Heading off on a long-haul flight? It’s intimidating, even for seasoned travelers. The idea of being stuck in a seat for hours, dealing with dry cabin air, and trying to get comfortable enough to catch some sleep is not exactly a dream scenario. However, with a few smart tricks and some preparation, you can turn that long flight into a smooth ride. In this ultimate guide, we’re diving into the best travel hacks for long flights and airplane comfort hacks.
What is a long-haul flight?
A long-haul flight is a flight that lasts between 6 and 16 hours and usually involves international travel across continents or oceans. Passengers need to prepare more for long-haul flights to stay comfortable and healthy. This includes choosing the right seat, bringing entertainment, and ways to avoid jet lag. Long-haul flights are challenging for airlines, too, because they need to plan for fuel, schedule crew members, and provide sufficient meals for passengers.
1. Choose Your Food Carefully
For international flight hacks, selecting your food wisely is crucial for several reasons. The air pressure in the plane can make you feel bloated, so it’s best to avoid foods that might make this worse. Also, your sense of taste and smell could be reduced at high altitudes, so food might taste better than it does on the ground.
Sometimes, the food options may not cater to your dietary needs or preferences, leaving you with limited choices. In such cases, it’s a good idea to opt for lighter meals like fish, vegetables, salads, and soups, as they are easier to digest.
Consider pre-ordering a special meal or bringing snacks if you have specific dietary requirements. Avoid risky foods like raw or undercooked items, and be cautious with dairy products to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Here’s what you can expect from the most popular airports:
- American Airlines serves complimentary snacks like pretzels and Biscoff cookies on flights over 250 miles, with beverages like coffee, tea, juice, water, and soft drinks. For longer flights over 1,300 miles, snacks like almonds and Pringles are available for purchase, along with breakfast bags. Alcoholic beverages can be bought on flights over 250 miles.
- All Nippon Airways (ANA) provides special meals for various dietary needs and traditional Japanese and Western options. Traditional Japanese meals may include sushi or grilled fish; Western meals include cold, dead cow (steak), garlic bread, and salads.
- Delta Airlines offers snack boxes, fruit and cheese plates, or chicken salad sandwiches on longer flights. First-class passengers on longer flights have access to more substantial meal options. Delta Sky Club offers seasonal food choices, including breakfast options like pastries and oatmeal and lunch and dinner options like soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
- British Airways serves meals and ice cream in the Main Cabin on transatlantic flights. They also offer special dietary meals.
2. Wear Slip-On Shoes
Wearing slip-on shoes for air travel is one of the easiest airplane hacks for long flights. First, they make getting through security faster and easier. The TSA often requires passengers to take off their shoes, and slip-ons can be quickly slipped on and off, saving time in line.
Second, slip-on shoes are more comfortable during the flight. Air travel can cause feet to swell, making tight shoes with laces or straps uncomfortable. Slip-on can accommodate this swelling and can be easily removed for added comfort during the flight.
Some top brands are highly recommended for air travel for slip-on shoes because of their comfort, style, and convenience.
- Allbirds offers the Wool Loungers and Tree Loungers, known for comfort and sustainability
- Skechers Slip-Ins are praised for comfort and support
- Nike’s React series provides a sportier option with comfort and performance
- Rothy’s slip-on sneakers are eco-friendly and stylish
- Vans’ Checkerboard Slip-On Sneakers are classic and convenient for travel, especially through security checkpoints
3. Select Your Seat Wisely
Choosing the right seat is one of the most essential long-flight hacks you should know. A good seat can give you more legroom, easier access to the aisle, and a quieter space. Seats near the bathrooms or kitchen area can be noisy and busy. Window seats are excellent for the view, but they can make it tricky to get up without disturbing others. Seats at the back of the plane might not have enough overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.
To choose the best seat, try selecting your seat during online check-in. Some airlines, like Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways, allow you to do this even in economy class. If you want better amenities, like additional bag allowance, adjustable headrests, amenity kits, and more privacy, consider upgrading to premium economy, business, or first-class seats.
4. Pack Wisely
Ever had to dig through a mountain of clothes just to find your toothbrush? Packing too much can turn your bag into a heavy, disorganized mess. Let’s not forget the essentials, like your passport or medication, can throw a wrench into your plans. It’s easy to overlook these things when you’re rushing to pack. Plus, packing light can avoid those pesky check-in luggage fees and help you navigate airports easily.
- For winter trips, use compression bags to make bulky clothing like jackets and sweaters take up less space. Wear your heaviest coat, boots, and bulky items while traveling to save space and keep warm. Pack thin, warm layers instead of bulky clothes. Fill your shoes with small items like socks or underwear to use every bit of space in your luggage.
- For spring getaways, check the weather forecast and pack clothes you can layer for different temperatures. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to avoid wrinkles, especially with light spring fabrics. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and make packing easier. Don’t forget to bring a light, foldable, waterproof jacket for any surprise spring showers.
