How to Survive a Long Haul Flight

Woohoo! The summer is nearly here, which means that it’s nearly time to pack our bags for vacation! I don’t know about you guys, but summer has been a long time coming this year! However, vacation time can sometimes mean eight hours cramped up in a stuffy aircraft cabin with nowhere to roam but the aisles, nothing to snack on by dull airplane food.

The journey is definitely not the destination when it comes to vacationing, unless you opt for any of these of course, but there are ways to make a long haul flight that bit more bearable - just read my top tips on cruising through the skies without a hitch, and your next flight will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your vacation!

Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flight-sky-flying-airplane-26097/

Reserve a good seat

Some of us have our favorite seats on an airplane, some of us prefer the aisle, some the window (although none of us want that dreaded middle seat!). If you don’t want to be near children, choose a seat away from the front of the plane or partitions, as this is where most families will be seated. If you like legroom, choose seats at the exits, if you like to move around, indulge in some plane yoga or need to go to the toilet often, sit in the aisle to avoid climbing over people every hour.

Some airlines may not allow you to choose seats until you check in, and some may require you to pay to select your seat, but the advice is to get online as soon as check in opens and select your favorite place to sit.

Wear comfortable clothes

This is an obvious one, but too often I’ve boarded a ten-hour flight and seen girls in short skirts and tight tops and wondered how on earth they are going to be comfortable for the duration. For me, it’s all about leggings and layers and a big scarf that doubles up as a blanket when I need it. Between air conditioning and tiredness, it can get chilly inflight, so it’s always worth packing a baggy sweater to cozy up in as you snooze and watch movies. Fluffy socks are also a good call - nobody wants cold feet for hours on end!

Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flying-people-sitting-public-transportation-2105/

Stay entertained

Although you will likely have a wealth of entertainment at your fingertips on a long haul flight, if you are already committed to a series or there is a certain movie you want to watch, why not take it with you? By downloading an app such as the Cinema Box HD app, you’ll be able to view your favorite shows on the go. Alternatively, if audiobooks help you to snooze or you are behind on a podcast you follow, ensure that your smartphone or tablet are stocked up with the necessities to get you through.

Stay hydrated

Planes are known for dehydrating your body and skin, so make sure you drink water little and often. Try to avoid too much tea, coffee or alcohol - even though the offer of free booze is always tempting, it wreaks havoc on your hydration levels. You will be able to take a bottle of water onto the plane with you, as long as you purchase it after security. Alternatively, travel with a reusable bottle which you can top up at water fountains in the terminal, on from the trolley when it makes its way down the aisles. This way, you will be able to drink when you want, rather than when the air hosts are doing their rounds. If your skin and eyes suffer, be sure to pack a travel-sized moisturizer and eye drops too.

Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/plane-airport-airplane-sky-9482/

Choose a good airline 

There is definitely a big difference between a good long haul airline and a bad one. Do some research before you book and read reviews from previous passengers, so you will be making an informed decision. If you have been seduced by a low price, then expect to have to pay for food and drinks and for there not to be any inflight entertainment available. I have been known to fly across the Atlantic with nothing but a book and a broken seat belt before! Lesson learned!

Relax!

What better excuse do you have to relax than on a flight? Nobody can get hold of you, your cellphone is off, and you have six, eight, ten or twelve hours of absolutely nothing to do ahead of you. You are being waited on hand and foot; you can read a book, watch a marathon of romcoms, or simple doze to your heart’s content!