Have you got a long-haul flight booked? Or brushing up on what you need to know before booking your tickets? Either way, our selection of tips for long-haul flights will help you to save money on tickets and stay relaxed throughout the journey.
Here are 15 of our favourites.
- Book early
Not only can booking early help you save hundreds of pounds on your flight, it also gives you a better chance of booking your desired seat. Whether it’s by the window for the views or by the aisle to stretch your legs, booking early is one of the best ways to find immediate comfort on your long-haul flight.
Please be aware that different airlines have different rules for where people can sit. For instance, a child is not allowed to sit by an emergency exit on many flights. Consider this when booking your seats, as airlines are within their rights to change your seat.
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- Upgrade with Air Miles
Do you travel a lot, but haven’t found a use for your air miles yet? Consider using them to upgrade your seating to first class or business class.
By moving into the higher-class seats, you’re guaranteed the best experience on a long-haul flight.
Even a smaller upgrade to a slightly higher tier of seat can see you more legroom and priority check-in, so don’t be afraid to spend those points if you have them.
- Skip the Jet Lag
Jet lag is one of the most frustrating feelings. You arrive at your dream destination and struggle to make the most of it because you’re worn down from shifting time zones.
Fret not, though. Consider, if you can, shifting your sleep schedule before your flight. In aligning your sleep schedule with your dream destination, you increase the chances of not being exhausted upon arrival, allowing you to make the most of your trip.
- Unwind before your flight
Long-haul flights can seem much longer if you have a lot on your mind, particularly if those things are left unresolved before you leave. Take some time before your flight to tie up any loose ends, and take off with a clear conscience.
It’s also worth noting that some long-haul airlines do not allow passengers to connect to the internet, so if you were planning on doing any problem-solving during the flight, you may run into issues.
- Check in early and relax before the flight
Rushing through the airport to reach your gate can be incredibly stressful. A top tip is to always arrive with plenty of time before your flight, so you can check your bags in and get through security at your leisure.
From there, you can enjoy the food, drink, and entertainment at the airport, before taking a casual stroll to your gate. Don’t relax too much and miss your gate being called, though!
- Bring a good travel pillow
Travel pillows can be a life-saver on long haul flights, but be sure to do your research before you buy, as many travel pillows are simply uncomfortable and provide little support.
Keep an eye out for deals on well-rated travel pillows like the BCOZZY or Cabeau S3 to make your flight more comfortable.
For an even better sleep, skip ahead to Tip #14 to see the best clothing for long haul flights.
- Use noise-cancelling headphones
Aeroplanes can be loud. Whether it’s the snoring of nearby passengers or the clattering of meals being delivered, there are a lot of noises to distract, frustrate, and keep you awake.
Keep an eye out for great deals on noise-cancelling headphones to block out the noise and enjoy whatever you like listening to.
Be warned though, a comfortable pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be expensive, with the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras selling for around £449 on Amazon. Look out for cheaper but still great quality headphones like the Sony WH-CH720N if you’d like to save some money.
- Bring ear plugs
Even the most comfortable headphones might start to make your ears ache after wearing them for a few hours. Be sure to bring some back up ear plugs to ensure a peaceful sleep during your flight.
- Don’t sleep during takeoff or landing
There aren’t many things to do on a long flight, so it may be tempting to find your seat and settle down for a sleep straight away, but avoid this if you can.
‘Aeroplane ear’ is where the air pressure in the middle ear and the aeroplane don’t match, which happens most commonly during takeoff and landing. This can cause symptoms from discomfort to hearing loss and even severe pain.
When you board your flight, stay awake and yawn or swallow to help open up the middle ear. You can also try chewing gum. If you’re stuffy, you may also struggle with aeroplane ear, so consider using a nasal spray about an hour before takeoff.
- Buckle yourself up over your blanket
If there is turbulence on the flight and the air crew can’t see your seatbelt, they will wake you up to ask you to fasten it. If you sleep with a blanket, a simple way to avoid being woken is to simply fasten the seatbelt over the blanket, so it is clearly visible.
- Buy a sleep mask that works for you
Not all sleep masks are made equally, and some will suit you better than others.
If you’re a light sleeper, consider the Manta Sleep Mask, which is comfortable and great for blocking light. If you prefer something with slightly less pressure but let more light in, try the OLESILK silk sleep mask.
- Stay hydrated through the flight
The air in a plane cabin is infamously dry, and it can cause dehydration to creep up on you quickly during a long-haul flight.
It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re dozing off or watching films, but staying hydrated will keep your energy levels up and make you less sluggish when you land.
If possible, have a glass of water every hour or so during your flight. Bring a refillable water bottle with you, as most airports have water fountains once you get through security.
- Avoid too much alcohol or caffeine
On the subject of hydration, it’s a good idea to resist the temptation to toast your holiday with a glass of wine or unwind with a strong coffee.
Both alcohol and caffeine can disrupt your sleep and contribute to dehydration. Though one or two might help you relax, any hopes of feeling refreshed throughout the flight and afterwards will subside with each drink.
Instead, try herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, as these are naturally calming and often available on long-haul flights. Bringing your own tea bags and asking for hot water is a great travel hack many seasoned fliers swear by.
- Wear loose, layered clothing
Temperatures can vary dramatically throughout a flight, from stuffy boarding queues to icy cold cabins.
To prepare for all possibilities, dress in loose, breathable layers that can be easily adjusted. Comfortable clothes also help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which, although highly unlikely, is still worth keeping in mind on long journeys.
Compression socks are a smart investment, too. They support circulation, help reduce swelling in your feet and ankles, and are recommended by doctors for long-haul flights.
- Plan your in-flight entertainment
Regarding things to do on a long flight, in-house entertainment is crucial. While most long-haul flights have a decent range of films, shows, and games, they might not always have what you’re looking for.
To be on the safe side, have a few episodes of your favourite series, or a couple of films you want to watch, downloaded to your device beforehand. Podcasts, eBooks, and playlists are other great ways to help the hours fly by.
Many streaming apps like Netflix and Spotify allow you to download content to use offline, which can be a lifesaver if the in-flight options aren’t to your taste or if your screen isn’t working properly.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a one-way trip to Japan to become an assistant language teacher, or a return trip from New Zealand to enjoy the sun and the sights, we hope the above tips for long haul flights will help you.
With a bit of preparation and a few clever hacks, your next long haul flight will feel quicker, more comfortable, more enjoyable, and less exhausting, leaving you refreshed and ready to enjoy your destination as soon as you touch down.
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