This year we have a lot of long international flights planned. It’s a necessary evil to get to see some of our dream destinations. We know how difficult it can be to survive a long-haul flight, especially in economy. How to prepare for a long flight? What to wear? What to bring? How to pass the time? We have learned a few tricks to help us be more comfortable on these long flights and minimize jet lag. There are also many things we’ve wasted time and money on.
1- Take an evening flight
We usually choose long-haul international flights that leave in the evening, allowing for sleep during the time of our normal sleep cycle. From Miami, many of the European flights fly at night and arrive early the next morning. This lets us get in some shut-eye and arrive for a day that won’t be completely wasted. Of course, you don’t always get many options on flight times but when possible, this can help you get some good sleep.
2- Organize your bags for the flight
We pack items which will be of use on the plane into a small pouch that we keep in our personal item. We take it out when we board and keep it in the seat pocket or close by for easy access. If you’re lucky enough to be flying in a premium cabin, they may give you an amenity pouch but it’s nice to have your favorite things.
In my small pouch I have an eye mask, ear plugs, dental floss, a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, moisturizer, facial tissues as well as a case to protect my glasses and a glass cleaning rag. I also keep my phone and earbuds in there. If you take medication and will need to take a dose during the flight, then include a day-supply in your pouch and leave the rest in your carry-on. Don’t check it (there could be delays and you may need it before you land)!
3- Check in early
Get on the plane early and make sure you have room to put your bags up close to where you are. We often put our bags across the aisle, so they are visible from our seat. Believe it or not, there have been instances of fellow passengers (even crew members) stealing from bags. Be sure to keep your valuables and important documents in close proximity. Keep your bag locked.
4- Wear comfortable clothes
I like to wear comfortable clothes when I fly and even more so on long flights. My go-to outfit consists of stretchy pants or leggings, a t-shirt and a sweater. I can’t imagine trying to sleep during a red-eye flight in tight jeans in a cramped seat! Not to mention the risk of getting deep vein thrombosis.
5- Wear sensible shoes
Slip-on sneakers are my first choice. It’s just easier to take them off and put them back on when flying. I sleep better without them, but I want to be able to put them on quickly to move about the cabin. (Don’t go to the restroom wearing only socks or worse, barefoot! It gets pretty disgusting in there shortly after takeoff!). Another good reason for sensible shoes is to be able to run to catch a connection if you have to! (Let me tell you that I learned this lesson the hard way when I had to run across the airport in flipflops in order to make a flight. It wasn’t fun!)
6- Use compression socks
We also bring our compression socks and put these on at the beginning of the flight (before takeoff). These help to reduce swelling and the risk of blood clots which increases with long flights. Make sure to walk around the cabin from time to time.
7- Pack a good travel pillow
I also bring my favorite travel pillow. Having good neck support is important to avoid arriving to your destination with a stiff neck. This is even more important if you’re short, as the airplane seat headrest may not be adjustable, and they always seem to be made for tall people. I’ve also tried many other gadgets like a footrest hanger, but these have not worked for me (and I wonder if they’ve ever been useful to anyone)!
8- Bring a small blanket or pashmina
It gets cold on planes and some airlines no longer supply blankets in economy.
9- Bring an eye mask and earplugs
If you’re hoping to sleep during the flight, these are essential (at least for me they are!). Planes are noisy and even when the cabin lights are dimmed there’s always a light on somewhere and these can make it difficult to sleep.
10- Bring antibacterial wipes
We also bring antibacterial wipes to wipe down our seat area (tray table, seatbelt buckle, armrest, seat pocket, and entertainment system buttons). You’ve probably read articles about what they’ve found on these surfaces!
See our post: Why You Should Clean Your Airplane Seat and How
11- Bring your own entertainment
We download multiple movies or TV shows that we can enjoy during the flight. I also have an Audible subscription and a Kindle subscription so there are both audio books and e-books along for the ride.
I love to keep travel books or articles about the destination on board with me as well, as this just helps build up the anticipation and excitement about what’s ahead. Of course, I can even write travel tips like this and publish them later!
12- Bring your own headphones
We love our earbuds and our Apple ones are much better than the older wired headphones or the free ones from the plane. With all the background noise, it’s often impossible to hear anything with those cheap headphones even with the volume on high. With the earbuds, it’s way better. And I don’t even have the latest noise cancelling ones which are likely even better!
A few more tips for long flight
- If you are going to sleep, wear the seatbelt over any blanket/covers so the flight attendant can see it.
- Let them know if you are or are not interested in the meals.
- Drink lots of water to hydrate. I bring my double-wall insulated bottle and fill it at the airport after going through security. I like that it keeps my water cold for the whole flight.
- Bring some snacks to eat on the plane. But keep in mind that bringing some food items into another country may not be allowed and could result in a big fine. So, for example, if you didn’t eat your apple, leave it on the plane, it’s not worth the risk of a fine!
- Don’t forget any medication, as the change of schedule and long flight can throw routines out the window. We calculate the timing to take any meds. i.e. if we take them in the morning here, we will plan to take them in the morning at the new destination too. If the flight spans many mornings, we’ll typically try to take a dose somewhere in the middle and we keep that with us in a small plastic bag in our small pouch.
Conclusion
These are all things we do to help us survive and sleep on long international flights. We also do our best to minimize the size of our personal item to avoid losing to much of our leg space area. Of course, if you have a lot of travel award points, you may want to consider using them to upgrade. And get one of those coveted fully reclining seats at the front of plane. Being able to lie down takes the misery out of taking a long flight or at least makes it more bearable.
Even if you do get to sleep, you will inevitably be a little groggy when you land. Do be careful sightseeing the first day as you acclimate.
Read our post: Keeping Your Money Secure While Traveling
Make sure to read more of my Travel Tips
I would love to hear about how you get comfortable on long international flights. Please write them in the comments below.