Whether you like a window or aisle seat, do yourself a favor and really plan ahead for this part. I promise you that it’s worth it. Choosing the right airline and the right seat will make your trip so much more pleasant.
Needing help finding a cheap price your next flight? I recommend using Airfarewatchdog to search and compare flight deals.
2. Bring your own snacks
We all know that airplane food is a hit or miss. Actually, it’s mostly a miss if we’re being honest. It can be so unpredictable, and that’s why it’s essential to bring your own supply of snacks. The worst thing that can happen is being hungry on a long-haul flight- which you can avoid with this tip. You’ve probably read some articles that tell you not to eat anything salty or high in carbs. Well, forget them! I say, bring all your favorite snacks. Just make sure you have variety.
I personally like my snack repertoire to cover all bases: salty and sweet! But even more importantly, I love my stash to be nutritious enough to keep me satisfied. Make sure to pack food that’s good at room temperature. Remember not to bring any items that contain any liquids (fruit cups in juice or pudding) as you may not be able to bring it through security.
If you need some ideas of what to bring with you, check out these 6 delicious snacks that are perfect for your next long-haul flight.
3. Wear comfortable clothing
What you wear on your flight is so vital. Dressing in layers is key because you can quickly adapt to the plane’s temperature. I like dressing in layers since you can never know what the temperature will be like. Plus, you are traveling for hours, so my guess is, the climate in the location you are going to will be different than the one you left. The best long haul travel outfit to me is leggings, loose-fitting long sleeve t-shirt, a cardigan, and a scarf that I can also use as a blanket if it gets really cold. Layers!
I also like to wear shoes you can slip on and off easily, for long haul flight comfort and ease at the security line. Also, when you’re getting up to go to the bathroom or just walk around, you’ll want something you can easily slip your feet into and go.
Last but not least, make sure have a pair of compression socks. Long hours on a plane can cause pressure, swelling, and poor circulation. These socks help increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling or worse deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clotting on a long flight.
Here’s my go-to comfortable outfit for a long flight.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
I remember that on my flight to Greece, I had to practically beg the flight attendant to refill my cup with water (awful airline). I didn’t have my own water bottle. Big flying rookie mistake and after that, I said never again! Long flights dehydrate you a lot. If you step off of a plane and feel like crap, it’s not because you’re sick, but probably because you’re dehydrated. Not drinking enough water can make you feel fatigued, nauseous, and give you a headache.
Airplanes are the perfect environment for draining you of all moisture. So staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent jet lag. I now bring with me a large water bottle like this insulated steel one– fill it up after going through security and nicely ask the flight attendants during the flight to refill it. Bringing a good moisturizer is so important too. Your skin will also need love. This Clinique moisturizer is my favorite. Hydration is everything!
5. Make sure to pack long flight travel essentials in your carry-on.
There’s nothing like getting on a long flight and realizing that you either forgot something or that you packed it in your checked luggage. Imagine you forgot to include your headphones in your carry-on and you now have to listen to a crying baby for 8 hours?! Ugh, I’d die! Being well prepared and having all your long flight essentials in your carry-on is crucial to be able to survive a long-haul flight.
For my trip to Thailand, I bought a backpack for all my essentials and kept it under the seat in front of me. That way, I had easy access to it and did not have to get up and reach for the overhead every time I needed something. It was also cool to use the backpack as a footrest!
Here are some of the items I suggest bringing with you. Click on the links to check out the products I use and recommend.
- Eye Mask
- Neck Pillow
- Water bottle
- Travel charger (if your airplane doesn’t have charging outlets)
- Makeup removal wipes
- Small toiletry bag
- Sanitizing wipes
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Snacks
- Tablet
- Magazines
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Body spray
- Moisturizer
- Hand cream
- Advil PM
- Travel wallet
The list could go on, but these are the things that I like to have near me. Check out my post-Carry-on Essentials for Long Haul Flights to learn more.
