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Long Haul Flight Essentials: 30 Tips To Survive Long Flights

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Long haul flights are a source of angst for many travelers. However, with the right essentials for a long-haul flight, even a 15-hour plane ride can be pleasant – or, dare I say, fun . We love long flights (and actually prefer them over short stints in the air), but only because when we board the plane, we are armed with our Long-Haul Flights Essentials that makes traveling by plane a breeze!

Why Long Haul Flight Essentials are a Travel Necessity

Any plane journey over 6 hours is considered a long haul flight – and 6-plus hours is a long time to sit in a seat surrounded by strangers. While first class seats are, without a doubt, the most comfortable way to travel, the high price is a hindrance for most passengers.

Don’t fret! Travelers can experience comfort in economy seating by packing the essentials for a long haul flight.

We are covering the details of our Long Flight Essentials List that covers everything from clothing to entertainment – and even a few little luxuries – that will make the experience just a touch better.

Creating a List of Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Flights

To be honest, it took me some time to hone my skills to create a master list of essentials for long haul flights. On my first plane ride from the United States to Europe, I had made no effort to seek out long-haul flight tips…and I was woefully unprepared. It was a miserable plane trip – and when we landed in Paris I was grumpy and jet-lagged.

Determined not to make that mistake again, on subsequent plane trips I sought out the best long-haul flight tips and refined my list of flight essentials. The more we flew, the better prepared I was.

Now, as a full-time traveler, I don’t even think about how to survive a long-haul flight. With my travel hacks for long flights, I only look forward to enjoying the ride.

How To Survive Long Haul Flights

Surviving a long-haul flight is not a difficult task if you have the right travel essentials for long flights. What I have learned in my travels is that long haul flight survival is not just limited to what you bring on long flights. It is equally important to consider what to wear on a long-haul flight.

It is these 2 things together – what to wear and what to bring – that ultimately make up our list of Long-Haul Flights Essentials.

Our list highlights the long haul essentials that you will want for your plane trip. Want a printed list? Get your FREE Printable Long Haul Flight Essentials list here !

Pro Tip: With only a few variations, this list can be used for long haul bus travel as well!

LONG HAUL FLIGHT: WHAT TO WEAR

Deciding what to wear on a long-haul flight is one of the key elements to enjoying the journey – so before we get to our list of Must Haves for Long Flights, let’s talk about clothing first.

Comfort Clothing: Long Flights Essentials

As you prepare for your plane journey, above all, your long-haul flight outfit must be comfortable. That said, outfits for long haul flights can be stylish – but comfort comes first (and, if you are most comfy wearing pajamas on a red-eye flight, some airlines provide them in First Class!).

Outfit Tips for Long Haul Flight

Because what you wear has such a big impact on your comfort, we have quite a few outfit tips for a long haul flight.

#1 Wear Layers

Wearing layers is one of the top tips on how to survive long flights in economy – or in any seat on the plane, to be truthful! Planes can be hot…and planes can be cold, and then hot again. And you, as a passenger, have no control over the thermostat.

Therefore, one of the best travel hacks for long flights is to wear layered clothing so that you are able to stay comfortable regardless of the stifling heat or cold air con. 

#2 Elastic Waistband or Loose Dress Tips for Long Flights

It is common for most people to experience some swelling while flying – especially on long haul flights – so it is best to combat the swelling by wearing loose-fitting clothing or pants that offer a little stretch.

I prefer dresses on airplanes – over shirts and pants – because they are not binding. However, if you wear pants, I recommend that your long-haul flight pants have an elastic waistband for more comfort.

#3 Long Flight Hack for Women: Dress and Leggings Combo

One of the best Long Flight Hacks for outfits for women is to wear a loose dress – and leggings under the dress. The stretchy material of leggings makes it easy to move around the plane, stow luggage in the overhead compartment and get situated in your seat.

Furthermore, wearing leggings under a dress can help to keep you warm if the plane is frigidly cold…but if it gets too hot on the plane (which is often does during a flight), you can remove your leggings layer (possibly without even getting up from your seat!) to help you regulate your body temperature.

#4 Wear Things for a Long Flight that Add Style

An easy way to create a stylish long-haul flight outfit without sacrificing comfort is to add a simple accessory. Dress up your casual clothing with a colorful scarf or jewelry (but avoid rings that may feel too tight with swelling).

BONUS TIP: My Best Outfit for Long Haul Flight

I, personally, like to wear a loose-fitting dress as my long-haul travel outfit. Typically, when I fly I wear a loose casual dress (preferably with short sleeves). To complete my outfit, I layer it with leggings under the dress, a thin hoodie over the dress and sandals or slip on shoes.

Pro Tip: Read more about travel footwear in our article breaking down the Best Travel Shoes !

WHAT TO TAKE ON LONG HAUL FLIGHT

Now that you know what to wear, let’s chat about long flight carry on essentials. These are all of the long-haul flight accessories that you will want to pack in your hand luggage – things that will make surviving long-haul flights a lot easier!

Additional Clothes for Long Haul Flight

We already discussed the best outfits for long-haul flights, but there are a few more clothing items you should bring on your flight. In addition to the clothes that I wear as my outfit for long haul flight, I also pack a wrap, clean underwear and compression socks in my luggage that goes under the seat in front of me.

#5 Top Tips for Long Haul Flight Clothes: Bring a Wrap

My wrap is one of the most versatile items I travel with – and it is one of my must-haves for long haul flights. In flight, I can use it as a pillow, blanket, scarf, head cover or seat cover. It is one of the favorite items on my Packing List !

#6 What To Pack for a Long Haul Flight: Underwear

Packing clean underwear in a long-haul flight carry on is one of the hacks I picked up as a novice traveler. If you are going to check luggage (and the majority of your clothing), then packing a pair of underwear into your carry on luggage assures that you will have a clean pair…even if your checked luggage gets lost by the airline. 

However, I often change into the clean pair of underwear in the plane bathroom before touching down (or in the airport bathroom on arrival). It just feels so much cleaner to start off in a city with a fresh pair! 

Pro Travel Tips: Use my Packing Hacks for tips on the best way to pack – and get our top advice on ensuring your luggage doesn’t get lost by the airline!

#7 Extra Outfit: Best Long Flight Hacks

While a fresh pair of panties is one of my carry on essentials for long flights, for ultra long flights that are 12+ hour journeys, I like to pack a complete outfit change.

Donning a clean shirt, pants and undergarments feels so much better at the end of a long flight! I also advise freshening up – and I share my list of essential toiletries for long-haul flights a bit later in the article.  

#8 Compression Socks are Long Flight Must Haves

It makes sense to pack socks for long haul flights for when cabin temperatures are too cold. However, regardless of the temperature, I think wearing compression socks is a necessity.

As unattractive as the long-haul flight socks may be, they have substantial health benefits, like reducing swelling and preventing blood clots (both of which can more easily occur on long haul flights). Plus, they will keep your feet warm.

Pro Tip: I wait to put my compression socks on until right before I board the plane. This way, I am wearing a clean pair of socks for the journey – and I even use a wet wipe (more about those later) to clean my toes before I put the clean socks on my feet. 

#9 What To Take on Long Flights: Slippers

I think slippers are one of the Ultra Long Haul Flight Must Haves. Cozy plane slippers that have a rubber sole and are machine washable are ideal.

This way, you can keep your feet warm while on the plane – and you can still get up and walk around in the slippers during the flight. Plus, because of the rubber sole, you can wear them into the plane bathroom.

Airplane Essentials for Long Flights to Stay Healthy

Let me start off by saying that I am not a doctor, it is best to seek health advice for long haul flights from your medical provider. Bearing that in mind, there are a few things that I do for the benefit of my personal health while traveling on airplanes (and when traveling, in general).

Hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes and a small medical kit are items that are in my long-haul flight hand luggage (and I use the wipes before I even sit in my seat!). Disposable toothbrushes come in handy on flights to keep your teeth and mouth clean as well.

Additionally, even though most planes are equipped with HEPA air filters that are tested to be 99% effective against viruses, a face covering may still be required for travel, so it’s a good idea to pack at least one (but it’s better to have two).

Top Tip: Find out more in our article, How To Stay Healthy While Traveling .

#10 What To Take on Long Flights: Antibacterial Sanitizer and Wipes

Traveling with antibacterial sanitizer and wipes just makes good sense – and it is one of our top Long Haul Flight Health Tips, too.

In fact, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer and wipes are plane essentials for long flights.

We have always used wet wipes to clean and disinfect our seats. Not only do we wipe down the entire seat and head rest, but we make sure to clean the arm rests, seat buckles, touch screen, seat back pocket and the tray table.

Pro Tip : Invest in a Long Flight Survival Kit that includes everything you need! An airplane germ-fighting kit is a great gift for travelers who will be taking long flights. For more travel gift tips, use our Top Unique Gifts for Travelers !

#11 Mini First Aid Kit is a Must Have for Long Haul Flights

A small med kit is also part of our long-haul carry on essentials. In our kit, we carry travel-size tums (for Jet Bloat), anti-diarrheal (just in case), pain relievers (like aspirin) and a few Band-aids – because, in general, these are just good items to have on hand.

A few other items that might make your Just In Case list of long flight necessities are tissues , nose saline and eye drops.

Pro Tip: I used to wear contacts – and quickly learned that bringing a pair of glasses on board is one of the long haul flight travel essentials for contact wearers! In fact, it might be best to take your contacts out prior to boarding and plan on wearing your glasses for the duration of the long flight.

#12 Disposable Toothbrushes are Good Things to Take on a Long Flight

Keeping my teeth and mouth clean during a flight is important! That said, taking a toothbrush and toothpaste into a germ-filled plane bathroom is not ideal (and the water is usually not potable!).

Instead, I use a convenient disposable toothbrush – which is designed as a one-time use toothbrush to be used without water, so I can brush and toss. If my only row mate is my husband, I can even brush my teeth right in my seat!

Because I like my mouth to feel fresh, I use several throughout the flight (after meals, before I fall asleep, when I wake up and before I disembark).

Additionally, flossers are good things to bring on a long flight so that you can even better clean in between your teeth.

Long Haul Flight Beauty Essentials

Having a beauty regime on a flight is one of the best tips for long haul flights…one that your skin will thank you for! My top beauty essentials for long haul flights are simple: lip balm and moisturizer. I think they are the two best items for long flights to help your skin. That said, there are many beauty essentials for a long flight and I highlight those, as well.

#13 Long Haul Flight Tips for Skincare: Lip Balm and Moisturizer

The dry air on airplanes can wreak havoc on skin, which is why lip balm and moisturizer are necessities. I carry a small hand moisturizer that can be used on my face, too – and I apply both the lotion and the lip balm liberally throughout the flight.

#14 Hydration Beauty Travel Essentials Long Flight

A hydrating face mist – like the one by Mario Badescu – can help your skin feel fantastic, even on a long flight. The facial spray is infused with aloe, herbs and rosewater to aid in rejuvenating your skin.

Another popular facial mist is the Evian Water Spritz . The micro-droplet mist hydrates your skin with pure Evian water. As with all liquid products that you take on a plane, be sure to bring the TSA approved travel size! 

Dry sheet face masks (like the 111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Mask ) or the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Face Mask cream are other long-haul flight skin care products that travelers use in-flight.

#15 Long Airplane Trip Essentials for Freshening Up

Some of the best items for long haul flights are the ones that revive and refresh you – even after a long redeye flight. We already talked about brushing teeth, but there are a few more things you can do to feel refreshed.

Waterless cleansing wipes ( like these !), underarm deodorant wipes and travel sized deodorant are freshening-up necessities for long flights.

Wondering what to bring on a long haul flight for your hair? Try a Dry Shampoo that will absorb oils and grease for a fresh-washed look. 

Bonus Travel Beauty Tips Long Flights: No Make Up

One of the top long-haul flight beauty tips that some travelers find difficult to get on board with is to fly without wearing makeup. But, trust me, your skin will appreciate it! A made-up face will not likely last the duration of the long flight anyway.

Rather than wearing any makeup in-flight, I stop at the airport bathroom on arrival and – after I change into fresh underwear and clothes – I can wash my face and apply minimal makeup (so be sure to keep that in your carry on luggage, too!)

How To Survive Long Haul Flights in Economy Comfortably

Everyone knows that economy seats on a long flight are a bit uncomfortable (okay, maybe more than ‘a bit’). However, with the right economy essentials for a long haul flight, the ride can be so much more pleasant. As full-time travelers – with limited luggage space – these are not items that we personally use. However, I have to admit that when I notice my row mates using them, I am panged with jealousy.

#16 Airplane Hacks for Long Flights in Economy: A Seat Cushion

A memory foam seat cushion can make all the difference in a standard economy plane seat. This seat cushion is designed with travelers in mind – and is not only comfortable and supportive, by breathable and compact. 

The Therm-a-Rest self-inflating seat cushion can also be used for long plane journeys – and it weights just 4 ounces.

#17 Best Travel Items for Long Flights for Comfort: Foot Hammock

Riding in economy on long-haul flights can by a struggle. That said, there are a few travel hacks – like the tray table foot hammock – that can exponentially increase your chances of surviving a long-haul flight in economy.

An on-board foot hammock helps to elevate your feet for a more comfortable flight…even in cramped spaces. The foot sling is also designed to prevent swelling.

#18 Fun Things for Long Flights

Want a first-class experience in economy seating? Upgrade your flying experience with a fun in-flight cocktail kit (these contain no alcohol and you must follow your airline’s on-board rules!).

The mini portable kits allow you to create a tasty cocktail so that you can enjoy an exceptional drink (in a much less expensive seat).

Long Plane Ride Essentials for Sleeping

Sleeping on a plane can be difficult, but not if you are prepared with the best long-haul flight accessories! For us, the best way to get sleep on an airplane is to eliminate light and noise – and we do so by using sleep masks and ear plugs – but we have several sleepy time travel tips for long flights.

#19 Long Haul Flying Tips for Sleeping In-Flight: Wear an Eye Mask

When it comes to sleeping masks, there are thousands to choose from. That said, for airplane sleeping masks, contoured sleeping masks that block out 100% of the light are ideal. The PrettyCare Sleep Mask comes in a set of two, is affordable and gets rave reviews from fellow travelers.

#20 Ear Plugs are the Best Things for Long Flights

We usually use cheap earplugs on flights – but light sleepers may benefit from noise canceling silicone sleeping ear plugs, like these .

Additionally, when my allergies cause congestion, I like to use Earplanes . Not only do they reduce cabin noise, but they are specially designed to relive air pressure and the resulting discomfort.

#21 What To Take on a Long Haul Flight: Travel Pillows

Most airlines offer pillows (and blankets) to all passengers – even those in economy – for longer flights, so you don’t necessarily need to bring your own pillow for plane travel. That said, a good travel pillow can be the difference between peacefully sleeping on a plane and struggling to fall asleep.

Luckily, I can sleep anywhere – so flight pillows for long haul flights are not an item we carry.

However, if you are looking for a long-haul flight pillow, there are a few the come highly rated by fellow travelers – like the trtl Pillow that earns rave reviews.

#22 Sleep Remedy Long Flight Tips

Many travelers sing the praises of taking a sleep remedy in order to get a little shut eye on a long haul flight.

A natural sleep remedy, like melatonin, or prescribed pills by your doctor might help you get the sleep you need on a plane. Before deciding to take anything on a flight, however, check with your doctor first. And, never try taking any remedy for the first time on an airplane.

Pro Tip : Lavender essential oil aromatherapy is also highly touted to help people get a few zzz’s on a flight – but, like with any fragrance on a plane, consider your neighboring passengers.

#23 White Noise or Meditation Apps for Long Distance Flight

Meditation and white noise apps are must haves for long plane rides – especially if you are a light sleeper! Coupled with a good pair of headphones (which we get to in the next section), you can enjoy pure bliss on your flight.

We recommend finding the right app long before your scheduled flight – and even try it out a few times to ensure it will help lull you to sleep. Make sure the app is downloaded to your phone and ready to go before your flight.

Long Flight Travel Essentials for Entertainment

When it comes to long haul travel essentials, on-board entertainment is the thing that passes the time. Kris is happily entertained if he has a window seat, but I need something more directly engaging.

Thankfully, most long-haul airplanes are fitted with Seat Back Entertainment – thousands of movies and television shows at the touch of the screen. Utilizing the provided in-flight entertainment is an obvious choice when it comes to being entertained on a flight – but I never solely rely on it because it is not guaranteed.

Not all airlines offer seat-back entertainment – and a few low-cost carriers charge to use it. Sometimes the movie selection is not to my liking. And, in one case, my screen was broken (and – of course – it was on a totally full flight when there were no open seats I could switch to).

Therefore, it is essential to be prepared with things to do on long haul flights that don’t involve the provided in-flight entertainment.

#24 Long Haul Travel Tips for Entertainment: Noise Canceling Headphones

Earphones are travel essentials for long haul flights. In fact, I always bring two pairs…just in case one breaks or somehow gets lost.

Noise reducing headphones are an absolute dream on planes and definitely worth the upgrade if you don’t already have them. If you use wireless headphones , remember to bring the charger (and a back up wired pair, too, as you may need them to utilize the seat back entertainment options).

#25 Best Apps for Long-Haul Flights

We already covered using apps to help you sleep on flights, but there are a few other apps that we think are long plane trip essentials.

Two fantastic apps that should be downloaded and set up prior to take off are Audible (for audiobooks) and Spotify (for music).

That said, perhaps the very best apps for long flights are for the airline carrier you are flying. When you download the free flight carrier app, you typically have access to all of the movies and other digital entertainment options offered by the airline while in flight. Plus, you will have access to other pertinent flight information – like time left in flight, route maps and meal info.

