Long Flight Hacks: My Personal Guide to Surviving and Thriving on Long-Haul Journeys
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As someone who has taken multiple 16+ hour flights, I have learned along that way that long-haul flights don’t have to be your most dreaded part of travel. I have tried multiple strategies that have honestly transformed how I travel and how I am able to survive long-haul flights. In this guide I will be sharing some of my personal long flight hacks that I have learned along that way, that will help you arrive to your travel destination refreshed and ready to explore. Now, let’s dive in!
Introduction: Long Flight Hacks
I am not going to sugar coat it. Long-haul flights can be exhausting and challenging. But, with the right flight essentials and preparation, you can actually use these long-haul flights to relax, rejuvenate, and reset. I have been on countless long-haul flights, and because of that, I have been able to perfect my survival strategy and have been able to compile a list of long flight hacks that can help you survive your next long-haul flight as well.
Long Flight Hacks: My Top Picks
I have spent hundreds of hours in the sky and take four international trips a year, developing a long-haul flight survival strategy has been critical. These long flight hacks are tips that I swear by and help ensure that I don’t arrive to my destination exhausted and drained.
Airplane Seat Choice: Choose Your Wisely
In my opinion, the seat you choose on your long-haul flight can make or break you. For me personally, I always opt for a window seat, because if I am in coach, I can lean my head against the window, which allows me to sleep better. I do not like aisle seats, because I rarely need to use the restroom on a flight, and I do not want someone waking me up to use the restroom after I’ve gone to sleep.
Choosing a bulkhead or emergency exit room is also a good choice. You have to keep your personal items in the overhead for take-off and landing, but the extra leg room allows you to stretch out more, allowing you to be more comfortable and sleep better.
Dress for Comfort (and Compression Socks Are a Must!)
If you take just one hack away from this guide, let it be this one. I can’t stress enough the importance of compression socks on long-haul flights. Not only do these socks keep you warm, (I am always freezing on flights), but they also help reduce swelling in the legs from siting, help improve circulation and can help reduce the chance of a blood clot. I always wear these on any flight longer than 4 hours. Especially if I don’t get up and move much (which you absolutely should do).
Hydration Is Everything
When it comes to any flight, staying hydrated is vital. The altitude and flying are already dehydrating as it is, so making sure you have water and electrolytes is incredibly important. I know no one likes to use the airport bathrooms, but dehydration sits in so quick, so please make sure you stay hydrated on any flight, and particularly long-haul flights.
The best way to stay hydrated for me, is bringing my own refillable water bottle that I refill at a water station once I am through security. I try and drink 32ounces before I board and then drink 1-2 bottles during the duration of my flight. This water bottle is also handy for the entire duration of your travels, making it very easy to refill wherever you go.
Comfort Kit = Game Changer
For every long-haul flight, I always create myself, what I call a “comfort kit”. This kit contains an eye mask with built in blue tooth speakers, earplug, Chapstick, hand sanitizer, eye patches, a facemask, travel toothpaste and toothbrush. This little kit not only keeps me comfy on the plane but also allows me to feel more like a human when I arrive to my destination. If you pack yourself a comfort kit, think of things that you need immediately on the plane, and when you land that will make you feel a little more refreshed and alive for when you arrive.
Move, Stretch, Repeat
One of the best things you can do for yours (besides stay hydrated) on a flight, is to get up and move your body! Not only will this make you feel so much better just to get up and stretch. But it will also help to prevent blood clots from forming due to sitting too long. Getting up and walking up and down the aisle a few times really makes a huge different in how you feel not only during your long-haul flight, but also in how you feel when you get to your destination. I always feel less stiff when I arrive when I get up and move while I am awake.
Keep Meals Light and Smart
One of the worst things you can do on a flight is overindulge. Eating too much on a flight will leave you feeling bloated, sluggish, and not feeling the greatest. I pack some healthy snacks like protein bars, fruit, and nuts, and just eat small little meals throughout my flight, so I don’t feel terrible when I land. Also, the food on flights isn’t the greatest, so I do not mind missing out on their meals in the least.
Start Adjusting to the Time Zone Early
One of my all-time favorite long flight hacks is adjusting my clock and my mindset to my destination time. As soon as I board my long-haul flight, I move my watch to the time at the destination and start switching over as much as possible. This helps to ensure I don’t feel terrible when I land, regardless of how much I slept or didn’t sleep. And it also helps immensely with battling jet lag. The quicker you can shift yourself to the new time zone, the better you will feel when you land and for the duration of your trip. Don’t forget you also do the same thing on your flight back home. This will help you get readjusted back to your regular time zone, and again, reduce jet lag symptoms.
Conclusion: Long Flight Hacks
Taking a long-haul flight is inevitable when it comes to travel. But it doesn’t have to be the most dreaded aspect of your adventure. By implementing a few or all of these long flight hacks, you can not only enjoy your long-haul flight, but arrive to your destination feeling recharged, rested, and ready for your adventure. These tips have significantly improved my long-haul flight experience, and I hope they do the same for you!