6. Set your watch to your destination time as soon as possible.
Syncing yourself with your destination time zone helps tremendously in preparing your body to adjust to the time zone of wherever you’re going to. I like to change the time on my phone as soon as I board the plane. Once you see what time it is at your destination, try to stay awake when it’s daytime there and get some sleep when it’s nighttime.
7. Try to get some sleep
Let’s be honest, trying to sleep in economy can be downright difficult, but it’s still possible with some help. The trick is to try to get as comfortable as possible. This is where the dressing comfortably, your blanket, eye mask, and neck pillow will come in handy. I use the airline provided pillow as lower back support and my own neck pillow to cradle my head. Chamomile tea actually proved quite helpful in making me sleepy on my long-haul flight.
And if all fails then medicate yourself! With something over-the-counter, of course! Sleep aids can help both during the flight and with jetlag when you arrive at your destination. If you are planning to use sleep aids (including melatonin, or prescription drugs such as Ambien), make sure you try them before you fly. These drugs can vary significantly in how they affect people, so you will want to try them at home before you rely on them on the plane.
8. Bring backup entertainment
There’s only so much tv binging you can do on a long-haul flight before starting to feel a little restless. On my 10 hour flight home from Greece I watched 3 movies in a row and then started to feel all antsy. I didn’t want to watch any more movies and needed something else to do. You might probably feel the same way.
So before you go crazy, make sure you have things to keep you entertained. Bring your tablets or e-readers and download your favorite movies, tv shows, podcasts, or anything else that will keep you sane. A magazine is also a good thing to bring if you want to take a break from staring at a screen.
9. Familiarize yourself with your layover airport
If you have a long layover, it’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with the airport that will be your home for several hours. What kind of food do they have? What shops do they have? What times are they open? Do they have lounges that accept economy or business passengers? These are all good things to know. You might be thinking “well I can just explore these things while I’m there,” but it’s always best to do your research before arriving and know where to find what you will need – sleeping pods, lounges, food courts, baggage storage facilities, entertainment areas if any! You can find all this information on the airport website.
I thought that you had to be a first-class, business class, or elite member in order to use the amenities at airport lounges. But after reading up on the Hong Kong airport, where I had a 4-hour layover, I found out there was a lounge that was available to all passengers for a fee. I was able to eat and relax in a super comfy lounger my entire time there! Another thing to check is to see if the airport has free layover tours.
Some airlines even offer to sponsor your visas so you can tour the city. A number of the airports which offer layover city tours are Singapore, Taiwan, Seoul Korea, and Doha – ask the concierge, and they should know what you can do with your time there. I’ll actually be taking advantage of this in October where I’ll be in Doha for a layover from Bali.
10. Reach out to the airline about a seat upgrade
Let’s face it, not all of us have thousands of dollars to spend on upgrading to business class or first class. Shoot I can’t even afford premium economy! But if you can afford an upgrade, it will make a world of difference in your flight experience. If you can’t, there are some other things you can try.
While getting a free upgrade to a different cabin is a long shot, you might be able to get a seat with more legroom. I have found it’s worth reaching out to the airline on their social media. I’ve had good experiences contacting them on Twitter. They’re usually so helpful. You can also try when you’re at the airport. If the flight is not full, the gate agent may be able to move you to a seat with more legroom like an exit row. This is seriously the best thing that can happen to help you survive a long-haul flight.
Long Haul Flight Tips
Disclaimer: Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting This Wanderlust Heart!
Suggested Reading: Do you need inspiration for your next trip? Be sure to check out my other posts Top 5 Things to Do in Mykonos Greece, The Ultimate Miami Travel Guide and Why Need to Visit Hong Island in Thailand.
Rani says
I loved all the tips! thanks for sharing
NurseZ says
Awesome info! I do most of what was mentioned! I didn’t know about the dehydration part but I do for next time!
