Qantas 747-400ER 1200x500

How To Pack And Survive A Long Haul Flight

You know you have travelled long and far when you shave before heading to the airport, yet need to shave again upon arrival at your destination. There are a few things you should always travel with when flying long-haul and this list of tips and tricks will get you through the day, or nights, of long-haul traveling.

Rest Well Prior

If flying in economy, then it can be difficult to get a solid sleep throughout your journey. People constantly moving throughout the cabin, flight attendants bumping your elbows with carts and lights being turned on and off can be annoying. And unless you’re up the pointy end with a lay flatbed, us mere mortals are just not meant to sleep upright.

Arriving at the airport with little sleep the night before is not recommended. Try and get decent rest two days prior to departure to start the journey refreshed and relaxed. Get as much rest as you can on the aircraft and simply sleep when you can. There are lots written about trying to get rest on the time schedule of your destination but your body tells you when it’s time to nap, unfortunately. So resting or napping throughout the flight where ever possible will help you arrive a little more refreshed.

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Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol

While on most flights free alcohol is hard to resist for many, it’s recommended to avoid both alcohol and caffeine during your flight. The air humidity in the cabin while flying is much lower than what we are used to on the ground. This can bring on dehydration far quicker than on the ground and alcohol and caffeine can accelerate the effects.

Staying hydrated with plenty of water is the best way to avoid headaches and dryness throughout the flight. Don’t worry about needing to use the bathroom as the exercise of getting up and down is actually beneficial in avoiding issues such as Deep Vain Thrombosis (DVT).


Select Your Seat In Advance

On a long-haul flight, the window seat can be trapping when you need to use the bathroom, stretch your legs or want something from the overhead bin. My favourite seat is an aisle in the middle section of the aircraft if it’s a wide body. It offers a little more freedom to get up and down with ease without bothering your seatmates.

Visit a site like SeatGuru when booking your flight to reserve your seat. They show the aircraft layout (you can find what type of aircraft you will be on at the time of booking) and where things such as the bathrooms, bassinets for young children and galleys are placed so you can avoid these areas.

Everyone has their preference of where to sit and it’s best to secure well in advance. Reserving at the time of booking will hopefully help with avoiding the dreaded middle seat also.


Pimp Out Your Device

Electronic devices
Electronic devices

While most airlines have a decent selection of inflight entertainment, it can still be a crapshoot to find something you are interested in. Most people have a tablet or laptop or at least a smartphone they travel with. Before departure, load up your device with either movies or TV shows of your choosing or interesting apps to keep you entertained.

Some airlines also offer a USB charging point in your seat to keep you going. Newspapers can be downloaded before you go as can your favourite books. These are all great backups for the ‘just-in-case’ moments of boredom while travelling. Check out our story on the best travel apps here.


Noise-Cancelling Headphones

over ear, noise-cancelling headphones
over-ear, noise-cancelling headphones

This is one item I cannot travel without. I have been saved on many occasions from crying children, excessive surrounding seat chatter and the perpetual drone of the engines over 15 hours non-stop. If you travel often, then a worthy investment is into a pair of decent headphones.

Watching movies or listening to music onboard is much more enjoyable and relaxing and you can even sleep with the headphones on – switch on the classical or jazz music channel, turn down the volume super low so it’s just enough to drown out any excess noise and drift off to sleep.

There are many types of noise-cancelling headphones in the marketplace at different price levels but this is one item you will not regret investing in.


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Pack Your Carry On Bag Wisely

There are a few items you can travel with to make any journey a comfortable one. Aside from your travel documents such as passport and itineraries, there are a few creature comforts to consider.

  • Noise-cancelling headphones – as per above, these will save you in many ways
  • Moisturiser – don’t be shy here men, you will dehydrate and have dry rough skin from flying. Join the metrosexual revolution and keep your skin hydrated
  • Moist towelettes – these are great to refresh your hands and face and can be used in the bathroom if needed
  • Hand sanitiser – use it before all meals or snacks and after the bathroom
  • Snacks – I’m yet to meet someone who really enjoys, and is satisfied by airline meals. Healthy muesli bars, mixed nuts or other low GI, preferably low sugar snacks will help get you through
  • Spare pair of clothes – a fact of travel is checked bags do go missing. A spare pair of clean underwear, tshirt and socks can go a long way just in case
  • Neck pillow – this will help you needing chiropractic treatment on arrival.

What is in your carry on bag that you can’t travel without? Let us know in the comments below.


Dress For Flying

If sitting on your toosh for 15 hours then you want to be comfortable in doing so. Consider a pair of pants or jeans that are not too tight, a t-shirt or loose polo and always have a jumper, hoodie or jacket that can be easily taken on and off.

You want to be comfortable when moving in your seat and don’t want anything too clingy or that will twist around you. There is not always blankets available and the temperature of an aircraft is unpredictable but generally, it’s cooler. A spare clean t-shirt for either when you arrive or in the case your bag goes missing is advisable – or for the occasion when you open your salad dressing and due to the pressure of the aircraft it explodes over you staining the only shirt you have until you see your suitcase again…… it happened to a friend 🙂

Comfortable shoes are a must also – kick them off when you are in your seat and easy to slip on again for when needing to go to the bathroom or stretch the legs. Please, please wear shoes in the bathroom. It’s just good hygiene.


The Elusive Upgrade

Business class seat

The best chance you have of surviving a long-haul flight is to upgrade. Paying the higher fare is not an option for many but the extra dollars to fly in the next cabin up can be worth it, especially if travelling for business and you need to hit the ground running. Check your points and availability as there is no better way to burn points than to reward yourself with a nice upgrade.

Another option is to check the combinability of your fare – when flying to America for example from Australia it’s a day flight there but a night flight on the return. See what a fare in economy outbound is with maybe premium economy or business class on the return overnight flight where sleep is more valued. Mixing fares is a great way to split the flight and take the comfort and convenience when most required.


Pack Your Patience

Travelling long-haul can be daunting for many and there are various hurdles to navigate. Checking in with your up to 350 new travel friends can mean long queue times at check-in and when making your way through security, customs and immigration and filling in the right forms can be time-consuming and stressful. But remember, you’re all in the same boat – or airplane.

Pack your patience and manners and when onboard the flight. With countless hours ahead of you there is no use complaining or feeling the stress of the situation, you just need to be prepared. And being nice to the flight crew will ensure a friendly flight ahead.

As they say, just sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.

Do you have tips on how to survive a long-haul flight? Let us know in the comments below.

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About the author

Jason Dutton-Smith is a professional nomad, first-class-wannabe and curious adventurer who enjoys travel that's two parts planned, to one part self-discovery. When at home, chief tea maker.