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Travel tips for long flights

Travel tips for long flights: From packing to arrival

11/10/2025 108 views

These travel tips for long flights are key to staying comfortable, organized, and stress-free. With proper preparation, even the longest journeys can feel enjoyable rather than exhausting.

1. Before the flight

1.1. Choose a reliable airline

One of the best travel tips for long flights is to choose a reliable airline. The right carrier can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Consider the budget, flight duration, baggage policy, safety record, and service quality. Reading traveler reviews is also a good way to know what to expect. A trustworthy long-haul airline often offers comfortable seating, quality meals, and attentive service.

airplane travel tips for long flights

Simple airplane travel tips for long flights can make your journey more enjoyable (Source: Collected)

1.2. Choose your seat wisely

One of the most valuable travel tips for long flights is to choose a seat that suits your needs. To secure a comfortable spot, book early, check-in online as soon as it opens, and use reliable platforms to compare seat layouts. For very long journeys, upgrading to premium or business class can greatly enhance comfort. You can refer to the guide below to find the most suitable option.

  • Window seats: Ideal for resting against the wall, enjoying the view, and having fewer interruptions.
  • Aisle seats: Best for those who want the freedom to stretch, move around, or reach the restroom easily.
  • Exit-row or bulkhead seats: Offer extra legroom and additional space for greater comfort.
  • Seats near the wings: Provide a smoother and quieter ride, especially for travelers sensitive to turbulence or noise.
  • Front cabin seats: Allow faster meal service and quicker exit after landing.

1.3. Pack smart in your carry-on

Long-haul flights make packing challenging, but a simple checklist can help you avoid common mistakes.

  • Carry-on bag
    • Choose a backpack, tote bag, or small roller bag with compartments
    • Keep essentials (passport, headphones, snacks, eye masks) under your seat
    • Store larger or less-used items in the overhead bin
  • Clothing & footwear
    • Layered clothing: Lightweight jacket or jumper, soft leggings or loose pants, T-shirts or long-sleeve tops
    • Warm socks & compression socks
    • Slip-on shoes and slippers or flip-flops
    • Scarf or shawl
    • Spare outfit (in case of delays or lost luggage)
  • Comfort essentials
    • Neck pillow
    • Eye mask
    • Blanket
    • Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
    • Refillable water bottle
  • Snacks
    • Low-sugar energy bars
    • Nuts and seeds
    • Dark chocolate
    • Unsweetened dried fruit
    • Instant miso soup or oatmeal packs
    • Electrolyte tablets or powder
  • Toiletries & self-care kit: 
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Face wipes
    • Lip balm, moisturizer, hand cream, facial mist
    • SPF (for UV protection)
    • Nasal spray
  • Medication
    • Prescribed medicines (in original packaging)
    • Basic medicines: pain relief, stomach relief, allergy meds
    • First-aid basics: band-aids, blister patches, antiseptic cream, mosquito repellent
  • Tech gear 
    • Smartphone and power bank
    • Multi-charging cable and adapter
    • Headphones (wired or wireless)
    • Tablet or e-book reader
    • Laptop (optional)
    • Camera and accessories (optional)
  • Others
    • Pen and paper

*Note for first-timers: Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or any potentially dangerous items are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage. Airlines may also enforce additional restrictions, so always review their policies carefully before your flight.

long flight journey tips

Stay prepared with these long flight journey tips (Source: Collected)

Discover: 13 airport travel tips for smooth departures and arrivals

1.4. Plan activities to stay entertained

Flying for hours doesn’t have to be boring. A bit of preparation can make the journey relaxing. Here are smart travel tips for long haul flights to help you stay entertained until you land.

  • Digital entertainment
    • Tablet or e-reader with offline books, magazines, or comics
    • Phone with pre-downloaded podcasts, audiobooks, and playlists
    • Movies or TV shows saved from streaming apps for offline viewing
  • Analog entertainment
    • Paperback book
    • Notebook or journal for writing or sketching
    • Travel-size puzzle books (Sudoku, crosswords, word searches)

1.5. Adjust your schedule in advance

Many travelers overlook this, but one of the most practical travel tips for long-haul flights is to adjust to your new time zone before departure. Try shifting your sleep and wake cycle a day or two in advance to help your body adapt. Once onboard, reset your watch to the destination’s local time and follow that rhythm, using cabin lighting or mobile apps as helpful guides. Limiting screen time can also make the transition easier, as blue light disrupts melatonin and affects sleep quality.

More on: 25 international travel tips for a safe and enjoyable trip

2. During the flight

2.1. Dress comfortably

Passengers should prioritize comfort on long-haul flights by choosing soft, loose, and layered clothing that adapts easily to cabin temperatures. Leggings, loungewear sets, or a lightweight jacket, paired with slip-on shoes and compression socks, help reduce swelling and keep travelers comfortable. It is best to avoid stiff jeans, tight shoes, and unnecessary jewelry, as they can cause discomfort or delays at security. Layering allows passengers to stay warm, comfortable, and presentable throughout the entire journey.

travel tips for long haul flights

What to wear for long flights? – Comfortable clothing! (Source: Collected)

2.2. Stay hydrated

Cabin air is extremely dry, so staying hydrated is essential for long flights. Travelers need to sip water regularly and avoid too much tea, coffee, or alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Bring a reusable bottle to refill and keep water within reach. Moisturizer and eye drops can also help combat dryness, keeping you refreshed upon arrival.