#26 What To Bring on Long Flight: Power Bank and Chargers

One of the absolute essentials for long haul flights is fully charged devices. You do not want to board a flight without fully charged phones, tablets or laptops.

Even with a full charge, however, power cords are long haul plane essentials. Many seats now have USB ports where you can charge your device. (Check on SeatGuru to see if your seat has one, but keep in mind that things – planes and seats – can always change).

Just in case, however, we recommend bringing a portable charger on board, too (it’s not supposed to be in your checked luggage anyway).

As we already mentioned, make sure you download any music, books or apps that you will want to use in-flight prior to arriving at the airport.

#27 Non-Digital Hacks for Long Flights

Non-electronic entertainment is another one of our long-haul essentials. I usually have a book (an actual, paper book) that I can read, but sometimes I will opt for a newspaper or magazine. ( Love with a Chance of Drowning and The Yellow Envelope are two excellent travel books!)

Puzzle books – like Word Search, Crosswords and Sudoku – can provide hours of entertainment. For the sake of space, we recommend buying an all-in-one activity book that includes a variety of puzzles.

The quiet time on a plane also provides an excellent opportunity to journal, sketch or draw. As I always carry a notebook and pen, sometimes I write or jot down notes about my trip (but these cool travel journals are good for trips, too).

If you have travel companions, playing cards are good for long-haul flight entertainment, too. War and Rummy are two easy card games to play in flight – and, if you are flying solo, you can always play a game of Solitaire.

Playing cards are an everyday item that we recommend travelers pack for their trip. Find more tips for Everyday Items for Travel !

Long Haul Flight Snacks and Water

Food is one of my long-haul flight must-haves! Regardless of whether the airline serves included meals during the flight, I bring my own snacks and a water bottle on the plane.

#28 Long Haul Flying Tips: Food that is Healthy

While I am not a traveler that snubs my nose at plane food (I actually usually like it!), there are some instances where the offered dish is not to my liking…or simply not filling enough. To stave off any hunger pangs during the trip, I bring a few healthy snacks in my carryon.

 Almonds, apples and granola bars are my go-to things to bring on long flights, as they are easy to pack and more filling than greasy, salty chips. (That said, some airlines do provide snacks – check what is available in the galley.)

#29 Best Hacks for Long Flights: Candies and Gum

Gum, mints and hard candies are something else we carry with us on flights. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candy can help to equalize the pressure in your ears (because swallowing opens the Eustachian Tubes) – so we like to have a piece of gum or candy on the descent.

Furthermore, gum and mints can help freshen your breath after a long flight!

#30 Water is a Must Have for Long Flights

Staying hydrated can help make plane travel a lot more comfortable (both during the flight and especially after!).

Drinking water is available to passengers throughout the flight (although some budget airlines might charge for it!) – but I still prefer to bring my own water bottle.

Having a closed container of water is much more preferable to the tiny cups of water many airlines provide (as I can tuck it into the seat back pocket). A collapsible water bottle is great for travelers! Once through security, fill up your bottle before you board your flight. Throughout the flight, you can ask the flight attendant for refills, too.

More Long Haul Flight Hacks

Now that you have your travel outfit selected, your list of things to bring for long flights and advice for what to do on a long-haul flight, we have a few more long-haul flight tips and tricks!

What Bag To Pack for Long Flight

Our tips for a long-haul flight include the best items that will make plane travel more comfortable and pleasant. However, when determining what to pack for a long haul flight, it is just as important to consider your actual packing strategy – as in, what bag to stow at your feet and how to pack it.

The items that we listed as long flight essentials should be within reach – even when the seatbelt sign is illuminated. Because they need to be easily accessible, it is best to pack these items in a good day bag that is stowed at your feet under the seat in front of you.

Carry On for Long Haul Flight Tips

With all of the cords and gadgets for long haul flights, carry on luggage can get messy…and things can get lost.

Because space is limited, it is best to use a bag that can easily be organized with multiple compartments and pockets.

We recommend that you organize your belongings with a Grid It Organizer so that you can easily find what you need in your bag during the flight.

Pro Traveler Tip: Want more luggage tips? Find out why love Packing Cubes and prefer traveling with a Backpack vs Suitcase ! 

Make a Personalized Flight Essentials Kit

Packing for a long-haul flight can be a daunting task. However, if you have a pre-packed long-haul flight survival kit, it will make the chore of packing an absolute breeze. To create your long-haul travel kit, start with your long-haul flight checklist (or get ours here !).

Identify all of the items on your list that you can leave packed in the long-haul flight kit (things like earplugs, sleep mask, water bottle, extra charging cords, etc). Gather them in a bag or storage box and check those off your list. Then, as your next trip approaches, all you need to do is grab the items already set to go from your long-haul flight travel kit – and then gather and pack the remaining items from your list.

Long Flight Tips for Exercise

Long haul flight exercises are a good way to fend off the unfortunate side effects of long-haul flights.

One of the best exercises for long haul flights is to simply get up and walk around. But you can also do easy in-seat exercises – like rolling your ankles, wrists, shoulders and neck – for better circulation.

Money Advice for Long-Haul Flights

While most commercial airlines include food, beverage and seat-back entertainment in the price of the ticket, low cost carriers that fly long-haul routes do not. If you are flying with a budget airline, cash and credit cards is one of the things to bring for a long flight!

What To Do on Long Flights to Avoid Jet Lag

It is likely that your long haul flight will cross time zones – which often results in dreaded jet lag on arrival. However, there are a few ways to avoid it!

Stay hydrated and avoid drinking alcohol on the flight. Before you start to snooze, adjust your sleep cycle to coincide with your arrival city. You can use an app, like Timeshifter, to help time out your sleep schedule.

Herbal remedies, like No Jet Lag pills , can also help – but talk to your doctor first.

Travel Insurance 

Whether taking a long haul flight or making a short trip to the state next door, trip insurance can come in handy if things go awry. If you haven’t already booked travel insurance for your next vacation, check the affordable rates and robust coverage at World Nomads . 

GET YOUR FREE LONG HAUL FLIGHT ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST HERE!

Get our advice on booking cheap long haul flights, How To Book the Best Flights !

Start packing and planning your next trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing ! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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12 Tips (and Carry-On Essentials) for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight

Thanks to the miracle of human flight, we can now fly direct from Newark, New Jersey, to Singapore in just under 19 hours. That also means people spend nearly an entire day of their lives off the ground, in cruising altitude limbo, only to land with the kind of jet-lag that eclipses exhaustion. For any serious traveler, long-haul flights are a necessary evil. How do they do it? Here, 12 tips for surviving—even enjoying—a day in the air.

Senior Editor, Jetsetter | @lindseytravels | lindseytravels.com

See recent posts by Lindsey Olander

I’m no stranger to long-haul flights. You know them: those epic, day-long journeys through the clouds that get you from one side of the globe to the other. You might even say I sniff them out on purpose. I’ve flown from New York City straight to Australia’s Northern Territory, which requires connections in Los Angeles and Sydney, twice . Compared to that 25-hour haul (excluding layovers), my 15-hour journey to Johannesburg felt like a breeze. Unless you’re being pampered in First Class, long-haul flights are no picnic, but there are a few tricks to making the experience a bit more bearable. Here’s what I’ve learned, in 12 easy steps.

Photo courtesy of World Expeditions/Great Walks of Australia

1. Buy your ticket as early as possible

Waiting and hoping for that $20 price drop, more often than not, is not worth the trouble. Not only does buying early give you peace of mind in the weeks and months leading up to your departure, it increases the likelihood that enough seats remain open for you to pick where you want to sit—whether you prefer to cuddle up to a window, have easy access to the aisle, or stretch your legs in an exit row. Wait until the last minute and chances are good that you (and your elbows) will be sandwiched into a dreaded middle seat. Frequent flyer? The time to cash those miles in on an upgrade is now.

RELATED: 8 Effective Tips for Getting a Free Airline Upgrade

2. Wear your most comfortable outfit

That fitted blouse and skin-tight pair of jeans might make you feel like you’re 20 again, but trust us—after sitting (and attempting to sleep) in them for 15 hours, you’ll never want to look at that outfit again. When it comes to long-distance travel, stick to a “comfy-chic” dress code of neutral, loose-fitting layers you can move around in. Besides keeping cozy on a flight, you’ll also guard against deep vein thrombosis—a serious condition that’s aggravated when you sit in cramped positions for long periods of time. Experts also recommend wearing compression socks, which reduce swelling and decrease the risk of blood clots. Another must for the ladies: your favorite pashmina/scarf, which does triple-duty as a stylish accessory, an extra layer for beating cabin chills, and, when folded, an extra pillow to lean on.

RELATED: JS Editors’ Favorite Comfy Outfits for Spring Travel

3. Invest in a good travel pillow, earplugs, and sleep mask

We get it: the excitement of opening up your own little long-haul care package is tempting—The tiny toothpaste! The woolly socks! The ear plugs you always forget!—but even on the best international carriers, these tiny conveniences never quite live up to their potential. (We can’t count how many times we’ve suffered through broken sleep-mask bands, pillows that instantly deflate, and ear plugs that never quite stay in.) Embarking on a 12+ hour flight? It’s time to invest in the right pair of moldable plugs that will stay in your ears, a silky (even cute!) sleep mask you’ll hardly feel you’re wearing, and a quality neck pillow—one that provides comfort while also keeping your spine aligned, so you don’t wake up with a crick in your neck. Memory foam works wonders.

RELATED: The Travel Pillow You Need for Your Next Flight

4. Pack your own headphones

Just picture it: you’re reaching cruising altitude and have that perfect movie lined up on your in-flight entertainment console. You dig for the headphones provided in your seat-back pocket, pop them on, and then it hits you—thanks to those roaring engines and crying toddler in the next row, you can’t hear a thing Tom Hanks is talking about onscreen. Solution: bring your own noise-canceling headphones. Besides being more comfortable than those “one-size-fits-none” plastic contraptions, they aid in blocking out white noise.

RELATED: 10 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel

5. Take the smallest personal item you can

No matter how tall or short you are, when it comes to sitting in the same seat for hours on end, every inch of leg room is sacred. Don’t limit yours with a needlessly large personal item, which you’ll be forced to stow under the seat in front of you if you’ve also brought a carry-on onboard. Opt for a bag that’s versatile and soft, so you can squash it down if need be.

6. Bring your own snacks, or buy some before boarding

One of the beauties of long-haul flights is how well you’re fed—often, at least two full meals and a mid-flight snack to curb your cravings are provided. But what about when the lights are out, flight attendants are nowhere to be found, and hunger pangs strike? What then? Be prepared with your own munchies and a bottle of water—especially if you’re the type that craves salt.

RELATED: Your Must-Have Carry-On Packing List

7. Be friendly to and respectful of your seatmate—you’re both in this together

This might be self-explanatory, but be nice. Learn the rules of the air: unless you’re in the middle seat, hogging an interior armrest is a jerk move. Before reclining your chair, glance back to make sure it won’t disrupt anyone, and whatever you do, don’t do it during meal service. Also, whether you’re on the window or the aisle, expect—especially during long hauls—that everyone is going to have to use the lavatory at least a few times. Be forgiving and courteous, and you might even make a new friend in the process.

RELATED: 7 Super Affordable Jet Lag Remedies

8. DON’T wear makeup; DO moisturize

This ain’t no beauty contest. Your skin has enough to deal with at 30,000 feet (dry cabin air; decreased blood flow) without throwing pore-clogging products into the mix. Instead, apply a serum and moisturizer to keep your skin aglow (just make sure they’re less than 100ml and can pass through security), apply eyedrops to counteract irritation, and dab on some chapstick before your lips dry out.

9. Choose your in-flight food (and drinks) carefully

That cheesy chicken parmesan wafting down the center aisle might smell delectable, but you may want to reconsider. Heavy meals keep you awake, and are more difficult to digest when all you’ll be doing for the next 15 hours is sitting, sitting, and sitting some more. If you can, avoid foods and drinks high on sugar, salt, or caffeine. The same goes for alcohol. While it can act as a sedative for anxious fliers, it is also extremely dehydrating. Instead, try an herbal tea, which induces drowsiness without the consequences of liquor.

10. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Because planes are constantly replenishing cabin air with the air outside, the levels of humidity inside plane cabins are comparable to what you’d find in a desert—bone dry. The effects are two-fold: the extreme dryness dulls the skin, and, if not addressed, dehydration leads to worsened jet lag. It’s vital to drink plenty of water—approximately 8 ounces per hour, according to some experts.

11. Brush your teeth

Do you struggle with sleeping in the air? We feel you. Blocking out those roaring engines, crying babies, and your neighbor’s reading light is hard enough, but getting your body’s sleep clock to adjust to new timezones is a talent that still eludes many. A helpful tip: brush your teeth before nodding off—and, if you want, gargle mouthwash and wash your face. These simple but effective habits help trick your body into thinking it’s sleep time.

RELATED: 6 Tips for Sleeping Well on a Plane

12. Get up every few hours to keep the blood flowing

Pressurized cabins spell less oxygen for passengers and, over periods of time, symptoms due to lower blood oxygen levels that include fatigue, headaches, swollen limbs, and dehydration. The best solution? Stretch. Walk up and down the aisle to boost blood flow and practice some non-intrusive exercises in your seat, like rolling your shoulders and rotating your ankles.

What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight

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26 Long Flight Tips to Make A Long Haul Flight Feel Short

We’ve gathered our best long flight tips to help you get comfy and cozy before you reach your destination.

Let’s face it: flying isn’t the most relaxing part of any journey that involves it. From the long lines at check-in to getting your bag out of the overhead bin, the experience for most people is just something to get over with so they can finally enjoy their vacation. In between are the worst-case scenarios: cramped seating, crying infants, questionable airline meals, and the prospect of not being able to sleep through all of it. Even worse than those? Your phone runs out of juice, so you sit there reading the emergency procedure handout very slowly, rationing the words out like it’s the last book on Earth. Been there, done that.

That said, it’s not like you’re completely helpless in the face of these flying-related woes. As usual, the key to minimizing the hassle of flying is preparation, which is why we’ve compiled a list of long flight tips we’ve gathered over the years. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this list of what to do on a long flight!

Before you board

• Grab that upgrade: Flying in economy class? Cramped seating is one of the main reasons why long flights are so tough. Fortunately, there’s a travel hack for that. Try snagging a flight that you know will be underbooked. It may mean adjusting your travel dates, though, you’re more likely to be given a free upgrade to a higher class. That said, you’ll have to ask the agent (and remember to ask them nicely ).
• Take note of your sleep schedule: Keep timing in mind when booking your flight. We recommend overnight flights so that you can use the time to get some shut-eye. After all, you don’t want to spend your waking hours on the plane, only then to sleep as soon as you hit the hotel.
• Choose your seat wisely: It’s the age-old question: aisle or window seat? Unfortunately, there’s no right answer, just a cop-out: it depends. For long flights, we recommend taking the window seat if you don’t want to be disturbed while you’re sleeping or watching in-flight entertainment. If you find yourself needing to use the restroom often, then take an aisle seat for easier access.

Bring Entertainment

• Charge up devices: Dead electronics are just expensive paperweights, so remember to top them off before you leave home. This includes your power bank, which will let you charge your devices again in case they run out of juice during the flight. In terms of capacity, a 10,000 mAh power bank is the sweet spot for a long flight. It’s big enough to charge a Max-sized iPhone twice but small enough that the TSA agent won’t raise their eyebrows.
• Download your favorite podcasts and shows: In-flight Wi-Fi and movies are hit or miss depending on which airline you’re flying with. We recommend downloading your music, shows, and podcasts beforehand so you have your own personalized entertainment. We particularly like podcasts because they don’t take up too much storage space for the amount of entertainment we get out of them.
• Pack noise-cancelling earphones: Of course, to get the most out of podcasts, you’ll need a good pair of headphones or earphones. We go a step further and use ones with active noise cancellation so that we can block off cabin noise and focus on what we’re listening to. Bonus points: wearing a pair of these is a subtle cue for people not to disturb you.
• Play some games: Download some game apps on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop before you take off. However, keep in mind that process-heavy apps can suck a lot of power from your battery. So instead of graphic-intensive games, go for 2D puzzles and simple side-scrollers. They won’t drain your devices as quickly, and they can be just as entertaining if you find the right one.
• Catch up on some reading: Video games not your jam? That’s okay; use this time to binge-read something on your TBR. And no, it doesn’t have to be a super-long novel. Reading up on your destination’s customs, landmarks, and upcoming events is a good way to learn what to do and what not to do once you arrive. After all, you don’t always get the luxury of fully fleshing out your plans (especially if you’re traveling for work).
• Go analog: If your devices run out of juice for one reason or another, it’s always good to have an analog backup—like a good ‘ol deck of cards. If you’re traveling alone, maybe ask your neighbor to play with you. If you’re alone, though, we wouldn’t recommend building a house of cards (for obvious reasons).
• Channel your inner Hemingway and journal: Sometimes simply writing what’s on your mind can result in hours of relaxation. A bit of reflection or expressing what you want to experience on your trip can be an entertaining exercise all on its own. Maybe you can even doodle yourself surfing or sightseeing if you’re feeling a bit artsy on your long flight—it’ll be just as precious as the photos you take.

Keep Gear Close

• Mind your foot space: The kind of personal bag you take with you matters. If you plan on taking something small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, be sure it doesn’t take up the entire space. You’ll want a bit of wiggle room so you can move your feet around, especially if you’re on the tall side.
• Personal item vs. carry-on: It’s quite tempting to pack most of your gear in your carry-on since, as its name suggests, you’ll carry it with you in the cabin. However, you’ll either have to put it in the overhead bin or under your seat—tight spaces that are hard to reach. Decide early on what items you’ll want easy access to and keep them nearby.
• Consider a sling: At the time of this post, you’re allowed to wear a sling during takeoff and landing, which means you can keep your items even closer. Once you’re at cruising altitude, leave it on or hang it from the tray table in front of you.

