How to Survive a Long Haul Flight

Long haul flights which last for more than six hours can be a real pain for travellers. It can be stressful, boring and even painful.  Fret not, read on to find out how you can survive a long haul flight! 

1. Be in Your Most Comfortable Gear

Forget about tight jeans, layers of fashionable clothing and high heels. Get cosy and squeeze into the most comfortable gear you have. Don’t forget a neck pillow to avoid getting a stiff neck. I am sure you would rather spend your holidays exploring the destination rather than recovering from a stiff neck. You can also bring an eye mask, in case you need it. Also, bring indoor slippers to slip on during the flight so that you can get out of your shoes. Be comfortable and don’t worry too much about being fashionable.

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2. Stay Hydrated

Bring an empty bottle so that you don’t have to keep getting up to get some water. Request the flight attendants to fill in the water and don’t be embarrassed to constantly fill up. Being hydrated is very important so that you remain comfortable and reduce tiredness. Get up as many times you want to use the toilet as it would also be good for your blood circulation, which brings us to the next point.

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3. Stand up and Walk Around Every Hour

Sitting for long hours at a stretch in cramped economy class seats can be stressful for travellers mentally and physically. Try to find a reason to walk along the aisle every hour. Or at least try to stand up in your seat for a few minutes at a time. This will help ease the discomfort from sitting for too long.

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4. Create Your Own Entertainment 

Long haul flights can be torture if you can’t seem to find anything to do to kill the time. Don’t depend too much on the in-flight entertainment because if you’re unlucky, you will end up with a low-quality system and a poor selection of entertainment. You may bring books or magazines to read, journals to write in, or your own song selections. You can even read up on further information on your destination to fill your down time. 

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5. Get Enough Rest before Boarding the Flight

Don’t get your hopes too high that you would get much shut-eye during the flight, especially for light sleepers. The seat may be uncomfortable and cramped, the temperature may be too cold or too hot, and condition not as comfortable as your own bed at home. So, try to get enough rest before boarding the flight. Trust me; you will miss your bed at home when you try to catch up on lost sleep during your flight.

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6. Minimize Carry-on Luggage

It may be tempting to pack a whole bunch of stuff to comfort you during your long-haul flight. However, keeping it simple and organized will save the limited space available for your comfort. As cuddly and comforting as you think your big teddy may be, you might regret bringing it on the flight with you.

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There you have it, tips on how to survive a long haul flight. Happy travelling!