The Ultimate Survival Guide For Long-Haul Flights

Very few things get me as excited as a long-haul flight. Now, this may sound strange to many of you, but hear me out. A long-haul flight means you’re adventuring across the globe to some exotic new destination. Spending 10 or more hours on a plane isn’t always easy, though. Follow my survival guide to turn long-haul flights from something you dread into something you actually look forward to!

Upgrade

It’s not a secret that long-haul flights are expensive, so sometimes upgrading your seat just isn’t in the budget. To me, though, the airport and in-flight experiences are all a part of the journey and something to be enjoyed. If you can afford to upgrade your seat and gain entry to an airline lounge before departure, or even better, upgrade for free using points or miles, I can’t recommend it enough. It will absolutely change your travel experience. The purchase of an upgraded seat often means you gain free entry to that airline’s lounge as well. In the lounge, not only will you escape the hectic hustle and bustle of the airport, but you will have access to free food, drinks, and wifi!

Gain access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide as one of the many benefits of the American Express Platinum Card.

This does not mean you have to spend thousands of dollars upgrading from a main cabin seat to a lay-flat suite in business class! Every inch of seat width and legroom counts when you’re on an airplane. Even treating yourself to a Comfort or Premium seat will make all the difference in the world. It’s one thing to sit near the back of the plane on a quick domestic flight, but I once flew in the middle seat, in the second to last row, on a 17-hour flight to Johannesburg, and it was not an enjoyable experience. On the other hand, I have spent many long-haul flights reclined completely horizontally, only occasionally sitting upright to stretch my legs or be served a glass of wine with my three-course meal- now that’s flying!

Check out my beginner’s guide to earning rewards points to learn how you can get a business class seat for free!

Get Some Sleep 

For many of us, the night before a big trip feels like being a kid again on Christmas Eve. Long journeys to exotic locations are exciting and can make it difficult to get a sufficient amount of sleep the night before departure. Preparing to leave your home and navigating a chaotic airport can make travel feel overwhelming and stressful. Starting your day tired and cranky will only make things worse. Try to make things as easy on yourself (and your travel companion) as possible by getting a good night’s rest. The night before your trip, go for a run, soak in a warm tub, do whatever it is that helps you relax, and get plenty of sleep. 

Want to avoid the stress of leaving for a big trip? Use my complete and thorough checklist for international travel to ensure you’ve got everything taken care of before you go!

Pack A Carry-On & A Personal Bag

When preparing for a long-haul flight, it’s a good idea to pack both a carry-on bag and a personal item. Typically, you are allowed to bring one of each onboard the aircraft. I like to carry a backpack-style camera bag for my personal item. I use this bag for my laptop, camera, Kindle, earbuds, snacks, and any essentials that I may need to get easier during the flight. My carry-on always has at least one change of clothes packed away. That way, if my luggage were to get lost along the way, I would still have fresh clothes to change into until I could be reunited with my bag. 

Please take a look at my list of must-have carry-on items to ensure you’ve got everything you need.

Adjust Your Time

When you are taking a long-haul flight, chances are you will be crossing over several time zones. Set your phone and watch to the local time of your destination as soon as you board. Start thinking of your day in terms of the local time and rest accordingly. This will help you get a head start on defeating any jet lag.  

Practice Moderation

A cocktail at the airport? Sure, you’re on vacation! One more on the plane? Why not? Go for it! After that, though, you might want to pump the brakes on the booze. Drinking on a plane hits you doubly as hard as it does down on solid ground. It will dehydrate you quickly too. So, of course, it’s fine to enjoy a beer or a cocktail as part of your in-flight vacation experience, but practice moderation. It’s easy to get a little carried away when you’re in the vacation mindset. Be forewarned, though, when the pleasurable effects of the drinks wear off, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling tired and groggy. That’s no way to start your trip! (This is one of those lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way. Yikes!) 

Stay Hydrated

 I mentioned that drinking alcohol on a plane leads to dehydration. Just being on a plane with the recycled air constantly blowing on you for hours can dry out and irritate your skin as well. Drink plenty of water, and don’t be shy about asking your flight attendant for more if you need it. Another good idea is to pack a travel-size bottle of hand lotion and chapstick to help keep you comfortable. 

After going through security, I always fill up my water bottle before boarding the plane.

Choose The Right Clothing

Comfort is what it’s all about on long-haul flights. One of the biggest factors in your level of comfort is your choice of clothing. I always like to look somewhat respectable when traveling. The trick is finding the right balance between being comfortable and presentable. Wear comfortable shoes, and for sanitary reasons, always have a fresh pair of socks if you think you might remove your shoes during the flight. Choose clothing items that are soft, loose-fitting, and won’t wrinkle easily. It’s also smart to dress in layers. If you get a little warm or a little cool mid-flight, it’s nice to have the ability to remove or add a layer of clothing.

I have even packed a comfortable shirt and pair of joggers in my carry-on for long overnight flights and used the lavatory as my changing room shortly after take-off. I lay back during the flight and get plenty of rest. Then, just before we make our initial descent, I head back to the lavatory to change back into a more appropriate outfit and freshen up.

Pack Basic Toiletries

 A savvy traveler will always tell you to pack some basic toiletries in your carry-on luggage. Be sure you have some deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste, or at least some mouthwash or mints, and facial wipes. Freshening up before landing will have you feeling energized and rejuvenated upon arrival at your destination.

 *Please be sure any liquids you pack are under 3.4 ounces. Pack them in a single clear plastic bag no larger than 1-quart. See TSA guidelines here.

Get Up & Move

There is no law ( I don’t think – you might want to fact-check this one) against getting up and stretching your legs a little during a long-haul flight. For safety reasons, pilots and flight attendants don’t want you aimlessly roaming around the cabin. However, if, during the course of a 10-hour flight, you want to get up from your seat and take a stroll to the farthest restroom from your seat, you shouldn’t get into any trouble. I always get up and find a space to do some quick stretches to stay loose and keep the blood flowing. The flight crew is keenly aware of what you’re going through and generally don’t mind.

Relax and Rest

During every long-haul flight, there usually comes the point when the cabin lights are dimmed, and everyone tries to rest. Take advantage of this time to do the same. The flight attendants will be taking a break from rolling the noisy food and beverage carts down the aisles, so this is as calm and quiet as it is going to get. While you want to get adjusted to your new time zone as quickly as possible, it’s also advantageous to give yourself a chance to rest and recharge while you can.

Bring Entertainment

 Nowadays, most planes will have built-in personal entertainment systems with music, movies, and TV shows for every passenger. Machines and technology are always unpredictable, though, so never rely on this as your only source of in-flight entertainment. Before you board your plane, be sure to download some music, movies, podcasts, and ebooks to your devices to have during your flight. I also like to get newspapers in the airport lounge and snag the crosswords to keep me entertained during the flight.

Snacks

Airplane food offerings have improved tremendously in recent years. However, I doubt they will be earning many awards from the culinary community anytime soon. It’s best to come prepared and bring along your favorite TSA-approved snacks. Be mindful not to bring foods with a strong odor or aroma on board as it affects your fellow passengers. People on airplanes can be wound tight. So, be respectful, and try not to draw any unwanted attention to yourself. Some good options are trail mix, almonds, and snack bars. The protein helps curb your hunger. Plus, these items are minimal in smell and come with packaging that can be easily tucked away and disposed of.

*Make sure you have everything you need! Check out my comprehensive checklist for international travel here!

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