Long Haul Flight Tips: How to survive long flights in economy

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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