My longest flight to date was fifteen and a half hours long, in economy. Yep, it sounds awful, and I was dreading it at first. But, once I took the time to prepare and find some things to do on a long flight, it was actually a pleasant flight, and I’m excited to do it again.
While you may not feel the same way yet, I have many tips in this article to keep you sane and healthy on a long flight. You’ll find tips and tricks for in-flight entertainment, staying comfortable and relaxed, and staying healthy on and after your flight.
Keep reading for things to do on a long flight and how to ensure your next long flight is enjoyable.
Last updated: April 4, 2024
Published: February 27. 2024
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Preparing Your Entertainment
Staying entertained on your flights is the key to a pleasant journey. Forget how long you have to sit on your flight by preparing a selection of activities that suit your interests.
Whether binge-watching a new TV series or losing yourself in a good book, you know what will keep you entertained at 35,000 feet.
- Before boarding, download films, shows, podcasts, and playlists on various devices. Do it BEFORE you board while you have internet.
- Invest in a reliable pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out any kids or loud adults.
- Bring physical books, e-books, or audiobooks, and make sure you can access the electronic ones offline.
- Pack travel-friendly games like crosswords, Sudoku, or a deck of cards for offline entertainment. Handheld gaming systems are also good to have, especially for kids.
Tip: Remember to charge all of your electronic devices and consider carrying extra portable chargers to ensure your entertainment lasts the entire flight.
And, on long flights, you will *likely* have in-flight entertainment on the seat-back screen. HOWEVER, it is never guaranteed that you will have a screen to watch TV and movies/play games on. And even if you know you are going on a plane with seat-back screens, yours could be broken, or the system could go down.
So always be prepared with your entertainment.
Comfort And Relaxation Strategies
Staying comfortable and relaxed is crucial when you’re in the air for an extended period. Being confined to a plane seat doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your well-being.
Here are some things and strategies you can use to stay comfy on a long flight:
- Invest in a Quality Travel Pillow: Neck support is pivotal. Ergonomic travel pillows can prevent your head from falling into an awkward angle and ensure better sleep quality.
- Block Out the Noise: Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are your best friends on a noisy flight. They can help you to sleep better or enjoy your entertainment without the roar of the engines, people talking, or babies crying.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, soft fabrics and layers to adapt to varying cabin temperatures.
- Use Eye Masks: An eye mask can block out cabin lights or sunlight and signal your body that it’s time to rest.
- Apply Moisturizers: The cabin air is dry. Apply lip balm and moisturizer to your face and hands to combat dryness.
- Breathe and Relax: Simple breathing exercises or meditation can be excellent ways to calm your nerves and relax your body. Try inhaling deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then slowly exhaling through your mouth.
- Pack food: Almost all long-haul flights will include at least one meal or snack, but you’ll still want to pack food in case you get hungry. Try packing healthy snacks that don’t have a strong smell to keep you full and the people around you comfortable.
By incorporating these strategies, you’re more likely to enjoy your in-flight experience and step off the plane feeling well-rested and comfortable.
Staying Active And Healthy On Long Flights
Long-haul flights can be taxing on your body, so it’s essential to focus on staying active and healthy throughout the journey. While it may seem challenging to move around in the confined space of your seat, you can use plenty of strategies to help maintain your physical well-being.
First, start by stretching your legs and feet at regular intervals. Flexing your muscles and rotating your ankles can improve blood circulation. While moving around the cabin might not always be possible, especially during long overnight flights or when the seatbelt sign is on, taking the opportunity to stand, stretch, and walk down the aisles when it is safe to do so is highly recommended. This keeps your muscles active and gives you a change of scenery.
Hydration also plays a vital role in your in-flight health. The dry cabin air on planes can quickly lead to dehydration, enhancing jet lag and fatigue. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the flight, avoiding alcohol and caffeine as much as possible, as they can exacerbate dehydration. Some airlines also offer herbal teas, a good alternative to keep you hydrated and relaxed.
Tip: Always go on a flight with a full bottle of water. If you bring a reusable one, you can fill it up after you pass security.
Lastly, make sure to adjust your clothing to the cabin temperature, as being too warm or too cold can impact your comfort and health. Dressing in layers can give you the flexibility to adapt to varying temperatures. Keep a pair of warm socks handy, as keeping your feet warm can help regulate your temperature.
With these tips in mind, you can help ensure that your first long-haul flight is bearable and doesn’t make you sick or unwell afterwards.
Takeaways From Your In-Flight Toolkit
Remember these tips to ensure your long-haul travel is enjoyable: have entertainment like movies, music, or books, invest in comfort items like pillows and headphones, stay active, hydrate, and eat healthily. And if you don’t know what to do anymore, make up some captions for your Instagram airplane selfies!
Personalize your flight by choosing things to do that you enjoy, turning a long flight into a chance for entertainment, rest, or productivity.
Enjoy your long flight!
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- Top travel credit cards
- SafetyWing for travel insurance
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- Daily Drop for daily travel tips and tricks in one fun, short newsletter
- Daily Drop Pro for miles and points bookings (learn more in my guide)
- Booking.com for a huge variety of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more
- HostelWorld for the best hostels around the world
- Vrbo for vacation homes and rentals
- Going for cheap flight alerts
- Skyscanner for the cheapest flights
- Amazon for travel and packing must-haves
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Long Flight Preparedness FAQs
What’s The Best Way To Sleep Comfortably On A Plane?
To sleep comfortably on a plane, it’s essential to have a good travel pillow that supports your neck, wear comfortable clothing, and use a blanket or a scarf for extra warmth. Consider using an eye mask to block out unwanted light and earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to minimize cabin noise.
How Can I Ensure I Stay Hydrated On A Long Flight?
Ensuring hydration on a long flight involves:
- Drinking water regularly.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
- Use a moisturizing lotion to combat dry cabin air.
Some travelers find it helpful to bring an empty water bottle to fill up after passing through security.
Are There Any Recommended Exercises To Do While Seated?
While seated, you can do several exercises to promote circulation, such as ankle circles, knee lifts, and shoulder rolls. Standing up, stretching, and walking along the aisle every couple of hours is also beneficial.
How Do I Stay Entertained If I don’t Want To Watch Movies?
If movies aren’t your preference, consider activities like reading, writing, solving puzzles, or starting a new hobby like knitting. Many airlines also offer in-flight magazines with articles and crossword puzzles, or bring a deck of cards for a game of solitaire or to play with a travel companion.