How to survive a long-haul flight

Eight hours in a small aircraft cabin can sound like a nightmare but flying long-haul can be fun with a little preparation and a few home comforts. Follow these survival tips for a refreshing, comfortable, and relaxed flight to start your holiday in a good way.

FIND COMFORTABLE CLOTHES TO WEAR

This should be a given but try to find an outfit that you’ll be happy to wear for hours. Also, don’t forget that it can get chilly sitting on a plane for hours with the aircon blasting. Wear layers so you can adjust you to the temperature. Don’t wear jewelry because it will only set the alarm off at the airport security.

RESERVE A GOOD SEAT

For example, if you want more legroom, choose an exit seat. If you want to avoid babies also avoid the front of the plane because this is where they’ll mostly be seated and if you like to move around on a plane be sure to reserve an aisle seat so you won’t have to disturb people when you want to get up.

PREPARE TO SLEEP

Don’t forget your earplugs and eye mask for a more comfortable sleep and also pack a good sleeping pillow. These are definitely the essentials. Also, pack some basic toiletries to freshen up before you land.

DON’T OVERPACK YOUR HAND LUGGAGE

A few extra things on the plane can always help but keep things travel-sized because nothing is more annoying than lugging a big suitcase around and trying to fit these in the overhead lockers. Try to take one cabin bag and a small handbag with only the essentials like a water bottle and earplugs.

TAKE YOUR GOOD SNACKS

You’ll never know what kind of food they will serve you on a flight. It can even be possible they serve you noodles first thing in the morning when you are traveling through time zones so instead of waiting around for the food trolley to come by, pack your snacks make sure you’re not hungry.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

When talking to people time goes by very quickly! So, find out why your neighbors are traveling. You never know who you can come across and the interesting stories they may have to share.

RELAX!

Use this time you have to do things you don’t have the time for at home. For example, read that book you’ve been wanting to read for a while now. Watch a few romcoms or read a magazine!