Tips for Long Flights: How to Stay Comfortable and Entertained

08/16/2024 Jennifer

Long flights can be tough, but you can make them better with the right tips. I’ve learned some tricks to make flying more comfortable and fun. These tips will help you stay comfy and entertained during your long flight¹.

Start by dressing in comfy clothes and drinking plenty of water. Find ways to keep yourself busy, whether it’s work, reading, or watching shows. These tips will make your flight more productive².

So, get ready, get comfy, and let’s dive into making your long flights easy. With some prep and a positive outlook, you can enjoy those flying hours. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for what comes next¹².

Choose the Best Seat for Your Needs

Getting the right seat is key to enjoying a long flight. Booking early helps you get your top choice, like an aisle seat for more room³, a window seat for leaning, or an exit row seat with extra space³. Some seats cost extra, from $25 to over $100, so think about what you need before picking⁴.

Book Early for Preferred Seating Options

Booking early is key to getting your favorite seat. Seats at the front near business class are great for parents with babies, as they often get a free bassinet⁴. Airlines offer bassinets on long and some short flights, making travel easier for parents⁴.

Consider Aisle, Window, or Exit Row Seats

Your choice of seat matters a lot. Choosing between a window or aisle seat depends on what you like. The author likes window seats for long flights³. Seats at the front are quieter and make boarding faster³. Bulkhead seats have more room but you’ll need to put away your things during takeoff and landing³. Exit row seats give you more space but have less storage and require knowing certain languages³.

Planes like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350 are better for long trips because they have higher pressure and humidity³. The way a plane is set up, like a 2-3-2 layout, affects how comfortable your seat is³. Using SeatGuru is a good idea for checking reviews and finding the best seats³. For flights over 12 hours, consider upgrading to premium economy or business class for more comfort³. Getting to the airport early can also make your trip smoother³.

Dress for Comfort and Layers

Comfort is crucial for long flights. Choose loose, breathable clothes like yoga pants or joggers for ease and coziness⁵. Look for soft fabrics with stretchy waistbands to prevent discomfort⁵.

Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing

For athletes or travelers, pick clothes that are soft, breathable, and easy to move in⁵. Merino wool tops are great because they don’t smell and can be worn several times without washing⁵. Slip-on shoes are a smart choice for long flights to help with swelling in your feet⁵.

Bring a Cozy Sweater or Jacket

Don’t forget to pack a cozy sweater or jacket. Airplane cabins can get cold, so an extra layer keeps you warm and comfy⁵

Choosing comfortable and versatile clothing is key for a good long flight⁵. With loose, breathable clothes and layers, you can stay relaxed and adjust to any cabin temperature⁵.

tips for long flights

Long flights can feel daunting, but with the right tips, they can be more comfortable and enjoyable. Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned how to manage work, stay sane, and adjust to new time zones during long flights⁶.

Choosing the right clothes is crucial. Wear loose, breathable fabrics that let you move easily. It’s smart to layer up since the cabin’s temperature changes a lot. A light down vest is a handy item to carry⁶.

Drinking enough water is vital on long flights. Drink water regularly to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol because it can make dehydration worse and mess with your sleep⁷.

It’s important to move and stretch to avoid sitting too long. Use in-flight exercises or walk up and down the aisles. This keeps your blood flowing and prevents soreness⁶.

Keeping yourself entertained is crucial. Download movies, shows, podcasts, and books before you go. And remember to bring extra chargers⁷.

Consider getting a travel pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, and a warm blanket. These can make your flight much better and help you feel refreshed when you land⁶⁷.

By using these tips, you can enjoy your long flight more. Whether you’re off for work or fun, these tips will keep you comfy and entertained.

Pack Essential Comforts

Traveling by air can be tough on your body and mind. But, with the right items, you can make your flight much better. Items like neck support and noise blockers are key for a comfy long flight.

Travel Pillow for Neck Support

A good travel pillow is a must for neck support during flights. It helps you find a comfy spot to rest or sleep. The Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow is a top pick, priced at $29.99⁸.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earplugs

Getting rid of airplane noise can change your flight for the better. Consider noise-cancelling headphones, like the Bose Noise-canceling Headphones 700 for $400⁸. Or, try high-quality earplugs, such as the Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for $28⁸. These can help you stay focused and relaxed.

Warm Socks and Blanket

Airplane cabins can get cold. So, a cozy blanket and warm socks are great to have. The Away Travel Blanket for $95⁸ and the Comrad Knee-high Compression Socks for $28⁸ are great choices.

With these comfort items, you can make your flight more enjoyable, no matter how long it is.

Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol

Staying hydrated is key on long flights because the air inside the plane can dry you out fast. The air in the cabin is very dry, often less than 20%⁹. To fight dehydration, drink at least 8 ounces of water every hour in the air⁹. Also, skip coffee, tea, and alcohol to avoid dehydration because they make you pee more⁹.

Drinking alcohol on a plane is tricky. The pressure in the cabin makes alcohol hit your system faster, making you feel more drunk¹⁰. Drinking can make you lose up to 1 liter of fluid per drink, making dehydration worse¹⁰. Drinking too much on long flights also raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis by 26%, compared to drinking water¹⁰.

To keep hydrated and dodge the bad effects of drinking on the plane, try electrolyte drinks or eat foods like cucumbers, strawberries, and oranges⁹. If you feel thirsty, your mouth is dry, you’re tired, or your urine is dark, get help to check your hydration⁹. Doing some light exercises like stretching or walking can also help keep your blood flowing and your body hydrated during the flight⁹.

