Preparing For A Long Flight

First things first

Let’s face it; it’s expensive to travel to faraway places but worth it! Compared to a most shorter distance, or domestic flights, you may already be experiencing some sticker shock when you learn the price to travel to Europe or the United Arab Emirates. 

But think about it this way….

Instead of looking at the total price tag, break it down into cost per travel hour. Let’s compare 24 hours to Sydney, Australia at $2,500 vs. 3.5 hours to Vegas, NV for $250. Sydney breaks down to $104/hour and Vegas to $71/hour – it doesn’t look so bad anymore. Now, considering you will be spending hours and hours on that plane, it might be worth spending a little extra to upgrade for more comfort. 

Factors such as which airline you choose, how long your connections are, what style of aircraft you choose, etc., are all going to affect your comfort and pleasure on a long-distance flight. As your travel agent, I will handle all of these details to get you the easiest and comfiest flight possible. 

As we plan your trip, I will recommend optional upgrades to you to make your journey more comfortable. 

For example… 

For business and first-class travelers, most airlines give you a set of comfy PJ’s and a complete toiletries kit so you can “go to bed” in your seat, which folds down into a flatbed (and they are yours to keep). (By the way, the complimentary PJ’s on Emirates flights are DIVINE, so you’re not just getting cheap, disposable pajamas.) 

Bathrooms in the business and first-class cabins are significantly larger, which makes changing, brushing your teeth, and washing your face much easier. When you’re ready to sleep, your flight attendant will prepare your bed for you with soft blankets and full-size pillows.

I’m happy to price out business and first-class tickets for you in addition to coach and premium economy tickets.

Just like with anything in life, preparing your attitude ahead of time is key to success. Why not look at the time you will spend on a long-haul flight as a glorious day of rest, a true holiday. No phone calls, no text messages, no social media, no responsibilities. You get to sit and relax – sleep, read that great book you’ve wanted to read, binge watch movies guilt-free. You’re going to be stuck on a plane for a long time. You might as well turn it into something you can enjoy. 

If this is the ONLY reason you choose to work with me as your travel agent, this is worth it. I will research and find you the best upgrade options so that you can enjoy your time in transit and arrive at your destination happy, well-rested, and ready to enjoy your destination. 

So now let’s talk about what you can do to make your trip more enjoyable…. 

Prepare to be Comfortable 

Wear comfortable clothes. Maybe not your pajamas, because, let’s face it, most of us feel most comfortable when we feel “presentable” in public. But, try to avoid tight clothes, ride up in funny ways, are made of itchy materials, or are otherwise bothersome in any other way. 

Everyone has different things they find comfortable, but consider soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, designed with elastic waistbands. 

Wear multiple thin layers so that you can add or remove clothing to help regulate your temperature in transit. 

Comfortable shoes are also a must! Don’t wear brand new shoes as they could give you blisters. Wear shoes that you already know you can walk all day in without your feet screaming to be set free! Slip-on shoes that are easily removed are a great idea, too – especially when going through security as well as once you’re on the plane. 

If you’ve got long legs, or just like more legroom? Consider an aisle seat or exit row if you cannot afford to upgrade to business or first class. 

Don’t carry on too much stuff. Even though you technically can stow a bag under your seat, that doesn’t mean you want to. Think about how much legroom that extra-large bag might eat up before you decide to carry it on. However, don’t feel pressured to leave behind the things you need to manage your time during the flight.

Prepare to be Healthy 

Pack plenty of food. You know what you like to eat and how much and how often you need to eat. I recommend packing a little more than you think you will need in case of travel delays. 

Nutritionists advise smaller meals with a good balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based foods to stay happy and healthy on long haul flights and avoid jet legs. 

For business and first-class travelers, most airlines provide you a menu of complimentary gourmet food. In some cases, it’s made to order – VERY different from the food served in the economy.

You can alert your flight attendant of food allergies and sensitivities, and they will accommodate you. When you eat can be just as important as what you eat. Eating sends important cues to your body to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Careful planning of when you eat before, during, and after a long-haul flight can help you sleep better and avoid jet lag. 

Stay hydrated. Air travel is dehydrating. That coffee you drink to stay awake is dehydrating. That wine you drink to relax is dehydrating. Dehydration exacerbates jet-lag, so to stay healthy, you need to counteract all this with plenty of water. Make sure your water bottle never runs dry and sip on during your entire flight. 

Prepare to be Entertained 

Pack something to watch. Most flights will have in-flight movies, but your choices will be limited. You might want to bring your tablet or laptop loaded with a few movies that you know you will enjoy. Movies that you love and want to watch again or new movies that you have been dying to see. 

Pack something to read. Here again is where a tablet, or even your phone or laptop, shines! Make sure you have downloaded some books to read. I recommend more than one book, just in case you get bored of one or finish it! 