Catherine says
Thanks for the tips. Getting some sleep is the hardest part for me, especially if I am traveling alone. Also, depends on what time you are arriving. If it will be the day you can afford time sleep. However, if you arrive late evening or night, it’s better not to sleep much in advance and once you arrive, you can sleep according to a normal schedule and get used to a new timezone.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hi Catherine,
Thank you so much for stopping by! I love when people leave comments! haha! Getting sleep is hard for me too!
Cindy says
Johanna,
Thanks for sharing these fabulous tips! I especially like the one about Seat Quality – I didn’t know that was a thing, LOL. I’ll give it a try for my next trip. Pinning!
Cindy
This Wanderlust Heart says
Yes! It’s so helpful!
Farique Tareen says
Great tips. I fly frequently long haul but on premium class. I never forget a good body lotion to keep hydrating my skin since I have dry skin and it gets uncomfortable after a few hours on the plane. If you have boots on no problem dump them in the overhead bin and put on slippers like the ones you get in hotels. Very light and don’t take up any space in your carry on. But very handy for long hauls.
LLBond says
These tips are awesome, I fly to New Zealand every year between 4 to 6 weeks. My flights are 14 Hours direct, even thou I have no issues with Air NZ these tips will help me on my next trip. Thank you
Carole says
Great list..I would just like to add that I love to listen to Audible books on my plane flights. First I get cozy and settled. I wear compression socks, with slip on shoes. I have a neck pillow, a lumbar pillow (inflatable) as I suffer from lower back problems., an eye mask and noise cancelling earphones. I plug it into my iPod or iPhone and place it in the pocket of my neck pillow. I have a scarf large enough to be used as a blanket if needed. Also because I am gluten intolerant I also bring a great reusable bento box found here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071ZZR5KV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Which I fill with grapes, GF crackers, cheese, almonds etc.
I carry a reusable insulated bottle which I can fill after going through security. The water on the plane is not thought to be fresh. I also bring tea bags with me such as peppermint tea which not only is refreshing but can help with any stomach problems I might have on the plane.
I never wear makeup on the plane but I do bring a face spray usually a very light sent such as lavender and moisturiser. Those little free sample moisturisers that you get from makeup depts are great for this. I put all of this in a small backpack which I put under the seat in front of me.
Of course all of this is for long haul flights.
Kayli says
Thanks for the helpful tips! Such a thorough and helpful article. I don’t have noise cancelling headphones, but I swear by good earplugs and an eye mask (like you mentioned). Somehow it helps me sleep and feel less drained after a long flight!
Jenny Bhatia says
This is a great post. It would fit perfectly as a link in one of my posts about what to pack in your carryon for a long flight. I would love to use this, if ok with you. My email is below, let me know. I will send the link for your review.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hi Jenny, That is perfectly fine with me! Thanks!
Jandra says
These are such great tips! I can’t survive on trips without my water bottle, so I don’t know how other people do it.
Alexzandra says
I so wish I had this guide when I traveled to the UK! Snacks and comfy clothes are what saved my life!! Lol
Dylan says
This is such a thoughtful guide! Even after a couple 50+ hour travel days (yeah, wow) I always seem to end up winging it when it comes to prep. Definitely gonna keep some of these in mind next time I have a long flight– especially the point about reaching out to ask for a seat change over social media.
Shea Jordan says
Super great tips! I love travelling to Europe and far destinations but HATE the flight. Hydration seriously is SO important and I learned this way too late. I also love bringing sheet masks because my skin gets so dry. Thanks for these tips. 🙂
Federica says
Thanks for sharing the links of these websites that help you to find the best seats. I agree with your tips and especially on drinking water (I still don’t understand why people drink alcohol on long flights)
Sharon Gosling says
You are so right Federica. I ordered a small bottle of wine on the first long haul flight I did. I was so dehydrated after that and smelt like the wine was coming out of my pores. I never order alcoholic drinks on flights any more. I stick with water, tea or fruit juice.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Oh no Sharon! Being in an airplane makes you so dehydrated in itself so alcohol definitely makes things worse. I have a few times had some wine when they serve dinner but it was very limited.