Remember, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol are important for feeling good when you arrive⁹¹⁰. By choosing wisely about what you drink on the plane, you can make your trip more comfortable and fun⁹¹⁰.

Combat Dry Air with Moisturizers

The air inside airplanes can dry out your skin, making it feel dry and dull¹¹. But, you can fight this dryness with some smart in-flight skin care. This way, your skin stays healthy and glowing, even after long flights.

Bring Facial Wipes and Sheet Masks

Having a few key items can really help. Bring facial wipes to clean and refresh your skin quickly. Also, think about packing hydrating sheet masks for a quick moisture boost¹¹. These masks can hydrate your skin during the flight, making it smooth and soft.

Also, consider a travel-sized serum with hyaluronic acid. This ingredient draws moisture into the skin and fills dry areas¹². Use it with a light, oil-free moisturizer to lock in the moisture.

Remember to reapply sunscreen during your flight¹¹. UV rays are stronger at high altitudes. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin.

By taking a few simple steps, you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and glowing, not dry and dull¹¹¹².

Maintain Your Routine

Sticking to your regular hygiene routine on a long flight can really help you feel better¹³. Bring along must-haves like deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste to stay fresh. A quick clean-up in the airplane bathroom can make you feel more normal and comfy during travel.

Pack Toiletries for Freshening Up

For in-flight hygiene, having your favorite toiletries ready is crucial¹³. A rich moisturizer fights the dry air, and a face mist gives you a quick hydration boost¹³. Don’t forget a silk eye mask and earplugs for better sleep, even up high¹⁴. Include any needed meds, contact lens stuff, or personal items to keep up your routine.

In-Flight Hygiene Essentials	Benefits
Deodorant	Helps you feel fresh and confident
Toothbrush and Toothpaste	Maintains oral hygiene and freshens breath
Moisturizer	Combats dry airplane air and nourishes skin
Face Mist	Provides a quick hydrating boost
Silk Eye Mask	Helps block out light for better sleep
Earplugs	Reduces noise disturbance for rest and relaxation

By bringing your must-have toiletries and taking a moment to clean up in-flight, you can keep up your usual hygiene routine¹³. This helps you feel your best, even when you’re 30,000 feet up¹³. Keeping up with your self-care can make your trip feel more normal and comfy.

Entertainment and Activities

Pack a variety of entertainment options for your long flight. Download movies, TV shows, and podcasts to your devices before you leave¹⁵. You can also use apps to learn some basic phrases in the local language for your destination¹⁵.

Don’t forget to bring physical reading materials like books and magazines¹⁶. Reading is a popular way to pass the time on flights, whether it’s on a Kindle or a physical book¹⁶. For something more productive, consider a notebook to jot down ideas or work on projects.

In-Flight Entertainment Options

Movies, TV shows, and podcasts¹⁵
Books, magazines, and Kindles¹⁶
Travel games like chess, mini ludo, and Monopoly¹⁵
Card games and other portable activities¹⁵¹⁶
Language learning resources¹⁵

There are many ways to stay entertained and engaged on a long flight¹⁶. You can download audiobooks and podcasts before flying for endless fun¹⁶. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku are also favorites among passengers¹⁶.

Being prepared with different entertainment options is key to staying occupied and comfortable during your flight¹⁷. There are many activities suggested for long flights, like movies, card games, travel games, coloring, reading, music, podcasts, or audiobooks¹⁷.

Move Around and Stretch Regularly

Long flights can lead to swelling, stiffness, and a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if you sit still for too long¹⁸. It’s important to move around the cabin often, doing simple exercises and stretches¹⁸.

These exercises are easy to do and fit anyone’s fitness level. Try to move and stretch every 30 minutes, and walk around the cabin too¹⁸. Many airports now have yoga spaces and gyms for travelers to stretch and get moving before their flights¹⁸.

Airlines like Qantas offer exercise videos in-flight that show easy movements you can do from your seat¹⁸. By staying active, you can fight the bad effects of sitting too long and make your flight better¹⁸.

Experts also suggest other ways to make your flight more comfortable¹⁹. Kris Major, a flight attendant, says eating before boarding helps you sleep better during the flight¹⁹. She also suggests taking off your shoes for better blood flow and sitting near the front to avoid bumps¹⁹.

Whether you fly often or it’s your first time, using these tips can make you feel refreshed and ready for your trip¹⁸¹⁹.

Pack Snacks and Stay Nourished

As a frequent traveler, I’ve found that packing snacks for long flights is key to feeling good when I land. Airline meals can be hit or miss, so I pack snacks that are easy to eat and keep me energized. Roasted chickpeas, with 6 grams of protein per ounce²⁰, or hemp seeds with 5 grams²⁰, are perfect for snacking. I also enjoy raw veggies with almond butter, which has over 7 grams of protein²⁰.

For something more filling, I pack a sunflower seed butter sandwich with over 12 grams of protein²⁰. Or, a protein bar with at least 10 grams of protein and under 5 grams of sugar²⁰. These snacks keep me energized during my flight. Mixing mixed nuts with fresh fruit and cheese gives me about 5 grams of protein²⁰.

Having my own in-flight snacks, airplane food, and travel nutrition means I always have healthy options. This way, I arrive at my destination feeling refreshed and ready for my next adventure.