Long haul flights can feel overwhelming, particularly during a long-haul journey in a cramped seat.
Whether you are on an international flight or a domestic long-distance route, planning ahead can significantly enhance your experience. In this guide, I will share 10 tips and strategies to help you navigate your next long flight.
1. Choose the Right Seat for Your Comfort
As you book your flight, seat selection is essential for comfort, particularly on long-haul journeys. If you prefer a window seat, you can lean against the wall, making it easier to rest or sleep.
Conversely, an aisle seat provides easy access for stretching or using the restroom and extra breathing room for those who are claustrophobic.
You might also want to consider bulkhead seats or exit row seats for extra legroom. A bulkhead seat is located directly behind the cabin divider that separates different sections or classes, often providing more legroom since there is no seat directly in front of it.
Exit row seats also offer additional space, making them attractive for passengers seeking more leg room.
However, each option has its drawbacks. A window seat may make it challenging to get up without disturbing fellow passengers, while an aisle seat might not be the most comfortable for resting your head.
Bulkhead seats are typically located near restrooms or galleys, leading to increased foot traffic and noise. Exit row seats may have fixed armrests, limited reclining options, and sometimes metal partitions in the leg area, which can be inconvenient for some travelers.
Be aware that selecting specific seats may incur an additional charge, depending on the airline. Nevertheless, it is often worth the extra expense to avoid the discomfort of being stuck in a middle seat.
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2. Pack Your Travel Essentials
When packing for a trip, it is essential to bring the right items, but even more importantly, to organize them in the appropriate bags. Typically, on a long-haul flight, you are allowed a checked bag, a carry-on, and a personal item.
The checked bag goes in the cargo hold, the carry-on goes in the overhead compartment, and the personal item remains under the seat in front of you.
Since you cannot access your checked bag during the flight and reaching the overhead compartment can be inconvenient, it is beneficial to pack certain items in your personal item for easy access.
Doing so can make a world of difference in your comfort on a long-haul flight. Some items to include are:
- Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs: These help block out engine noise, conversations, and other disturbances, allowing for a quieter experience.
- Eye mask: An eye mask will block out light, whether from reading lights or daylight coming through an open window, making it easier to rest or sleep.
- Neck pillow: A neck pillow offers support and prevents stiffness. If space is a concern, inflatable travel pillows are a compact alternative.
- Slippers or cozy socks: These help keep your feet warm and cozy, making it easier to relax and sleep comfortably during the flight.
- Entertainment: Bring a good book, tablet, or phone preloaded with movies, shows, games, or music to stay entertained. Do not forget headphones for your devices to avoid disturbing other passengers.
- Wired Headphones with Jack or adapter: Many airplanes have personal TVs for in-flight entertainment, often providing free headsets. However, some airlines may charge you for a headset, so bringing your own or an adapter for your headphones is a good idea to stay prepared.
- Blanket: Planes can get chilly, and not all airlines provide free blankets. If you are worried about space and weight, a travel blanket is lightweight and thus easier to pack.
- Lip balm and lotion: The dry air on planes can lead to dryness, so having these items on hand is important for comfort.
- Charger: Many planes have USB ports or AC plugs for charging devices, but bringing a portable power bank is a good backup.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: For long overnight flights, brushing your teeth after dinner is a good idea. Remember to ask for bottled water for brushing, as the sink water is not suitable.
Packing these essentials in your under-the-seat bag allows you to access everything you need without hassle, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable flight.
3. Dress Comfortably for the Long Hours
Wearing comfortable clothing is essential for a better experience during a long journey. Avoid tight or stiff jeans that constrain movement, opting for loose, breathable fabrics.
Slip-on shoes are ideal as they make it easy to pass through airport security and provide comfort during the flight while still allowing you to put them back on quickly when moving around the airplane cabin.
4. Move Regularly to Promote Blood Circulation
Sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of getting a blood clot. You can wear compression socks to support blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Even with the socks, you still need to move around whenever possible. Stretch your legs and walk up and down the aisle when you can do so safely. If you are in an aisle seat, this is easier as you can move without disturbing others.
If you are in a window seat, try simple leg exercises like rotating your ankles or stretching your feet periodically to maintain blood flow.
5. Stay Hydrated and Keep your Immune System Up
Drink plenty of water throughout the flight. The dry air in airplane cabins can cause dehydration, so carrying a reusable water bottle and refilling it at water fountains is a good idea. You can also ask your flight attendant for water while onboard.
During a flight, flight attendants usually offer beverages such as soda, juice, coffee, wine, and other alcoholic drinks.
However, excessive sugary or alcoholic beverages can lead to dehydration, so if you enjoy a can of Coke or a glass of wine, balance them with water intake.
Bringing vitamin C tablets or immune-boosting supplements can also help strengthen your immune system against potential germs during the flight.
6. Bring Your Own Snacks and Stay Mindful of Airline Food
Airplane food can be hit or miss, so packing a few of your favorite snacks is a great way to ensure you have something you enjoy. If you have dietary restrictions, request a dietary meal when booking your ticket.
Airlines often provide options like vegetarian, low-sodium, or gluten-free meals. It is also wise to eat light meals during your flight to avoid discomfort, as heavy or unfamiliar foods can cause bloating or unease when flying.
7. Plan for Sleep on Overnight Flights
If you are on an overnight flight, prepare yourself to sleep. Use noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, a neck pillow, slippers, and a blanket to get comfortable.
If you find it difficult to sleep on planes, try adjusting your sleep pattern before your flight to make yourself tired when you board. Melatonin supplements can also be helpful if you struggle to sleep in confined spaces.
The right combination of supplies and preparation can improve sleep quality and reduce jet lag upon arrival.
8. Consider Upgrading for Extra Comfort
If your budget allows, upgrading from economy class to premium economy, business class, or first class can make a significant difference on a long trip.
Premium cabins offer extra space, better amenities, and seats that recline further, providing more comfort for rest.
Frequent travelers often use credit card points or airline apps to secure upgrades, and these seats, located at the front of the plane, also offer quicker exits upon landing.
9. Consider Purchasing an Extra Seat for More Space
If you are looking for a little bit of extra comfort without the high cost of upgrading to a premium class, purchasing an empty seat next to you can be a practical option.
For couples, this means sharing three seats instead of the usual two, giving you more space to relax. If you are traveling alone, having two seats can provide additional leg room, making it easier to stretch out and rest.
In some cases, buying an extra seat may be cheaper than upgrading, and it offers a comfortable solution for those wanting a bit more space on a long-haul flight.
10. Keep Yourself Busy
If sleeping on flights is not for you, or if you are traveling during the day, staying occupied is a good idea to make the time pass faster. Most long-haul flights feature an in-flight entertainment system with movies, TV shows, music, and games.
You can also download your favorite movies, shows, and music using the streaming devices you pay for. If you prefer reading, pack your favorite book or load your tablet with ebooks.
Additionally, some airlines offer free or paid wifi packages for your enjoyment. Frequent travelers find that keeping busy is an effective way to make a long journey feel shorter.
Final Thoughts
Long-distance air travel in a cramped seat can be manageable with the correct preparation.
Choosing the right seat based on your personal preferences, packing essentials for easy access, and bringing your own entertainment are among the best tips for ensuring comfort.
Whether seated at the back of the plane or in an exit row seat, these strategies are the ultimate guide to making a long flight more bearable.
Do you have any tips you would like to share on how you have survived a long-haul economy flight? Feel free to share in the comments below!
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