22 Handy Tips on Flying Long Haul with Ease & Comfort

(Last Updated On: July 30, 2023)

Flying long haul can be essential to many of us. It is really cumbersome to fly a long distance. Many people in fact avoid traveling because of the fear of flying long haul. Embarking on a long-haul flight unlocks a realm of advantages, distinguishing it from its shorter counterparts. These grand aerial behemoths, accommodating multitudes of passengers, generously bestow an abundance of legroom and expansive spaces, elevating the very essence of comfort.

It is a realm where physical ease thrives, complemented by an array of enticing delights that grace the in-flight experience. With a treasure trove of entertainment options, delectable meal services, and a profusion of amenities, satisfaction accompanies travelers throughout the entire odyssey.

In the fascinating domain of flight classifications, duration becomes the yardstick. The fleet of short-haul flights dances gracefully through the skies, its graceful performances culminating within a span of up to three hours. Medium-haul flights, a more audacious act, flaunt their skills within the airspace for three to seven hours.

Beyond this, a majestic spectacle unfolds as long-haul flights take center stage, transcending the seven-hour threshold. And lastly, the ultimate feat of endurance, the ultra-long-haul flights, hold audiences captive for more than a staggering twelve hours.

A tapestry of intercontinental voyages adorns the landscape of long-haul flights, with each thread woven from the magic of global exploration. A journey from the enigmatic East to the resolute West, say from Asia to the Americas, effortlessly claims its place in the long-haul realm, for the aircraft must conquer vast distances in its flight of fancy.

Yet, in the grand theatrical performance of long-haul flights, a pivotal moment may arise, demanding a brief pause to replenish the energy of these soaring dreamers. With grace and poise, some flights find solace in refueling stops, lest their aspirations be grounded by the constraints of fuel.

Tips on Flying long haul trips

Within this boundless embrace of long-haul travel, a symphony of professional elegance and unwavering organization resonates. A voyage of such magnitude calls for individuals to leave the familiar shores of their comfort zones and embark on a quest for self-discovery. And in this brave odyssey, rewards of opportunity and prosperity lay in wait, bestowing upon the daring traveler bountiful treasures of employment prospects and economic gains. Thus, the stage is set, and the long-haul journey unfurls its grandeur, inviting all those with dreams to soar high and embrace the wonders of the world above.

Here are 22 tips on flying long haul tips for your:

1. Purchase your tickets as soon as possible.

Waiting and expecting a $20 price decrease is rarely worth the effort. Not only will buying ahead of time give you peace of mind in the weeks and months leading up to your departure, but it will also increase the chances that enough seats will remain open for you to choose where you want to sit—whether you want to cuddle up to a window, have easy access to the aisle, or stretch your legs in an exit row.

If you wait until the last minute, you’ll almost certainly end up in the dreaded center seat (along with your elbows). Are you a frequent flyer? It’s now or never to use those miles for an upgrade.

2. Tread Lightly on Alcohol Consumption

Be mindful of the dehydrating effects of air travel, especially on long-haul flights soaring high above the Earth’s surface. The already dry air in the aircraft cabin renders you more susceptible to dehydration. Consuming alcohol, particularly on extended journeys, exacerbates this issue and can even intensify your jetlag. While indulging in one drink is permissible, restraint is key, and remember to stay well-hydrated with plenty of water.

3. Mobilize and Move

Prolonged periods of immobility should be avoided, particularly on lengthy flights. Besides the discomfort of cramping legs, the risk of developing a blood clot, or deep-vein thrombosis, looms when you remain seated for extended durations. Regardless of your risk factors, one simple measure to mitigate this peril is to get up and walk periodically.

Taking short strolls up and down the aisle every couple of hours promotes proper leg circulation. For added comfort, consider donning compression socks, and exerting gentle pressure on the lower legs to alleviate any discomfort.

4. Embrace the Freedom of Disconnection

Utilize the absence of an internet connection during your flight to your advantage. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours on end, embrace this opportune moment of mental distance from the bustling world below. Seize the chance to immerse yourself in a personal organization or creative endeavors that usually evade your grasp amidst modern distractions.

Armed with a calendar, pen, and paper, or perhaps a sketchbook, delve into focused activities that instill a sense of accomplishment. If your phone beckons, opt to sort your photo library or declutter unused apps. Embrace the tranquility of the air to engage in a much-needed clear-out.

5. Purchase a quality travel pillow, earplugs, and sleep mask.

We understand the allure of opening your own personal long-haul care package—the little toothpaste! Socks made of wool! You always forget your earplugs!— Even on the greatest foreign carriers, however, these inconspicuous luxuries never quite live up to their billing.

We can’t tell you how many times our sleep mask bands have snapped, our pillows have deflated, and our earplugs have never quite stayed in. Taking a flight that will last more than 12 hours?