Dress Comfortably

• Wear casual, comfortable clothing: Can’t decide what to wear on a long flight? Dress casually and save the fancy clothing for later. Casual shirts and comfortable jeans or joggers will let you settle in your seat easier than bulky clothing. You can also pack your PJs in your personal bag and change into them later once you’re in the sky—it just depends on your opinion of pajamas in public.
• Avoid bulky footwear: Leg room is precious real estate when flying, so you don’t want to waste it on excess rubber and leather. Sneakers are generally less bulky than trainers, so that’s what we prefer. You can also pack some flip-flops and slip into them before you go through airport security. You won’t be asked to take them off, and they’re much more comfortable than their closed travel shoes .
• Use your toiletries: Long flights mean plenty of time for odor and dirt to build up, so pack a few toiletries in your personal bag. Wet wipes are particularly handy for keeping yourself clean without having to get up from your seat. Then again, there’s nothing quite like a splash of water to keep yourself freshened up, so don’t be shy if you want to use the restroom. There you can rinse your mouth, wash your hands, do your ones and twos, and get a good look at yourself in the mirror.

• Be polite to flight attendants: This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: be polite to the staff. It’s going to be a long flight, so you’ll want to establish a good, albeit temporary, relationship with the flight attendants who will be assisting you throughout the flight (and that includes emergencies). A simple raise of the hand here, a smile there, and a once-in-a-while “thank you” will go a long way to making their job easier and, thus, the journey smoother.
• Be considerate to your neighbors: This politeness and courteousness should also extend to your neighbors next to you and in the nearby rows. Put your phone on silent (apps and alarms might still ping you even if you’re in airplane mode) and ensure that your earphones aren’t bleeding too much noise. Watch your elbow too. As a rule, we like to keep elbows within the armrests to make sure they’re not disturbing anyone else.

Find Your Quiet Place

• Set your clocks: Hold up! We don’t mean setting up your alarm; that’s a terrible idea unless you want all eyes on you. Instead, set your clock to your destination’s time zone. This way, you’ll be able to keep track of when you should take naps during the flight to minimize jet lag. Better yet, see if your smartphone has a dual clock option (most do) so you can also keep track of time at home. The more in tune you are with your time zone, the easier it’ll be to anticipate your tiredness.
• Use a pillow: Catching Z’s during a long flight is tricky for a multitude of reasons, but one specific side effect we all want to avoid is muscle pain. The solution? Travel pillows . These come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from your usual toilet seat-shaped cushions all the way to inflatable ones. The latter takes up less space than the former, so that’s our usual go-to whenever we travel. Alternatively, you can bunch up a long scarf or use a packable jacket to rest your head.
• Keep warm: You never know how cold the plane’s cabin is going to get, so it’s a good idea to pack a blanket. A lot of long haul flights will include one, though there’s no guarantee, and you likely won’t know until you actually board. There are travel blankets that are designed to be thin but good at insulating, so we suggest checking one out. However, we find bringing a few extra clothing layers just in case does the trick.
• Sleep with earplugs: While noise-canceling earphones do an awesome job at blocking noises, they’re not necessarily designed to stay in your ears while you sleep and are at risk of falling out mid-nap That’s where earplugs come in. There are tons of different kinds out there, so find a comfortable pair and get some shut-eye.
• Block out bright lights: Unlike the lightbulb in your room, the lights in an airplane cabin sit pretty close to your eyes and can be hard to ignore. Sure, you can turn off those at your seat, but probably not the nearby rows. Fortunately, an eye mask will block off any incoming light that’s going to stop you from falling asleep, regardless of where it’s coming from. However, make sure to use one that doesn’t fit too tightly. Otherwise, you’ll wake up with the back of your ears irritated. Pro tip: We find that a neck gaiter works just as well and is more functional once you reach your destination.
• Don’t forget to stretch: After you take a nap or come out of REM sleep, it’s always a good idea to stretch out your muscles. As counterintuitive as it sounds, sitting around all day can be just as tiring as standing. Stretching will help keep the blood in your muscles flowing and relieve pressure or swelling in sensitive areas of the body.

Stay Powered Up

• Have snacks at the ready: Airline food is relatively expensive, especially the snacks like chips and chocolates. Skip those entirely (as tempting as they are) and instead pack your own snacks like granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, and trail mix. They’re our go-to travel snacks because they’re quick sources of energy and aren’t too messy to eat. The only thing you have to worry about them is the crumbs they leave, so you better get every bite in your tummy. Also, keep in mind that your seatmate may have allergies, so be courteous if they ask you to put your food away.
• Drink plenty of water: The other thing to keep in mind about certain snacks is how thirst-inducing they are. However, like snacks, beverages can be expensive and come in disposable PET bottles. Instead, bring your own insulated bottle that you can infinitely reuse during the trip, and just top up on water at the airport drinking fountain.

So, did you get all of that? Awesome! Now you’re a bit more prepared for your next long flight. Hey, maybe these long flight tips even made you look forward to flying. It doesn’t have to be a taxing experience from start to finish. With a bit of preparation and good spirits, you’re bound to make hours just fly by!

May 16, 2023

Author: Jude Miguel De Leon

Miguel loves road trips and actively takes the scenic route to make things interesting. When he's not behind the wheel with a trunk full of gear, you'll find him tinkering with a computer; a hobby he picked up while watching tech reviews starting at age 12. You'll never see him consider a product without being armed with plenty of product research & testing first.

How to Make a Long-Haul Flight More Comfortable

By Jessica Poitevien

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Even for the most experienced travelers, the actual process of getting to your destination is hardly ever the fun part. Unforeseen inconveniences aside—think flight delays and last-minute cancellations—there are certainly travelers who enjoy the aviation experience (myself included), and have fine-tuned the art of packing for a strenuous long-haul flight.

For the seasoned explorer with rusty travel skills or the newbie headed to their first far-flung destination, we’ve asked those frequent travelers to share their best tips, tricks, and gear to get through—and maybe even enjoy—a long-haul flight. 

Below, what to pack to make that next overnight or all-day flight more comfortable.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Wear comfortable clothing

This may seem like a no-brainer, but whether you’re traveling in a lie-flat first class seat or barely reclining in economy , a pleasant flight starts with feeling comfortable. While you might be able to handle tighter, more restrictive clothing for a short period of time, consider looser loungewear during a long-haul flight.

“I wear clothes that are comfortable but not sloppy,” says Katie Hammel, an avid traveler and content marketing director at Scott’s Cheap Flights . “My husband recently bought me, as an anniversary gift, a set of cashmere joggers and hoodie from Nadaam . [They] are luxuriously soft and so comfortable, but still look put together.”

Take the coziness up a notch by removing your shoes, but pack a pair of easy-to-slip-on sandals or slippers for when you want to use the restroom or wander the aisles. Stretching and moving on such a long flight is key to avoiding swelling and discomfort in the legs. Throwing on a pair of compression socks can also reduce swelling and alleviate the pins-and-needles sensation.

Shop more loungewear sets here .

Shop more compression socks here .

Pack the right gear

Hammel describes two products as her “holy grail” for enduring long-haul flights: the Travelrest Ultimate inflatable travel pillow and a leg sling . This Travelrest pillow does more than its C-shaped counterparts, allowing for flexibility in the firmness and positioning of the elongated pillow. Amazon’s Bcozzy double support neck pillow is also a top-seller among travelers thanks to its variety of configurations.

Hammel initially had concerns that her favorite portable footrest would annoy her fellow passengers. After more than two dozen flights, though, she has yet to receive any complaints.

“It just makes the ride so much more comfortable as it allows you to have your legs in a wider variety of positions,” she says.

Other common causes of discomfort during any flight, but especially longer ones, are cold temperatures and stuffiness. Lavina Dsouza , a UK–based business analyst and journalist who often flies to Asia, always packs a blanket and hand warmers , as well 4Head roll-on menthol sticks to help with headaches and congestion.

Sleep strategically

Sleeping is one of the simplest ways to make a long-haul flight go by quickly, but there’s a method to ensure you don’t totally disrupt your sleep patterns and succumb to jet lag . If you’ll be arriving at your destination during the day, get as much sleep as possible during the flight, so you can hit the ground running and adopt a normal bedtime in your destination. If you’re touching down at night, resist snoozing too much so you’ll be sleepy enough to hit the hay at a decent hour in your new time zone. Food and travel writer Binita Sah goes as far as to coordinate her meals with regular mealtimes in her destination—in fact, most airlines already schedule their food service with this idea in mind.

Of course, sleeping on a plane is sometimes easier said than done, but there are ways to put the odds in your favor. “I love Spacemasks for when you need something uplifting to help you get some sleep as they’re eye masks with aromatherapy scents,” says Sah.

Meditation apps like Headspace or MyNoise are also useful for playing relaxing music or nature sounds that can help you fall asleep.

Prepare entertainment in advance

“I create an itinerary so that I spend the flight time being creative and productive,” says Christopher Paul Jones , who runs a phobia clinic. “Reframe how you see the flight. See it as some uninterrupted you-time, or self care time.”

Plan to download and catch up on your favorite TV series , movies , or podcasts ; finally tackle that task you’ve been putting off; or dive into a good book .

Although airlines often offer a flimsy set of headphones to use with the in-seat TVs, noise-canceling headphones —like this popular pair from Bose —can also double as earplugs for sleeping. If you prefer something smaller, be sure to pack this tiny transmitter that connects the in-seat TV to your AirPods or any other Bluetooth-enabled earbuds.

Stay hydrated

The low humidity levels inside an airplane cabin make dehydration a common problem for passengers, so “bring your own water bottle and make it a large one,” says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of tech-forward travel agency Fora . “You don’t want to rely on flight attendants to bring you water, and you want to stay hydrated.” Some frequent fliers abstain from drinking alcohol and caffeine leading up to a flight to avoid extra dehydration, too.

For Suzanne Aston, lead singer of the Aston Band , it’s especially important to hop off the plane feeling hydrated and ready to head to her next gig, so she goes the extra mile by wearing a HumidiFlyer mask . “It traps exhaled moisture from your breath and allows you to breathe in your own recycled humidity and not the dried, shared air of the plane,” she says, explaining that this mask prevents her throat from drying out and leaves her feeling more refreshed. (To note, the HumidiFlyer is not an anti-viral mask .)

Practice self care

The importance of hydration applies to your skin as well. “The dry air in the cabin is particularly harsh on your skin, stripping the moisture barrier of its oils,” says Giacomo Piva, travel industry analyst and cofounder of luggage storage network Radical Storage . “Carry and apply moisturizer at regular intervals throughout the flight, especially for your hands…[and] you’ll reach your destination with plump skin and less irritation.”

Piva even encourages travelers to treat the flight like their own personal spa, using a thick face mask for extra moisture, along with their favorite beauty products .

Refresh before getting off the plane

With lost luggage becoming an increasingly common issue, it’s always a good idea to pack a few outfits in your carry-on just in case. But this advice also serves another purpose.

“It makes a big difference when you land to be able to change into something fresh and put yourself together,” says Vazquez. Packing a small toiletry bag with some basics—like a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, perfume, and eye drops—goes a long way toward starting your trip on the right foot.

Travel Tips for Long Flights. Here’s What You Need to Know

W ith the end of the year upon us, so is the holiday travel rush. AAA estimates 115 million Americans will head 50 miles or more from home over the festive period, making it the second busiest end-of-year travel season since the company started tracking in 2000, topped only by 2019.

If you’re joining many people heading to the airport for holidays or homecomings, here are some frequently asked questions and tips for long flights. While some answers depend on personal preferences, they also include advice from travel and health experts.

How do I prepare my body for flying?

Jeff Kahn, CEO of the sleep tracker app Rise Science, told Condé Nast Traveler that the best way to ensure you travel and sleep well is to start a trip with “low sleep debt.” A few days ahead of a long-haul trip, you could also begin gradually adjusting your sleep times so that you’re more in-sync with the time zone of your destination.

Before boarding, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) suggested exercising to get worn out and ready for sleep, especially if the flight is later in the day. Elsewhere, flight attendants have said they book red-eye flights, as those tend to be quieter and emptier, and the timing can help you get over jet lag.

Staying away from screens, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and if possible, choosing a seat location that’s best for you to sleep, are among other top tips.

Should I eat before or on the flight?

Travel journalist Andrea Bennett, writing for flight search site KAYAK, has recommended drinking lots of water, and not alcohol or caffeine, before a long flight, so that you can be as relaxed and hydrated as possible—guidance echoed by other travel pros.

Flight attendant Major has also advised that eating before a long-haul flight can maximize your sleeping time, without getting interrupted by on-board food service. However, you may not have time to do so or don’t want to spend money on airport food beforehand. He suggested bringing your own snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids or have dietary needs, since you won’t be served food for at least an hour after the flight takes off. 

If you are eating on the flight, you could consider adjusting your meal times to coordinate with your destination to help get over jet lag, which a 2017 scientific study said can work.

What should I wear?

Flight search website Skyscanner has recommended wearing several loose and comfy layers to adjust your temperature while you fly, since it can be chilly on airplanes. Closed-toed shoes are better than flip flops in an emergency, per the travel site, but travelers are encouraged not to wear shoes that are too snug, since feet can swell at high altitudes.

If you plan on removing your shoes, make sure your socks are clean, so as not to bother other passengers with any smells, flight attendant Kris Major told CNN Travel .

Packing sandals or slippers for going to the restroom is also highly recommended , although not everyone will have room for that in their hand luggage.

How can I make my economy seat more comfortable?

Some travel pros suggested bringing a neck pillow, portable footrest or foot hammock, and/or blanket. However, if you don’t have room to carry extra items, you could use repurposed clothing, such as a scarf, that collapses easily and can serve as a pillow.

Multiple experts, such as certified sleep science coach Alex Savy, recommended using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs and an eye mask to help you sleep.

If you’re worried about turbulence, Major has advised sitting near the front of the aircraft because passengers will feel less bumps there than in the back. If your priority is sleep, then consider paying more for a window seat so you can lean up against the window.

Bennett said if you’re tall, you may want to sit in the exit row, but pointed out this is also where passengers with babies put bassinets, so if you’re concerned about crying, that may not be the place for you. The further up you sit, the quieter the engine noise will be, but the back could be less busy, although it’s best to not sit right by the toilets since that could be disruptive.

Should I exercise, and do compression socks really work?

Sitting for long periods of time without movement can raise the risk of forming a deep vein thrombosis or a blood clot that can be dangerous, UCLA doctors advised. Blood clots can best be prevented by taking frequent walks throughout the cabin, doing in-seat exercises such as ankle circles, foot flexes, knee lifts and shoulder and neck rolls, and wearing compression socks.

“Even people with no physical risk factors can benefit from wearing compression socks on lengthy flights,” the doctors said. 

Healthline also recommended not crossing your legs on a plane, wearing loose clothing and staying hydrated to keep up blood flow and prevent clots. 

Major said that even just wiggling your toes while sitting in your seat can help, although it's best that people with blood circulation issues speak to a doctor before long flights.

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10 Tips to Get Through Long Flights

izusek / Getty Images 

The longest flight I’ve ever taken was from Washington, D.C., to Singapore, via Newark and a stop in Frankfurt. It was effectively a 24-hour flight in coach. Even with Singapore Airlines’ great coach product, which includes ergonomic seats and headrests, great inflight menu choices, and more than 1000 options on its entertainment system, that’s still a long time in a narrow seat. If your bank account is not big enough to get one of those lie-flat comfy seats in business or first class, here are ways to get through a long-haul flight.

Spring for a More-Room Economy Seat

Vida Images / Getty Images

If you can, spend a little more for a seat in Main Cabin Extra . You can get up to six more inches of legroom, boarding with group one and being in the first group off the plane. Here's a list of U.S. carriers offering more room in coach.

Snag and Exit Row or Bulkhead Seat

If you can’t spring for economy plus, then try and score an exit row or bulkhead seat (although some airlines do charge for the exit row). Every inch of room counts on long-haul flights.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

PhotoAlto/Thierry Foulon / Getty Images

Dess stylishly (you never know when you might get that upgrade) but comfortably with something like tailored yoga pants, a long-sleeved top, a long cardigan (it doubles as a blanket), and a pashmina scarf. You can’t be comfortable or sleep if you’re wearing tight, binding clothes.

Long hours on a plane can cause pressure and swelling, so slip on a pair of socks as you rest.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Thanks to dry recycled cabin air, you can get really dehydrated on a long flight . There are some who say no alcohol, but I will indulge in a glass of wine or an adult beverage or two. But I will also drink lots of water.

izusek / Getty Images

It’s not good to stay in your seat when you’re awake. So get up and take a walk to get your circulation going. This will also lessen your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis. Also, don’t forget to stretch.

Let’s get real. Sleeping in a coach seat is not like sleeping in your own comfy bed at home. Sometimes you need a little help falling asleep. Melatonin can help both during the flight and with jetlag when you arrive at your destination. There are also OTC sleep aids on the market that can help. Be sure to check with your doctor about what might be best for you.

Sleep Mask and Neck Pillow

Again, you are not at home, so you need to do what you can to recreate it to get your rest. And while neck pillows look silly, it will support your head as you sleep. And a good sleep mask blocks out light, which also helps with sleep.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

knape / Getty Images

These can be a lifesaver by cutting out the noise on an airplane, including the engine whine, the children’s whine and other assorted sounds.

