The Essential Guide for Long-Haul Flights

First time flying long haul or looking to master your travel day routine? Going in with an action plan will make a huge difference to your experience, whether that’s keeping comfortable or fighting the boredom when you still have 8 hours to go before landing. Long-haul flights can last anywhere from 6 to 20 hours in a single journey, yet with the right tips and tricks, the time will fly by!

Whilst we all dream about being upgraded to business class, here’s our best advice on how to survive long-haul flights in economy. ✈️

Comfort is King

There is a time and place for wearing your most glamorous wardrobe… Trust us, it’s not when you’re about to board a long-haul flight! 

We get the logic. Maybe you want to dress to impress, so that when you arrive in your new destination, you’re basically ready to hit the ground running. Sounds easy, right? Until someone next to you is taking up just a bit too much legroom. The last thing you want is to feel restricted by your clothing choices (... take it from a girl who wore tight leggings on a 12-hour flight. Never again!).

What Should I Wear for a Long-Haul Flight?

The baggier, the better! Opting for soft and stretchy clothing is key for long-haul journeys. Ideally, you want to be wearing lots of layers. Temperatures can change at the drop of a hat in aeroplanes, so make sure to keep a jumper with you if it gets chilly. Layers are also great if you’re flying to a different climate or hemisphere, as they can help you adjust to the temperature change.

Travel Hack: Wear compression socks. They can help aid healthy blood circulation and ease any muscle fatigue you may feel from sitting still for hours at a time.

Stay Hydrated

Maybe you’ve seen those TikToks of influencers doing a 12-step skincare routine on their long-haul flights. We’re not suggesting you need to be doing that (although you’re welcome to!), but the logic comes from the fact that the air quality on long-haul flights is drier than the day-to-day humidity levels your body is used to. 

Pack some moisturiser for your carry-on luggage, or even bring a face mask if you fancy it! Most important of all, make sure you are drinking lots of water throughout the flight - especially since it’s easier to get dehydrated on planes compared to being on the ground.

Choose Your Seat Ahead of Time

Airlines typically allow you to choose your seats ahead of time. Here’s how you can make the most out of it depending on your travel preferences.

• Best for avoiding turbulence: Between the plane wings
• Best for do not disturb: Window seat
• Best for extra legroom: Aisle or emergency exit seat
• Best for being first off the plane: Front rows
• Best chance of a quieter journey: Back rows

You can also declare your dietary restrictions in advance, with a cut-off time of typically 48 hours before your journey.

Charge Your Electronics

Charging your electronics may seem like an obvious tip for long-haul flights. But the thing is, when you’re spending hours rushing to different checkpoints or killing time at the airport, it’s easy for your phone battery to get completely drained. So always remember to fully charge your devices before you leave for the airport (and make sure to pack your charger!).

A power bank or portable charger is super handy, as it allows you to recharge your device almost anywhere. Many airports also provide charging stations, typically close to cafes or at the gates. For the plane journey itself, many airlines will provide a USB plug so you can top up your device.

However, it’s best to save your powerbank chargers for when you’re on the ground. Airlines typically enforce strict regulations when it comes to using powerbank chargers whilst flying to ensure the safety of passengers. Always check with the cabin crew for permission before use.

Download Entertainment In Advance

One of the best parts of a long-haul flight is seeing what entertainment is available to watch on the screen. Having a few back-ups already downloaded to your device never hurts, just in case the in-flight options aren’t what you fancy. 

Maybe there’s a Netflix series you’ve been meaning to binge-watch but just haven’t gotten around to, or a calming music playlist that helps you unwind. There is nowhere else for you to be, so why not use this as your time to chill out and catch up on everything you want to?

Travel Hack: Noise-cancelling headphones are your new best friend. They do a fantastic job at reducing background noise and helping you switch off and concentrate on what you’re watching or listening to, making it an essential for surviving long-haul flights in economy.

Break the Journey Into Smaller Steps

When you’re nervous about flying, the idea of a long-haul journey may seem overwhelming. Although it’s completely normal to feel this way, taking things one step at a time will help make the travel day feel more manageable. 

For instance, instead of focusing on how long the journey will take overall, try to break it into little chunks and think about how you can fill the time, like which movies you want to watch in which order.

Bring a Neck Pillow (And an Eye Mask)

Remember how we said noise-cancelling headphones are your new best friend? Add a travel neck pillow to the list. You can usually purchase one at the airport if you need one last-minute, and it is an absolute lifesaver for staying comfortable on long-haul flights.

Unless you’re blessed with the ability to fall asleep anywhere, a neck pillow can help you catch up on some zzz’s. Alongside this, you may wish to pack a black-out eye mask or some earplugs (if the headphones are a no-go).

Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule Beforehand

This one is more of a fun bonus, but if you want to be super prepared for when you arrive in your chosen destination, you can start going to bed and waking up at a different time a few days before a long-haul flight. Although every traveller knows the feeling of jet lag, shifting your bedtime in the direction of where you’re travelling to (earlier for eastward, later for westward) can minimise it.

Go for a Direct or Connecting Flight

Wherever possible, either a direct or connecting flight is recommended for the most seamless journey.

Direct flights take you from the departure airport to your destination on a non-stop journey, without you having to change planes. A connecting flight typically includes 1 or 2 layovers as part of the ticket itinerary. For most connecting journeys, your hold luggage is checked onto the next flight. You can confirm this at the check-in desk at the start of your journey.

Whilst connecting flights are part of a single ticket, self-transfer flights are separate journeys where rechecking into your baggage and clearing security is required for each layover. Self-transfer flights can be great for travellers on a budget; however, please note that there is no financial protection if the first leg of your journey gets delayed.

Our flight partner, Flights 360, can handle all this for you, finding the best possible options and matching up itineraries to your travel plans. Get your quote today, or read 10 Reasons to Book Your Flights with 360 to find out more about how they can help out.

Ready for Take-Off?

So there you have it! Now that you have the best tips and tricks for long-haul flights, where are you heading off to?

If it’s your First Time Flying Solo, our step-by-step airport guide has got you covered. Safe travels! ✈️