Long flights can be brutal, but not when you have these invaluable tips to help you. In this post, I’m uncovering easy and practical ways to prepare yourself, and fun ideas for passing the time. Who knows, you may even enjoy yourself on your next long flight!
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You went for it… it’s official… that trip you’ve been meaning to take is booked.
You’re probably already planning your outfits and all the fun things you’re going to do. You can’t wait to get there!
All that stands in the way is that (dreaded) long flight.
A couple of years ago I was traveling for work and flying from San Diego to Anchorage, Alaska when I realized I didn’t have my earbuds. Nooooooo! There’s nothing worse than knowing you have EIGHT hours ahead of you listening to crying babies or the annoying conversation of the person sitting behind you.
It’s the truth! Sitting for that long in a tight, confined area is enough to make me go insane.
How To Travel Happy
Since my early mistakes on long flights, I’ve learned a few things and picked up some great tips that have made a HUGE difference.
If you find yourself facing a long haul flight, don’t despair! I’m going to share with you a few secrets for happier travel. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come:
- What to wear on a long flight
- Skincare tips (no one wants dry and flaky skin!)
- A few snack must-haves
- Creative things to do during the flight
- Packing tips that make all the difference
- Essentials to keep on hand
I also have a Youtube video discussing this topic. Check it out here:
You Wore What On A Long Flight?
First and foremost choose an outfit that’s as comfortable as possible, i.e. stretchy pants, your most comfortable bra (you know the one), and slip-on shoes. On a long flight, this is essential.
It’ll be tempting to wear those cute sandals you just bought, but don’t do it! You’ll be sorry later when you arrive at your destination with blisters from trekking through the airport.
Socks are a must, otherwise, your bare feet are on germy airport floors as you go through the screening checkpoint. I also recommend bringing some type of lightweight jacket or sweater that can double as a blanket if needed.
Keep It Natural
Consider traveling without makeup on to keep your skin clear.
This will vary from person to person, but for me, it made a huge difference in minimizing my travel-related breakouts. I used to really struggle with this – every time I flew somewhere my skin would get oily and irritated and a pimple would appear that day or the next.
Now what I do is exfoliate right before the flight (ideally the night before or the morning of) and use a hydrating serum, moisturizer, and eye cream. It’s made a world of difference!
I also recommend keeping travel-sized skincare products in your carry on so you can reapply during the flight or once you arrive. Especially on long flights, the cabin air is super dry and you’ll thank me later.
Don’t Be “Hangry”
You’re gonna want snacks and drinks for sure. For me, this is a game-changer and 100% makes a difference.
At the airport, you have limited options (and it’s pricey) so consider bringing along a few of your favorite treats. When my now-husband and I were flying to Italy for our wedding, I brought A LOT in my carry on bag and it made our crazy long flight so much more enjoyable.
Here are a few of my go-to favorites for long flights:
- nuts
- easy to pack fruit like clementines or bananas
- fancy chocolate (because why not)
- single packs of peanut butter
- crackers and cheese
Actually Enjoy The Flight
Now that you’re comfortable and well-fed, it’s just a matter of deciding what to do with your time.
I’m a big fan of using the flight time to be productive, whether it’s drafting work emails, working on the blog, or even catching up on a book. As we speak I’m writing this from 30,000 feet somewhere above New Mexico!
The key here is to give yourself options – don’t plan on one sole thing to keep you occupied. For example, bring an e-book, a paper copy of a magazine, a nice sleeping pillow, and some downloaded music and videos.
And don’t forget those earbuds! Having a variety of things to do will pass the time and you won’t be left bored if your electronic device loses power or the plane wifi is unreliable.
Another trick to help you relax and enjoy the flight is to take advantage of time spent in the airport before you board. Can you get a massage or take advantage of an airport lounge? Having some peaceful moments in the time leading up to boarding can help with your mindset and make your flight more enjoyable. Priority Pass lounges are available in tons of cities globally and offer a quiet, comfortable environment (not to mention free snacks and alcohol, and even spa treatments in some locations). Click the banner below to get signed up:
A Few Other Things To Consider
Alright, you’re almost on your way. See, it’s not so bad after all. In case you really want to prepare and cover all the bases, here are a few essential items to have on hand:
- sleeping mask
- mini hand sanitizer
- wet wipes
- gum or mints
- medication
As you prepare for your trip, be sure to check out a few of my most loved posts about how to travel happy:
- GENIUS Packing Method
- How To Travel Cheap: Secret Strategies To Spend Less and Do More
- What NOT To Bring On A Plane (all your questions answered)
- International Travel Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Have A Great Flight
One last tip: remember that space on the plane is limited, so pack wisely. An overstuffed bag between your feet can be super annoying and make it hard to stretch your legs. Choose a bag that fits your essentials but is not gigantic.
Don’t let jet lag get you down! Read this post for a few ingenious ideas on how to prevent and minimize jet lag.
YES, it’s possible to keep your sanity (and even enjoy a long flight) if you’re prepared. If all else fails, get up and stretch or just daydream about all the fun things you’re going to do once you land.
