Long haul flights can be the ultimate bug bare for travellers, whether you are a full time nomad or an occasional explorer, let’s be real, sitting in a steal tube can be the most boring experience of your trip. But it really doesn’t have to be that bad!
Choose your airline wisely!
As a budget traveller I completely understand the temptation of jumping onto SkyScanner or Momondo and picking the cheapest flight, especially when it comes to long haul which can really dent your bank balance. However, if you can afford to spend a little bit extra with a reputable airline, it can make those 300 hours go a lot quicker!
Not only do the better airlines normally come with exceptional customer service, but you will probably get a bit more leg room and a wider range of GOOD films and TV shows to watch! My favourite airline to date is Qatar and you can read my full review of the airline here.
Leave your skinny jeans in your bag!
We have all done this, wearing a pair of tight jeans or skimpy tops as we don’t all want to look a hot mess onboard. We have all probably learnt our lesson too! There is nothing worse than trying to get comfortable on a seat the size of a toddlers highchair in skinny jeans and your favourite crop top. This isn’t a cat walk. Wear leggings, jogging bottoms, oversized t-shirts and a hoodie. You will thank me. However you may not get scouted for the next season of Top Model!
Be a bird and make a nest!
I’m not sure which is more annoying; having to ask people sat next to you to move every ten minutes, or to be the one being asked. Frequent trips to the overhead lockers won’t win you any popularity points and you will get frustrated yourself. So, make a nest: have all your in flight essentials packed under your seat so you are not getting up every single hour to retrieve something from the over head locker!
Window or aisle?
This is dealers choice really. For me, I love the window seat on short haul flights but you can forget that when the flight boarders the 5 hour mark, get me on the aisle! If you haven’t already reserved your seat then just arrive early to the check in desk and pick the perfect seat. Aisle seats are great because you can come and go as much as you please, but you will miss out on any good views (not like it matters if you are flying at night!)
Catch some z’s
I know this is the hardest part for most people, but try and get some sleep. There is nothing better than dropping off and waking up 30minutes away from your destination, let the excitement begin! I find that packing a sleeping mask and ear plug to really help speed the process along and minimise the chances of someone disturbing you. Even though the sleep we get onboard never really feels like a good slumber, it is better than arriving at your destination completely exhausted and having to sleep through your first day because you look like a zombie!
Drink plenty of water
My biggest pet peeve with flying is the air onboard! You know what I’m talking about? The very strange dry air which is too hot or too cold, normally too cold. You’re constantly trying to get rid of that dreadful cotton mouth and it’s adding insult to injury! So just make sure to keep asking the lovely flight attendant for some water because it will prevent you getting the almost inevitable headaches and overall make you feel 100% better!
Control your need for wine!
It’s a real temptation and a true struggle to resist the urge to take advantage of the free alcohol supply but try not to drink too much. I know you think it’s a good idea to help pass the time with free alcohol or it will send you to sleep but it will make you feel groggy. The last thing you want to add to your big trip is a massive hangover complete with dry mouth to your first day in a new place!
Entertain yourself!
Most long haul flights come with your own TV full to the brim of brand new films and popular TV shows. Or you can just watch the computerised plane fly across different countries, but that gets old quickly. Be prepared with some entertainment in case the inflight films and TV shows don’t appeal to you. Book, laptop, tablet, colouring book! Whatever it takes, ENTERTAIN YOURSELF! You will seriously regret not having a back up with you when the excitement of take off wilts and your stuck in a metal tube next to a screaming baby for 17hours.
Like reading but always feel too tired on flight? Why not try and Audiobook? Click below for a completely free book of your choice!
Stretch your legs!
About 2 days after I flew from Melbourne to London, I had to make a visit to the doctor as my legs were still twice the normal size and I had a sharp pain in my left thigh. Panic over, it was just swelling, not DVT. Whilst you are not sleeping, stretch your legs often, seriously, get out of your seat and do a few laps around the cabin, don’t run, walk. Also, wearing flight socks is A MUST! I forgot my pair on my 24 hour flight and ended up having cankles for days and LOTS OF PAIN!
STOP CLOCK WATCHING!
Stop looking at the time! It will only go slower! When you are getting bored, anxious, excited, pissed off! It is super tempting to check the time on your little TV, but resist! It will only make for a more frustrated and groggy traveller!
What have I missed? What are some of your ways to survive long haul flights? Let me know 🙂
This post does include affiliate links to products or companies which I have personally used and would highly recommend! If you click on an ad, at no extra cost to you, I make a small commission from the sale. All of which goes straight back into my travels and my YouTube channel to bring you even more PsychoTraveller goodness!