Entertainment

Fabio / Getty Images

You may not like what’s available on an airline’s ​in-flight entertainment system, so make sure your smartphone, tablet or eReader is loaded with content. And make sure your airline has in-seat power outlets or bring your own portable electronics charger. 

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• How to Survive a Long Flight

Air travel has become an increasingly miserable experience for most people in recent years. Before you even get on the plane itself, you must brave the hordes at airport security and hope that, on the other side, your flight isn’t on a Boeing 737 Max and doesn’t get delayed or canceled. Food and drinks inside the airport are comically bad and overpriced, while finding a seat near your gate feels like The Hunger Games . By the time you finally cram yourself into a tiny seat with little leg room, you may already be uncomfortable and cranky — and you’re not even halfway to your destination .

If, like me, you’re not a big fan of the experience in the first place, long-haul travel can be particularly challenging — especially if you’re stuck in economy class with no hope of a free upgrade. So how exactly do you survive a long flight? Here are eight suggestions from the Cut staff for strategies and travel essentials that will help you pass the time, get comfortable, and even catch some sleep.

1. Try to Game the System

My husband and I always book the window and aisle seats of a three-seat row, and often that means the middle seat will be empty. (Not always, but it’s worth a try for the extra space!) I also bring inflatable seat cushions and pillows to try to make the experience more comfortable. — Chantal Fernandez, features writer

2. Shift Your Schedule Beforehand

I’ve done a lot of long-haul international flights — I’m talking 12-plus hours — and I start changing my schedule in the days leading up to a trip. I use the app Timeshifter : I enter my flight date and number into the app, and it gives a game plan for the days leading up to the trip and after. It tells me when to sleep, when to avoid caffeine, when to get some sun — all things that can help minimize jet lag! — Tariro Mzezewa, morning blogger

3. Download Movies and Podcasts Ahead of Time

If you leave me to my own devices, I am one of those weirdos who will stare at the map all flight long . So as to not raise alarms from my seatmates, I’ve started to give myself some distractions. Preparation starts days in advance, when I hoard podcasts and documentary films that I want to consume. I download them and start the flight with those. Then I always carry my own eye mask, ear plugs, and melatonin gummies (and reserve a window seat). I pop one of those gummies a couple hours in and sleep.. — Joanna Nikas, deputy style editor 

4. Keep Busy

I’m a nervous flier, so I like to keep busy with a variety of low-effort activities outside of constantly checking the flight tracker. Keeping noise canceling headphones on hand is a must for listening to the playlists I’ve downloaded (Beyoncé’s entire discography and calming sounds) and trying to get some sleep. I also keep my iPad on hand with books to read and apps to keep me busy, like Happy Color, which is just paint by numbers. If all else fails, use some of the extra time to free up space on your phone by deleting apps and old screenshots. Just bring a charger. — Chinea Rodriguez, shopping writer

5. Knock Yourself Out

My best advice isn’t original: Spend as much of the flight unconscious as possible. Pull an all-nighter beforehand, pop some melatonin or an edible — whatever you need. Then have a nice big drink of water, put in your noise-canceling headphones, and go to sleep. I also always wear a hoodie, hood up. Planes are gross and I don’t want to get lice. Plus it’s added privacy. — Rachel Bashein, managing editor

6. Practice the Local Language

Sleeping on planes is nearly impossible for me. If I have to be awake for six to ten hours on a tube hurtling through the sky, I’m going to watch exactly one in-flight movie and then I’ll spend the rest of the time brushing up on my language skills. If I’m traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, I like to listen to Radio Ambulante , an excellent podcast that tells stories from all over Latin America. For anywhere else, there’s Duolingo. I may not be refreshed when I step off the plane, but at least I’m mentally ready to make small talk with my cab driver. — Catherine Thompson, features editor

7. Bring Plenty of Treats

I do not eat plane food. It’s not a bougie thing, it’s an IBS thing. So it’s always important that I have plenty of snacks when I’m getting on a long flight and that I’ve had a good meal before I’ve boarded. If I don’t have time to eat beforehand, I’ll grab a sandwich from my favorite bakery to take along or grab something at the airport. But I always shop for snacks before heading out the door. I tend to grab something salty, something sweet and then a fun drink I’ve been wanting to try so that I have those to look forward to while I’m rotting away in my seat. — Brooke LaMantia, editorial assistant

8. Do Some Self-care

Long flights are hell, and my friends who are rich enough to fly first class or bold enough to Xanax themselves into unconsciousness really have it figured out. I’m too paranoid to mess around with sedatives thousands of feet in the air, so I try to make things more tolerable by caring for my body the best I can. I use Colgate Wisps so that I don’t have to spend three minutes in a plane bathroom brushing my teeth, pack some nice-smelling travel-size hand sanitizer and lotion, and apply deodorant every few hours. It’s hard to feel like a human when you have approximately two feet of leg room. This helps. — Danielle Cohen, staff writer

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20 Tips to Survive Long Haul Flights

Why I Love Window Seats – Mountain Views between Dubai and Prague with flydubai

This is the reality of long haul flights. They get you to where you want or need to be, but they are tiring. Having lived in Australia for most of my life, unless I was travelling to New Zealand or a South Pacific island, every overseas flight I took for more than 20 years was a long haul – and there was plenty of them. It taught me many ways to make long haul flights a more enjoyable experience. Remember that anything over 6 hours flying time is considered long haul, but flights of longer than 10 hours are not uncommon either.

One important thing to remember is to keep your seat belt fastened at all times in case of unexpected turbulence. If you do not do this and the plane does hit turbulence you could find yourself with severe neck or head damage as you are catapulted to the ceiling. There is no need to have the seatbelt tight, but it must be fastened. I’m amazed how many times I hear people unclicking their belts just after take-off is concluded – don’t follow their example, keep buckled up. During some flights, I’ve sat next to airline staff, and they always keep their seatbelts fastened during flights, and they do it for a reason.

Before You Go

Choosing your airline.

Not all airlines are the same. If you are flying long haul, you need lots to keep you entertained. In my experience, Asian airlines (including the Middle East) offer better In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems. However, there are definite exceptions (I remember that both Ethiopian Airlines and Air Canada had good IFEs). I love flying long haul with Emirates because they can have more than 4000 channels (yes, four thousand channels) on their ICE system. It is more than enough to cover any journey. Other Asian airlines that I know have strong IFEs include Qatar, Etihad, Singapore and Cathay Pacific. Better airlines also have more frequent food offerings, too, so you are less likely to get hungry.

Once you choose your airline, check what aircraft they use on any given route. Modern aircraft have more comfortable seating arrangements, better IFE, and those small touches such as more great toilets. For example, if going long haul with Emirates, I try to take a flight that has the Airbus A380 because I prefer it’s on-board facilities when compared to the Boeing 777. My favourite aircraft to consider is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as its internal pressure is kept at a lower altitude, plus they have a humid control that doesn’t dry you out. I always arrive relaxed after a flight on a Dreamliner. I will even change my flight times to give preference to my favourite aircraft. Remember though, that there can be a later equipment change which may mean the plane you want will not be available.

Choosing Your Route

Be aware that very cheap routes will involve either very long layovers or multiple connections. This will significantly reduce your enjoyment of long-haul travel unless you can avail yourself of a hotel during a very long layover. Unless there is an excellent reason to do so, try to avoid such routes. Staying in an airport for 9 hours without access to a business lounge to relax in or an airport hotel to sleep in is going to be a very tiring experience. Likewise, a direct flight that would typically take 10 hours could take double that time if you have two connections during the journey.

When choosing a route that involves more than 15 hours of flying time, I will try for a stopover of at least 10 hours so that I can spend a night sleeping in the transit destination. Travelling non-stop for 20 hours (including transit time) is exhausting and not something that is enjoyed by many. More information on this is included in the ‘Transit’ section below.

Seat Selection

This is one of the most important sections of this page. Getting a lousy seat (for example, sitting in the middle of two strangers for 10 hours) will significantly impact your flight enjoyment. This is my guide for the advantages or disadvantages of different seats.

Window Seats – They are my favourite, especially ‘A’ seats. Allows you to lean against the side of the plane to rest and you can enjoy the view too. The only disadvantage with window seat is if you take a lot of toilet breaks, it means disturbing those in the seats next to you.

Aisle Seats – preferred by many because they have space on one side (thus making them feel less cramped) and it allows easy access to the toilets. People with long legs like these seats because they can occasionally stretch them into the aisles without needing to stand.

Middle Seats – These are bad seat all around unless you know the people either side of you (travelling with friends or family). They are always the last seats allocated during a flight due to them being unpopular.

Emergency Exit Row Seats – They have lots of extra legroom, and thus loved by many. However, these seats will not recline if the row behind you is also another emergency exit row and you cannot store any items under the seat in front of you on take-off and landing. This means access to your items is restricted during this time. You must have the strength to sit in these seats to open the emergency exit if the need arises. If you cannot do this, you will be moved to another seat.

The Row in Front of Emergency Exit Row Seats – this is the worst row to be on a plane. Because the row behind you is an emergency exit, these seats do not recline. So you get no recline with the usual narrow economy leg-room. Avoid this row if you can.

Bulkhead Seats – these give you the largest leg-room of any seat on the plane – it can be massive. They are the front row of each section of a cabin. They have either an emergency exit in front of them or a partition to the next section or class. However, any IFE will be stored between the seats instead of being on the back of the seat in front of you. The width of these seats is often reduced. Not the best seats if you have a full girth. Also, remember that you don’t have a seat in front of you to store anything under, so access to your bags will be limited. Families with toddlers and babies are given priority of these seats in the middle section of an aircraft.

Last Row Seats – some people don’t like these due to their limited seat recline and the close presence of either the toilets or galley (where food is prepared). I love these seats because being in the back row window seat gives me space to my side and rear. It feels like I’m in a cocoon at the back of a section of the plane – a lovely feeling.

I strongly recommend you check the seating plan for the aircraft you will fly. Check the excellent site,  Seat Guru  that has a comprehensive list of seating plans and even colour codes different seats to represent their overall comfort level. However, in both cases, remember that a last-minute equipment change will render these seat plans irrelevant.

If you can, book your seat early on the airline’s website to avoid the dreaded middle seat. If the airline’s website shows you have only middle seats to choose from, don’t select a seat, but instead arrive early at the airport to see if a better one is available. If this fails, try again at the counter at the gate, and if this fails, see if there are empty seats on the plane when everyone has boarded and asks a member of the cabin crew if you can move to that seat.

Also, remember that seats near the back of the plane are noisier than the ones either on the wing or further forward. The reason is that you are sitting directly behind the engines and the wings. Because of this, these seats are not as popular, but if you have noise-cancelling headphones, you can negate the inconvenience of this extra noise.

Furthermore, if flights aren’t full or near to full, there are always several empty seats. I’ve observed that large tour groups take seats toward the back of the plane, but if they are not on your flight and the flight is not full with other passengers, there is a chance that there will be a number of empty seats in the last section of the plane. At check-in, ask if the flight is full or nearly full. If the answer is ‘no’, enquire if there are many empty seats at the back of the plane. If there are, take a window or aisle seat there, and the chances are much better that you will have one or two empty seats beside you. It is perfect for long flights where you can lay across two or three seats to stretch out and get some sleep. Sitting next to an empty seat or two is not guaranteed, but I once flew from Athens to New York and had two seats next to me free because I took a seat in the last few rows of the plane. The front section of economy class on the same flight was much fuller, and there was no way I would have two empty seats next to me if I sat there.

Dust and Sand Descends on Dubai Airport – United Arab Emirates

Wear comfortable clothes on board a plane and remember it is possible to dress well and be comfortable. Loose clothing is generally better as it is more comfortable. Also remember to bring the right type of shoes – something with too many laces will be difficult to remove easily both in the cabin and at security control. Your feet will swell during a flight, and if your shoe is tight at the beginning of a flight, it will be even more challenging to put on at the flight’s conclusion.

Remember that to board the plane you will need to pass through security screening, so avoid anything that you will have trouble removing (shoes with many laces, studded belts) as this will quickly become tiring.

When flying, I tend to bring a shirt that has a lot of pockets so that I can store items in them (boarding pass etc.) that I will need to show when boarding the plane. I bring a light jacket to keep me warm, a simple belt that is easy to remove, shoes that are easy to remove, and a pair of travel socks that I can wear during the flight.

Bring Snacks and Food

Airline food need not be bad food. I’ve eaten countless superior meals on airlines, especially from Asian and Middle East carriers. Regardless of the quality of the food, I always bring snacks such as chocolate, biscuits, and other small items. On a very long flight, you will want to munch in between eating times. If you have a dietary requirement, you can order special meals either at the time of booking or by contacting the airline directly afterwards. Either way, ensure you have ordered your special meal at least a few days in advance; otherwise, they will be unable to cater to your dietary needs.

Hydrate on a Plane

Drink water often when in the air as the dry cabin conditions will dehydrate you quickly. Bring your water bottle as cabin crew can fill it for you on the plane when it gets empty instead of having to rely on those small plastic cups. Some airports will not allow you to pass security even with an empty water container. Best to buy a bottle of water at the last point of purchase and take it on board with you. Even then, you may be asked to place the container in a sealed plastic bag so that you can pass through security. Some airports (such as Prague) don’t even allow this, so you will need to purchase your water from a vending machine at the gate.

Remember that alcohol does not hydrate you – it has the opposite effect. Drinking at this altitude has double the intoxicating effect so drink alcohol sparingly on a plane (if at all).

Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for anyone who travels. Their ability to eliminate the ambient noise of the flying plane is incredible, plus they get rid of most cabin noise as well. Even Business Class and First Class on airlines will not offer you noise-cancelling headphones as good as those you can purchase yourself. I choose Bose and you can either have an in-ear or over the ear models. Remember to bring the adapter so that you plug it into the IFE system. Also, remember that noise-cancelling headphones that do not have a cord (such as Bluetooth models) will not work with IFE systems. It may be fancy to have the latest Bluetooth technology, but it is useless with most IFE systems on flights. However, you can purchase a Bluetooth Transmitter that can transmit the signal from the IFE to your Bluetooth headphones. Be aware of latency (delays) in the transmitter as it could mean that when watching a movie or TV show, people’s mouths are not moving in sync with the audio.

Power Banks and USB Cables

Some planes offer USB charging facilities in their seats. However, these are only useful if you have a USB cable to do the charging. If this facility is not available, bring a power bank with you into the cabin instead – actually always carry one of these regardless. Also, bring the AC adapter too, some planes still use them, and they are also necessary if in transit at an airport if you happen to find an empty plug somewhere in the terminal.

Bring your Entertainment

What happens if the IFE on a plane fails? It has even happened to me on a flight crossing the Atlantic. You need an alternative form of entertainment. In this case, I had my laptop, portable music player (with headphones), a book and a small card game with me. Thus, I passed many hours without ever getting bored. Remember to bring an item or two that does not rely on power such as a book or small board games in case you run out of battery on your electronic items. Also, remember to charge all electronic items fully before you leave home.

Travel Organiser

One of the best travel items I own is a leather travel organiser. In it there are pockets for my boarding pass, baggage tag, printed hotel reservation, printed airline itinerary and passport. It is brilliant for keeping everything in one place. I will also keep any immigration or customs form in this same organiser and will make sure that a pen is inside. It allows you to fill these different forms on-board or at the airport where there are rarely enough working pens.

Eye Shades and Pillow

A travel pillow is one of your greatest travel accessories and not just the neck pillows, but a proper pillow. Good eye-shades are useful too because they will darken your world even if lights are on in the cabin. If I want to sleep, it is hard to beat the combination of noise-cancelling headphones playing gentle music, eyes shades and a comfortable pillow.

Toiletries Bag

Take a small toiletries bag with you. Mine contains lip balm, deodorant ( roll-on versions because aerosols are not permitted in the cabin), toothpaste and toothbrush. If on a very long flight I’ll bring a razor blade and a small bottle of shaving gel. I also carry a small hand sanitiser to use before eating meals. Remember that anything liquid needs to be lower than 100ml and placed in a clear plastic bag for security screening.

Important Medication

Bring any vital medication with you in the cabin. They are not only essential to take during the flight, but if your luggage is delayed on your arrival, you will not miss any doses.

Flying with Children

A child’s short attention span can make long haul flights a challenge. Many of the rules already listed above (snacks, electronic and non-electronic entertainment) also apply for children, but you may need more than just one option of each item instead.  Remember to bring headphones if using a pad or another electronic thing to keep the little ones entertained. Playing such items without headphones is inconsiderate to those sitting near you. Some airlines cater very well to children. When we travelled with our infant daughter to Europe, Emirates provided the following items to make the trip easier – small blanket, diaper changing kit (including wipes, soiled diaper bag, rash cream), bib, feeding spoon and 2 small toys (this is shown in the photo below). This, along with the choice of many children video channels on the IFE, made our journey a lot more enjoyable.

Items Provided for Infants on Emirates

Toilet Queues

Airport toilets are a hit and miss affair. To avoid them use the toilet on the plane. If you decide to have a toilet break after you land with an international flight, that delay will cause you to be at the back of the passport control queue – not a good thing. Best to take a toilet break about an hour before landing, because if you try to do so closer to landing, there will be longer toilet queues or the toilets will be closed for use.

On the ground

Transit times between flights.

Some airports are massive and sprawling buildings and even a layover of 90 minutes will not be enough to get you between flights on time.  I always allow at least 2 hours between flights on international routes, and even longer if I have to pass through immigration and collect my luggage to board a domestic flight – I would recommend 4 hours. If you do have a tight connection time between flights, ask for a seat near the front of the plane.

Remember that if you miss your connecting flight, it can cause you some real problems. If both your arriving and connecting flight are with the same airline, they are more likely to assist you as it was their flight that caused you to miss your connection. However, if you are changing airlines, then it will be harder to get the assistance you need as the airline of the connecting flight can rightly say that they are not to blame.