Olivia says
These are all really great tips – especially the bring your own water bottle tip. I’m a Window gal myself, I don’t think I could survive a long haul flight without being on the window.
Alice Ford says
Staying hydrated and having your entertainment is certainly key. Great tips.
Natasha L says
Great tips! I’ve never used seat guru before but I’m totally going to try it out for my next long-haul flight. Also, totally agree with the hydration part. I just lost my Swell water bottle on my last flight so I need to get a new one. It’s so important!
Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says
I’ve never heard of Seat Guru – what a great tip! My biggest advice for long flights is bring a variety of things to do. For me, that includes a laptop for work, podcasts, a book, a magazine, and headphones to watch movies. When you get bored with one thing you want to have backups!
Amanda says
This post is awesome! I love all of your tips, especially #3 haha! It’s soo important to be comfy during a flight this long. I also prefer having the window seat but it has its pros and cons for sure!
Anya says
I hate flying and always get so stressed when going on a new trip. I enjoyed reading your tips, will try to follow them next time when being in the air and hopefully will get a different experience.
Chloe Daniels | Clo Bare says
Such a great list! I think Advil PM or ZZquil are my absolute must haves for long flights!! Those neck pillows though are also the best because then my head isn’t constantly collapsing forward!
April says
Such a great post with very helpful tips. Many people overlook the changing your watch/phone to the destination time as soon as you can. I find it helpful to get my mind to think in the new time zone, which helps with jet lag upon arrival. Typically, as soon as I sit down on the plane, I make the change. Water is ultra important! And the one thing about sitting on the aisle to consider – if you plan on sleeping, aisle may be a pain as others in your row will wake you up so they can get to the bathroom.
Alison says
I’ve always been too scared to fly long haul up to now. I get anxious and I’m scared I wouldn’t cope well. I keep thinking I need to get out of my own way though and give it a go! I’m pinning your tips so I have them for when I do take the plunge! Thanks for sharing ?
Dani says
Great advice. 🙂 but luckily I can sleep through a nonstop 16 hour flight or 24 hour bus ride. Next time I couldn’t sleep, I will do all your tips. 🙂
WBC says
Great advice!! I spend way too much time on long haul flights, will definitely be rereading this next time and hopefully improve my experience a bit haha
This Wanderlust Heart says
Awesome! Hope they are helpful!
Rylie says
Yesss!! I couldn’t agree more – all of your advice is so spot-on.
Another thing I’ll add (that I learned from personal experience lol): in-flight wifi!
My first long flight from LAX to Shanghai, China I hadn’t purchased wifi. Not that I need to be connected to the internet 24/7, but let’s just say it was a super boring 14-hour flight and having an internet connection would have been a great option to have.
Loved reading this! Miss you girl 🙂
xo, Ry
This Wanderlust Heart says
You’re so right Rylie! It definitely makes such a long flight better knowing that you can connect with the world. I found that some flights did have wifi and some didn’t so I guess it depends on the airline! Thank you so much for reading and glad you enjoyed it. Miss you more!
Synovia says
Awesome tips! As much as I love to travel I realized that I never had a Pinterest board to organize all the good tips for traveling….that is until now! Lol great read and I love your point of view.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Thank you so much for reading! I’m glad you found them helpful and now have a place to reference them! 🙂
Melissa Lucy says
These are awesome tips! I’ve yet to take a long plane ride but when I do these will come in handy! Your blog is amazing btw!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Melissa, I am SO glad you find these tips useful! Happy New Year and I hope you get to travel somewhere far away soon! 🙂
knycx.journeying says
A lot of amazing tips and I like your carry-on tips. I travel back and forth from LA to Hong Kong on a 16-hour flight (sometimes from Chile to Hong Kong on an almost 30 hour fight journey) every year and it’s just too much to handle apart from the jet lag, even sometimes I was in business class. Thanks for reminding me what to be prepared for my next journey @ kncyx.journeying
chloe says
I unfortunately can’t manage to sleep on a plane but I’ll keep the other tips in mind for my next long haul flight!
