11 Ways to Make Long-Haul Flights More Comfortable
A long flight can wear you down fast. Low humidity, limited movement, and unreliable in-flight systems make it harder to stay rested and healthy. Small decisions, such as what you pack, when you rest, and how you sit, can make a long trip feel much easier.
These tips don’t require much effort, but together, they’ll help you arrive feeling more like yourself and less like you just crossed time zones.
Ask for an Upgrade or Use Your Miles Early
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Better seats are harder to score once boarding starts. If you’re sitting on unused airline miles, cash them in ahead of time. Otherwise, check periodically before your flight, especially after check-in opens. Flying solo helps if an agent needs to reassign a nicer seat.
Use Headphones That Block Out Cabin Noise
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The constant hum from engines wears you down over time. High-quality headphones can help reduce overall fatigue and make it easier to fall asleep. If they’re too bulky, foam earplugs work surprisingly well in a pinch. Just be sure they fit properly so you don’t have to adjust them mid-flight.
Pack a Travel Pillow That Actually Works
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Flimsy neck pillows won’t help much. Choose one that supports your head without pushing it forward. A good pillow keeps your spine aligned and lets you sleep longer without neck strain. Soft-sided travel blankets also come in handy when the cabin temperature drops mid-flight.
Set Aside What You’ll Need Before Stowing Bags
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Once you’re in your seat, stay put. Digging into overhead bins later disrupts others and becomes nearly impossible during turbulence. Keep water, snacks, headphones, medication, and entertainment items in the seat pocket or under your seat so they’re readily available when needed.
Shift to Destination Time Before Takeoff
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Adjusting your phone to the new time zone nudges you to start syncing your sleep and meals accordingly. You won’t fully overcome jet lag on the plane, but aligning your schedule early helps mitigate the effects when you land and need to function.
Bring Your Own Entertainment
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Don’t count on the seatback screen. It may freeze, glitch, or offer limited options. Download a few shows, podcasts, or audiobooks before your flight to keep you entertained during your travel. Podcasts use less battery and make a good choice when you want to rest without looking at a screen.
Drink Water Often and Bring a Bottle
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Cabin air is dry enough to dry out your eyes, skin, and throat in just a few hours. Bringing a refillable bottle helps you sip steadily throughout the flight, rather than waiting for water cups every few hours. Drink before you feel thirsty to avoid fatigue or headaches later.
Wear Compression Socks and Elevate Your Feet
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Swollen ankles and sore legs are common after long flights. Compression socks help your blood keep moving, which is important if you’re sitting for more than four hours. Resting your feet on a backpack or footrest can also keep pressure from building.
Stick to Your Normal Bedtime Routine
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Your body notices small cues. Brushing your teeth and washing your face before trying to sleep helps your brain wind down. Travel-size toiletries make it easy to keep your routine intact without overpacking your personal item.
Pack Snacks You Can Eat Anytime
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You never know when meal service will be delayed, or if you’ll even want what’s served. Non-messy snacks, such as granola bars, trail mix, or crackers, can hold you over. Avoid fresh fruit if you’re landing somewhere with strict customs rules. Some countries are very picky about that.
Give Yourself Time Before Heading to the Airport
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Rushing through check-in and security adds unnecessary stress. Get to the airport early enough to sit down, eat, or walk around before boarding. A calmer start carries over once you’re in the air, especially on a long-haul flight.