How to Survive a Long Haul Flight
I read many blogs on long haul flights and how to “survive” to ensure your holiday starts off on the right foot. The funny thing was that all these bloggers talk about 10 or 12-hour flights. When we booked to go to the UK, our first international trip post covid, we wanted to avoid as many countries as possible. So we decided to fly Qantas, Melbourne to Darwin then Darwin direct to Heathrow. No other countries covid rules to worry about other than Australia and the UK. The flight time was 4 1/2 hours to Darwin and 17 1/2 hours to Heathrow! Oh goodness.
Now that we have “survived” our return trip to the UK here are my tips to make your actual long haul flight as pleasant as possible so you can arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy your holiday.
Preparing for your flight
There are things that you can do in the days before you leave to ensure you feel well-rested when you land. First, you need to ensure you have enough sleep in the lead up to your trip. Yes, there is a lot to do before you leave, and you are excited, we know, but you don’t want to start a big trip while you are tired. My second tip is to ensure you are hydrated. Drink plenty of water in the days before your flight. The cabin pressure will make you dehydrated during your flight so don’t start your journey dehydrated or you will feel rubbish when you land.
Third, make sure you moisturise your whole body for a few days before. Your skin will dry out on the plane so if you are hydrated, exfoliated and moisturised you will feel so much better when you land. My fourth tip is to have all your entertainment ready. Movies downloaded, podcasts ready, books packed – whatever you need to keep you entertained. There are plenty of movies to watch on the plane but you may need some quiet time with a podcast or audiobook playing in the background.
What to pack in your carry on luggage
It is tempting to pack lots into your carry on luggage, “just in case”, but the best tip I can give is to pack light. Your bag should be stowed in the overhead locker to ensure you have enough legroom to stretch out. Only pack what you need as you will have most of your things in your seat pocket for convenience. Here are some of the suggested items to pack –
- Phone, with all your downloaded podcasts, music and audiobooks
- Charging cable – there are USB chargers in the seats
- Favourite book
- Headphones – you do get some on the plane but if you have better ones absolutely pack them.
- Waterbottle – can be refilled on the plane. Although there is plenty of water and cups available so not essential.
- Small toiletries bag with toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturiser and wipes.
- Snacks
- Warm jumper or jacket
- Travel Pillow
- All medications
The modern planes are very well equipped so there is no need to overpack. You often get a light cotton blanket, small toiletry back and socks. It is a good idea to check with the airline before packing so as to not double up.
What to wear on a long haul flight
Dress for comfort, not fashion. While this makes perfect sense, I know what it is like to want to look fabulous in your departure photos, or the photo of you walking through the airport with your fancy little wheelie suitcase. So finding the balance between comfort and fashion can be difficult – but there is nothing worse than your best skinny jeans digging into you for 17 hours.
When we flew to the UK, it was January so we left in the middle of a Melbourne heatwave and arrived in the cold of a UK winter. Leggings are always my friend on any flight as they are comfortable and assist with leg compression to reduce fluid build-up and potential soreness. A lovely fashionable jacket or cardi can make any outfit look more stylish and it can then be stowed in the overhead locker so it does not get tangled up in all your things at your seat.
During your long haul flight
Don’t get drunk – my number one tip. Yes, alcohol is free on most planes and it can be tempting to have a few. You’re on holiday after all! But it will make you more dehydrated than just the flight alone and you will regret it for days to come. Stick to water, herbal teas and some juice if you need it.
It is important to try to get into your new time zone as quickly as possible. Most flights will adjust their service to the new time zones as soon as you take off so this helps. If you are landing in the morning in your new destination it would be better to try to get some sleep in the last half of your flight and vise versa if you are landing in the evening. It is important to try to get some sleep and I do take melatonin with me to assist. Speak to a medical professional if you have trouble sleeping – they may be able to prescribe something to assist if needed.
Depending on the airline you travel on there is usually plenty of food and drink on flights. But if you are a bit picky or have a special diet, make sure you notify the airline so they can accommodate you. Nothing worse than being hungry and not having access to anything you can eat. It is a good idea to carry snacks that you enjoy as sometimes airline food is not fulfilling and you just want something you love.
Before you land it is a good idea to take your toiletry bag and freshen up in the bathroom. Brushing your teeth, washing your face and tidying your hair will make you feel a lot more awake and ready to take on your new country.
Finally…
A long haul flight can be daunting, especially if it is 17 hours long. But the experiences you have when travelling make it so worth it. Do your preparation and enjoy your flight. After all, it is the start of an amazing adventure.
I hope these tips have helped. Do you have any other tips that have helped you? I would love to hear them.
