This past December I was on my longest flight yet – 10.5 hours. To some of you, I’m sure that’s nothing; however, to many of you, that can seem daunting!
Long haul flights might seem intimidating, but they should NEVER stop you from traveling! I promise it will not be as bad as you think, especially if you are prepared.
This long haul flight was actually a surprise to me. My original flight got canceled due to a strike by Icelandair employees, but they were kind enough to reroute us. This resulted in a much longer flight. I have to admit, I was a little worried when I first heard how long this flight was going to be. I was prepared for a flight that was about 4 hours shorter. It ended up being the best flight of my life.
Bring a pillow and possibly a small blanket
For me, some kind of a pillow is an absolute must. Even if you do not plan on sleeping during your flight, chances are your headrest isn’t going to be the most comfortable thing in the world. A pillow can make all of the difference when you are sitting for hours. I also find that a small blanket can be nice, especially if you are trying to get some rest during your flight.
Bring some of your own snacks
If you are on a long haul fight, chances are you are going to be served a meal and probably a snack or two. On the off chance that you are not crazy about the food selections on board, it is so nice to have a little food with you that you know you’ll enjoy! Being hungry on a flight can make you miserable.
Bring headphones and entertainment
Headphones are sometime supplied free of charge, but it is always nice to have your own pair with you. Most flights have in flight entertainment including  movies and tv shows, so it is nice to be able to take advantage of those with your headphones. Noise cancelling headphones are also a great option. If there is a certain show you are wanting to catch up on or a podcast you like, it might  not be a bad idea to download those to your phone before taking off!
Get up and move around
While bathrooms on planes are not the most pleasant to visit, I recommend getting up and walking at least a couple of times during your flight. This can help you blood circulation. Plus, it’s nice to get up and stretch when your stuck in a small seat for several hours.
Bring an eye mask
If you are looking to get some sleep, an eye mask can help tremendously. Even though the cabin lights will be off during a night flight, an eye mask can help to block out the light anyone around you who might be using their reading light.
Bring your charger or a battery pack
If you plan on using your phone for anything during the flight, it would be a good idea to have a way to charge it. A lot of planes have usb ports, so you can charge your phone that way. Another useful option is to bring a battery pack to give your phone enough power until you can make it to your destination.
Dress in layers
We all know that it can get cold (and hot) in planes. The best way to prepare for this is to dress in layers. You don’t want to be stuck in a tank top and be freezing for 10 hours. You also don’t want to be wearing a thick sweater on those not so chilly flights. This can help make you so much more comfortable!
Bring chapstick
Please bring chapstick! The air is quite dry inside of planes and this can lead to chapped lips in no time. I actually didn’t remember to bring any with me, but a company was actually giving some away in the train station on our way to the airport! I was so happy. This can prevent your lips from uncomfortable cracking.
Get a window seat
Window seats are the best if you plan on sleeping on your flight. It is so nice to be able to put your pillow up against the wall and lean on it. This also helps to ensure that you don’t end up falling asleep on the stranger sitting next to you!
So there you have it! These are the best tips I have learned from my long haul flight experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed my first long flight. I watched several movies, had pretty good food, and even took a nap! I hope these tips help you feel more prepared for your next far away flight destination!
Do you have any great flight tips to add? Let me know!
-Haley