Pack something to listen to; if popping in your noise-canceling headphones and zoning out to your favorite music is your thing, make sure you have all your favorite tunes loaded on your device. Maybe even some new songs to keep things interesting. 

Podcasts are another great option for audio entertainment. There is a podcast for every single interest out there. You can be entertained, or educated, or both. And bonus – podcasts take up less space and use less battery than movies – so load them up! Pro Tip: Your device can also help relieve anxiety and help you get to sleep. Try downloading a meditation app (like Headspace or Calm). This article provides more info on the benefits of meditating while traveling and some how-to tips. 

Prepare to be Rested 

 Rest, most people need to be able to block out light and noise. A good eye mask and a pair of noise-canceling headphones or simple earplugs are a must. Most airlines provide these sorts of amenities on overnight and long flights, but why chance it. Especially if you are picky about the style, I recommend packing your own. 

You also might want to bring your travel pillow. Travel pillows have come a long way since the only option U-shaped inflatable neck pillow. There is an option for everyone, from luxury down jackets that convert to neck pillows to scarves that hold your head up while you sleep.

Best Travel Pillows

Prepare to Have Happy Kids 

Traveling with young children adds a layer of considerations to your travel plans. But, with a little extra preparation, the entire family can enjoy the journey of getting there.

You might want to seriously consider breaking up a long haul flight with a long layover that allows for an overnight stay to rest and recover before continuing to your vacation destination. Shorter travel days mean kids (and parents) are less likely to get as exhausted, resulting in meltdowns. Also, adding another destination adds more excitement and adventure to your trip. 

Consider kid-friendly versions of all the preparations we have already covered, in addition to a few extra tips and tricks for keeping them healthy and happy.

Besides bringing a few of their favorite things that you are certain they find entertaining, such as a favorite toy or blanket, it’s always a good idea to bring a few new surprises to entertain the kids on a plane. Even the act of opening new gifts itself is entertainment! Think engaging toys – such as new coloring books and art supplies, new games, new books, etc. You can enjoy a mix of things with them, and that they can do alone for when you need a break. 

Checklist for happy kids (and parents): 

• Check your stroller at the gate. If your flight happens to be delayed, your child(ren) will have a comfortable (and confined) place to rest. 
• Pack plenty of your child’s favorite (healthy) foods. There are few things worse than a hungry child, besides being excited about sugar or coming down off a sugar high. Think protein and complex carbohydrates to keep their bellies full and their mood calm. 
• Please make sure they get the wiggles out before they get on the plane. Take advantage of all the space in the airport and run around. Kids need to move their bodies to burn off energy, and hopefully, they will be ready to sleep when you get in the air. 
• Be prepared to combat the change in air pressure on takeoff and landing with a bottle (or breast) for babies and chewing gum or hard candy for those old enough for it. 
• I know all the experts tell us to avoid too much screen time for our children, but having a few movies or electronic games available on your tablet can mean the difference between misery and joy on a long-haul flight. Go ahead and make an exception here and indulge in some electronic babysitting for a few hours. 
• Pack a clean outfit (or two) in your carry-on, as well as plenty of wipes to clean up all the messes kids (and adults) often make. 
• Consider bringing their car seat on the plane. Kids are used to sitting still in them; it will help rein them in and provide some comfort since it’s something familiar. 

And lastly, remember: this too shall pass. An unpleasant, uncomfortable long-haul flight might seem like a never-ending nightmare, but it will be over at some point, and the rewards of an amazing trip with be well-worth the relatively short time spent on the plane to get there. 

Ultimate Long-Haul Flight Packing List 

• Food (we covered this in detail already)
• Teabags if you have a favorite tea or other drink mixes
• Refillable water bottle 
• Small toiletry kit with travel versions of everything you need to feel (and smell) fresh 
• Facial wipes or cleanser 
• Hand wipes 
• Body wipes 
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss 
• Facial moisturizing 
• Hand and body lotion (you can save space by choosing something that works on your face too) 
• Lip balm
• Eye drops (if you’re prone to dry eyes) 
• Hand sanitizer
• Deodorant 
• Small comb or brush 
• Entertainment 
• Tablet or e-reader 
• Book or magazine if you prefer a physical version
• Cards or other small games 
• Small notepad or pen 
• Battery charger and cords – for your phones, tablets, and even laptop
• Comfort 
• Eye mask 
• Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones 
• Neck pillow
• Blanket/scarf
• Extra sweater
• Socks (compression if you’re prone to feet/ankle swelling) 
• Slip-on shoes (or wear these the whole time) 
• Medication
• Motion sickness remedies 
• Baby aspirin, if recommended by your doctor 
• OTC pain medication in case your back hurts from hauling heavy luggage or your neck hurts from the awkward sleeping position 
• Any prescription medication you need – please make sure any medications you rely on are in your carry-on luggage and not your checked bag 
• Clothing 
• An extra change of clothes (in case of spills or lost checked luggage) 
• Pajamas or just super-comfy clothes if you need to change to sleep