What you do at an airport during your layover depends on the length of your layover. Anything around the 2-hour mark means you only have time to transit with maybe a quick meal and toilet stop. Remember to head to your gate as quickly as possible.

The most reasonable layover time is that of 3-4 hours – it gives you time to wander around to see what is on offer. Remember not to get lost in the duty-free shopping or restaurants. It is incredible how many flights I’ve been on when luggage is offloaded because passengers never boarded the plane on time. Best to stay in the region of your gate and set the alarm on your phone or watch for around 60 minutes before your flight, and when it goes off, time to head to the gate.

The worst layover times are those of 5 – 7 hours. Not enough time to leave the airport, and you are effectively stuck in transit within the airport. If you can, avail yourself of an airport lounge do so, but even then time can pass slowly – but some of these lounges offer things such as beds and showers so you can refresh yourself between flights. Remember that many airport lounges do not make boarding announcements, so again set the alarm on your phone or watch to tell you when it’s time to head to the gates.

For anything 8 hours or more, it’s time to consider an airport hotel within the airport, The price of these can vary considerably, but you are likely to pay far more than a hotel outside of the airport. The other option is to consider an airport hotel that is within walking or shuttle distance to the terminal. Still, even a time of 8 hours will quickly reduce to 5 if you have to pass through passport control and security checks again to board the plane, plus the time taken to check-in and out of the hotel. For me, I would never leave an airport if my connection time is 8 hours or less as I won’t get restful sleep due to knowing I have such a short time before it’s time to return to the airport. Don’t want to be late for that next flight!

When organising my itinerary for very long haul routes (combined flying time of more than 15 hours), I try to arrange a long layover of more than 10-12 hours so that I can leave the airport and head to a nearby hotel for a good night’s sleep. If less than this time, I head to an airport lounge or a hotel within the airport, thus saving the need to pass through passport control and even more security checks and allowing me more sleep time.

Arrival Time

I always try to organise for a late afternoon or evening arrival, but this is not always possible. By arriving late, it means I can sleep soon after arrival. If arriving during the morning, it means that I need to stay awake until evening to best deal with jetlag – and this is a challenge even for experienced travellers.

Set your Watch to Local Time

Finally, though a small touch, it is an important one. As soon as the plane closes its doors, I switch my watch to the time of the destination. This is especially important if you have a connecting flight because if you are tired, you may accidentally rely on your watch time set to your home time and may miss your flight. It also mentally helps you prepare for the time zone you are heading to, again a small but essential factor in making your long haul travel a little bit easier.

An Up-grade into Business Class on an Emirates Airbus A380

The Reality of Upgrades

You will read on many websites about strategies to get upgraded to Business Class or First Class when flying long haul. However, speak to people who have worked in airlines or airline loyalty programs, and there are only three factors that will determine if you are upgraded:

Compensated for a travel delay caused by the airline – If the aircraft you are on has mechanical troubles and you have been severely affected by this, including with connections (only applies if your connection is with the same airline), you may also be offered an upgrade, but this is more likely to occur if you are a member of the airline’s loyalty program (see below).

A member of the airline’s loyalty program on an overbooked flight – all airlines overbook their flights because of no shows. Problems occur in rare instances when everyone does turn up. During this time, you may be asked to give up your seat and take a later flight. If you do, compensation may include the offer of a free return flight, monetary compensation or an upgrade on the next flight. If enough people don’t take the offer to move to a later flight, certain people in economy class are upgraded to allow more people into that class of seats. Preference is always given to members of the airline’s loyalty program, especially if they hold tier status . I have been given upgrades a number of times (including the photo above), and they almost always followed this scenario – an overbooked flight followed by an upgrade due to my membership in their loyalty program.

A member of the airline’s loyalty program with tier status and you have purchased a full-economy fare – I have heard several reports of travellers booking the most expensive economy class fare, and receiving upgrades to business class even when economy class is not full. However, the chance of this happening increases the higher your tier status is with an airline. You would need to travel frequently with the same airline to have any chance of benefiting from this scenario.

If you do not fall into the above categories, the chance of getting an upgrade is about the same as being struck by lightning. If you follow the link below, you can read more about how to benefit from an airline’s loyalty program.

Dusk on Flight Between Nairobi and Dubai

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• Packing Lists

The Ultimate Packing List for Long-haul Flights

Here’s all the gear, toiletries, and accessories you need for long-haul flights.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

In This Article

• Packing Checklist
• Tips for Packing

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

The golden age of flying — when travelers dressed in their finest as flight attendants manned carving stations in the aisles — is long gone. Nowadays, it’s more often about enduring cartoonishly cramped conditions without so much as a meal included in some à la carte tickets.

These circumstances make it all the more important to prepare adequately for a long-haul flight and bring your own comforts and conveniences because you can’t always count on airline-issued perks. However, packing and dressing in anticipation of how you’ll feel at hour 10 takes careful planning.

Packing Checklist for a Long-haul Flight

Here's a list of things to pack for a long-haul flight including supplies to strategically carry stuff, picks for grooming and cleaning mid-flight, and other items to help you get shut-eye or generally stay comfortable in the air. Use this as a checklist and read on for everything you need — and need to consider — when you know you’ll be spending many (many) hours on a plane.

Clothing and Shoes

• Best Lounge Set: Spanx AirEssentials Crew and Wide-leg Pants
• Best Leggings: Elastique L'Original 27-inch Leggings
• Best Cozy Socks: Comrad Knee-high Compression Socks
• Best Slip-on Shoes: Naturalizer Women's Marianne Loafer
• Best Slippers: Bearpaw Shorty Boots
• Best Wearable Wrap: White+Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap

Sleep Essentials

• Best Travel Pillow: Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow
• Best Ear Plugs: Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
• Best Sleep Mask: Manta Sleep Mask Pro
• Best Travel Blanket: Away The Travel Blanket
• Best Lip Balm: Eos Organic Lip Balm 4-pack
• Best Under-eye Mask: RéVive Masque Des Yeux Gel Eye Mask
• Best Hand Cream: Weleda Skin-food Extra Rich Cream
• Best Dental Kit: Kulusion Dental Travel Kit
• Best Hand Sanitizer: Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer
• Best Facial Mist: Mario Badescu Facial Spray Collection
• Best Portable Charger: Anker Portable Charger
• Best Airplane Footrest: Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest
• Best Headphones: Bose Noise-canceling Headphones 700
• Best Phone Mount: Universal In-flight Plane Holder Mount
• Best eReader: Kobo Libra 2 eReader
• Best Reusable Water Bottle: ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle
• Best Carry-on: July Carry On
• Best Underseat Bag: Calpak Luka Duffel Bag
• Best Backpack: Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
• Best Tote: MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote
• Best Fanny Pack: Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

Long gone are the days of dressing up to fly. Now, especially under no-frills coach-class conditions, comfort is the name of the game. Dress for relaxation, warmth, and versatility on and off the plane. Layers are key for unpredictable temperature changes mid-flight, too. 

Best Lounge Set

Spanx airessentials crew.

Bloomingdale's

While comfort is a top priority when traveling for hours in the air, who says you can't look cute, too? With this Spanx crewneck and matching wide-leg pant set, you can have the best of both worlds thanks to the sleek, airbrushed fabric and effortlessly stylish loose-fit design. There are tons of different muted and bold colors that can be mixed and matched with other tops or bottoms from the AirEssentials Collection .

Best Leggings

Elastique athletics l'original leggings.

These might look like a typical pair of leggings, but the interior fabric has a beaded lining designed to promote circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system (which can often cause swelling after sitting on an airplane for a while.) The brand's MicroPerle beads compress and massage the skin, so these are ideal for post-flight recovery or after a workout, too.

Best Cozy Socks

Comrad knee-high compression socks.

To combat swelling during a flight, a pair of compression socks from Comrad will do the trick. Besides the benefits of compression socks , this pair is far more stylish than a typical set you would find at the drugstore thanks to the colorful striped pattern that comes in small to extra-large size options for an optimal fit.

Best Slip-ons

Naturalizer marianne slip-on loafer.

Travel + Leisure editors have tested a lot of slip-on shoes , and this pair from Naturalizer is easy to dress up or down. They're perfect for going through security worry-free, and they offer plenty of support and cushioning when you're on your feet. When you arrive at your destination, the shoes can be paired with jeans or a dress, offering superior versatility.

Best Slippers

Bearpaw super shorty.

Whether or not you think it's acceptable to take off your shoes on a flight , bringing a pair of slippers is probably the best solution. Once you're up in the air, you can slip off your shoes and slide into this pair of plush booties from Bearpaw. Made with a thick sole, these slippers can also be worn off the plane as a regular pair of shoes if needed.

Best Wearable Wrap

White+warren cashmere travel wrap.

White+Warren

Travel blanket , scarf, or shawl are just a few of the ways to style this gorgeous cashmere wrap from White + Warren. When you're on the plane, the wrap is ideal for keeping you warm and cozy while getting some shut-eye, but it's also nice enough to wear as a shawl on a chilly night out. Opt for a muted color like sand and camel or go bold with fondant pink and bright tangerine color options.

Sleeping on long-haul flights requires preparation. Dress comfortably, in layers, and bring along gear that supports the pursuit: a travel blanket, pillow, ear plugs, and an eye mask. Avoid caffeine and choose a window seat, if it’s feasible, to avoid neighbors tapping to wake you up when they need to use the loo.

Best Travel Pillow

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

Make your coach-class seat more tolerable for a long-haul flight with a neck pillow to support your head for shuteye. This ergonomic memory-foam one even attaches to the back of the seat for added in-flight comfort, and features a compression carrying bag and fully washable cover for afterwards, too. We tested this pillow on a long international trip and found that, despite its size, it was quite easy to roll it up into its compact carrying case for easy transport.

Best Ear Plugs

Loop quiet earplugs.

Loop Earplugs

After testing a slew of earplugs , this pair from Loop were the best option for travelers looking for a stylish and reusable set of plugs. To get the most comfortable fit for each individual, the plugs come with various ear tip sizes ranging from extra small to large.

Best Sleep Mask

Manta sleep mask pro.

Manta Sleep

A sleep mask is a must to facilitate shuteye on a long-haul flight. And this one is next-level: it provides true blackout light protection and it’s fully customizable to fit your head and face. The carved out c-shaped eye cups also put no pressure on lids or lashes (so you can, say, keep that new set of lash extensions looking flawless throughout your trip). The mask comes with a case and wash bag; it’s also fully machine washable.

Best Travel Blanket

Away the travel blanket.

Gone are the days when you could depend on an airline-issued blanket in coach. Bring your own to cozy up and get some sleep on a long-haul flight. This one from Away is lightweight and made for travel, with an interior kangaroo pocket for keeping essentials safe, as well as a foot pocket for comfort and warmth.

Customize your toiletry and grooming kit for a long-haul flight: Think hand sanitizing spray and/or wipes, pain killer, lip balm, moisturizing cream, and hair ties. If looking fresh-faced directly upon arrival is a concern, a lightweight tinted moisturizer makes a great alternative to foundation. Don’t forget a toothbrush and paste to brush up after a long night in flight. A few bottles carrying key skin care products can help maintain a sense of self-care. While not essential per se, additions like hydrating eye masks and refreshing facial mist can feel downright luxurious after a night in the air.

Best Lip Balm

Eos organic lip balm 4-pack.

Flying can be super dehydrating, so be sure to pack a few sticks of lip balm to keep your lips moisturized throughout a trip. Made with natural ingredients and finished with a mint flavor, this lip balm will leave your lips feeling relieved and refreshed. This pack of four lip balms from Eos is the best way to get a bang for your buck at a little over $3 each, and you can have a backup or two in case one gets lost in transit.

Best Under-eye Mask

Révive instant de-puffing gel eye mask.

Blue Mercury

Designed to de-puff and brighten the eyes in 15 minutes, this cooling gel mask from RéVive is the perfect way to make your long-haul flight a little more luxurious. Made with ingredients like brown seaweed and an anti-oxidant fruit blend, the mask targets puffiness, wrinkles, and dehydration. After you take off the eye mask, all you have to do is rub in the remaining gel and throw away the mask for a hassle-free spa treatment en route to your destination.

Best Hand Cream

Weleda ultra-rich cream.

The air on planes can be so drying — as can the repeated hand washing and sanitizing that goes along with travel-day vigilance. Use this fan-favorite, ultra-hydrating cream from century-old company Weleda not just on hands, but on elbows, feet, and even faces, too. The 2.5-ounce size is fully TSA compliant.

Best Dental Kit

Kulusion dental travel kit.

It’s hard enough to shake off a long-haul flight and move into the world with any sense of alertness; it’s even harder when you can’t brush your teeth because you didn’t think about bringing a toothbrush in your carry-on. Handle your business with this travel set, which comes with two foldable travel toothbrushes, each with a built-in, refillable toothpaste container.

Best Hand Sanitizer

Touchland power mist hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer is essential for keeping your hands clean (and for your peace of mind) on a long-haul flight. This mist version comes in mood-boosting scents, like lemon-lime spritz, frosted mint, and citrus grove. Each bottle contains 500 sprays in a moisturizing aloe vera formula.

Best Facial Mist

Mario badescu facial spray collection.

A facial spray is a great way not just to hydrate the skin but to refresh when you’re feeling bleary. This travel-sized set of four two-ounce sprays comes with one of each calming or invigorating fragrance: aloe, herbs and rose water; cucumber and green tea; chamomile and lavender; and sage and orange blossom.

You’ll need a range of gear from analog (a pen for filling out customs documents) to high-tech (devices, headphones, and chargers). Don’t forget snacks and a water bottle to stay hydrated and nourished, especially if you’re traveling overnight without consistent food and drink service.

Best Portable Charger

Anker slim 10000 portable charger.

Hell is finding yourself on an interminably long flight with a dead battery separating you from your movies, podcasts, or audiobooks, which is why you need to pack a portable charger, especially for international trips . Stay charged up in flight with a portable charger like this slim and lightweight 10,000mAh version.

Best Airplane Footrest

Everlasting comfort airplane footrest.

You know the inner scream you emit when you walk past all those lie-flat business class seats on your way to coach for a long-haul flight? Mitigate the pain by bringing your own footrest. This hammock-style memory foam rest installs over the tray table in front of you and rolls into a travel pouch when not in use.

Best Headphones

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

Noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference both for sleep and entertainment on a long flight. This top-quality, editor-loved pair has a lightweight and compact stainless steel headband. Get up to 20 hours of Bluetooth listening on a single charge — that’s enough to cover any single long-haul flight and then some.

Best Phone Mount

Perilogics universal in-flight plane holder mount.

Use this universal clip to clamp your phone to the tray table to watch hours of your preferred movies or shows on your own device. Dual joints rotate 360 degrees so you can watch horizontally or vertically at just the right angle for comfort.

Best eReader

Kobo libra 2 ereader.

The Kobo Libra 2 is the easiest way to bring a library of books while traveling without having to schlep heavy hardcovers through an airport. This eReader saves you space in luggage and provides access to thousands of audio and ebooks so you can start another book right away. Plus, it's glare-proof and has a dark mode to read at your designed brightness and color background.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask stainless steel water bottle.

Stay hydrated (and environmentally conscious) by traveling with your own refillable water bottle. This one is easy to carry, keeps water cold for hours, and has a truly leak-proof lid.

You’ll want to have what you need nearby during a long-haul flight; that is, your most frequently used essentials should be stowed right at your seat. Consider traveling with an underseat tote or backpack, as well as a smaller pouch — like a waist pack — to compartmentalize your most valuable essentials and keep them close. 

Best Carry-on

July carry on.

T+L editors are big fans of July luggage after testing the brand's most popular bags in the lab. The July carry-on proved to be the best cabin-friendly bag for storing essentials you wouldn't want to place in a checked bag in case it gets lost. Lightweight, spacious, and easy to maneuver, what more could we ask for in a carry-on?

Best Underseat Bag

Calpak luka duffel bag.

If you do opt to check a bag or can bring a personal item on the flight, the Calpak Luka Duffel is the perfect carry-all bag for in-flight must-haves. It can easily fit an extra pair of clothes, toiletry bag, pill or jewelry case, tech organizer, or any other item you want to have at your disposal during a long flight. Plus, the puffer material is stylish and protective.

Best Backpack

Everlane renew transit backpack.

Keep everything handy and organized for a long-haul flight with a thoughtfully designed stylish travel backpack . This one has a 15-inch laptop pocket on the outside for easy TSA access, zip pockets for essentials like passports, an interior slip pocket, two water bottle holders, a magnetic closure, and a trolley strap for rolling luggage. It’s also made from 100-percent recycled polyester.

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

A tote bag is a versatile piece of luggage to bring on a trip, especially a stylish one like this MZ Medium Deluxe Tote. It's large enough to store carry-on essentials, but it can also be used as a laptop bag for business trips or to carry everyday items you'll need for sightseeing like water bottles, snacks, or an extra jacket. We found this bag to be incredibly lightweight during travel, and loved the added convenience of the trolley sleeve which made toting it around the airport a breeze.

Best Fanny Pack

Dagne dover ace fanny pack.

Dagne Dover

Like the brand’s other travel luggage staples, this Dagne Dover fanny pack is brilliantly designed for maximum function. Neoprene gives it water resistance plus a sleek look, and four pockets keep everything tidy and well-organized. Plus, it’s made from recycled polyester derived from 100-percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

Tips for Packing for a Long-haul Flight

Keep what you need close at hand.