- For summer vacations, pick light, versatile clothes that you can mix and match. Bring a pair of sandals and comfortable walking shoes to save space. You can also wear your swimsuit under your clothes and pack a light, quick-drying microfiber towel for the beach or pool.
- In the fall, focus on wearing layers. Pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a medium-weight jacket that you can easily wear and remove. Bring scarves, gloves, and hats for warmth without taking up too much space. Choose waterproof boots that you can wear for different activities, so you don’t need to pack extra shoes. Remember to bring a small, foldable umbrella for rainy days.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Limiting how much alcohol you drink on flights is one of the important travel hacks for flying. The air in the cabin has less oxygen and moisture, making you feel drunk faster and more dehydrated. This can lead to discomfort, jet lag, and even irrational behavior. Drinking too much can also make it hard to think clearly and move properly, which could be dangerous in an emergency.
To manage how much you drink, try to drink water along with alcohol to reduce its effects. Eating before and during the flight can also help slow down how fast alcohol affects you. It’s a good idea to decide how much you want to drink before you board the plane and stick to that limit. Choosing drinks with less alcohol and avoiding fizzy drinks can also help you drink less. Keep in mind that drinks like Blood Mary, which have a lot of sodium, can make you even more dehydrated, so it’s best to avoid them.
6. Bring a Neck Pillow
The plane seats are cramped, and finding a good position takes a lot of work, especially on long flights. A neck pillow supports your neck and keeps your spine in a good position, reducing strain on your muscles and joints. This helps prevent “airplane neck,” when your neck feels sore or stiff after a flight. A neck pillow also helps you sleep better on the plane, making you feel refreshed and less jet-lagged at your destination.
Here are some long-flight hacks to make the most of your neck pillow: Choose the right type. Memory foam pillows are firm and mold to your neck, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted and are easy to pack. Look for a design that stops your head from falling forward if you have trouble sleeping upright. It’s also good to get a pillow with a washable cover, especially if you travel often. Test your pillow before your trip to ensure it’s comfortable and gives you the support you need.
7. Use Earplugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones
Looking for airplane sleeping hacks? Noise-canceling headphones can reduce the constant background noise from engines, air conditioning, and cabin passengers. With noise-canceling headphones, you can sleep on a noisy flight, focus on work or reading, or enjoy in-flight entertainment. They can also be helpful for people who are sensitive to noise or feel anxious when flying.
Keep them fully charged before your flight, or bring a backup power source. Some headphones can also work without batteries using an auxiliary cord. Others offer adjustable levels of noise cancellation, so you can block out cabin noise while still hearing important announcements or talking to flight attendants. For earplugs, ensure they fit well and are comfortable for long periods.
8. Pack a Hydration Kit
Packing a hydration kit for flights keeps your skin hydrated at high altitudes. Airplane cabins have arid air, with humidity levels often below 20%, much lower than most people are used to. This dry air can lead to skin dehydration, causing dryness, tightness, and flakiness, and can worsen conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
To assemble an effective hydration kit, include the following items:
- Moisturizer: Choose a deeply hydrating moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Apply it before, during, and after the flight to lock in moisture.
- Hydrating Mist: A facial mist can quickly boost hydration without disturbing makeup.
- Lip Balm: Keep your lips hydrated with a good lip balm
- Hydrating Serum: Consider packing a hyaluronic acid serum for an extra layer of hydration
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated internally by bringing a refillable water bottle and drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight
9. Pack Protein-Rich Snacks
Protein-rich snacks keep you full longer, which helps manage hunger on long flights. Airline and airport food is often high in carbs and sugars but low in protein, causing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Having protein-rich snacks is beneficial during delays or flight cancellations, flights without meals, or when food options don’t meet your dietary needs. Travelers following specific diets, like high-protein plans for muscle maintenance or weight management, may need help finding suitable options. Protein-rich snacks can help maintain stable glucose levels during travel if you’re managing blood sugar levels.
Remember TSA guidelines for liquids and gels. Avoid yogurt or large nut butter containers. Opt for solid foods or individual nut butter packets, seeds, or protein bars that are easy to eat and not messy.
10. Familiarize Yourself with the Airport Layout
Familiarizing yourself with the airport layout before a long-haul flight can reduce stress by helping you know where to go when you arrive, especially in large airports. It can also prevent you from missing connecting flights due to confusion or getting lost. Not knowing the airport layout can lead to rushing and potentially missing flights, difficulty finding restrooms or lounges, and a lack of awareness of distances between gates or terminals.
Research the map online or through the airport’s app before your trip to get familiar with the airport layout. Pay attention to your arrival and departure gates, and use airport signage and information kiosks to navigate. Consider using airport navigation apps like FLIO
or MyTSA for real-time updates to arrive early.
Mastering these hacks for flying can improve your journey, such as bringing snacks, a neck pillow, earplugs, or headphones can make a big difference. It’s also important to limit alcohol and stay hydrated. All these tips help you stay comfortable and rested during your flight. After all, travel is all about learning and having fun, so always be prepared. Adjust your plans based on what works for you to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.
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