10 Long-Haul Flight Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

It’s a dreaded thought: that ticket to paradise also comes with a ten-hour flight in a cramped seat with little to do except wait for the drinks cart and hope the food is edible.  But, truth be told, it doesn’t have to be quite so foreboding. 

With a few tricks up your sleeve, or, in this case, stowed away in your backpack, you can make your flight quite relaxing. We’re talking a few creature comforts, a snack or two, a nourishing bottle of water, and a playlist that’s so stacked, it’ll take you to and from your destination, no problem. Ready to get comfy? Here are ten long-haul flight mistakes you never have to make. 

Not Bringing Your Own Headphones

While it’s true most airlines hand out free earbuds, they’re usually flimsy and uncomfortable, with the sound quality of a tin can. If you’re planning to binge-watch that new Netflix series or watch YouTube videos for 12 hours straight, do your ears a favor and bring your own pair. 

If they’re noise-canceling headphones, even better. They’re a lifesaver when it comes to tuning out the engine noise, crying babies, or that one guy who seems to talk as though he’s on a speakerphone.

Relying on the Airline for Entertainment

On a related note, in-flight entertainment options can be hit or miss. Some have hundreds of movies, while others have outdated offerings and glitchy screens. Plus, there’s always the risk that the system’s broken altogether. (It happens more often than you’d think.)

Download your own movies, shows, audiobooks, and playlists before you board. You can do this on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Audible – all of it. With your own library in place, you can really make the time fly by, only hitting pause to eat, stretch your legs, or use the bathroom. 

Forgetting to Move Around

It’s tempting to stay glued to your seat for ten hours straight, especially if you’ve found a good movie or allowed the soothing voice of Liam Neeson to soothe you to sleep. But, not moving at all can make you feel like a pretzel. And, when you stand up, you’ll feel it. Worse, it can actually increase the risk of things like swollen ankles or, in extreme cases, blood clots.

Take little walks when the seatbelt sign is off. Do a couple of ankle rolls and stretch your arms every now and then without knocking out the person beside you. Even standing in the aisle for a minute can help. Most importantly, your body will thank you when you land.

Wearing the Wrong Clothes

Of course, we all want to look presentable. After all, what if we’re sat beside our very own Prince Charming? But, snug skinny jeans or a stiff jacket will only make you regret your fashion choices about two hours into the flight. 

Long-haul is all about comfort. Think soft layers, cozy socks, and shoes you can easily slip off. The temperature on flights can swing wildly between arctic tundra and stuffy sauna; that’s why layers are your best friend. Plus, hoodies, oversized scarves, or lightweight cardigans can double as blankets when needed.