It’s time to invest in a good set of moldable plugs that remain in your ears, a silky (even attractive!) sleep mask that you won’t even notice you’re wearing, and a good neck pillow that keeps your spine straight so you don’t wake up with a crick in your neck. Memory foam is really effective.

6. Be kind and nice to your seatmate; you’re both in this together.

This may seem self-evident, but please be courteous. Learn the laws of the air: hogging an inside armrest unless you’re in the middle seat is a jerk move. Before reclining your chair, check to see if it will cause any disruptions, and whatever you do, don’t do it during dinner service.

Also, whether you’re on the window or the aisle, anticipate everyone to use the restroom at least a few times, especially on lengthy flights. Be kind and forgiving, and you could make a new friend as a result.

7. Dress in your most comfortable clothes.

You could feel like you’re 20 again in that fitting blouse and skin-tight pair of jeans, but after 15 hours of sitting (and attempting to sleep) in them, you’ll never want to look at them again. Stick to a “comfy-chic” clothing code of neutral, loose-fitting layers that you can move around in when traveling long distances.

You’ll not only stay warm on a journey, but you’ll also avoid deep vein thrombosis, a dangerous ailment made worse by sitting in tight postures for lengthy periods of time. Compression stockings, which minimize swelling and the danger of blood clots, are also recommended by experts.

Another must-have item for the ladies is a beloved pashmina/scarf, which serves as a beautiful accent, an extra layer for warding off cabin chills, and an extra cushion to rely on when folded.

8. Embrace Time Zone Awareness

A crucial aspect of acing long-haul travel lies in synchronizing your internal clock with the time at your destination. As soon as you board and settle into your seat, adjust your watch to the local time at your arrival point. Regardless of the amount of daylight streaming through the airplane windows, endeavor to engage in activities typical of that time.

For instance, if it’s noon at your destination, indulge in a substantial meal and resist the temptation to sleep for at least another eight hours, even if darkness envelops the outside world.

9. Prioritize Comfortable Attire

Prepare yourself for the extended journey that lies ahead—comfort reigns supreme. Attire suitable for travel yet reminiscent of your cozy home loungewear is the ideal choice.

Opt for loose, breathable fabrics to ensure ease during the flight. In addition, layering your clothing is a wise move, safeguarding you against the chilly, arid environment of the airplane cabin. Should you opt for an additional blanket, secure your seatbelt over it, enabling uninterrupted sleep should the fasten-seatbelt sign illuminate.

10. Carefully select your in-flight meals (and beverages)

The fragrance of delicious chicken parmesan drifting down the middle aisle may tempt you, but you should think twice. When all you’ll be doing for the next 15 hours is sitting, sitting, and sitting some more, heavy meals keep you awake and are more difficult to digest. Avoid meals and drinks that are rich in sugar, salt, or caffeine if at all possible.

The same may be said of alcohol. While it can help nervous passengers relax, it is also highly dehydrating. Instead, try herbal tea, which will make you sleepy without the side effects of alcohol.

11. Secure Early Bookings for Better Deals

When it comes to long-haul flights, prices tend to exhibit less volatility compared to short- or medium-haul ones. In essence, they mostly follow an upward trajectory. To snag the most budget-friendly fares, adhere to a straightforward rule: book as far in advance as possible. Certain airlines commence selling long-haul flight tickets up to a year ahead, so if you possess the ability to plan with foresight, seize the opportunity without hesitation.

12. Include Luggage in Your Search

When conducting flight searches on Kiwi.com, exercise pragmatism regarding the luggage you intend to bring on your journey. While a single carry-on suffices for a short-haul flight, embarking on a globe-trotting adventure necessitates checked baggage for most travelers.

Specify from the outset that you’ll be traveling with a checked bag, and let the Code algorithm unearth the best deals tailored to this requirement. Opting to add checked baggage later, after purchasing a ticket, often leads to higher expenses.

13. Selecting Seats Strategically

Though one might assume that occupying the front of the aircraft guarantees extra legroom, consider this: everyone else might harbor the same notion. Furthermore, on long-haul flights, legroom concerns are generally less pronounced compared to their short-haul counterparts, especially on low-cost carriers. Depending on your height and personal preferences, securing an aisle seat might be all you need to stretch your legs comfortably.

Opting for less sought-after rows toward the back increases the likelihood of finding empty seats beside you. If fortune smiles upon you, having three seats to yourself grants the luxury of lying down for some rest. Additionally, the rear sections of the plane tend to be quieter, away from the front-seat frenzy. Be cautious, however, of the last row directly in front of the restroom and galley, as these seats may lack a recline function.

Maximize your seat selection by doing it online as soon as possible. The earlier you access the seat map, the more choices you’ll have. Some airlines permit seat changes during check-in, a helpful option if you discover later that you’d prefer different surroundings.

