Sitting on a plane for hours on end isn’t much fun for most people. However, a long-haul flight doesn’t have to be as gruelling as you might think. With the right preparation and a few clever tips for long-haul flights, you can handle any flight. Whether you’re trying to get some sleep, want to sit comfortably or simply want to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed: it’s often the little things that make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips that will really help make your long-haul flight much more pleasant, so that your journey gets off to a relaxed start as soon as you board the plane.
1. Cheap flights
Let’s start at the beginning. Proper preparation for a long journey naturally begins months in advance, when you book your flight. Everyone wants to cheap flight tickets snag a bargain, but that takes a bit of patience and research. It’s often worth looking at flights with a stopover. It might take longer, but it can sometimes save you hundreds of euros, which you can then spend on fun things at your destination.
Tip: always check whether hold luggage has been booked. Otherwise, you may end up facing unexpected additional costs.
2. Dress in layers (and choose your clothes wisely)
What you wear on a long-haul flight really does make more of a difference than you might think. After all, the temperature on a plane can vary a lot: one moment you’re feeling cold because of the air conditioning, the next you’re suddenly in a warmer cabin. That’s why one simple tip is the most important: dress in layers.
- A T-shirt or top as a base layer
- A jumper or cardigan that’s easy to put on and take off
- A pair of comfortable, stretchy trousers (not tight jeans)
After a few hours’ flight, you’ll really start to appreciate how nice it is when nothing’s pinching or feeling too tight.
Your shoes deserve a bit of attention too. Your feet may swell a little during a flight, so opt for trainers or shoes that aren’t too tight. Many people take their shoes off during the flight, so a pair of warm socks is no luxury. Want to do it properly? Then compression socks are highly recommended. They help to stimulate your circulation and reduce the risk of swollen feet or heavy legs after a long flight.
Extra tip: you might want to pack some flip-flops or slip-ons in your hand luggage. They’re ideal if you need to pop to the loo without having to struggle to get your shoes back on.
3. Start your journey in a relaxed manner and be on time
A pleasant flight actually begins before you even board the plane. By arriving at the airport well in advance, you can avoid unnecessary stress. Check in advance how busy the airport is and allow a bit of extra time. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to go through security at your leisure and relax for a while before boarding.
And let’s be honest: popping out for a coffee, having a look around or simply sitting for a while without being in a rush instantly makes your trip a lot more relaxing.
4. Plan your journey from the air
You can also make the most of the hours spent on the plane. Especially if you’re visiting a destination you’ve never been to before. For example, if you’re going on city break to New York, then now is the perfect time to start planning your first few days.
Download maps offline in advance and save some great spots. Think of cafés, restaurants or sights you really don’t want to miss. By the time you hit the road, you’ll know exactly which metro stop to go to, which saves a lot of stress when you arrive.
5. Keep moving during the flight
However tempting it may be to stay seated for the whole flight, your body won’t thank you for it. So try to move around regularly by walking up and down the aisle every now and then. Don’t fancy that? Then try rotating your ankles every now and then, stretching your legs out under the seat, or tensing and relaxing your muscles.
6. Choose the right items to pack in your hand luggage
Our hand luggage is always packed with handy bits and bobs and tasty food! For example, we always take snacks for the journey, a toothbrush, facial wipes and a water bottle that we can fill ourselves. The air on the plane is dry, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. It helps combat tiredness and prevents you from feeling exhausted after you arrive.
Another thing that’s often underestimated is just how nice it is to have a few little comfort items to hand. Think of lip balm, hand cream or hand sanitiser. They may be small things, but it’s precisely these kinds of details that make you feel just that bit fresher and more comfortable during a long flight.
7. Make sure there’s plenty of entertainment
Don’t rely solely on the in-flight entertainment. Yes… we’ve often found that the in-flight entertainment system has completely crashed. So make sure you download a few films or TV series, podcasts, music or e-books yourself. A good pair of headphones or earbuds really makes all the difference here. Especially on a long flight, it’s lovely to be able to escape into your own world for a while.
8. Be careful with alcohol and caffeine
It might be tempting to have a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, but this often has the opposite effect during a flight. The dry air and lower air pressure mean you dehydrate more quickly and don’t sleep as well. If you really want to rest during your flight, it’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine.
9. Handy items for a long flight
On a long flight, there are a few items that can really make a difference. Here are a few things we always take with us:
- Neck pillow for extra comfort
- Noise-cancelling headphones or earphones
- Sleep mask and earplugs
- Refillable water bottle
- Transparent toiletries bag for some small toiletries
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Frequently asked questions about long-haul flights
1. What is the best time to fly on a long-haul flight?
That depends on your destination, but night flights are often ideal. You can try to get some sleep and usually arrive in the morning, which helps you settle into the rhythm of your destination more quickly.
2. How can you avoid jet lag after a long flight?
Try to adjust to your destination’s time zone in advance. For example, go to bed earlier or stay up later in the days leading up to your departure. During the flight, you can also start adjusting your sleeping and eating patterns to match the local time at your destination.
3. IIs it better to take a direct flight or one with a stopover?
A direct flight is often more comfortable because it takes less time. A flight with a stopover, on the other hand, can actually be a good opportunity to move around and stretch your legs, especially on very long journeys. What’s more, these days, a flight with a stopover is simply much better value for money.
4. What can you do about dry air on a plane?
Make sure you drink plenty of water and, if necessary, use a moisturising lip balm or face cream. The air on the plane is very dry, which can cause tiredness and dry skin.
5. What’s a good idea to do when changing trains on a long journey?
Use your layover to stretch your legs, have a bite to eat and freshen up. A short walk and some fresh air (if possible) will help you feel a bit more relaxed again.
A long flight can be quite taxing, but with the right preparation, you can make it a lot easier on yourself. By travelling in comfort, setting off well prepared and making smart use of your time on board, you’ll step off the plane feeling much more refreshed. Don’t see the flight as time wasted, but as the start of your journey. We hope these long-haul flight tips will help you. Do you have any questions, or are you curious about our favourite travel accessories? Feel free to send us a message at Instagram or mail to info@thousandtravelmiles.nl.
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