12 Ways To Survive Long-Haul Flights

I don’t mind flying long-haul flights or even ultra-long-haul flights if that means I get to visit my families and relatives in the Philippines and Miami. That’s 9 hours from Doha to Manila, and 15 hours from Doha to Miami. Imagine, I travel to these places with my kids every year.

I remember my first solo ultra-long-haul flight to Houston, it’s a 16-hour flight from Doha. I slept, ate, watched movies… and we were still in the air. I thought I was going crazy being cooped up in that cabin. I kept asking myself, ‘Are we there yet?’ like a kid.

I’m not an expert, but in my 8 years of traveling long haul and ultra-long-haul flights, I’ve learned a few ways on how to survive long-haul flights.

1. Choose a good airline

It is true that you get what you paid for. I know long-haul flights can be expensive, but what is more important to you? Would you rather pay a bit more to get more comfortable? Or would you rather compromise comfort to get a cheaper ticket? Know your priorities.

Do your research, and read some reviews on what other passengers think of your chosen airline. Compare the leg room measurements. What amenities do they provide? Do they only serve beverages and peanuts?

2. Reserve a good seat

A good seat is subjective. It all depends on the traveler. If you are a good sleeper, you might want to opt for a window seat so passengers don’t need to wake you up or climb over you to go to the lavatory. If you like to move around, then choose an aisle seat. If you want more legroom, opt for the bulkhead seats. However, families traveling with kids are usually seated on the bulkhead. Again, which is more important to you?

Then check-in as soon as it opens, so you can choose your seat. Or show up early at the airport to ask for your preferred seat. Also, don’t forget to ask if the flight is full. You may be lucky and may get a whole row of seats just for you – it’s really worth it. I do that all the time when traveling with my kids.

3. Wear comfortable clothes

Wear whatever is comfortable for you. Wear a loose shirt and leggings or loose-fitting pants. Wear closed-toe shoes instead of flip-flops. Whatever it is, make sure you’re comfortable.

Read more: Tips For Staying Stylish While Traveling

4. Don’t carry on too much stuff

When the flight is fully-booked, flight attendants require passengers to put their rolling carry-ons in the overhead stowage and small bags under the seat in front of you. I know some airlines are charging for the checked bags, but don’t carry on too much stuff. That small bag under the seat in front of you will eat up your legroom – making your sleeping space more cramped for the next 15 hours.

Read more: From Travel Experts: 5 Things We Can’t Travel Without

5. Bring your survival kits

I know I just mention not bringing on too much stuff. Once you bring your essentials, gadgets, books, water bottle/snacks, your carry-on might be full already. But this mini survival kit will bring comfort in that 10 or 15-hour flight. 

You may bring your eye mask, earplug, noise-canceling headphones, neck pillow, lightweight pillow, scarf and/or socks. Also bring a moisturizer, toothbrush, and toothpaste. I gotta be honest, I haven’t brought any of those things because it’s kinda inconvenient and additional stuff to pack. That’s why I choose a good airline where they provide some of these amenities.

Read more: 5 Tips To Help You Survive Long Travel Journeys

6. Bring your own in-flight entertainment

Most airlines that fly long hauls have in-flight entertainment. However, you wouldn’t know if what they have will actually entertain you for the whole flight. Bring an actual book or your iPod to listen to music or your iPad to play games and read ebooks or laptop t do some works or watch movies. Whatever it is, make sure to gear up!

7. Bring some snacks

There will be food on the plane, but you wouldn’t know if you’d like it or how often they would serve food. It doesn’t hurt to bring a pack of nuts, dried fruits, or cereal bars. That way, if they serve rice early in the morning and it’s nighttime for you, at least you have something to quell your hunger pangs. 

Read more: How to Survive Flying with Morning Sickness

8. Board the plane last

I’d like to board last. I’ve got several hours to sit down on that plane, so I might as well maximize my time being outside. Grab a bite, walk around, check out duty-free, or do anything while waiting for your flight.

9. Stay hydrated!

Drink lots of water and avoid too much tea, coffee, and alcohol. You can bring your own water bottle or tumbler and ask flight attendants to refill it for you, so you don’t need to be going back and forth the galley or pressing call bells every hour. Drinking lots of water will make you go to the lavatory frequently – that will force you to stand up and walk around the cabin!

10. Move around the plane

Walk around the cabin. It is not only necessary for your sanity, but also for your health. It keeps the circulation flowing in your legs, thus avoiding the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Just make sure the flight attendants aren’t doing any food service when you walk around, so as not to disrupt the service.

11. Make new friends

I’m usually socially awkward, so it’s hard for me to start a conversation. But you will meet a lot of interesting people on your flight. I remember talking to a principal (while waiting for the toilet) of a school and she shared with me tips on flying with kids. I met journalists and writers going to Iraq and Afghanistan. I met couples going on their honeymoon and telling me how they met. My husband once shared to me that he met the CEO of one of the companies in Kuala Lumpur. Now, whenever my husband goes to Kuala Lumpur, he will pick him up in his sports car and tour him around.

Read more: How Travel Changed My Life

12. Sleep

Sleeping is the best way to overcome time differences and adjust your body clock. I know for some (or most) people, sleeping on planes don’t come easy. But at least try! You wouldn’t want to reach your destination knackered because of jet lag!

Do you think you are ready for your next long-haul flight? What other things do you do to survive long-haul flights? Let me know in the comments below! 

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