How to survive long flights in economy
I love traveling. I do not love flying. I despise long-haul flights. On one hand, long-haul flights are awesome because they mean I am going someplace amazing. On the other, they stink because they mean I am going to be stuck in a 28″ seat for 10+ hours possibly next to a crying child. I’m not saying it’s the fault of the parent or the child. In fact, I feel the kids’ pain and would like to cry myself. Surviving a long-haul flight is tough. Really tough.
I shop for inexpensive flights. I often fly in economy on budget airlines. It can be rough. But, as with everything in life, attitude matters. Positive self-talk. Every time I begin to think how much this is going to suck (and it will) and how miserable I will be (for sure), I reframe and tell myself this is much-needed downtime (and it really is). I leave out the part about the downtime being in a tiny seat with no place to put my legs.
So, how do I really survive the equivalent of a day or night on a plane? Organization and preparation. I know I’m going to feel uncomfortable, bored, and trapped. I need to have any and everything possible at my fingertips to not feel that way. Use these tips to get organized and be prepared to survive a long-haul flight in economy.
95 Tips to Survive a Long Haul Flight
Sign up for TSA’s Precheck and Global Entry
Read airline reviews and choose a good airline
Break up long haul flights with a stopover
Eliminate flight day panic by reserving your airport parking when you purchase the flight ticket
Know the luggage allowance and weigh your bag
- Pay for checked bags while purchasing the ticket, you will be charged more at the airport
- Double-check your bags for restricted items
- Do not pack wrapped presents
Check flight status and terminal before leaving
- Arrive 1-1.5 hours early for domestic flights and 2 hours early for international flights
- Do a quick baggage drop at the curb to avoid the long lines at the counter
- Know the airport code of your destination and ensure your bag is labeled correctly
- Do not drop off your bags too early, the first bags dropped are the first loaded and the last to arrive at the baggage claim
Wear comfortable clothes with stretch
- Wear compression socks for long flights
- Dress in layers to adjust for temperature changes
- Choose closed-toe shoes in case there is an emergency
- Wear wide-width shoes to allow for swelling
- Do not wear a skirt, opt for loose-fitting bottoms in case of a pat-down
- Avoid flip-flops, the airport floor is dirty
- Do not wear jewelry, you will have to remove it at security
- Save time and hassle with lock laces and an elastic belt
- Purchase a 10-pocket hoodie for warmth and convenience
Refer to Seat Guru for preferred seats on your flight
- Aisle seats are the warmest
- Exit row if you want more legroom, but they often do not recline
- Aisle seat if you like to get up and move around
- Pick a window seat if you plan to sleep
- Avoid the front and the middle if you dislike babies
- Choose the front if you want to get off quickly
- The front of the plane has less turbulence
- Avoid sitting next to the bathroom
- Whoever gets the middle seat gets the armrest #consideration
- Keep your feet under the seat in front of you, not the aisle
- If flying with someone take aisle and window seats, hoping no one takes the middle seat
Check-in online
- Download the airline’s app
- Take a screenshot of the boarding pass in case the internet connection is poor
- Print the boarding passes, it’s a requirement for some airlines, and best to be prepared
Know TSA guidelines
- Use an organized passport holder with RFID protectors for the ticket, passport, ID, global entry card
- Have liquids ready and in easy access for security check
- Don’t hold up the line: empty your pockets, separate your laptop from your bag, and remove your jewelry and belt before you stand at the conveyor belt
- Avoid the security line with children in it
- Do not joke at the security checkpoint
- Re-check flight status boards for the correct gate once you pass through security
- Join the airline’s loyalty program for possible upgrades
- Check-in early and ask for a possible upgrade, economy seats are often overbooked
- Get to the gate early and sit close to the desk, be ready if they announce an upgrade
- Check the airline app for open seats
- Ask the gate agent if there is a better seat 10-15 minutes before boarding
- Board the plane last and scan for empty seats
Set your phone’s alarm for boarding, it’s easy to get distracted
Choose a small carryon bag with easy access pockets
- Pack a small toiletry bag with lip balm, breath spray, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, a small brush, pain reliever
- Bring a pen to complete the customs form
- Pack motion sickness bands, Dramamine, and essential oils
Eat before you board or purchase your meal to take on board
- Download the GateGuru app to know what food is near your gate
- If you get motion sickness do not eat a big meal
- Avoid carbonation, cabin pressure expands the bubbles and produces gas
- Limit caffeine that will keep you awake
- Avoid spicy foods that cause indigestion
- Order a vegetarian meal if you want to be served first
Pack snacks for the flight
- Protein bars or dried fruit with almonds will stop hunger
- Bring mini-flavored rice cakes or goldfish to munch on
- Peanut allergies are real, leave them at home
- Be considerate, do not bring smelly or messy foods
Stay hydrated
- Refill an empty water bottle before boarding
- Bring a travel size of lotion
- Consider wearing your glasses, your eyes may become dry if you wear contacts
Don’t rely on the airline’s inflight entertainment
- Charge all electronics before boarding
- Bring an electrical splitter with USB outlets to recharge multiple devices
- Carry a portable battery charger
- Invest in noise-canceling wireless headphones
- Read or listen to a downloaded book
- Listen to downloaded podcasts or music
- Read the guidebook for your destination
- Play a game on your phone
- Pre-download a movie from Netflix or Amazon Prime
Purchase a seat organizer
Sanitize the tray, people put dirty diapers on those trays
Get up and walk the aisles every two hours to avoid blood clots
- Wear compression socks for long flights
- Take an aspirin before your flight
- Do not cross your legs
Sync your sleep with the destination’s time zone immediately
- Spray your flight pillow and blanket with lavender before leaving the house
- Pack an eye mask and earplugs in easy reach
- Download white noise and use noise-canceling headphones
- One regular strength of Dramamine or melatonin helps with sleep and doesn’t leave you groggy when you arrive
- Buckle your seat belt over your blanket
- A glass of wine may help you sleep
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