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Photos by Richard Melick | United planes at the International Terminal at SFO

Useful Tips That Will Make Any Long Flights Better

There are long flights, and then there are loooong flights. The longest flight lasts around 20 hours, and other commercial flights are usually around two to seven hours long. No matter what the case might be, these flights can be quite exhausting and tedious, and in most cases, can even cause neck and back pain. If you are about to embark on such a flight, it might be useful to know some tips and tricks on how to make it less troublesome and maybe even a bit interesting. Read on to find out how to make any long flight a true delight. 

Long Flights

Make sure you pick your seat 

Maybe you are a window person and prefer to see outside, or maybe you love to stretch your legs in the exit row. It really depends on your personal preference. In order to choose and make sure you get the seat you want, you’ll have to book your tickets earlier, and even though you’ll miss out on the price drop, later on, you’ll have the advantage of choosing the seat you desire, thereby making sure your flight is more comfortable and more in accordance with your own desires and wishes. Especially if you are looking forward to long flights, the last thing you want is to be cramped between two people and stay that way for hours and hours. 

Be smart and make sure to buy the tickets on time. The little price drop is just not worth it, as your well-being costs much more. 

Make sure to bring all the necessary accessories

We are talking about pillows, masks, earplugs, blankets, and all the needed accessories that will make your flight a true delight, and the 7 or 10-hour journey will pass with the blink of an eye. You can bring footrests, which are quite convenient if the space is cramped and you need to rest your feet or elevate them slightly, Bluetooth earphones (also quite convenient as you do not have to deal with all the twisted cords), and the most essential appendage-the neck pillow. Neck pillows, among all the other travel accessories for long flights, allow you to keep a slightly sturdy yet supported position of the neck and head while sleeping. It allows regular blood flow and circulation, makes sure your muscles are not cramped or stiff afterward, and it also allows you to have a nice sleep during the whole flight. 

If you cannot sleep while traveling (yes, there are people who find it difficult), maybe just bring a book and make sure to charge all your electronic devices ahead. Interesting accessories are homeopathic remedies for jet lag, which are quite convenient if you happen to be traveling during the whole week from one timezone to another. 

Moisturize your skin 

Sometimes the uncomfortable feelings of sticky make-up, sweat, and stiffness in the face can create a more unpleasant experience than the flight itself. Therefore, do not use make-up as the dry cabin air can only make you feel less comfortable and unpleasant. Instead, try moisturizing your skin as it will create a more soothing and pleasing feeling. 

And while we are on the topic of feeling comfortable, try to wear sweatpants or something equally cozy and avoid tight jeans, mini-skirts, or anything that restricts your movement and blood flow. 

Remember, it is all about how you feel during the flight, not how you look, as you’ll have plenty of time to choose the perfect outfit once you leave the plane

Long Flights

Think of food 

We suggest going with something light that will not put a heavy load on your stomach and making sure the food is fresh and preserved. Avoid foods that can spoil easily, and instead go for something baked, maybe a snack or two, or just some mineral water and a cracker. Spicy foods and heavy meats might only cause you bloating and digestion problems, and it would be better to avoid them.  

Come early to relax 

One piece of advice is to come early and board the plane at least an hour before the actual flight. This allows you to relax, make yourself comfortable before taking off, and also plan your activities, like, for example, what you’ll do first (listening to music) when you’ll take your nap break, and meals. It also gives you the chance to take a bathroom break before the plane goes off and make sure everything is in place and you have not forgotten something. 

With these easy-to-follow tips, we are sure your next long flights will be more than pleasant and comfortable. Just relax, stay positive, and think ahead and everything will fall into place just fine.