Top Tips: Surviving Long Haul Flights (& what to bring)
This might be your least favourite guide ever for how to survive Long Haul flights.
Why is that?
Well, no one really likes what I have to say about taking care of yourself on Long Haul flights but hey, you’re on my website and these tips really are the only things that work for me. After hundreds of long haul flights, and we’re talking the 24-30 hour kind, I have come to learn some tricks that have helped me recover on the other side and are in general, IN MY OPINION, helpful for the body.
If you struggle with long flights and can’t handle another person telling you to ‘pop a sleeping pill and have a G&T’ then you’ve come to the right place.
To give you a very brief backstory, I spent a few years with very low immunity and I got sick every time I went on a long haul flight. My body just couldn’t do it. So although these tips might seem severe to you – it’s an amazing way of powering through a big flight and coming out the other side like it never happened.
Here are MY tips on surviving a long haul flight.
DRINK WATER
You can’t drink enough of it. If you haven’t been on a long haul flight yet one of the things you’ll probably notice first is how dry your skin gets and in general how dehydrated you will feel during a long haul flight. Your water intake is vital to keep you feeling good. Because of the recycled air, you will find that you need more water than normal. Staying hydrated will do wonders for your recovery time. You also hopefully won’t wake up mid flight feeling desperate for water.
book an AISLE SEAT
I always get an aisle seat, or if I’m traveling with someone else I make sure one of us is on the aisle so it’s easy to climb out without waking up a stranger. This is also because of the point above. Take this tip at your own discretion based on your own personal bladder control. Easier access out of the seat encourages more movement around the aircraft, more standing and in general, freedom.
WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS OR SKINS (IF YOU’RE serious)
Ever had swollen ankles after a long haul flight? Can’t put your shoes back on cause suddenly they’re HUGE? Yes, well this is normal. You can help reduce the inflammation by wearing compression socks which are easy to buy in most pharmacies or on Amazon. I wear compression skins by 2XU. They also sell compression socks. Compression reduces swelling and stiffness by promoting healthy circulation. Skins are commonly worn by athletes on flights - usually under their clothes. It’s for an easier recovery on the other side.. I have found them to make a huge difference. I was used to wearing loose-fitting clothing on flights with the thought that I would be more comfortable but I was noticing increased swelling and pain in my legs. The skins have really made a huge difference and reduced both the swelling and pain. You can wear them under track pants for an extra layer of warmth.
NO ALCOHOL
I know. I’m so sorry. I know it’s free. I mean, of course, do what you want but alcohol makes everyone sluggish and foggy even on the best day so take into consideration all the extra factors on a flight that your body has to deal with – alcohol just adds fuel to the fire. I have tried this experiment many times now and without alcohol, I fly and recover so much better.
I’m a nervous flyer so I love a good G&T but, it really is better without it.
DON’T EAT THE FOOD – BRING YOUR OWN
I’m sounding crazy now, right? I’m not saying don’t eat, I’m saying don’t eat their food. Bring endless snacks! The meals they serve are full of salty carbs aimed to keep you full and sleepy. Not to mention who knows when it was made or how long it’s been frozen for. They do their best yes but you don’t have to eat it. It’s never actually delicious, is it? It’s just to keep you alive for 10-30hrs and eating is something to do when you’re bored on a long haul flight.
If you are not keen or able to avoid eating the meals or prepare snacks for your flight then another suggestion would be to preorder a 'special’ meal or the fruit platter (it’s an actual meal request on most airlines) this means at least the meal will be basic. In my experience, the special meal is always very simple, containing some fruit, meat, and vegetables. Just keep it simple and snacks are always a good idea anyway!
MOVE YOUR LEGS
Move them legs. Get up, walk around, take 5 minutes to go fill up your water or wash your hands. Do whatever you need to do to move your legs! You’ve probably heard about DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), well clotting is serious and it’s easier to avoid by staying active on your flight. For more information on DVT and flying please ask your doctor.
Show everyone how experienced you are at flying with some stretching up the back or in the aisles. People love that…
These tips have been tried and tested over and over again. I’m not perfect ok! I sometimes have a G&T and I survive but the point is if I do the above I genuinely feel so much better and I recover so much faster. My body hates me less . I challenge you to just include one tip at a time if you can’t do it all, and test it for yourself.
NOW – WHAT TO BRING ON A LONG HAUL FLIGHT
For most long haul flights airlines allow a carry on and a handbag/backpack.
Always check your airline's hand luggage rules before you fly.
Here are some very basic things that you might need..
WATER BOTTLE
This will help you stay on top of drinking water! Not all airlines will give you a bottle – it depends on how cheap they are. Plus it’s better to avoid the plastic and bring a reusable bottle. It’s good to have so you can refill throughout the flight.
Just ask a flight attendant to refill it for you. I always ask if they can refill it with bottled water but depending on the airline, there might be a tap where you can refill yourself. Some people are against using plane tap water due to the cleanliness of their water systems. Filtered water is always better but if you drink London tap water, then you shouldn’t have a problem.
SNACKS
Be prepared when hunger strikes.
A CHARGING CABLE
I’m guessing you have a phone.
Don’t let it die - you never know what will happen on your journey and your phone is either your only point of contact to your family and friends or your solution to severe boredom from delays and waiting in customs lines.
NECK PILLOW
I’m only putting this in for the “neck pillow people” out there. I hate neck pillows. They do not work for me and more importantly, I hate carrying it around.
If it works for you, then it works for you. Just don’t be that person who brings a neck pillow on a 1-hour flight.
TOILETRIES KIT
Keep it simple. Don’t bring your bathroom.
Make sure any liquids are under 100ml.
I always bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, some moisturizer and pawpaw ointment (Aussie stuff)
SALINE NASAL SPRAY
I don’t think this would make it onto many long haul packing guides but here it is. Keeping your nose hydrated combats all those disgusting germs flying around on a plane. If you can keep your ‘nose hairs’ hydrated then you are less likely to catch something. These are my doctor's words, not mine – remember I am not a doctor but a saline nasal spray is not a drug. It's just salt and water so it can’t hurt you and I can recommend it. I find this also helps with nasal congestion that honestly hits me so hard on long haul flights. Remember to check the packaging when buying a nasal spray. You don’t want the one with medication in it. Just salt & water.
EXTRA UNDERWEAR AND OUTFIT
You never know when your bag isn’t going to arrive at your destination.
It usually doesn’t take long before they find it, but after that 24hr flight, you are going to want a new pair of underwear.
Always be prepared – it doesn’t take up too much space.
Happy flying! x
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