As a frequent traveller, I’ve experienced many long-haul flights over the years. Initially, I didn’t know what to bring or how to make myself comfortable. However, I’ve since discovered a few tips and tricks to make a long-haul flight easier.
On long-haul flights, some airlines provide a pillow, blanket, headphones, and an amenity kit. The amenity kit usually includes a sleep mask, socks, earplugs, toothbrush, and toothpaste. These items can make your travel day easier, but for the best experience, here are our top 10 travel tips for a long-haul flight.
1. BRUSH YOUR TEETH BEFORE BOARDING
This is a small trick but one of the most important for me. Freshly brushed teeth can make anyone feel better and more relaxed. Before boarding, I always go to the airport bathroom and brush my teeth. This is especially helpful if you have a night-time long-haul flight.
So, don’t forget to bring your toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on luggage. And to be safe, use bottled water to wash your teeth at the airport and on the airplane. You can also brush your teeth in the air after mealtime, but the space in the airplane toilet is very limited. It is best to brush your teeth before boarding your long-haul flight.
The same goes after landing. I always brush my teeth so I feel fresher in a new destination.
2. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES
This is my second-best long-haul tip. Wearing comfortable clothes can make a huge difference. Even sweatpants that are too tight around the belly can make your flight uncomfortable, especially if you tend to get bloated from airplane food.
I am always shocked when I see people wearing tight jeans on a 10-hour flight.
Wear very comfortable clothes and bring a hoodie to help cover your head from the air conditioning. It is also important to layer your clothing so you can adjust to the temperature differences when flying.
3. BRING WARM SOCKS ON YOUR LONG-HAUL FLIGHT
Because circulation in your legs worsens when sitting for a long time, your feet can get cold. If you keep your shoes on during the flight, you might not have this problem. However, I always use the provided slippers.
If you wear slippers and your feet get cold, you will be glad to have warm and fuzzy socks with you. But never walk around only in your socks because the airplane floors are not clean. Avoid going to the toilet without your shoes, because the floor there is extremely dirty, especially on a long-haul flight.
4. BRING A NECK PILLOW ON YOUR LONG-HAUL FLIGHT
This is an obvious tip, but it really makes a difference. Without a neck pillow, my whole body hurts because I strain my neck while sleeping, and I keep waking up as my head falls.
Many pillows are available on the market, so find the one that suits you best. If you forget to bring one, don’t worry, most airports sell neck pillows in their shops.
5. BRING A SOFT SLEEP MASK
Most airlines provide a sleep mask on long-haul flights, but they are usually not the best quality. If you want a good sleep, bring your own sleep mask. Buy a mask that is soft and does not feel too tight or too loose on your head.
This is especially helpful on day flights because the cabin is often very bright, which makes it harder to sleep. Get yourself a comfortable sleep mask—it makes a huge difference.
6. BRING SNACKS ON YOUR LONG-HAUL FLIGHT
Some airlines provide enough food to keep you full for the entire flight, but many do not. Also, not every airline meal is the best. Sometimes the food can be really bad or you accidentally sleep through the mealtime. Bring some snacks to help you endure the long hours.
This is also helpful if you get nauseous during a long-haul flight; having a quick snack can help settle your stomach.
7. SHOWER AND WASH YOUR HAIR BEFORE COMING TO THE AIRPORT
This tip is similar to brushing your teeth but it really does make a difference. Even though your hair will get dirty on a long-haul flight, washing it beforehand will help you feel much better.
Take a shower at home or the hotel and wash your hair before your flight. You’ll feel better in your own skin, making your flight more comfortable. You will also look good with freshly washed hair. Maybe you will meet the love of your life on your next long-haul flight.
8. BRING YOUR HEADPHONES
Most airlines provide headphones on long-haul flights, but they are not always the best quality. If you have comfortable headphones, especially ones with noise cancellation, bring them along.
You’ll enjoy your long-haul flight much more with a good set of headphones. Just do not forget to take them with you when leaving the airplane.
9. ORDER A SPECIAL MEAL FOR YOUR LONG-HAUL FLIGHT
If you have food allergies or dietary preferences, most airlines now provide a variety of special meal options. You can request vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian meals, and more, depending on the airline.
It would be best if you chose your meal a few days before your long-haul flight, as it won’t be possible to do this on the same day. You can do this through the “manage your booking” section.
10. PACK ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS
On a long-haul flight, I always bring some paracetamol, throat lozenges, and saline spray. The strong air conditioning can give you a headache, a blocked nose, or a dry throat.
This can happen within the first hour of your long-haul flight, so imagine having a sore throat for the next 10 hours with nothing to ease it. Bring these essentials to make your flight more comfortable.
I hope that these tips will help you have the best travel experience on your next long-haul flight.
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We also created a list of the most essential carry-on bag items. You can check our guide on what to pack for a comfortable journey here.
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Turkish Airlines – Vegan Meal Experience in Economy and Business Class