I’ve been traveling on long-haul flights for years now and I’ll never forget the feeling of dreading being on a plane for hours. You can’t help but feel uncomfortable, anxious, and in need of some serious freshening up.
After many long-haul flights, I feel like I finally know the ins and outs of making them more enjoyable (besides purchasing a first class ticket, lol). Once you have a system in place, you’ll be flying with ease.
9 Travel Tips to Make Long-Haul Flights Enjoyable
1. Bring a reusable water bottle
This is hands down my number one tip that I recommend to everyone because no one likes paying a ton of money for a small plastic water bottle. Most airports have a refillable water station so not only will you be hydrated, but you’ll also be saving a few dollars.
Once you’re on the plane, you’ll be happy that you brought some water to drink throughout the flight—no need to flag down flight attendants for water.
2. Noise Canceling Headphones
If you’re on a long flight, you’re going to want to have noise-canceling headphones. There’s nothing worse than sitting for hours listening to side conversations or a baby crying.
Having noise-canceling headphones allows you to keep yourself entertained by listening to music, a podcast, an audiobook, or even watching a movie. The possibilities are endless once you drown out the noise and prioritize listening to something that will bring you joy throughout your flight.
3. Pack a power bank
Packing a power bank is a lifesaver, especially if you get to your seat and notice there’s no outlet or the outlet is broken. Having a backup plan to charge your devices is key to a more enjoyable flight.
Trust me, you don’t want to be sitting on a long flight unable to watch a movie or read a book because your tablet is dead.
4. Pack a good neck pillow
It’s no secret that sitting on a plane gets very uncomfortable, so you’re going to want to pack a really good neck pillow. This pillow is my personal favorite and never fails to bring me comfort.
I highly recommend investing in a memory foam pillow with straps that can easily attach to your seat. Once you have a good neck pillow, you’ll be sleeping like a baby and avoiding any potential neck pain.
5. Get a seat footrest
I know you’re thinking this is super extra, but trust me when I tell you a seat footrest will leave you feeling like you’re lounging on a hammock. After a few hours, you’re going to want to stretch out your legs and a seat footrest lets you put your legs up optimizing the little space you’re in.
They also don’t take up too much space in your carry-on, so why not bring one and be more comfortable.
6. Pack a Theragun Mini
Ok, this isn’t essential and I’m being extra again, but I highly recommend packing a Theragun Mini. My lower back gets so stiff on long flights and being able to massage my lower back during a layover is actual heaven.
So if you’re like me and struggle with any stiffness or aches, you’ll want a little massager.
7. Listen to meditation tracks
I know you might be rolling your eyes right now but listening to meditation tracks is so relaxing. This is perfect to throw on when you’re feeling like you need to calm down any nerves, anxiety, or restlessness after reaching a few hours on the plane.
Pair a meditation with your noise-canceling headphones and it’s a very therapeutic experience.
8. Don’t wear makeup and bring extra moisturizer
You’ve probably heard this before and I’m going to say it again, don’t wear makeup on a long flight. It’s a lot more comfortable sleeping with a bare face and since there’s no humidity your skin is going to absorb the oils (or makeup) that are already on your face.
My biggest tip is to lather on that extra moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected from any germs in the air.
9. Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste
Last, pack a toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up after traveling overnight—you’ll be so happy you did.
Those were all my tips and tricks to make your long-haul flight more enjoyable! Now you won’t have to dread being on the plane for hours.
Happy flying!
