How To Be Comfortable On A Long Flight [35 Tips]
Ah, the joys of long flights!
Sitting in a cramped seat for hours on end, with nothing to do but stare at the person’s head across from you and try not to think about how much your butt hurts.
It’s an experience that no one looks forward to—and yet, it’s something we all must endure if we want to travel around the world.
But don’t worry, there are ways to make your flight more bearable.
In this blog post I’m going to share 35 tips on how you can be comfortable on a long flight so that you’re still able to enjoy yourself while traveling by air!
It’s time for some tips and hacks on surviving those dreaded long-haul flights!
1. Book your favorite seat
Incredibly uncomfortable seats can make a long flight feel even longer, so be sure to check out the airline’s seating map and pick one that you usually like most.
We are not going to argue in this post about which is better – the aisle or the window seat. Choose what’s right for you. It all comes down to personal preference. An aisle seat gives you the freedom to move around and stretch your legs, while a window seat provides more privacy and a better view.
2. Upgrade!
It’s time to use those miles. And if you don’t have them, consider investing a bit of extra money in your comfort and convenience and upgrade your seat to first or business class. These come with more legroom and reclining options as well as better meals.
3. Ask for a free upgrade
Airlines may have offers for customers seeking an upgrade to their seat or cabin class – don’t be afraid to enquire about extra perks as this could result in complimentary upgrades which could make your journey much more enjoyable!
4. Wear comfortable clothing
Choose clothes that are soft, breathable, and stretchy to help minimize discomfort during a long-haul flight. Avoid jeans or anything too tight that will make it uncomfortable for you when sitting for long hours.
5. Bring an extra layer
A lightweight shawl or hoodie is always a good choice for chilly airplane cabins.
6. Use compression socks or stockings
Compression socks help reduce swelling in the legs caused by long-haul travel – this is especially helpful for those with medical conditions like circulatory problems or diabetes.
7. Bring a pair of socks
This will help keep your feet warm if you decide to take your shoes off during the flight.
8. Invest in neck support
Neck pillows can be extremely helpful when it comes to taking a nap on board the plane. It is one of our must-have long-flight essentials.
9. Utilize noise-cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are great investments if you want maximum peace and quiet while on board – they block out most environmental sounds and come in handy when trying to catch a quick nap! Not only will they help you enjoy some peace and quiet, but they can also help muffle the sound of an annoying seatmate.
10. Pack snacks
Airplane food can be hit or miss, so it’s always a good idea to bring along some of your favorite snacks to munch on during the flight.
Pack healthy snacks that you know won’t make you feel sluggish like nuts and dried fruit.
11. Bring hand sanitizer
Planes are havens for germs, so it’s always a good idea to use some hand sanitizer or wipes before eating or using any surfaces onboard.
12. Don’t forget entertainment essentials
Be sure to bring something to keep you occupied during the flight.
Stash away some books, magazines, and other forms of entertainment like podcasts or music so that you don’t get bored during long flights!
Make sure to download them beforehand.
13. Charge your devices
Keep your devices fully charged before boarding the plane and remember to bring a portable charger – you never know when you’ll need it!
14. Check in early to avoid unnecessary stress
The last thing you need before a long flight is to be worried about whether you are going to make it to the gate on time.
15. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout your journey as air travel can cause dehydration due to low humidity inside airplanes. And it will make you even more tired after the flight.
16. Bring a reusable water bottle
Avoid buying overpriced bottled water at airports by bringing along an empty reusable water bottle that you can fill up once you pass security.
17. Avoid drinking too much alcohol
While it may be tempting to have a few drinks while on the flight, remember to drink responsibly as alcohol can dehydrate your body and increase feelings of fatigue after landing!
18. Don’t overdo the carry-ons
Plan ahead and store items strategically to maximize comfort. It’s a good idea to store some belongings overhead while keeping others within reach underneath the seat in front of you.
19. Secure your belongings
Place important items such as your passport and wallet in a travel pouch that can be worn around your neck or waist.
20. Buckle the seat belt over your blanket
This way the flight attendant will see that your belt is properly fastened and won’t have to disturb you if you fall asleep.
21. Ask the attendants for assistance
From complimentary meals to extra blankets, don’t hesitate to ask the attendants if there’s anything you could use during your flight.
22. Get up and move around every few hours
Stretch your legs as often as possible by taking short walks up and down the aisle every few hours – this will also help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is caused by sitting for extended durations in one place without movement (especially for those with existing health conditions).
Take a brisk walk down the aisle or do some stretches in your seat.
23. Stay active during flight layovers
If you have long layovers between flights, try to get up and move around as much as possible – this helps combat jet lag and fatigue from sitting still for hours at a time!
24. Avoid unfamiliar food during layovers
Upset stomach is not something you need on a long flight.
25. Have a plan for jet lag
Before departing, establish a sleep routine that you can follow once arriving at your destination – this helps combat jet lag and exhaustion.
Adjust your watch according to the local time at your destination.
26. Get productive
Bring work with you and take advantage of in-flight Wi-Fi or use this time for planning and organizing upcoming projects.
27. Get creative
Bring a notebook and let your mind wander. Take notes or doodle. Use this time to brainstorm.
28. Meditate
Download meditation apps like Calm or Headspace or Ten Percent Happier onto your smartphone or tablet so that you can practice mindfulness while airborne!
29. Practice communication
It may be a good time to practice those communication tricks if your seatmate is talkative.
30. Sleep
If anything else fails, try to sleep. That’s where the neck pillow and noise-canceling headphones will come in handy.
31. Wear glasses instead of lenses
Wearing contacts will dry out your eyes faster. And I hate that feeling.
32. Combat dry air
Bring eye drops, hand cream, lip balm and moisturizer.
33. Pack the products to freshen up throughout your flight
Like on-the-go disposable mini toothbrushes, and micellar water wipes.
34. Don’t sleep during take-offs and landings
During these times the air pressure changes quickly and you need to stay awake to ease the feeling of pressure in your ears. Chewing gum or yawning are two great ways to do that. Sleeping during these times may cause permanent ear damage.
35. Don’t forget your meds
If you’re currently on any medications, don’t forget to bring them with you.
There you have it. Please comment below with your flight hacks and tips.