When you’re flying for hours upon hours, you’ll want an array of comforts and conveniences. But they’ll be no use to you if they’re in your checked luggage — or even if they’re in the overhead bin when the seatbelt sign is on. Make sure you have what you need close at hand, under your seat and in the seatback pocket. 

To help sort your most essential items from the rest, consider packing a smaller travel pouch to compartmentalize these and keep them close. A tiny keychain flashlight — or even the flashlight on your smartphone — can help you search for small but vital things when the cabin lights are off.

Prioritize versatility and comfort 

When you’re getting dressed for a long-haul flight — fresh, rested, alert — it can be hard to imagine how you’ll feel 12 hours into the journey. But try to channel that feeling when you’re choosing clothes: they should be comfortable enough to spend many hours wearing, and ideally to sleep in, too. You should also choose a wardrobe and gear that is versatile enough to wear awake and asleep, on the plane and in the airport, and even as a multitasking item upon arrival. For instance, a drapey layering piece can also serve as a blanket and/or pillow when needed.

Plan for sleep and awake time

Pack items you’ll want for restful sleep such as an eye mask and ear plugs, and bring what you need to make your seat as cozy as possible (like a blanket and pillow). But equally consider the time you’ll spend awake: Have enough entertainment (like movies, books, or games) to keep you busy and allow you to enjoy — as well as just pass — the wakeful time.

For a long-haul flight, dressing for comfort should be top priority. A coordinating loungewear set is an easy, versatile pick as it's something you’re equally comfortable wearing while awake and asleep, in the airport and on the plane. Opting for a good pair of travel pants is another great way to ensure comfort without looking like you just flew for 12 hours. And dress in layers: Airplane cabins can be unpredictably cold or warm, and any layers you’re not wearing can double as blankets or pillows, too.

Getting sleep on a long-haul flight will be key to feeling alert on arrival — and it sure helps pass the time, too. Set yourself up for sleep success by dressing in non-constricting clothing. Pack comforts like a travel pillow and blanket, as well as an eye mask to block out light and distractions, and ear plugs (or noise-canceling headphones) to banish cabin sounds. And avoid caffeinated beverages as well as alcohol as these can disrupt sleep (tempting though they may be).

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Alesandra Dubin used her experience as a travel and lifestyle writer and professional product reviewer, as well as research, to highlight the most important items for this long-haul flight essentials packing list. 

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10 Long-Haul Flight Tips For Maximum Comfort

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I don’t think many people out there actually look forward to flying. I mean, other than the fact it’s a way to get to the place you really want to see. If I had one superpower it would be to blink and be somewhere in no time at all. But unfortunately that’s not something we can do, so flying it is . Which is why I want to share my long-haul flight tips for a more comfortable flight.

As a Brit who now lives in Canada, long haul flights are kind of my jam. And while I still don’t particularly like flying, I am getting more used to it and finding more ways to make the time fly quicker (pun totally intended). So read on for my top travel tips for surviving long flights.

Top 10 Long-Haul Flight Tips

Spending a long time on a flight means being prepared. As well as figuring out which essentials to bring with you , it’s also about comfort. Planning in advance for maximum comfort is a must when you’re traveling so far . And while many people have their own long-haul flight tips, these are the ones that have worked best for me.

Check in as early as possible

When the 24 hour mark hits, GO GO GO!!!! Your future comfort could depend on your strategically planned seat selection. Me?? I love a good aisle seat.

Getting to stretch your legs a bit on a long flight is invaluable. So aisle seats are the best for easy access to get out. They avoid having to wake up complete strangers who seem to have the ability to sleep like they’re dead.

Even if you don’t want to pay for seat selection at time of booking you can still look at the airplane layout. Scope out the seats you might want for when check in opens and select the seats at the 24 hour mark without the additional cost.

Pack light and choose your bag wisely

Most people’s biggest travel problem – chronic overpacking! Guilty! But one thing I have stopped doing in recent years is using those little wheeled suitcases for carry on.

More often than not you’ll see a dozen people in the aisle as the plane doors are closing, all looking for somewhere to stow their bags. Not me though. I travel with a backpack now. Using packing cubes and compression bags , I can fit more in my backpack easily.

Without the concern of whether there will be room in the overhead, I no longer feel the need to rush forward when the gate opens . Put your backpack in the overhead compartment if there’s space, but it will also fit comfortably under the seat.

Bring noise-cancelling headphones

Do you like listening to people snoring at 35,000 feet? Me neither. Invest in some nice noise cancelling headphones for a really relaxing flight. I think most of us sit on a plane wishing we could be anywhere else. But that’s hard to do when you hear everything going on around you .

Watching movies on the small screens with the cheap plastic headphones is no better. With your own headphones you can plug them into your computer or phone and watch pre-downloaded Netflix shows.

You don’t need to spend a fortune for noise-cancelling headphones either. Check out these ones on Amazon for a budget version of the more expensive brands .

Bring something to read

Sure it might be easy to sit back and watch movie after movie. But staring at a screen about 6 inches from your face for 10 hours might not be the best for you. Mix it up a bit and read a book.

I often find I don’t have time to read anymore when I’m busy working, but come vacation time you can bet my bag is full of literary delights to escape with . Get started on your poolside reading early.

Can’t be bothered with a full book? Bring a magazine, crossword book or even a game to play with your travel companion. Just something else to do to avoid constant screen time.

Drink plenty of water

One of the best long-haul flight tips for your health! Don’t be tempted by sodas and alcohol. Keep a clear head and a comfortable tummy . Both are famous for dehydrating you more which is not good on a long flight.

As a bit of a Diet Coke fan, I still try to steer clear of it on flights. The fizzy carbonated drinks give you more gas. The gas then builds up due to the decrease of cabin pressure of the high altitude. As a result you’ll be more uncomfortable and bloated, and sometimes nauseous.

Drink water instead, it is much better for you and will make you feel way more comfortable on your long flight. Click here for top ways to stay healthy while traveling in winter .

Bonus Tip: Take a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up after security.

Be nice to the people around you

Don’t rush to your seat hitting everyone with your giant bags. Resist the urge to fight over the arm rest and instead say Hi to your neighbor. They’ll be next to you for the next 8+ hours, do you really want to get off on the wrong foot?

Everyone is flying for different reasons. Visiting someone, or leaving someone behind. Some might even be terrified of flying. I know I’ve often been more than a little emotional on a long flight leaving home, compounded by my poor judgement in selecting Marley & Me or Toy Story 3 as in flight movies.

So being extra nice to someone takes little to no effort. Who knows, maybe you’ll even have a great conversation with your seat neighbor . If they’re from the place you’re going to visit they might even have some great travel tips for you.

Get up and walk around

Stretch your legs and get your circulation going. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for you, especially when you need to aid digestion of any snacks and drinks you’ve had. Take a walk at least once an hour if you can. Or at least do some stretches in your seat .

On my last Air China flight to Vietnam they showed an exercise video mid-flight. Everyone followed along to the small space yoga/tai chi video showing how to stretch at your seat with the limited space you have. It was actually really helpful, made me feel much better and of course it was fun.

Bring healthy snacks

Don’t sit and eat junk food for the whole flight. Your body will not thank you for it -neither will your neighbor. On long flights especially, it can be easy to eat out of boredom.

But I always feel so sick after eating a bunch of junk food I can’t walk off. So one of my top long-haul flight tips: ditch the salty chips and sweets. They will dehydrate you more. Instead, bring more healthy in-flight snacks .

Veggies and dip are perfect: Hummus with celery, snap peas, carrots and cucumber will help keep you hydrated. Or some fruit (even if it’s dried fruit). Pack a good old fashioned sandwich with any healthy filling you want and avoid the heavy salted in-flight meals.

Flight Safety Tip: leave the mixed nuts at home in case anyone on your flight has an allergy .

Wear loose comfy clothing

You’re not going to a fashion show, so wear what makes you feel comfortable. Layers are great for flights as the temperature onboard can be different from the airport or outside. Notoriously feeling cold on flights, I like to wear a sweater and bring a hoodie in case I need an extra layer.

Sweat pants or loose workout pants are great because they stretch which means you won’t have the discomfort of wearing jeans sitting down for 10 hours.

Wear shoes that are easy to take off in case you need to de-shoe for security. Running shoes/sneakers are the best as often you don’t always have to take them off . Plus you can loosen them on the flight. Just don’t be the one to put your bare feet up between someone’s headrests.

Bonus Tip: Take a change of clothes if you have a connecting flight. My last journey was 20 hours end to end so a change of clothes made me feel like a new person.

Pack the health and beauty essentials

The cold air on planes can seriously dry out your skin. Therefore before you fly, remove all your makeup and moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE !

Sample size or travel size moisturizers are perfect for flying and unscented is best in case those around you have allergies. Repeat throughout the flight, and your skin will thank you later.

Also remember to pack a travel toothbrush and travel size toothpaste in your hand luggage. If you’re on an epically long flight (or worse, connecting flights), brushing your teeth can feel amazing.

Bonus Travel Tip : Hold onto those mini dental hygiene packs you sometimes find in hotels, or the samples you sometimes get from the dentist. They’re just the right size to go in your zip lock bag of liquids.

Flying high with the best travel tips

If these tips don’t get you ready for that international flight I don’t know what will. Being prepared is key, making sure you have everything you might need without over-packing. Be smart with your travel choices and you’ll go far (last long haul flight joke I promise).

On my next big trip my ultimate goal is to do one major long haul trip with carry on baggage only. The packing cubes and packing compression bags are the way forward I think. That and not bringing 5 pairs of shoes everywhere I go.

But no matter how much you choose to pack, remember some of these essential long-haul flight tips and your journey will be a lot more comfortable.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What are your favorite long-haul flight tips for surviving long plane journeys?

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13 thoughts on “10 Long-Haul Flight Tips For Maximum Comfort”

I love this post! And, I do a lot of the things you mention, though I probably could get up and walk more and drink more water for sure. I bring my eReader with me everywhere, so great for trying to not overpack, but the darn computer and camera always do me in, lol!

Surprisingly, I like flights unless I do not have a cold and cough because the ear pain can be extremely painful. Moreover, I love the smell of the airports and the plane. But yes, any flight journey of more than 2 hours does take a toll on my body.

Living in Sydney Australia I’m no stranger to long haul flights & I like your suggestions. I always choose an aisle seat so I can get up and move around & wear compression stockings as this helps to reduce the swelling in my ankles which can last for a couple of days. Thanks for sharing!

love this, so relatable! As an IBS sufferer, flying makes me feel so bloated and lethargic! I neeever drink alcohol either, and always bring my own food, as I’m practically allergic to most things an airline will serve me! Good tips on the noise cancelling headphones, its the screaming children for me!

I love all of your tips. I live in the UK but I am from US. So having to take long flights is a common thing for me. Yes I agree to always get an aisle seat. I had to fly on a military flight for a deployment and I couldn’t pick my seat. I had to sit in the middle and it was the worse experience bc the guy next to me was sleep the entire flight overseas. I have to move around and get my blood circulating or my legs will go numb. Also, I like your tips for moisturizing and drinking water. Great post.

This is exactly how I feel about flying! I don’t like it, many times I’m even anxious about it, but I have to tolerate it to get where I want. Can we teleport already!? I did the mistake of not checking in early before and I was stuck with the seats that the airline assigned me when I bought the tickets. So I ended up separated from my bf, both stuck in the window seat (one in front of the other) because there were no adjacent free seats left. I didn’t leave my seat for the entire night (Doha-Kuala Lumpur) 🙁 So great tips, I’ll remember them!

I agree that a long-haul flight is something you better be well prepared for. Travelling with a backpack only is a great idea but for me not so easy to follow all the time. I always take a good travel pillow because I think that sleeping is the best way how to spend time on long-haul flights. Thanks for your great tips!

These are all great tips! I am so with you on the aisle seat after being trapped once haha!

So many essential tips! Such a good point about staying hydrated and saying no to dehydrating drinks, too. I always feel more rested after a long flight if I’ve drank lots of water the entire time and stayed away from junk food.

Super helpful tips. I do a lot of them, too, when I´m on a long flight.

This was really helpful, thank you. After two years I’ve forgotten about a lot of these! I’m actually cautiously looking forward to flying again, several hours with a book and nothing else to do sounds delightful 😀

These are super helpful tips! I always bring water but forget to drink it and end up with a major headache by the end of the flight. Also a great idea to get up and stretch your legs, something else I rarely end up doing.

Love that you included be nice to people around you. Especially these days!

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Woman&Home

9 essential tips for long flights: How to survive a long haul flight in economy class

Posted: June 22, 2023 | Last updated: June 22, 2023

Whether you need help sleeping on trans-Atlantic flights or suggestions to soothe your nerves, these tips for how to survive a long flight will make the experience more enjoyable. 

Flying in economy can save savvy travelers hundreds of dollars and help secure the best holiday deals, but it’s not exactly a glamorous experience. While bearable on short domestic flights, being restricted to a cramped seat with minimal legroom and recline starts to take a toll on your body, leaving you with an achy back, sore legs, and ample restlessness. 

But, with enough preparation, a trans-Atlantic journey can be manageable, and you won’t have to arrive at your destination feeling frustrated and like your energy’s been zapped out of you. 

BY VIVIAN CHUNG

1. Prep Your Skin

“The challenge with air travel is that your skin is simultaneously prone to dehydration and puffiness from retained water,” explains Archana Johnsen, founder and formulator of skincare brand Forshelli. 

Long hours on a flight can cause your eyes to become puffy, and your skin to become dry, flaky, and dull. 

To combat this, Johnsen suggests packing miniatures of your best skincare products in your carry-on luggage and applying hydrating serums and creams to your skin before you board: “Follow this up with a good quality face oil that will create a thin barrier to prevent water loss, but isn’t heavy enough to cause breakouts when you arrive."

To alleviate those puffy eyes, pack a small metal undereye roller that you can chill with some ice from your drink, and gently massage the undereye area about an hour before landing.

2. Drink Water Consistently

With drier air and decreased oxygen levels on board, Bob Bacheler, a critical care nurse, emphasizes the need to stay hydrated throughout a long haul flight: “The human body loses about 8 oz of moisture per hour on an aircraft at altitude, mostly from breathing. That translates to ½ lb of weight loss per hour."

Dehydration can lead to headaches and irritation, and can also compound the effects of alcohol at altitude. Bacheler suggests consuming an equal amount of bottled water if you’re going to enjoy a glass of wine on board. 

3. Perform Your Bedtime Routine

For those who find it difficult to fall asleep on flights, replicating your at-home bedtime routine as much as possible can help you fall asleep faster. So if that’s having chamomile tea before bed, ask for some on your flight. Bring a sleep kit on board with you, with a supportive travel pillow for your neck, silky eye mask, and earplugs you own to block out noise and light. Throw in a travel blanket if you have the space, and a pair of fluffy socks to keep your toes cozy.  

4. Keep DVT at Bay

Consistently moving around on long flights can help prevent blood clots from forming in a deep vein in the lower extremities, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

Flights that are longer than four hours generally pose an increased risk for DVT. To mitigate the effects of sitting in a confined space for a long period of time, Sara Faravelli, a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, suggests doing some in-seat stretches to keep the blood flowing, in addition to walking around the cabin when it’s safe to do so. 

“Sit up straight and extend your arms forward, parallel to the ground. Hold for five seconds, then release,” explains Faravelli. “Or extend your left arm overhead and bend your right knee, bringing it toward your chest. Hold for five seconds, then release. Repeat on the other side.”

Another simple exercise calls for clenching your fists and rotating them in circles 10 times each way. 

5. Forget About Dressing to Impress

Frequent long haul fliers know to dress in comfortable layers so you can add and remove according to fluctuating cabin temperatures. Dressing in loose-fitting and flowy silhouettes will make being in a restrictive economy seat feel more bearable. Being in soft fabrics will also allow you to fall asleep more comfortably. Pack an extra set of clothes to change into once you deplane. Not only will this help you feel fresher, but is also necessary if you're landing in a much warmer or colder climate. 

6. Bring Your Own Snacks

Functional Nutrition Practitioner Lisa Jacobsen recommends skipping the onboard meals and snacks. Studies show that the dryness and low pressure in the cabin reduce the sensitivity of our taste buds for sweet and salty foods by as much as 30%, so food and drinks taste different when we’re in the air. 

To combat this, airlines add significant amounts of salt and sugar to their mass-produced foods. “The result: we feel more bloated, tired, and dehydrated after eating airplane food than we did when we boarded the flight,” explains Jacobsen. 

Instead, drink lots of water, and snack on foods high in healthy fats, like olives and nuts to keep you satiated and feed your skin and brain during the flight. 

7. Pack Your Favorite Things

For anxious fliers, Alyssa Mairanz, a licensed mental health counselor, suggests treating yourself to a few magazines, a new sheet mask to wear during the flight, or a new game on your phone to shift your focus from the nerves of flying. “Anything that brings you joy and feels like ‘play’ might help take your mind off the moment,” explains Mairanz. 

8. Get Noise Cancelling Headphones

From quality earbuds to intuitive over-the-ear headphones, frequent long-distance travelers should consider investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to get through a long flight. 

Indulge in your favorite podcasts, the best audiobooks or the latest in-flight entertainment without being disrupted by the hair-raising shrieks of a toddler or especially chatty neighbors. 

9. Don’t Get Stuck in the Middle

Seat choice matters on a long flight in order to make the experience as comfortable as possible. While a window seat affords more privacy and the ability to prop your head against the wall while you try to sleep without having to worry about letting your seatmates out, the aisle is preferable for those who plan to get up from their seat consistently. 

Whichever your preference, selecting your seat before your flight ensures you won’t be stuck in the middle. 

For fliers who are nervous about turbulence, select a seat towards the front of the plane or at the wings, which experiences less turbulence than the rear.

