HOW TO SURVIVE LONG HAUL FLIGHTS
Lets be honest, unless you are hitting it up in first class no one enjoys those arduous long haul flights which take you across the world.
LONG HAUL FLIGHTS ARE ENOUGH TO PUT SOME OFF TRAVELLING
For me, my limit is about 3 hours until I get restless and seeing as I’ve visited every country within that radius I very rarely take such short flights. As I frequently board flights that are 10 hours or more it’s important that I settle myself into the new time zone for whatever time I land.
LAYOVER
Before booking a flight, it might be worth checking for a layover for a day or 2 somewhere in between. I always see this as a good opportunity to explore a new place and saves me sitting in a plane for longer than I need to.
FOOD
Be prepared for your flight. It’s easy to arrive at the airport and buy a McDonalds, 2 cookies and a coffee. These taste great but you will suffer as a result. Ever since I brought my own food onboard I have found it much easier to sleep and relax. I usually bring a bottle of water (bought after security control), sushi or homemade sandwiches and some nuts.
RELATED READ: MY FIRST AND FAVOURITE BUNGEE
SEATS
As I often travel alone, I don’t normally request a specific seat until I arrive at check in when I’m sure to ask for a window seat. It’s believed that you are either an aisle or a window person but I can’t see why anyone would want to sit anywhere else but next to a window. Not only do you get a great view but you also get to rest your head against the wall without the danger of your neighbor needing the toilet or the trolley hitting your elbow. Good websites on this part are seatguru and seatplans.
TIPS:
- Download any entertainment to watch or listen to – podcast, music or videos
- Bring some work – I can only watch so much tv before I need to do something else
- Bring games whether on your device or in a magazine or paper
- Ensure you devices are fully charged
- Check if there are charging capabilities onboard
- Bring some low sugar snacks
- Stay away from coffee
As for which row, it doesn’t bother me so much unless I see the prices are affordable in which case, I would go for an emergency exit or behind the bulkhead head. These rows often have extra legroom which is priceless when trying to relax. Be aware that quite often the very back seats can’t recline due to the bulkhead or toilets behind them. Also after everyone has boarded, if you see an empty row, grab it!
How to survive long haul flights
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
If it’s a long haul then the last thing you want to be in is a pair of jeans, shoes and a shirt. I tend to keep it casual and make sure I have layers to control my body temperature. Planes are notorious for their varying temperatures throughout a flight and there isn’t going to be much you can do about it.
ALWAYS HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Earphones
- Powerbank
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Inflatable pillow
- Moisturise
TIME ZONE
As soon as you board the flight change your watch to the time of your destination and add a countdown timer for the duration of the flight. I often like to know how longs left on a flight but be sure not to look at it every 2 minutes otherwise you might feel you’re never going to arrive.
Changing your watch to the time zone of your destination will allow you to adapt to their time zone much easier. Normally I take this into account the night before my flight and restrict my sleep so it’s much easier to pass out on board.
How to survive long haul flights
STAY OCCUPIED
Time goes fast when you are busy and what a better place to have time fly than on a plane, no pun intended. I always make the most of the time I have on a flight, whether it be work, blog work, podcasts or a movie, anything to get the time in. Be sure to have everything you need
FINAL THOUGHTS
Long haul flights are never easy but they can be a good time to do something productive whether that’s catching up on some work or to adjust your body clock to your next destination.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
This post is part of Travel Tips Series. Click here for more!