RJ Dancel says
Oh geez thank you for sharing your tips. I haven’t had a long-haul flight in so long, but these are good to remember especially now that I’m a mom. It’s always good to see content that educates and makes people more aware on how to ease travel experience!
Ronita says
Very useful tips! Thank you for sharing.
Julie says
Super helpful! Aisle seats are the best on long haul flights. And I always bring mouthwash with me.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Super important! Thanks for reading!
Amy says
These are some great tips! I actually booked a window seat my first time flying long haul but got moved to an aisle seat and couldnt be happier with that. Its so awful if you need the loo and the people next to you are asleep so you cant get out!
This Wanderlust Heart says
OMG Amy that is the best thing that could have happened to you! I love window seats on short flights, but being stuck in a window seat on a long flight and having sleeping people next to you that you don’t want to disturb is the worst! Thanks for reading!
Neena Elizabeth Paul says
Clearly a very helpful article. Though I do follow some of these, I did find a lot many suggestions that would make those long shuttles comfortable. Great write up.
Christina says
These are great tips! I will add from a traveling with young kids point of view that the airline and layover airports are really important! For instance, Korean Air provides special, larger seats with baby bassinets attached for those traveling with infants, which is so helpful. We also only stopover in airports that have indoor play areas to help the kids run around and let some steam off. It makes a huge difference when we are flying internationally!
Jay Artale says
I never go on any flight without my eye mask! Flying isn’t as enjoyable as it used to be, but with your tips, there’s plenty of ways to make the most out of the flight, no matter where you’re flying… Jay
Yuki says
One of the best tips I’ve seen for flights!! I actually have a long flight waiting next month… I’ll definitely use this for my future references 🙂
Mayuri says
These are definitely the best list of things that I have come across for long haul flights. Thanks for sharing this
Often times we forget we need to hydrate. Thanks for the reminder
This Wanderlust Heart says
So glad you found them helpful! Thanks for reading!
Nadia says
These are all great tips! That’s my exact same outfit, too! I also bring essential oils!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Really? That’s a great idea which ones do you bring?
Josh B says
There are a lot of great tips. I’m starting to remember to take the aisle seat although I really love window seats. I don’t like to move a lot while on planes but everything I read says that you should move around and stretch to keep your blood moving. I guess keeping hydrated will help too. Like I said, I hate moving around or getting up even to go to the bathroom but since I want to travel more in the future I guess it’s better to take care of myself now. Thanks for the link on noise cancelling as well. I’ve been looking for some that don’t coat an arm and a leg.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey Josh! I love the window seat too! I love looking out the window and resting against the window to sleep. But on long flights it’s soooo different! Glad you liked the noise canceling headphones! I use them and they are great and affordable. Thanks for reading!!!
Andy Lowry says
Love it! I especially forget about familiarizing yourself with the airport and that they’ll sponsor your visa if you wish to head outside of the airport. I usually book flights that don’t have long layovers but I maybe I should. 😉 Thanks for the great tips!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey Andy! Yes it’s so cool that the Doha airport offers free tours and many others sponsor your visa. I just found that out this year! Thank you for reading!
Sofia Cabrera says
These are so gonna work for me when i take my first long flight!
This Wanderlust Heart says
I really hope they do! Thanks for reading Sofia!
Jennifer says
Thank you for sharing. I ALWAYS wear leggings or an oversized shirt when I fly–especially a long flight. I don’t want to feel constricted in jeans or tight shirts. I have two kids so I need to be as comfortable as possible.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Totally agree with you Jennifer! I did not add this to the list but I also try to wear a sports bra just to be extra comfy! haha!