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A flight attendant's secrets to surviving long-haul flights

Any air travel can be stressful, but facing down a long-haul flight can be especially intimidating.

Should you prioritize sleeping or eating, or both? Should you attempt to exercise in the aisle? Is it ever acceptable to take off your shoes?

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Kris Major is a British flight attendant with 25 years’ experience. He’s worked short-haul hops and spent 14-hour stretches in the sky. He’s endured journeys with an unenviable number of layovers, and he’s become an expert in refueling via power naps at 30,000 feet.

As many of us prepare for long-haul trips over the summer, Major tells CNN Travel his tips and tricks on surviving multiple hours in the sky.

Should you eat before or during an overnight flight?

If you’re catching a night flight and you want to maximize sleep on board, Major suggests eating before boarding.

This is particularly important if the flight is on the shorter end of the long-haul scale: if you’re traveling from New York to London, for example, at best you’re looking at around five or six hours sleep, so you want to make the most of that rest time.

Major, who also represents European flight attendants and pilots as chair of the European Transport Workers’ Federation’s Joint Aircrew Committee, says it’s telling that most business travelers shut their eyes as soon as they get on board.

“The seasoned travelers, after takeoff, you go down the cabin and you can see that they’re gone – they’ve covered themselves up and they’re asleep,” he says.

Still, Major admits that eating before flying isn’t always doable, because of long security lines and busy airport terminals. Even if you have the best intentions, you can end up settling for a sad-looking sandwich as you run to the gate.

If you’re flying business or first class, you also might be tempted to make the most of food and drink offered on board – it’s hard to turn down complimentary champagne, after all.

But realistically, the cabin food and drink service can take a good two hours, so you’re losing valuable rest time – and your Business Class ticket should give you access to an airport lounge, so max out those facilities instead, and board the plane well-fueled and ready to rest.

So when should you eat on the plane?

If you’re flying long-haul, you’ll likely be offered more than one meal during the course of the flight.

Meal times start to feel a bit arbitrary when you’re crossing multiple time zones, but should you eat whenever food is offered to you? Or should you turn meals down if you’re not hungry or trying to sleep?

Major says passengers should do whatever’s right for their travel schedule. If you’re exhausted, you’re better off sleeping than forcing yourself to eat dinner at the equivalent of 3 a.m.

“Most airlines don’t particularly plan their [food] service around the passenger and acclimatization and time zones crossing,” explains Major.

Should you bring a travel pillow or rely on the airline offerings?

Airlines usually provide pillows for long-haul travelers, no matter the cabin, but Major says bringing your own eye mask, travel pillow and/or a blanket could be a good idea depending on your preferences.

Eye masks are great if you’re trying to sleep when the cabin lights are on, while you might prefer your own travel pillow to the airline version.

Plus, while it’s rare, there’s always the chance that pillows are unavailable – something that could be a big problem on a 14-hour flight.

“It happens,” says Major. “So I would say, cater yourself for your own comfort and your own needs as much as you possibly can.”

What if you can’t sleep?

Many of us find it difficult to sleep on airplanes, whether due to unfamiliar noises or, for the cheaper seats, limited leg room and upright positions.

Struggling to sleep on a long flight, knowing you’re going to pay for the lost hours when you land, can be an unpleasant cycle of worry.

Should you persevere and keep trying, or give up and watch a movie?

Major says there’s no point trying to force sleep, particularly if your body clock thinks it’s the middle of the day and you’re simply not tired.

But he cautions that it’s important to bear in mind what you’re doing at the other end. If you’re going to be driving, for example, or going straight to a meeting, you should try and rest as much as you can.

What are the flight attendant rest areas like?

Crew rest areas exist on all airplanes, but what these rest areas look like depends on the airline, aircraft and the length of the flight.

“If we’re going somewhere over, say, 13 hours, we need to have good rest areas,” says Major, who explains flight attendants should typically be entitled to breaks that allow for 90 minutes of sleep. That way, they’ve completed a full sleep cycle before they’re back to work.

“You need at least one sleep cycle scientifically to be of any use, to keep your ability to operate safely, your decision making processes, your communication skills,” says Major.

Flight attendants need to be alert throughout the journey, so they will take it in turns to refuel via mid-flight power naps.

Major says he finds sleeping in crew rest areas pretty easy, but he knows flight attendants who find it tough to sleep in beds that Major calls “technically coffins.”

“There are some crew that really struggle with the bunks, they’re not pleasant,” says Major.

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“You push yourself right in, so they’re long and thin, because they’re up in the aircraft, so there’s not a lot of space. They are like what you’d imagine you’d see on a submarine.”

Flight attendants will usually opt to get changed out of their uniform and into loungewear before squeezing into the bunks. Major says he always packs a T-shirt and some comfortable lounge pants.

As he’s a senior flight attendant, Major will hang his tie on the exterior of his bunk’s curtain before he closes his eyes.

“So that if there’s any emergency whilst I’m in the bunk, they know exactly which one I’m in, even though there’s usually one designated for the senior,” Major explains.

Do you have any tips on feeling fresh after sleeping on a plane?

We’ve all experienced waking up after a mid-flight sleep, groggily heading to the airplane bathroom to freshen up, and alarming yourself when you catch sight of your exhausted reflection.

Major’s top tip for feeling refreshed following inflight rest might sound obvious, but he insists it makes a world of difference.

“Cleaning your teeth is always the one that freshens everybody up the most,” he says, adding that flight attendants will always have between five and 10 minutes to freshen up before they’re back on duty.

That’s enough time to get dressed, wash and, if you need to, comb hair and refresh makeup.

Flight attendants will greet a returning colleague with a cup of tea or coffee. Then they’ll head off duty for their own rest period.

Should you exercise on a long-haul flight?

Sitting in the same upright position for hours on end is uncomfortable, but it’s not always easy to get up to stretch. The seat belt sign might be switched on, or you might want to avoid disturbing your seat neighbor.

Major stresses that even just wiggling your toes while sitting in your seat is worthwhile.

“Do move around in your seat, move your legs, do what comes naturally – wiggle, move, get the blood flowing if that’s what you need to do. For people that have got circulatory issues, talk to your doctor,” he says.

What’s your perspective on passengers taking off their shoes?

For many passengers, this is a controversial question due to concerns about smelly feet. But Major encourages anyone on a long-haul flight to remove shoes for comfort, and to help their circulation.

Flight attendants don’t care, he says.

“We do it ourselves. I think most people do it themselves. It’s the right thing to do if you’re going on a long-haul flight,” he says.

“One would hope that you’ve had the common decency to have a bath or a shower and put clean socks or stockings or tights on before you get on the aircraft. That’s the only issue, if your feet smell.”

Major adds that it’s polite, if you think there’s a chance of feet odor, to “go to the washroom and do something about it.”

But flight attendants, he says, are more worried about passengers sticking out their feet into the aisle.

“On a night flight particularly, if you put your feet in the aisle and you’ve got dark socks on, we won’t see you, and we’ll trip over you, and it’s a bit of a nuisance for us.”

What’s the best seat to book for a long flight?

If you’re worried about turbulence, Major advises that you try to sit near the front of the aircraft.

“You could be standing at the front and feel nothing, and down the back they’re bouncing all over the place – the aircraft moves differently down the back,” he explains.

If you’re tall, booking the emergency exit seat for the extra leg room could be worthwhile, although Major says it’s worth remembering “you can’t put your bags down at your feet or anything because it needs to be clear as an evacuation run.” Airlines also sometimes charge extra for seats with leg room.

Major’s personal choice on a long-haul flight is booking a window seat.

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“That’s purely preferential, I can lean up against the bulkhead, pull my head down and go to sleep. Whereas you can’t when you’re in the aisle seats or the middle seat,” he says.

The middle seat is never enviable, but it’s perhaps particularly unappealing on a long flight. Major reckons it’s worth paying extra for the aisle or window, especially “if you need to sleep on the flight.”

Should I invest in noise-canceling headphones and bring my iPad on board?

The way we consume TV and movies has changed drastically over the past decade, but inflight entertainment has largely stayed unchanged.

While many of us still enjoy watching new movie releases on board flights, it’s less of a novelty than it once was. Many passengers prefer binging a pre-downloaded streaming show on a personal device.

“Most people self-cater flights now when it comes to entertainment,” says Major.

Your own devices are also a good back-up in case there are issues with the in-flight entertainment system, which Major admits “might not always be working.”

Flight attendants usually have handbooks that advise how to operate the inflight screens, but they’re not always able to fix the problem.

“There’s only so much we can do on the aircraft to kick it back to life if it starts to play up,” says Major. “There’s very little we can do, apart from the usual scientific ‘turn it off, turn it on again.’”

Most aircraft today have USB charging sockets, but a portable charger could also give you added piece of mind.

As a flight attendant, do you judge passengers’ movie choices?

Major says in his experience, crew aren’t paying too much attention to what you’ve opted to watch on board, but occasionally he’ll comment on a traveler’s choice.

“We can use it as an ice breaker,” he says. “If I’ve seen a movie and it’s good, it’s something to use to strike up conversation.”

Major does recall once noticing a Business Class passenger reading a book which included some graphic descriptions.

“The words were pretty pornographic although I couldn’t see enough to follow the thread,” Major says.

The man was reading the book quite openly, and made no attempts to hide the contents.

“I was quite shocked,” says Major. “Turned out we were taking a group of sex therapists to a conference.”

Should you bring your own food and snacks?

Absolutely, says Major.

“On most flights, people forget that you get on the plane, you’re not going to eat for the first hour, at least – it’s probably going to be an hour and a half after takeoff before you eat,” he says.

If you have a health condition like diabetes, bringing your own sustenance is particularly key. It’s also important to pack snacks if you’re traveling with kids.

I’m taking my kids on a long-haul flight, what should I do?

Major has young kids of his own, so he says he can answer this question both as a father and as a flight attendant.

“If you’re tense, your child will be tense, it’s as simple as that. If you’re stressed, and you’re feeling anxious, your child will be anxious,” he says.

Flight attendants are experienced at talking kids and parents through the flying process, Major adds.

“Because we’re just generally very relaxed, we can calm them down very quickly,” he says.

When babies are crying, parents are panicking and other passengers are sighing, Major says he’ll always handle the situation in the same way.

“I’ll make sure it’s audible for everyone else to hear, I’ll say: ‘Please don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about your child crying. It’s helping your child rebalance their ears. It’s the only way they can do it, through screaming. We’ve all been children, we’ve all cried, don’t worry about it.’ I’ll try to put the parents at ease. By putting the parent at ease, we can hopefully settle the child.”

Major says bringing favorite toys and blankets on the aircraft can also help calm a child, as it helps the alien airplane environment seem more familiar and comforting.

How do you deal with nervous passengers on long-haul flights?

Those with a fear of flying are, in Major’s experience, worried about one of two things. Either it’s the “lack of control” and the “alien environment.” Or it’s fear of the airplane crashing.

Some people are reassured by Major walking them through the mechanics of the aircraft – explaining that unknown engine noises are normal, or that air travel is generally very safe and there are many fail-safes in place.

Others would rather not know the ins and outs, they just need distracting. Major once spent two hours on board a flight chatting with a nervous passenger in the galley, taking their mind off the situation.

Even for those who aren’t generally afraid of flying, long-haul journeys present their own set of pressure points that can drive people into panic mode.

Crying babies might be viewed as more of an annoyance on a short flight, but passengers can “freak,” as Major puts it, if they think that’s set to be their soundtrack for the next 12 hours.

Delays to any flights are frustrating, but on longer flights, delays can suddenly hammer home “the reality of distance and time,” says Major.

But Major says it’s important to remember that “there’s always taxiing time built into the flight time.”

“You can make up time on long-haul a lot easier than short-haul,” he adds. “You can pick up a good half hour.”

What’s your opinion on AirTags?

Major’s never used an AirTag, but he understands the attraction – especially for passengers who’ve dealt with a lost bag in the past.

Although it’s a different story when he travels with his family, Major says he usually travels carry-on only, even on long-haul flights.

That’s less because he’s worried about losing luggage, and more for ease and speed.

“On my own, I’ve got one bag that I can live for a week out of, it’s so finely tuned,” he says. “I fly with hand luggage only so I can get through the airport as quickly as possible.”

If you’ve got a layover, how should you maximize that time?

If you’ve got several hours before the next leg of your journey, it could be worth booking a hotel room to catch up on sleep, says Major, who also advises stretching your legs and walking around as much as possible.

If there’s enough time to leave the airport and get some fresh air, that’s worth doing too.

Major knows what he’s talking about, he once did a mammoth journey with multiple airport layovers, “from Cairns - Brisbane, Brisbane - Sydney, Sydney - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi - Vienna, Vienna - Frankfurt, Frankfurt - [London] Gatwick.”

“When I got off, I was nearly dead,” he jokes.

What’s your perspective on the super long-haul flights that could be a thing of the future?

The longest flight Major’s ever worked was around 14 hours. The longest scheduled flight currently in operation is Singapore Airlines’ New York to Singapore flight, which lasts 18 hours and 40 minutes.

Australian airline Qantas is preparing to launch its ultra long-haul “Project Sunrise” flights, which would span upwards of 19 hours flying passengers from New York and London to Sydney, Australia. For flight attendants, Major says, that will involve working over periods in excess of 24 hours.

“You’re missing two nights of sleep,” says Major. “The impact of that we don’t fully understand.”

It’s still early days, says Major, and these details need to be ironed out. But he sees ultra long-haul as the “evolution of flying.”

“We’ve got the aircraft to do it now, so we need to find ways of doing it,” says Major. “And we will. There’s a lot of work going on to do that.”

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A number of school busses went up in flames during a fire in an Essex storage lot Wednesday evening.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Windsor-Essex

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Windsor and Essex County.

Vancouver Island

Poor use of B.C. taxpayer dollars or necessary health-care expense? Critics slam secrecy and soaring costs

A day after CTV News was first to report British Columbia’s health authorities have more than doubled their payments to for-profit staffing agencies, there’s growing outrage at the taxpayer dollars going to a “parasitic industry.”

Body recovered after house fire in Abbotsford, B.C.

One person is dead after an early morning house fire Thursday in Abbotsford, B.C.

Kelowna RCMP release sketch of suspect who attempted to sexually assault stranger

Police in Kelowna have released a suspect sketch in hopes of locating the man who attempted to sexually assault a stranger on a walking trail earlier this month.

Worker killed in accident at Kelowna construction site

A construction worker died in a workplace incident in Kelowna on Friday, authorities have confirmed.

B.C. weather: Sun in forecast after record-breaking low weekend temperatures

Many parts of B.C. will see several days of sun this week after some regions experienced record-breaking low temperatures over the weekend.

Murder-conspiracy trial hears of guns found in travel trailer near Coutts blockade

An RCMP officer has told a murder-conspiracy trial that several weapons were discovered inside a travel trailer parked near the 2022 border blockade at Coutts, Alta.

More students looking for summer jobs leads to competitive market

It wasn't long ago many businesses were struggling to hire enough people to meet their staffing needs...

Alberta seniors to get 25% discount on driver’s medical exam

Seniors in Alberta will get a break if they need a medical exam to renew their driver’s licence.

Sault Ste. Marie

Northern Ont. police say suspect was driving over curbs, had open case of beer in the front seat

A citizen alerted police in Elliot Lake to a heavily impaired driver who was all over the road in the community Wednesday afternoon.

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service's new chief from southern Ont. has northern ties

After months of completing a comprehensive and exhaustive search, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service Board on Manitoulin Island has named a new police chief.

'You can literally see the sculptor's handwork': Memorial restored as Newfoundlanders reflect on First World War's toll

Historic monuments adorning the National War Memorial in downtown St. John’s, N.L. are being restored to their full glory this week ahead of Memorial Day ceremonies.

Residents ordered to flee central Labrador town as wildfire rages nearby

An out-of-control wildfire forced officials to order residents to flee their homes in the central Labrador community of Churchill Falls on Wednesday evening.

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Breaking news, are flights really cheaper on tuesdays travel experts reveal tips to get the best airfare deals.

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Is there really a “best” day to book a flight?

There’s long been a myth that Tuesdays are the day to book airfare if you want the lowest price and that prices surge on weekends — but that’s not necessarily true, according to experts.

Google published an analysis in 2022 found that when shopping for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays rather than Saturdays or Sundays, prices are only 1.9% cheaper on average. A Google Flights spokesperson told USA TODAY that this holds true as of June 2024.

According to both Hopper and Google Flights, there’s no point in waiting for any specific day to book a flight since the difference in cost is only marginal.

“We tested this out and looked at the best day of the week to book for a number of popular trips and Tuesday was the cheapest day just 1% of the time,” Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist, told USA TODAY. “The best price might be available on Tuesday – but it might be available on another day of the week.”

Meanwhile, Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks report published in September 2023 had a surprisingly different take: “Sunday remains the cheapest day of the week to book flights, while Fridays are most expensive. On average, travelers saved up to 13%.”

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), flights from major airports in the U.S. cost 29% more on average this year than they did in 2021, so any savings on airfare could make a huge difference.

And there are plenty of other factors other than the day of the week you book your flight that impact the price point more.

“While everyone wants a golden rule for the best day of the week to book a flight – the reality is that the best day, and time, to book a flight depends on a number of factors,” Berg shared.

One of Berg’s top tips is to book in advance and don’t wait until the last minute.

Using tools such as Hopper or Capital One Travel can help people monitor flight prices in an easy and effective way. Berg recommends trying to book domestic flights one to three months prior to the departure date, and international flights between four and five months before departure.

“Don’t leave booking too late; prices can increase by hundreds in the final weeks before departure,” she said.

Expedia’s report reflected similar findings, noting that those who purchase airfare for domestic flights 28 days in advance pay on average 24% less than last-minute bookings.

