Long-haul flights are an important part of exploring the world. If done right, they can even feel like an adventure in themselves. But let’s be honest, they usually don’t.
Sitting still in a cramped seat for 12 hours or more will get to anyone. Even in first class, boredom and jet lag don’t discriminate.
But once you’ve flown often enough and experienced great flights, boring flights, tense flights, relaxing flights, and the just plain crazy ones, you start to pick up a few tricks. Tricks that make the journey manageable and help time pass faster.
After averaging 35 flights a year for over five years, here are 11 things I do to prepare and during long flights to make them more manageable.
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Wear comfortable clothes
If you want to be comfortable, tight or restrictive clothing is a no-go. Pack some soft, breathable loungewear. If you’re worried about looking sloppy, tailored loungewear works well, it’s comfortable and you’ll still look put-together.
Read up on your destination
Depending on how much planning you’ve already done, use your flight to learn more about your destination and refine your itinerary.
Before takeoff, download offline Google Maps of your destination so you can use them without WiFi.
On the plane, save the places you want to visit and adjust your plan to match. It’s also a good time to prune your list if you went overboard and saved too many spots during planning.
And if you brought a guidebook? Crack it open now and read up on your destination.
Practice self care
Long flights are an opportunity to treat yourself to a little pampering. Long exposure to the dry cabin air strips moisture from your skin, so pack a good moisturizer and reapply every couple of hours.
If you want to go further, treat the flight like a mini spa and bring a hydrating face mask. A little self-care can keep you feeling fresh and help you start your trip on the right note.
Curate your space
I’ve found that taking control of my space the moment I sit down makes a big difference. So before I wear my seatbelt, I pull out all my essentials and keep them in front of me or within easy reach.
A long flight should feel relaxed. The less time you spend digging around for reading glasses or a water bottle, the more comfortable you’ll feel.
Get work out of the way
One of the rookie mistakes I used to make earlier was waiting a few hours into the flight until I was relaxed to get some work done.
The best time to get work done is as soon as you take off and reach a safe altitude. Knock out the tasks you need to do. Then you can relax, enjoy a movie, or dive into a book without guilt.
Don’t try to tackle complex work tasks on your flight
If you’re going to spend the first few hours of your flight working, be realistic about what you can get done. A flight might not be the place for detailed, high-value work, unless of course, it comes to you naturally.
Use this time for brainstorming, making notes, or outlining ideas that you can polish up later. That way you can avoid feeling frustrated from not hitting your target.
Download the content before your flight
Long flights are the perfect opportunity to catch up on content you’ve been meaning to consume like a new book, a podcast or shows you’ve been meaning to watch.
Just make sure everything is downloaded ahead of time so you’re not relying on spotty in-flight WiFi.
Do this even if your airline promises entertainment. Trust me, it’s when you count on it that it doesn’t work.
Charge up at the airport and bring a portable power bank
The last thing you want is a dead phone or ipad a few hours into your 14 hour flight especially when your in-flight entertainment system isn’t working.
Charge your devices before leaving home. Most airports have power outlets, so top up again at the airport while waiting.
And always bring a portable charger as backup.
Kill time organising your files and picture gallery
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a backlog of screenshots, random notes, and an overflowing camera roll.
A long flight is the perfect time to sort and clean up your folders and gallery.
Prepare for play
This one is obvious if you’re travelling with a child. But even adults are kids inside and we all need play on long flights to help time pass quickly and keep our minds engaged on something.
- Bring a sketchbook and draw.
- Pack a deck of cards or travel-sized board games like monopoly.
- Download puzzles like sudoku or crosswords.
- Try mini versions of classic games like chess, checkers and ludo.
Play isn’t just for kids. It’s how you trick your brain into enjoying the hours.
Pack your own snack
Meals are expected to be served on long flights but it’s advisable to pack something from home to quiet the stomach rumblings before meals are served.
You can never tell if the food is going to suck so pack some fruits, crackers or homemade snacks with you just in case.
Don’t over plan, go with the flow
To round off, make plans, but don’t overdo it. Sometimes switching off your device, putting away your games and books to just allow yourself zone out is great. But if the opposite helps, then go for it.
Whatever you do, don’t force yourself into a schedule. Your long haul flight is that bubble of time where you can escape notifications and free yourself momentarily from expectations.
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