2.3. Eat light

Passengers should eat light during long-haul flights. Avoid heavy, sugary, or starchy foods, as well as bread, crackers, cold desserts, coffee, and alcohol, which can cause bloating or blood sugar spikes. Instead, travelers can snack on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole-grain crackers, or popcorn. Taking a ginger tablet before flying can also help prevent nausea and ease digestion.

Discover: 23 family travel tips for stress-free & memorable vacations

2.4. Move around regularly

Many travelers underestimate the importance of movement, but it is one of the most useful travel tips for long flights. Stretching your legs and arms improves comfort and helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Passengers should aim to get up every two hours to walk along the aisles when possible. If leaving the seat isn’t feasible, do some simple in-seat exercises such as rotating your feet and wrists or stretching your calves.

2.5. Sleep strategically

Having a sleep strategy is wise for long flights. Sleeping not only helps the time pass more quickly but also reduces fatigue upon arrival. To rest better, bring adjustable earplugs, a silk sleep mask, a memory foam pillow, and a soft wrap instead of relying on the plane’s blanket. At the same time, adjusting your internal clock in advance to your destination’s time zone can help minimize jet lag.

best travel tips for long flights

Knowing what to do during long flights can make the journey more comfortable (Source: Collected)

2.6. Maintain in-flight skincare

Long flights can take a toll on your skin, as the dry cabin air quickly saps moisture from your face, lips, and nose. Keep your skin hydrated with a light mist or sheet mask, and protect your lips with a balm rich in beeswax or petrolatum. A quick spritz of saline spray helps prevent nasal dryness, while a simple skincare routine keeps your skin calm, refreshed, and ready to face your destination.

Explore: 13 safety travel tips that every smart traveler should know

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3. After the flight

3.1. Go for a gentle walk outdoors

Getting the body moving ranks among the most effective long haul flights tips and tricks. Muscles in the legs, calves, hamstrings, and hips remain tight after hours of sitting. Upon landing, taking a gentle walk with deep breaths helps wake up the body, reduce swelling, and ease stiffness. Walking outdoors also lifts mood and lowers heart rate. For arrivals at night or when outside walking is not possible, a treadmill session provides similar benefits. A post-flight leg massage can further improve circulation and relieve tension.

3.2. Have a light meal

Jet lag often makes travelers feel hungrier than usual. Choosing fresh, light, and nutrient-rich foods helps the body recover faster. Meals that include protein, antioxidants, vegetables, healthy carbohydrates, and high-water-content foods support digestion and rehydration. Drinking peppermint or chamomile tea reduces bloating, and taking a probiotic aids the digestive system. Sugary or heavily processed foods may temporarily satisfy cravings but leave travelers feeling sluggish.

3.3. Avoid alcohol

After a long flight, your body needs proper recovery. Alcohol can hinder that process by worsening dehydration, disrupting sleep, and affecting digestion. It is best to avoid alcoholic drinks for at least the first night and prioritize drinking plenty of water to rehydrate, reduce bloating, and improve circulation. Manage caffeine intake carefully as well, using it to support digestion without letting it interfere with rest.

Avoiding alcohol is one of the crucial long flight journey tips

Avoiding alcohol is one of the crucial long flight journey tips (Source: Collected)

alt:Avoiding alcohol is one of the crucial long flight journey tips

3.4. Sleep smart

Travelers can reduce jet lag by following smart sleep strategies. One of the travel tips for long flights is to adjust your sleep to match your destination’s time zone: stay awake if you arrive during the day or take a low-dose melatonin if you land at night. After landing, drink plenty of water, get some fresh air, and engage in light exercise to help your body adjust. Travelers should also consider taking a 20-40 minute power nap on their first day if they had trouble sleeping overnight.

Check out: 10+ practical solo travel tips for a safe & enjoyable trip

FAQs about travel tips for long flights

What are the best travel outfit ideas for long flights?

Layered, loose clothing with slip-on shoes and compression socks.

What are the best things to do during long fights?

  • Relax and chat with fellow passengers
  • Practice breathing exercises, meditation, or light stretches
  • Stay entertained with books, movies, music, or games
  • Snack on light, easy-to-digest food
  • Move regularly

What are some must-know travel tips for a long flight with kids?

  • Pack toys, books, or a tablet to keep the kids entertained
  • Bring snacks and plan meals for them
  • Use an inflatable travel pillow for comfort
  • Dress the kids in comfortable clothing
  • Choose window seats for safety and convenience
  • Protect their ears during takeoff and landing with pacifiers or earplugs.
  • Pack extra diapers, wipes, and clothes
  • Bring their favorite blanket or comfort item for better sleep

What are some safety tips to keep in mind on long-haul flights?

  • Keep passports, wallets, and medications in a secure, accessible bag
  • Carry electronics and valuables with you at all times
  • Know where life vests are and follow crew instructions
  • Keep emergency contacts and insurance details handy
  • Never leave your bags unattended
long haul flight tips and tricks

Keep in mind these long-haul flight tips and tricks (Source: Collected)

Mastering these travel tips for long flights takes a bit of planning and smart decision-making. By prioritizing comfort, hydration, and entertainment, you can arrive refreshed and ready to explore. Keep things simple, pack wisely, and turn even the longest flight into a smooth start to your journey.

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