However, the day you fly out is more important than the day you book your flight.

Choosing a flight that departs in the middle of the week rather than the weekend can help travelers get cheap airfare — saving people on average 18% on domestic summer airfare, Hopper found.

Mid-week savings are even more for international fare, with people deciding to fly to Europe this summer on a Tuesday or Wednesday saving $435 per ticket, according to Hopper.

Google Flights found similar data, with flights departing on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday being on average 12% cheaper than flights on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

So book your flights whenever you want, but you might want to opt for a mid-week departure.

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I've traveled to over 80 countries by myself. Here are 8 things I do to stay safe.

• After traveling solo since I was 18, I've hit over 80 countries.
• I've made my fair share of mistakes, but I've learned how to stay safe while traveling alone.
• Simple measures, like sharing my location, have helped me avoid unwanted situations.

I've been traveling on my own since I was 18. After visiting over 80 countries and 13 years of trial and error, I've learned a few important safety tips.

Although flight prices seem to be rising ahead of the summer surge, they're significantly cheaper than this time last year, so I'm itching to plan my next trip.

I follow these rules everywhere I travel — it doesn't matter how upscale or "safe" the destination is supposed to be.

Although some situations are unavoidable, here's what I do to stay safe and alert while traveling solo.

I always share my location and itinerary with someone close to me.

Before a trip, I always share my flight and hotel information with my mom. I've also gotten into the habit of sharing my live location with her (indefinitely).

Other than the fact that it gives her a sense of security, I know that if anything were to happen (or if she doesn't hear from me when expecting to), she would have enough information to make a few calls and confirm I'm safe.

It only takes a few minutes but can make a huge difference in the long run.

Wearing a flat crossbody or belt bag under my clothing is key.

I always avoid wearing backpacks and those trendy see-through bags — there's no need to make someone curious. I don't like having my purse and valuables super exposed because it makes me a prime target for pickpockets.

Although it's easier to wear belt bags in colder environments when I'm wearing layers, I can still manage in lighter clothing.

Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag, Athleta's Pacesetter Run Belt, and Peak Gear's Travel Money Belt have been my go-to for traveling . They're small and thin enough to wear under my clothing but can hold my essentials (cash, credit cards, a phone, my passport, and copies of my ID).

I don’t wear my expensive bling or designer pieces.

I typically want to look good for photos, but wearing expensive clothing and stand-out jewelry always attracts unwanted attention.

Wearing shiny necklaces and a stack of bangles while sporting a Gucci tracksuit makes it look like I have money, which is the opposite of what I want someone to think when I'm traveling alone.

It also means I'm less likely to successfully negotiate or barter a good price on items in markets.

There are basic things I research about each city or town I’ll be staying in.

I'm a super spontaneous traveler. Although I usually have a list of places I want to visit, I rarely follow a day-by-day itinerary.

Regardless, once I know where I'm going, I always take time to plan which area to stay in and book hotels in advance . I try to find the best neighborhoods, then I explore a list of hotel options and select them based on reviews, location, and overall vibe.

I also always ask the front desk staff if there are any areas I should avoid once I check in — not everything is online.

Sometimes, I'll even look for female-oriented hotels or ones with mostly female staff members because that makes me feel a little more comfortable.

Looking lost or scared is asking for trouble.

How you carry yourself is a big deal. If I'm lost, I typically use the Maps.me app, which allows me to use maps even while offline.

I try to pop into a coffee shop — or even a bathroom stall — to look at the map and get my bearings. If I can't find a place to make a pitstop, I'll walk to a more populated area with lots of traffic.

If worse comes to worse, I'll just hail a taxi to take me back to my hotel.

Looking lost makes it pretty obvious you're a tourist and gives the impression that you're willing to accept help from anyone. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of situations like that.

For the same reasons, I also never walk around looking frightened, even if I'm freaking out on the inside.

There are different transportation apps all over the world, so I make sure I have the right one.

Not everywhere has Uber or even many taxis. I always look up popular transportation apps wherever I'm traveling and download them on my phone.

I usually even enter and save my credit card information, so I'm ready to roll and don't find myself stuck when I reach the destination.

I make sure I have enough cash with me.

I've traveled to places where credit cards aren't widely accepted, or I can't withdraw cash from ATMs.

To avoid that panic, I always carry cash and exchange it for the local currency at the airport or hotel.

I don't keep it all on me when I'm exploring — I just carry some with me and leave the rest safely locked in my suitcase.

I've learned to not say yes to everything.

When I travel alone, I'm bound to meet new people, and sometimes they invite me to parties or for drinks. But I always politely decline.

Nothing good has ever come from drinking with strangers in a foreign place, in my experience. And I always want to be clear-minded enough to pick up on strange or dangerous situations.

I don't even share my plans with strangers I meet, and I never post my real-time locations on social media.

It might seem obvious, but I also don't accept rides from strangers because then they'll know my whereabouts.

• Main content

Money blog: Aldi tactic 'forces Tesco to pull products from sales campaign'

The Money blog brings you personal finance and consumer news, plus all the latest on the economy. Let us know your thoughts on any of the stories we're covering in the comments box below.

Thursday 20 June 2024 20:00, UK

• Interest rate held at 16-year high in blow for borrowers
• 'Obstinate' Bank 'unwilling to take action'
• Ian King analysis: Why door remains open to cut in August - though politics could get in the way
• Aldi tactic forces Tesco 'to pull products from sales campaign'
• Barclays ditching major perks - but customers will still pay £5
• Savings queen shares top three tips for savers right now

Essential reads

• Watch : Ed Conway breaks down inflation numbers - and shows chart that tells very different story
• 'One guy wanted to rent my room for a few hours to meet a friend...' What I learnt from putting my home on Airbnb
• Women in Business : 'How I went from mum with no qualifications to owner of big law firm'
• Holiday money - where to buy it, how to avoid fees and one thing you must not do
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Aldi has undercut Tesco on some of its rival's claimed price matches, according to The Grocer . 

As a result of Aldi dropping its prices, Tesco has pulled certain products from its campaign, according to the digital magazine, and in some cases it is rendering the supermarket's price match claims incorrect.

According to The Grocer, two variants of Aldi's Lunex Ultra sanitary towels (Night and Long) were "price matched" at 45p by Tesco this week, while Aldi had reduced them to 42p in its weekly permanent price drops.

In a similar vein, the magazine said Aldi's Bon Appetit Pains Au Chocolat eight-pack was price matched by Tesco at £1.35 on 6 June - before being cut to £1.29 at Aldi.

Tesco's equivalent had disappeared from Tesco's campaign by 13 June. 

"Our customers know that only one supermarket offers Aldi prices on every product and that's Aldi," an Aldi spokesman told The Grocer. 

"Other supermarkets just can't match us on that." 

Tesco said prices were checked twice-weekly and the most recent check on the Lunex sanitary towels found them to be 45p in more than half of Aldi stores surveyed. 

A spokesman told The Grocer products included may vary by week, with some removed and others added. 

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Sainsbury's is to sell its banking business to NatWest.

The agreement could see NatWest take on around one million customer accounts, as well as £1.4bn of unsecured personal loans, £1.1bn of credit card balances and £2.6bn of customer deposits.

The deal is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.

Sainsbury's said customers would "not need to take any action" and said there would be no immediate changes to their terms and conditions.

It comes after the supermarket giant announced in January it was winding down its banking division to focus on the retail side of its business.

Simon Roberts, the chief executive of Sainsbury's, said: "Today's news means we will focus all our time and resources going forward on growing our core retail business, delivering great quality and value, week in week out."

NatWest boss Paul Thwaite added: "This transaction is a great opportunity to accelerate the growth of our retail banking business at attractive returns, in line with our strategic priorities."

The sale does not include Sainsbury's Bank's commission income businesses, such as insurance, cash points and travel money.

Argos Financial Services is also not included.

An English rosé has been celebrated as one of the 50 best wines in the world.

Chapel Down's Rosé Brut won one of the 50 best in show medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards - the first time a UK sparkling rosé has done so. 

The rosé, made in Kent, is a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier, pinot blanc and early pinot noir. 

Josh Donaghay-Spire, head winemaker at Chapel Down, said: "We are over the moon. 

"It is recognition of the attention to detail and quality that we put into every bottle." 

He put the success down to the cooler maritime climate and chalk soils of Kent, which offered the wine the "freshness and crisp character that can't be made anywhere else". 

You can get a bottle for around £37.

If you want to a list of the most affordable rosés out there, check out Money reporter Emily Mee 's report here ...

More than 30% of UK shoppers have seen a theft take place in a shop in the past year, data from Retail Insight suggests.

A poll of more than 1,000 consumers also found the average shopper had witnessed four instances of theft in stores in London.

According to the Association of Convenience Stores, there was a 409% increase in shoplifting last year, to 5.6 million incidents.

"There's little doubt that shoplifting poses a challenging and costly issue for retailers, many of whom are already giving away margin to keep the cost of everyday foods as low as possible for customers amidst cost of living pressures," Paul Boyle, chief executive of Retail Insight, said.

A ballot is under way that could see Amazon recognise a trade union in the UK for the first time.

Workers will eventually vote on whether they want the union, GMB, to represent them.

GMB needs 40% of them to vote in its favour for Amazon to recognise it.

If the union succeeds, it would mean Amazon would negotiate with GMB leadership over on terms, pay and conditions for workers. 

Ballot papers will be sent out on 3 July, with workplace voting starting on 8 July, lasting for six days.

The result of the ballot is expected on 15 July.

Almost one in five workers have had no change in their pay since the start of the cost of living crisis, new research claims. 

Jobs site Indeed said its survey of 2,000 people also found that two in five revealed they were struggling to make ends meet.

One in five said their salary had not changed since 2021, while almost one in seven said their pay had fallen since then.

Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said: "After grappling with the cost of living crisis for over two years, it's no surprise that wages are front of mind for voters.

"There's a clear call from the British people for the elected government to further ease financial pressures, and we'd expect this to remain front of mind for the public long after the winning party is decided."

Taylor Swift's shows in London will boost the economy by £300m, officials have claimed.

The US star will perform three gigs at London's Wembley Stadium this Friday, Saturday and Sunday - before returning to the venue in August for a further five dates.

The sold-out shows will be attended by a total of nearly 640,000 people.

The Greater London Authority estimates fans will spend an average of £471 a show, with many travelling from around the world or other parts of the country to watch.

The capital's mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "delighted" the 34-year-old was playing more shows in the city than anywhere else in the world during her Eras Tour.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee was never going to cut interest rates today. Not two weeks before a general election.

Cutting the cost of borrowing would have been perceived as highly political, potentially offering support to the government, even though some Conservative politicians, such as the former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, sought to argue ahead of today's decision that not cutting Bank rate could equally be perceived as "a political decision against the government".

So it was no surprise to see the MPC maintain Bank rate at 5.25% or, indeed, for the composition of the vote, at 7-2, to remain unchanged from last time around, with uber-dove Swati Dhingra and Sir Dave Ramsden, again, outnumbered in voting for Bank rate to be cut to 5%.

The MPC also went out of its way to show how it is finely attuned to criticisms of bias one way or the other.

The minutes note: "The committee noted that the timing of the general election on 4 July was not relevant to its decision at this meeting, which would as usual be made on the basis of what was judged necessary to achieve the 2% inflation target sustainably in the medium term."

Why did the MPC vote to hold?

Leaving aside the politics, there were very good reasons why most of the MPC voted for no change today.

Chief among these was the fact that, although the headline rate of Consumer Prices Inflation in May returned to the Bank's target rate of 2% for the first time since July 2021, services inflation remains uncomfortably high at 5.7%. 

That will have raised alarm bells on the MPC about the risk of so-called "second round effects", whereby firms and workers respond to higher prices by themselves seeking to raise their prices or their wages and not least because services make up four-fifths of the UK economy.

The MPC minutes noted today that services inflation was "somewhat higher than projected" when the Bank published its most recent inflation report only last month.

The minutes added: "This strength in part reflected prices that are index-linked or regulated, which are typically changed only annually, and volatile components."

Inflation likely to rise again

The MPC is also very wary of the possibility that inflation is likely to begin creeping higher again later in the year. 

That is due to so-called "base effects" - the year-on-year comparison - and the fact that, in the second half of last year, the price of some goods in the inflation basket were falling or, at least, not rising as rapidly as they are expected to in the second half of last year. 

A good example of that, which stood out in the inflation figures published on Wednesday, is unleaded petrol - a litre of which cost 144.4p in May last year but which cost 148.8p in May this year.

More broadly, the economy is growing more strongly than the Bank has been expecting, as are several indicators of economic activity, among them spending by households on repair and maintenance of their homes and consumer confidence.

Wage inflation

The other major concern for the MPC is that wage inflation, at 5.9% during the three months to the end of April, remains too high for its liking.

The latest report from the Bank's network of regional agents - whose briefings are closely studied by the MPC's members - suggest that recruitment difficulties are "near to their pre-COVID levels" which represents "a historically high level".

Other survey data has also persuaded the MPC to conclude the labour market remains "a little tighter than official data" suggests.

The minutes highlight concerns that near-term pay growth may moderate by less than the Bank was expecting in its May report.

Consumer-facing businesses, which are most exposed to the National Living Wage, in particular are having to pay more to employees.

That said, a reduction in Bank rate is coming, with the MPC noting: "The restrictive stance of monetary policy is weighing on activity in the real economy, is leading to a looser labour market and is bearing down on inflationary pressures. 

"Key indicators of inflation persistence have continued to moderate, although they remain elevated."

When will interest rates be cut? 

The timing of that reduction is now going to be more fiercely debated than ever. Yesterday's inflation data, with that unexpectedly strong reading for services inflation, pushed market expectations for the timing of that first cut out from August to September.

Today's minutes, though, have persuaded some market participants to conclude that an August reduction in Bank rate may be back on.

The key line in the minutes that have raised that prospect was that, among some MPC members who voted for no change this month, "the policy decision at this meeting was finely balanced".

So the big takeaway from today's meeting is that the door remains open to an August reduction in Bank rate. 

The market was putting the probability of an August rate cut at 30% before the meeting. It is now placing a 60% probability on that.

But an August rate cut is not nailed on - and politics may yet rear its head - and the MPC will be watching closely to how markets react to the election result.

As Julian Howard, chief multi-asset investment strategist at GAM Investments, put it: "A potential Labour landslide could unsettle markets, in particular the currency.

"Sir Keir Starmer has come under pressure in recent days on the issue of tax and spending. Sterling will appreciate neither unfunded spending, nor a heavier tax burden."

Some more reaction to bring you now, with experts at Capital Economics suggesting the "pieces of the puzzle are almost in place" for a rate cut. 

It said "several developments implied a rate cut is getting closer", citing the two members who voted to cut rates by 25 percentage points to 5.00% and, interestingly, a lack of "hawkish" rhetoric in the minutes released alongside the decision.

"Despite the recent run of stronger inflation and activity data, the language in today's minutes was not much more hawkish than in May," Capital said.

"The minutes continued to suggest 'indicators of inflation persistence had continued to moderate' and that a range of indicators suggest pay growth had continued to ease.

"As a result, we still think there is a good chance of a rate cut in August and that rates will fall to 3.00% in 2025, rather than to 4.00% as investors expect."

We've been reading over the minutes from today's Monetary Policy Committee meeting - and here's what the governor had to say on the decision...

"It's good news that inflation has returned to our 2% target," Andrew Bailey said, referring to the data released yesterday.

"We need to be sure that inflation will stay low and that's why we've decided to hold rates at 5.25% for now."

Some reaction to bring you now to the Bank of England's decision to hold the interest rate at 5.25%.

Jonathan Bone, lead mortgage adviser at  Better.co.uk , criticises the decision: "Borrowers have waited three long years for inflation to return to the 2% target. 

"Now that it's finally happened, the excitement has dampened as underlying price pressures in the economy have not slowed as quickly as expected, and the ongoing election likely hasn't helped either. 

He says the Bank of England is "obstinate" and "unwilling to take action despite widespread criticism", adding: "Those with mortgages are desperate for relief."

Meanwhile, Tobias Gruber, chief executive  of  My Community Finance , says the decision means savers have more time to review their options.

He offers some advice to those looking around for savings options: "There are still excellent opportunities available for fixed-rate savings, with some providers offering interest rates of over 5%. 

"If you don't need immediate access to your money, locking in a competitive fixed rate now can protect you from future base rate cuts." 

The Bank of England's nine-person Monetary Policy Committee again voted 7-2 in favour of holding interest rates at 5.25%. 

That's the same split as when the committee last met. 

Reacting to the news, our economics and data editor Ed Conway says: "Everyone now is in a kind of holding pattern until August, when the next meeting takes place.

"That is the moment where people think there could be a cut.

"We're going to potentially be waiting until August and maybe even [as far away as] November -  it really depends on what happens with the data."

As expected, the Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25% for the seventh time in a row.

The Monetary Policy Committee's vote in favour of maintaining the 16-year high in rates had been widely expected by economists and financial markets.

What does the decision mean?

This will come as a blow to borrowers, who will continue to pay a high rate on any loans they take out - like mortgages.

It's not bad news for all, however, as higher interest rates increase the return on savings.

Mark Hicks, head of Active Savings at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Right now, you can still earn more than 5% on everything from easy access accounts to those fixed for up to two years.

"Unfortunately, most people won't be making anything like this, because high street easy access branch rates are far less generous, and in most cases, they pay less than inflation (currently 2%). 

"At times like this it's key to check out the rates from online banks and savings platforms, which tend to pay more than the high street giants."

Check out our 6.36am post for our latest Savings Guide - as Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes gives her top three tips for savers right now.

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