Tips on How to Survive a Long Haul Flight

Spring and summer will be here before you know it and millions of people are already planning their spring and summer vacations. For many people, they'll be booking flights and traveling to far away places. While flying is an easy way to get from point A to point B, it can be very tiring and stressful too.

Today we're going to share a very timely article with all of you from the folks over at TripSeats. Here are some great tips on How to Survive a Long Haul Flight. Thanks TripSeats!

How to Survive a Long Haul Flight

Before

The most important thing to do the night before you leave is to get a decent night’s sleep. Jetting-off to foreign climes is exciting, but try as hard as you can to resist celebrating the evening before you go. The last thing you want is to wake up on the day of your flight bleary eyed and with an eight-hour trip ahead of you.

If you’ve opted for a super early flight, regulate your sleep a few days before so you feel fresh on the day you travel. If work or other commitments make this difficult, just try getting up a little earlier in the morning so a 3 am start isn’t too much of a shock to the system. But wherever possible, a night flight is best.

With long-haul flights preparation is everything. Make a checklist, and don’t leave off the following: a toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye mask, ear plugs, a spare pair of socks, good head phones, and an inflatable pillow. It might seem a bit over the top now, but you’ll be thanking us five hours into the journey when all you want is a little shut eye.

To save all the hassle at the airport it’s worth splashing out on priority boarding. Airport cues are notoriously difficult to predict, one cancellation and Armageddon ensues, so avoid the crush at check in, security and boarding by paying extra to jump ahead.

On the morning of the flight don’t dress to impress, concentrate on being comfortable.

During

As soon as you get on board get settled. Set your clock for the time at your destination then forget about the outside world and get into plane mode. For the next eight hours, or longer, this fuselage is you’re home. After you’ve stashed away your carry-on luggage, take your shoes off and relax.

Once you’re up in the air it’s time to make your very own flight plan. Find out from the flight attendants what time all the meals will be served on your trip and plan a routine around them. Have a good long look at the movies on offer and plan when you’re going to watch them. Organise your time like this and the hours will fly by.

Try and keep your seat in an upright position for as long as possible. The shift from a straight backed to reclined position is like a signifier to your mind and body that sleep is coming. Stop watching TV at least half an hour before you decide to bed down, staring at an LCD screen does nothing for a good night’s sleep. Before you go to bed, brush your teeth, put on another pair of socks and get those ear plugs in. Sleeping on planes isn’t fun – unless of course you’re lucky enough to be sitting in first class – but you can make it more bearable by utilising your spare pillow, and a cosy sweater.

Throughout the flight drink plenty of water. It’s easy to get dehydrated on a plane journey so keep a check on the amount of fluids you’re taking in. And avoid alcohol. There will be plenty of time to enjoy a cold beer after you land, now it’s all about survival.

Don’t spend the whole flight in your seat. Get up and walk around. Not only will the walk boost your circulation, an important preventative measure to avoid thrombosis and other conditions, but the variety will help alleviate the boredom.

After

Touchdown is all about acclimatisation. Don’t bother with a bus or metro, after a lengthy flight the last thing you need is another long cue. You deserve a break. Get in a taxi.

Don’t go to sleep during the day if you land in the morning. Even if you’ve struggled to catch any Z’s on the plane, stay awake. Jet lag’s best friend is a mid-afternoon nap. Just power on through until the evening, it might be hard work but it will pay off in the long run.

Airport hotels

One sure fire way to prepare for a morning flight is to stay as close as you can to the airport, and it doesn’t get much closer than an airport hotel.

Staying overnight in an airport hotel dramatically reduces the amount of time it takes you to get from bed to check in cue. Not only does this make you’re morning more bearable, you’ll probably sleep better knowing you’re avoiding any potential traffic jams or other hiccups on your way to the airport.

Credit: TripSeats