14. Take the tiniest personal item possible.

When it comes to sitting in the same seat for hours on end, every inch of legroom is sacrosanct, no matter how tall or short you are.

Don’t make it any more difficult for yourself by bringing an unnecessary huge personal item, which you’ll have to conceal beneath the seat in front of you if you’ve also packed a carry-on. Choose a bag that is both adaptable and soft, allowing you to compress it if necessary.

15. Make sure you brush your teeth

Do you have trouble sleeping in the air? We understand. It’s difficult enough to block out screaming vehicles, wailing babies, and your neighbor’s reading light, but adjusting your body’s sleep schedule to adjust to changing time zones is a skill that many people still lack.

Brush your teeth and, if desired, gargle mouthwash and wash your face before falling asleep. These easy-to-follow behaviors fool your body into believing it’s time to sleep.

16. Bring your own food or buy some before getting on the plane.

One of the best things about long-haul flights is how well you’re fed—you’ll usually get at least two full meals plus a mid-flight snack to satisfy your hunger.

But what happens when the lights go out, the flight attendants vanish, and hunger pains strike? So, what’s next? Bring snacks and a bottle of water with you, especially if you’re the sort that wants salt.

17. Tackling Jetlag with Care

Prioritizing rest and relaxation before a long-haul flight lays the groundwork for combating jetlag. Engage in leisurely activities like taking long walks, indulging in a soothing bath, or treating yourself to a rejuvenating massage to prepare your body and mind for the journey ahead.

Mitigating jetlag can involve some pre-flight tricks. In the days leading up to your trip, consider adjusting your sleep schedule slightly (without any extreme measures) to align with the time zone at your destination. Regulating exposure to light in accordance with the daylight hours at your destination or supplementing with melatonin are other strategies worth exploring.

18. Bring your own headphones with you.

Consider this scenario: you’ve reached cruising altitude and have the ideal movie waiting for you on your in-flight entertainment system. You rummage for the headphones supplied in your seat-back pocket, put them on, and realize you can’t hear a word Tom Hanks is saying onscreen because of the screaming engines and sobbing toddler in the next row.

Bring your own noise-canceling headphones as a solution. They help to filter out white noise and are more comfortable than those “one-size-fits-all” plastic contraptions.

19. Get up every few hours to keep your circulation going.

Passengers in pressurized cabins will have less oxygen and, over time, may experience symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, swelling limbs, and dehydration as a result of reduced blood oxygen levels.

Is this the best option? Stretch. To increase blood flow, walk up and down the aisle and do some non-intrusive exercises in your seat, such as moving your shoulders and twisting your ankles.

20. Keep hydrating, hydrating, hydrating

Because planes continually refill cabin air with outside air, the humidity levels inside airline cabins are equivalent to those found in a desert—extremely low.

The consequences are twofold: severe dryness dulls the complexion, and dehydration worsens jet lag if not treated. According to some experts, it’s critical to drink enough water—approximately 8 ounces each hour.

21. Prepare a Comprehensive Cabin Packing List

To enhance your comfort during a long-haul flight, there are various items you can include in your carry-on bag. Assemble a well-thought-out list beforehand to ensure you don’t overlook essential items. Adapt our suggested cabin packing list as needed:

A neck pillow (a must for the chance to sleep in an upright position comfortably)
An eye mask
At least one water bottle (dehydration is more common during air travel)
Eye drops, face moisturizer, lip balm, and hand cream (to combat dryness)
A phone charger (many long-haul aircraft have USB charging points)
Non-electronic entertainment (such as a book)
Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
A toothbrush and toothpaste
Snacks
Face masks (some airlines still require passengers to wear them on board)
Hand sanitizer (in an environment ripe for bacteria and viruses, frequent sanitizing is advisable)

Remember that all liquids, gels, and pastes packed in your carry-on must adhere to the 100ml or less volume limit to comply with carry-on liquid restrictions. After passing airport security, you’ll need to purchase (or refill) water bottles with larger volumes.

22. Avoid makeup, but don’t forget to moisture

This isn’t a beauty pageant. At 30,000 feet, your skin already has enough to contend with (dry cabin air; reduced blood flow) without adding pore-clogging cosmetics to the mix.

Instead, use a serum and moisturizer to keep your skin looking healthy (just make sure they’re under 100ml and can get through security), eyedrops to relieve irritation, and chapstick to protect your lips from drying out.

Final thought

In this wondrous realm of boundless possibilities, affordability, safety, and comfort converge in harmonious unison. Their trinity unlocks the gates to unparalleled travel experiences, ensuring that each moment within the vessel is optimized to its fullest potential. It is here that the joy of flying takes flight, where the thrill of venturing across the skies merges with the tranquility of serenading the clouds. With every meticulous detail in place, the traveler embraces a haven of comfort, free from the constraints of terrestrial living.