Backpacking Series says
Those are the most helpful tips for long flights. I always have a tough time to get some sleep in the flights – long or short. These tips are helpful to survive the flight in positive spirits!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey there! I am so glad you found them helpful! I have a hard time sleeping on planes too!
Tom says
Great tip about familiarizing yourself with your layover airport! I myself am guilty of getting lost when I was in a hurry because I had no idea where I was and almost missed my flight! I like your list of things to keep on hand because… I’m a big fan of lists! I’ve got some long flights coming up in August so maybe I’ll come back here when I prep! 🙂
This Wanderlust Heart says
So awesome to hear that you enjoyed the post. I love lists too! Safe travels!
Katy says
Very helpful and insightful thank you for sharing.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Thank you for reading Katy!
Nafisa Habib says
Actually, all are useful tips here must be needed to follow while flying. To me selecting the right airlines and seat is the first priority as well. And yes, hydration is everything. I love making the best use of the layover time and overall, try to enjoy every moment.
This Wanderlust Heart says
You are so right Nafisa. Even if you ignore everything else- at least pick a good airline and the best seat for you.
Anthony (One of Four Friends One World) says
I fly almost weekly for work and have gotten really good at the short haul flights. We also do the Loooong haul from Canada to Australia every 2 years. I can tell you the preparation for the two styles are a little different but share elements of what you suggested above.
The number one thing is Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate. I could not agree more with that point!
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey Anthony! I totally agree that you can use some of these tips on short flights too. You definitely need to make sure you hydrate regardless of how long the flight is. Thank you reading!
Cheryl H says
Definitely agree with getting familiar with your layover airport, but the back up entertainment is the one for me. Any chance to squeeze in an entire season of Madmen and I’m in!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Haha you are so right on that Cheryl! I hear Madmen is a great show. I can watch ALL the seasons of The Office a million times!
Zara says
I definitely need to be more organised on long-haul flights! I end up being so uncomfortable, but that could be sorted by just taking the time to prepare ha!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Preparation is key! haha Thanks for reading Zara!
Chinyere Okoh says
Wow…great tips and quite useful.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Thank you for reading!
crunchy kat explores says
all great suggestions! I found out the hard way on a layover that most of the food in Bogota’s airport is outside of security… I’ll be looking at that ahead of time now!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Oh no! I’ve never seen that! At least you’ll be more prepared next time! Thanks for reading!
Lori says
These are super great tips and such great information! Thank you so much!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Thank you Lori for reading! I’m glad you found them helpful!
Jack Lim says
Thanks for the great tips. Luckily I pick my window seat which is more spacious than the middle on my 8 hours flight on Emirates A380. Sure did have a few hours of sleep on a night flight
This Wanderlust Heart says
I hear that Emirates is a really great airline!
Kelly Price says
These are great tips! I tend to use budget airlines, but I usually regret it on long flights. I had one that wouldn’t even give drinks for a 7+ hour flight, so if you didn’t bring your own water, you were forced to buy some!
This Wanderlust Heart says
OMG that sounds horrible! Sounds a little similar to my experience with Alitalia where they gave you such cups of water that you could drink in one gulp! I also choose budget airlines when traveling domestically but not for long flights!
Tiffany says
I need this. Just in time! Great tips! Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ Hope you can check out our Instagram Auditor at Phlanx.com, where it helps you check your Instagram account for fake followers and likes!
Xoxo,
Tiffany
Milan says
Quite useful especially when I soon to embark on a long distance flight
This Wanderlust Heart says
Great! Thanks for reading!
Vox says
We are about to take a 10 flight from Detroit to Paris and I am thinking about all the advice that you’ve given. I usually wear my Doc Marten boots on the plane—to keep from having to pack them in my suitcase—but after reading your advice, I may decide on a different shoe choice! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey there! I totally get why you wear them so you can save space in your luggage, but I definitely feel like you’d enjoy wearing something more comfortable! Have a great trip!
Anna Turska says
I love the tips. At the moment I use another one -just short trips!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Thanks for reading Anna!
