Long flights can be exhausting, but with a little preparation, you can make the journey almost as enjoyable as the destination! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first long-haul adventure, here are my top tips to ensure your flight is as comfortable as possible:

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

If you can, select a seat in advance. Although I don’t generally tend to invest the extra money on a shorter flight, long flights are a completely different story! Window seats are great for leaning against and enjoying the view, while aisle seats give you freedom to move around. For extra legroom, consider seats near the exits or bulkhead rows. Think about where you’d be more comfortable and choose a seat accordingly.  However, if you suffer from motion sickness, choose a seat between the plane's wings or closer to the front of the airplane, where the ride tends to be more stable (avoid sitting in the back of the plane). And if you are looking for as much peace and quiet as possible, avoid seats close to the washrooms or galley.

2. Dress for Comfort

Wear loose, breathable clothing and layer up. Airplanes can be chilly, so pack a cozy cardigan or scarf. Slip-on shoes make it easy to get through security and stretch your feet during the flight.

3. Stay Hydrated

Cabin air is notoriously dry. Bring a refillable water bottle (empty for security) and fill before boarding.  Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

4. Pack a Comfort Kit

Include essentials like a neck pillow, eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, and a light blanket or shawl. Small luxuries like lip balm and hand lotion can make a big difference too. And if you get motion sickness like myself, gravol is at the top of my list and can help make you drowsy to double as a sleep aid!  I also like to pack Tylenol for those unexpected headaches, some cough lozenges (you never know), as well as some gum.

5. Move Around and Stretch

Sitting still for hours can be tough on your body. Take regular walks down the aisle, and do simple stretches like ankle rolls or seated twists to keep circulation flowing. Compression stockings can also help improve circulation and prevent swelling in your legs during a long flight. Choose at least knee- high length to get the maximum benefit. 

6. Bring Entertainment

Load up your tablet or phone with movies, podcasts, audiobooks, e-books, music, and/or games. Noise-canceling headphones are great and help block out the hum of the engines. Along with my Airpods, I also bring a set of plug in earbuds for use with the airline carrier’s entertainment system.  Other activities may include writing in a journal, doing word search or sudoku puzzles, or even using this time to plan your itinerary! 

7. Snacks Are a Lifesaver

Airplane meals can be hit or miss, so pack your own healthy snacks. Trail mix, protein bars, or dried fruit can tide you over between meals.

8. Stay Organized

Keep your essentials—passport, phone, chargers, snacks, and comfort items—within easy reach in a small bag under the seat. It saves you from rummaging through the overhead bin. Make sure everything is organized and easy to find (you can find little zipper bags at the dollar store in either the school supply or makeup section which are cheap and helpful). 

9. Freshen Up Mid-Flight

A quick refresh in the bathroom can work wonders. Pack travel-size toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, facial wipes, and deodorant to stay fresh. To cut back on liquids, I bring makeup remover wipes which are great to tackle waterproof makeup/mascara. 

10. Adjust to Your Destination’s Time Zone

Start syncing your sleep and meal schedule to your destination’s time zone before you land. It can help reduce jet lag and make the transition smoother.

Final Thoughts

Long flights don’t have to be a test of endurance if you think of it as part of the adventure! With the right mindset and preparation, they can be an opportunity to relax, watch movies, or even catch up on sleep.  Safe travels!

10 Essential Tips to Make Long Flights More Comfortable