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 Some have hundreds of movies, while others have outdated offerings and glitchy screens.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.
Not Bringing a Few Creature Comforts
It’s amazing how a few little things can make a long flight way more bearable. That oversized scarf is a good example. But, a neck pillow that actually supports your head, a cozy travel blanket, or even your favorite lip balm and hand cream can reduce that sense of anxiousness we’re all prone to after the eight-hour mark.
Some people swear by a travel-sized face mist, while others swear by their favorite hoodie. Decide what your own essentials are, and then make them a soothing part of your in-flight ritual.
Not Planning for Sleep
To no surprise, this is where those creature comforts come in handy. Use your essentials to create your own little sleep bubble. Often, the trifecta is a neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones.
Just try not to leave it to chance. If you lean your head against the window and hope for the best, you’ll probably feel like your brain’s been rattled. A little prep work makes all the difference, especially if you’re heading straight into a full day when you land. You’ll thank past-you later.
Not Adjusting to the New Time Zone Early
Waiting until you land to start thinking about the new time zone is like showing up to a marathon without ever training. If you can, start shifting your schedule a day or two before your flight.
Go to bed a bit earlier or later, depending on where you’re headed. On the plane, change the time zone on your phone to your destination’s time when you board. It’s a small trick, but it helps your brain start adjusting.
Skipping Snacks or Relying Only on Airplane Food
Airplane meals are a gamble. Sometimes they’re passable, sometimes they’re the saddest little pasta tray you’ve ever seen. And, if you have dietary restrictions, it’s even tougher. Pack a few go-to snacks – granola bars, trail mix, or even a sandwich.
Hunger hits differently when you’re 35,000 feet in the air, and having your own snack means you won’t be at the mercy of the meal cart schedule. Few things are worse than a plane full of hungry people, and it’ll be nice to count yourself out of that mix.
Not Staying Hydrated
Along with your snacks, water is also important. Airplane air can feel drier than the Sahara, and, oftentimes, it sneaks up on you. Before you know it, your lips are chapped, your hands are dry, and you feel the slight threat of a headache coming on.
Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up after security. Sip regularly, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Unfortunately, this also means you’ll have to use the bathroom more. Just be sure to book an aisle seat and remember that it’s helping you get up and move around at the same time, too.
Not Delineating Your Carry-On and Personal Item
We’ll end on the most important note: a battle plan for your carry-on and personal item. It’s a divide and conquer sort of thing. Pack everything in your personal item that you’ll want easy access to: a small kit with your toiletries, your power bank, snacks, headphones, and scarf. To get you going, here’s our ultimate personal item packing list.
Then, you can leave everything else to your carry-on that you’ll stow in the overhead compartment. Do your best to keep that light, too. We’re fans of traveling with a carry-on only. It helps us breeze through the airport without the dreaded wait time at the baggage claim. Believe it or not, we’ll pack for a two-week trip with only a carry-on. Here’s how to do it.
Get Ready for a Smooth and Easy Flight
We hope these tips will make the time fly by when you’re 35,000 feet in the air. It’s no easy task, cozying down on a long-haul flight. But, with a little bit of forethought and creativity, you can make do with a less-than-ideal scenario. And always remember it’ll all be worth it when you get to your destination.
For more ways to help you travel with ease, come check out our extensive library of travel tips. We’re here to help you cruise better, fly smoother, score the best deals on hotels, and, most importantly, stay safe every step of the way. Here’s hoping we’re neighbors on our next long-haul flight! We’ll cozy down together and watch the time fly by.