Danish Rasool says
I was actually about to travel in a week and found this informative post. Taking your snacks and entertainment on board is I think one of the smartest moves you can actually make while travelling. Though many airlines are offering in-flight entertainment but at some point and time you want to watch something you actually relate to. I will definitely try your tips to get a seat upgrade (FINGERS CROSSED)
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey Danish! I’m so glad you found this post just before your trip! I totally agree with what you said. Even though airlines now have hundreds and hundreds of movies and shows, sometimes it’s hard to find something you love. Good luck on getting an upgrade!
Amanda Bowers says
Great idea about setting your time to destination right away.
This Wanderlust Heart says
It works so well!
Mohana Das says
Thanks for the tips! I’m flying SFO to SIN next month. It’s a 16 hr 40 min flight. I can only imagine how exhausted I’ll be.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Wow incredibly long! I did a 16-hour flight too but if you follow these tips it shouldn’t be too bad at all! Have a great trip!
Anisa says
Great tips. The airline makes such a difference! I always take snacks and water with me onboard too!
This Wanderlust Heart says
You already know half the tips then! haha
Stephanie says
Great tips! We are flying to Germany soon so I’ll have to stash these for later. I love the list of things to pack in your carryon, no matter what I always forget something different each time and remember the bring the thing I forgot the previous time *facepalm*
This Wanderlust Heart says
haha that’s so funny! It’s really so easy to forget stuff that’s why I find it helpful to make it a list.
Christine King says
Thanks! I live in Madagascar so am constantly stuck on long haul flights. Every tip helps make the flight a little bit easier!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Ahh so this post was perfect for you!
Lauren says
I fly from Scotland to Melbourne in two weeks so these tips are so fab, definitely going to use these!!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey Lauren! Perfect timing! I hope you have a great trip!
Harmony, Momma To Go says
These are great tips! You can find so much info about specific planes and seats and it does make a difference! I hate to layover, but having a plan and looking at the airport layout is a great tip!
This Wanderlust Heart says
So very true! There’s so much info nowadays at our fingertips! Thanks for reading!
Yana says
Thanks girl these are super helpful. I love the list of things to bring with you. Seriously I always forget something
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hi Yana! Yes! It’s so easy to forget something!
Christine King says
Thanks for tips. I hate long haul flights!!! Anything to make it a little smoother is always appreciated!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Definitely! Thanks for reading!
Sharon says
Being Australian it’s always long haul flights for me. I have been on way too many. I always pre-order vegetarian meals and most of the time they are edible.
This Wanderlust Heart says
That’s a great idea Sharon! I totally forgot that airlines allow you to pre-order your meal!
Andrea Mayfield says
Such great tips! Long haul flights are always so hard! Pinned it for later!
This Wanderlust Heart says
Thanks for pinning Andrea! Hope the tips are useful!
Zayra says
These are awesome. One of my personal faves is to wear a hoody when I fly, helps block out the light and noise so I can Catch up on some Zzzzzzzs.
This Wanderlust Heart says
That’s a great tip Zayra! I like that because the hoodie can also keep me warm! I’m always cold! haha
Debbie says
Yes, these tips are helpful. Also, I find that if I sit on the same side of the bed I sleep, I can sleep better on the plane. Let me clarify, it sounds confusing. If I usually sleep on the right side of the bed, I make sure to book a seat on the right side of the plane. It might not make sense to others but it works for me.
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hi Debbie! That makes total sense! Thanks for the tip I’ll have to see if that works for me!
Eva says
Really enjoyed this post! These are some great tips
This Wanderlust Heart says
Hey Eva! Glad you found these tips helpful!
Huayyu | Save.Eat.Travel says
Never experienced long haul flights before but your tips are great. I would say the same for short haul flights especially when your airline is low cost.
This Wanderlust Heart says
I’m glad you found these tips helpful. You’re right that a lot of these apply to shorter flights. Good point!