Thoughtful travel tips: How to survive a long haul flight
%2Flong-haul-flights.jpg)
A holiday to another country offers a wide variety of unique and exciting experiences. But going abroad means travelling, sometimes a long way - which often means taking a long-haul flight.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get ready for your long-haul flight, from what exactly is considered ‘long-haul’ to what to bring and wear. And, before you know it, you’ll have all the background information you need to book your next luxury break.
Find the perfect Think Experience for when you land.
What is considered a long-haul flight?
While there’s no official definition, the easiest way to classify flights is by time. Some airlines use distance, but it can be far harder to understand intuitively what flying 2,500 miles or more feels like.
With that in mind, the following classifications work as rules of thumb:
Flights shorter than three hours are considered short-haul
Flights between three and six hours are, as you might imagine, medium-haul
A long-haul flight is any flight that lasts longer than six hours
What to take on a long-haul flight
There are some essentials that you always need when taking a flight: your passport and boarding pass, of course, as well as anything you’ll want when you reach your destination. But when you’re travelling long distance, it’s also important to consider how you’re going to take care of yourself on the plane, both physically and mentally.
For body and skincare
Being on a plane for a long time can cause problems with your complexion, as well as your general health. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself and your skin hydrated. Hand sanitiser, disinfectant and a face mask are always useful in maintaining overall health as well, as they’ll help to keep you safe from any germs that might be on surfaces or floating around in the (recycled) air.
You should also bring along moisturiser and lip balm, to keep your skin looking and feeling good. Finally, don’t forget to bring a toothbrush and some toothpaste, and maybe even some disposable face wipes. Sometimes the simplest way to feel refreshed is simply by brushing your teeth or washing your face.
For comfort and sleeping
It’s not easy to properly rest on a long-haul flight - but it’s not impossible either. Bringing the right things along can help make the difference between landing cranky and tired and stepping off the plane refreshed.
Noise-cancelling headphones will help you retreat into your own peaceful world, while a travel pillow will massively increase your comfort. Finally, even though most airlines dim the lights when flying through the night, an eye mask can help you block out any distractions and make it easier to rest.
For entertainment
While your physical health is important, you’ll also need to ensure you’re keeping yourself mentally stimulated on the flight. Make sure you have enough to do so that you don’t get bored. Our top recommendation is to think about what you like to do at home and see if you can bring on the plane. From crocheting and crosswords to adult colouring books, you might be surprised by how many options you have!
Alternatively, you can spend the time catching up on work, life admin or other tasks you’ve been putting off - you may find it easier to focus when there’s nothing much else to do.
A portable charger is a must, so you can ensure that any devices you bring don’t die during the flight. Consider downloading some of your favourite films and TV shows onto your laptop and tablet, as well as any podcasts you like to listen to.
And remember, not everything has to be high-tech. You can’t go wrong with a good book, for instance, and bringing a notebook and pens can help facilitate a journaling or drawing session. If you have a travelling companion, consider bringing some cards or other portable games.
In-flight entertainment is, of course, a reliable fallback as well for when all else fails - it is sure to offer a wide selection of films, television shows, music and more.
What to wear on a long-haul flight
When it comes to surviving a long-haul flight, comfort is important. Whether you’re planning to spend your time sleeping or trying to stay awake for the entire journey to beat jet lag, you need to be able to relax.
You can’t go wrong with any of the following:
Sliders or flip flops, so you can take your shoes off easily
A thick hoodie, sweater or blanket, so you can curl up and stay warm
Sweatpants or joggers, with an elastic waistband so you don’t feel constrained
In general, loose fitting and soft clothes are best, and you should make sure to bring enough layers that you can adjust your temperature as you need.
Our best long-haul flight tips
Aside from what to wear and what to bring, there are a few more things to keep in mind to help your long-haul flight go smoothly.
Stay fed and watered
It can be all too easy when travelling to forget to take care of yourself. Early starts, long journeys to the airport and the strange ‘hurry up and wait’ mentality of checking in and getting through security with enough time to spare can make it difficult to ensure you eat right.
But it’s crucial not to fall into this trap: the last thing you want on a long-haul flight is any sort of stomach upset. Avoid alcohol or large and heavy meals immediately before or during your flight. Instead, bring snacks rich in carbs and proteins. You want to stay away from anything that can cause a sugar rush and crash, or that is too difficult to digest. And, of course, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water!
Stay entertained
Six hours or more is a long time to spend confined to one small space. To make this experience as pleasant as possible, you need to make sure your mind stays occupied. In-flight entertainment is your friend here, offering a chance to catch up on movies and music that you might have missed.
But, as we said above, you should also bring anything else you might like to distract yourself with, from a device that allows you to play music to a book to a pen and paper. Variety is key: the more options you have, the less likely you are to become bored.
Stay positive
Frame of mind is important here. If you’ve prepared well, brought the right clothes and invested in enough entertainment options, you’re already on the right track. But it’s also worth thinking about little - perhaps less obvious - things.
Consider your seat preference when you book, for instance. If you love to watch the clouds, then a window seat is good. But if you prefer the practicality of being able to get up and stretch your legs and use the toilet with minimal fuss, then you might want to go for an aisle seat.
Stay rested
Finally, make sure to get enough rest. Time differences and the cramped conditions on many flights can make this easier said than done, but even a short nap can help make a long flight go a lot faster - and help ensure you feel rested when you arrive.
The best places to stay after a long-haul flight
Once you’ve made it through your flight, you’re ready to start enjoying your holiday. And what better way to do that than to ensure you have a gorgeous, welcoming place to stay? Here are three of our favourite options:
Casa Romigi in Puglia is perfect for lounging by the pool and relaxing long into the Italian nights
In Greece, Calliope provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Ionian
The three-story Madreterra is perfect for larger groups looking for luxury
Book a long-haul holiday with us
One thing is clear: no matter where you’re going, it’s always prudent to pay attention to your journey. Long international flights can be intimidating and stressful, but with the right creature comforts, they can be a surprisingly good opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity to slow down and do a little less than you would on the ground.
Keep these long-haul flight tips in mind when you book your next holiday to ensure you’ll have a smooth and relaxing time from the moment you step onto the plane. And when you book with The Thinking Traveller, we’re with you every step of the way to ensure your travel experience is as seamless as possible, no matter how long your flight is. Get in touch with us when you are ready to being planning your next adventure.
