Coping With Long Haul Flights

Going on holiday is a lot of fun, but getting there can be stressful, and lets be honest, no one likes to be stuck in a cramped area for 11 hours. We just want to get there and get it over with.
Some people even avoid long flights completely because of how uncomfortable it can be. There are many things you can do to make the journey better, you may even arrive refreshed!
Whether you travel frequently or if this will be your first long haul flight, I have some tips for you to make a long haul flight, a better flight.

Here are my top tips for long haul flights:

• Bring your own headphones
  The headphones available on board aren’t very good, so it is best to bring your own. They have 3.5mm ports for headphones. Ones that block out sounds are even better, especially if you want to sleep.
  If you have iPhone type headphones with a lightning connector, you might want to get a iPhone lightning adaptor so you can use them on the flight as you can only use headphones with a regular 3.5mm headphone port on the flight.
  
• Wear comfortable clothing
  You don’t want to be wearing rigid clothes on a flight. Wear loose, stretchy, comfortable clothing with elasticated waistbands where possible to keep comfy. Layers are good as you can remove or add a layer if the flight gets warmer or cooler. Don’t wear thick sweaters, use cardigans instead.
  
• Compression socks
  Compression socks help prevent DVT and I always have a pair on a long haul flight. If you don’t wish to buy any, keep moving your legs during the flight whenever you can, even if it is just making circles with your ankles or flexing the foot for a few mins. All these help keep the blood moving and reduce the risk of DVT.
  If you are disabled or are on medication, they are especially advisable as some medications can increase the risk of blood clots.
  
• Bring a neck pillow
  This might be obvious, but for a more comfortable flight, a neck pillow really helps. I wouldn’t be without my neck pillow on long haul flights. There are many different styles available too nowadays. Great for getting some sleep.
  
• If you plan on sleeping, bring a blackout eye mask and ear plugs
  The lights can be bright so this can disturb you and prevent you getting some sleep. On long flights, they have a period of time for sleeping when they dim the lights, but when it is meal time, they put the lights on again, so if you just want to sleep, use an eye mask. Black out eye masks will keep the light out so you can sleep.
  Ear plugs are also very helpful for keeping out any sounds of people talking or children screaming.
  
• Adjust your clock in advance
  Adjust the clock on your watch and/or device on the flight, so you can start to adapt to the new time zone. This can help minimize jetlag, although it is best start this a few days in advance for the best result, but if you can’t do that, starting on the flight is better than nothing.
  I also have a guide on avoiding jetlag.
  
• Download any eBooks, music or videos before boarding
  If you plan on using entertainment that isn’t provided on board, make sure to download it before you board. Many flights have WIFI, but there is a fee and it can be patchy.
  
• Avoid the window seat if you like to get up and stretch frequently
  If you book a window seat and you like to get up and move about on a long flight, you will be really bothering the people sat next to you, many who will want to sleep.
  Of course everyone needs to get up sometimes which is fine, but otherwise, book that aisle seat.
  Book an aisle seat if you like to move around!
  Do also remember some people are disabled, so you can be causing people major discomfort if you get up frequently.
  Of course everyone needs to get up sometimes which is fine, but otherwise, book that aisle seat if you get up frequently. This also goes for people with bladder issues.
  
• Portable fan
  This is optional, but I take one with me as the overhead air vents often aren’t very good. A portable fan can cool you down and for me, it helps when I feel sick.
  
• Pack snacks
  You will get some snacks on a long haul flight, but not many and they aren’t very often. Make sure to bring your own so you don’t go hungry. If you have kids, this is especially important.
  
• Drink lots of water
  Make sure to drink lots of water. The cabin air is very dry so make sure to drink lots of water. Bring a refillable bottle and fill it before you board the flight.
  
• Eye or face masks for moisture
  Some people like to use eye and sheet face masks to add moisture during a flight. I mean the ones made from material such as sheet masks, not a mud mask! There are also face sprays that can give you a moisture boost.
  Flying is very dehydrating to skin, so extra moisture can really help.
  
• Attach your seatbelt over your blanket
  If you like to sleep on a flight, make sure to keep your seat belt attached over your blanket. This stops attendants from having to wake you asking you to fasten your seat belt. Keep it fastened for the duration of your sleep.
  
• Antibacterial wipes/spray
  If you are high risk of getting sick, or even if you aren’t but just want to be careful, bring some antibacterial wipes or a sanitising spray to wipe down your table and arm rests. This is also more important because on long haul flights, you will be eating after touching the table and entertainment screen.
  If you bring a spray, make sure it is under 100ml for the hand luggage liquids rule.
  
• If you have children, make sure to bring enough entertainment!
  I hate to say it, but there isn’t anything worse than screaming children on a long haul flight. Imagine 11 hours of screaming. I have had this many times.
  Make sure to bring enough entertainment for your children. Preferably start to change their sleeping routine slightly in advance to match the time zone you are going to in, this way they will want to sleep on the flight.
  
• Use the bathroom before you board
  This tip is an obvious one. Use the bathroom before you board. Many seem to wait until they board. Not only are the bathrooms in the airports nicer and have much more room, but you won’t be disturbing your fellow seat mates.
  This is especially important if you have children. Make sure everyone uses the bathroom in advance.
  
• Do NOT bring foot rests that attach to the table on the seat in front of you!
  These cause discomfort to the person in front as well as moving them around every time you move, even a little. Please do not use these!
  Many airlines have banned them completely for this reason as they are horrible for the person in front of you. They won’t be able to sleep at all and will be moved around every time you move a little. Think of your fellow passengers!
  
• If you don’t like long flights, book flights with a connection
  If you book a long haul flight using flights that have a connection, you will get to move around, get some food and break up the monotony of a long flight. You can even book flights with a layover so you can explore the connection city before continuing your trip.
  This way you don’t have to do long haul flights and can do multiple short haul flights instead!