Do you feel like you’re dying on long-haul flights? Whether it’s boredom, back pain, hunger, or just wishing you could make your flight more comfortable, you’re not alone. In this blog, I’ll share 16 tips that we use to survive long-haul flights in economy class.
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16 tips that we use to survive long-haul flights in economy class
1. Dress Comfortably
Long flights can last from several hours to over a day. Wearing soft, loose-fitting clothes can prevent discomfort from tight or restrictive clothing.
Airplane cabins also vary in temperature, often being too cold or too warm. That is why layering comfortable clothing allows you to adjust easily. A lightweight jacket or hoodie can provide warmth if needed, while lighter base layers can prevent overheating.
I also generally take my shoes off for extra comfort (don’t worry, I washed them!) and wear socks to keep my toes warm and comfy.
2. Use the Toilet Before Boarding
No one likes using airplane toilets—they are generally small, cramped, and overused. That’s why we always go to the toilet before boarding the plane. Once boarded, it’s difficult to go through the sea of people finding their seats or wait until after takeoff when the seatbelt signs are off. If you can even wait that long. I have found that when cabin lights are dimmed and many passengers are sleeping, the toilets are often less crowded, making it a great time to go even if you don’t feel like you need it.
3. Boarding Strategy
Did you know there is a debate on when to board the plane? Here are my thoughts on both strategies:
Board First: If you have a lot of carry-on luggage, I suggest boarding first as there is ample overhead bin space, you avoid queuing to get to your seat, and you don’t have to deal with someone accidentally taking your seat.
Board Last: If you have minimal to no carry-on luggage, I suggest boarding last so you can see where all the open seats are. You may even claim your own row. Since you have less luggage, there’s no worry about overhead bin space, and there’s less time waiting on the plane before takeoff.
4. Bring Snacks
To bring snacks or not? If you have dietary restrictions, I highly suggest bringing snacks with you. If not, I don’t deem it necessary. Nic and I always eat at the lounge before every flight so we don’t get the munchies before our first in-flight meal. Also, flights often offer snacks that you can ask for anytime. This depends on the airline and final destination, but from personal experience:
Emirates offers sandwiches
Singapore Airlines offers cup noodles
Cathay Pacific offers chips and popcorn, and
Qatar Airways offers biscuits, chocolates, and chips.
As you can tell, we’ve never been shy to ask what’s on offer, and neither should you
5. Pre-Order Special Meals
If the snacks don’t satisfy you, how about getting your food first?
When you check in online (generally 48 hours before your flight), you can choose from a variety of special meal requests based on dietary restrictions. These options include:
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian,
Vegan,
Kosher,
Halal,
Gluten-Free,
Diabetic,
Low Sodium,
Low Fat/Low Cholesterol,
Nut-Free,
Lactose-Free
and more
All these meals are served first. So, if you have certain requirements or just want to get your food first, opt for one of these meal types.
6. Stay Hydrated
Do you often feel extremely thirsty on a plane? This happens because the cabin pressure and recirculated air significantly lower the humidity levels. To avoid this, bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up before boarding. We always bring our Grayl bottle. This way, you have water from the moment you’re on the plane.
Also, planes now serve water in tiny cups that only seem to hold one small sip, so you need to keep asking for refills, which you can easily spill. Not recommended. There are also articles stating how the plane water is not safe.
Another way to stay hydrated is to avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can further dehydrate you.
7. Avoid Getting Sick
No one plans to get sick while going on vacation. But did you know one in five people who travel on planes suffer from a cold or the flu after the flight? This elevated risk is due to the dry air, close proximity to other passengers, and the recirculated air in the cabin. That’s why we always make sure to take a multivitamin, Omega-3, and Vitamin C before any flight. I know some people don’t believe in vitamins, but I do believe prevention is better than cure.
8. Pain Relief
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but do you also get lower back pain from sitting in one position for an extended period of time? How did I solve this? By placing the pillow not behind my head but on the lower part of my back for lumbar support. An easy but effective solution.
9. Entertainment
I know I’m revealing my age a bit, but in the late 1900s, airlines used to release movies that hadn’t yet been released globally. We used to get so excited to go on a plane to watch these movies for “free.” But thanks to piracy, this is no longer the case.
So, to keep ourselves entertained, Nic and I download Netflix, Podcasts, and YouTube videos to our phones.
But watching off your phone can be uncomfortable to hold the whole time. That is why we place the vomit bag in the phone cover and use the tray table latch to hold it up. Alternatively, some people use a clear plastic packet.
10. Noise-Canceling Headsets
To be fully immersed in whatever I’m watching, I always carry my AirPods. They block out everyone around me and are also great when I want to sleep and block out the droning sound of the plane.
11. Eye Mask
Talking about sleep, I can honestly sleep anywhere. Due to my small size, I can even cuddle up comfortably on two seats. On a recent flight, we got the plane amenity bag and decided to use the eye mask. It was honestly the best sleep I’ve ever had on a plane. It blocked out all light, allowing me to sleep through most of the flight. Nic has since slept with an eye mask every night.
12. Seat Belt
After you’ve finally drifted off to sleep, make sure to keep your seatbelt fastened over your blanket. There’s nothing worse than being woken up by a flight attendant during turbulence to check if you’re wearing your seatbelt, only to realize you already had it on but it was hidden under your blanket.
13. Pack Essentials
Preparation is key for everything in life, and flying is no exception. Make sure you’re well-prepared before you board the plane. I always keep essentials like my Grayl water bottle, AirPods, phone, motion sickness pills, a pen, and an eye mask in my handbag, which I store under the seat in front of me. This way, I don’t have to rummage through my carry-on bag during the flight, avoiding unnecessary inconvenience. Being organized helps ensure a smoother and more comfortable journey.
14. Skip Purchased Seats
Airlines can catch you out when you purchase your ticket and allow you to prebook your seat for a small fee. Don’t waste your money. Nic and I always book our seats 48 hours before our flight for free when we do online check-in.
15. Choose the Right Seat
We all fight over the window or aisle seat, but have you thought about the middle seats? Long-haul flights generally have a 3-4-3 seating arrangement. The window seat gives a possible place to lean your head but requires squeezing past two people to go to the bathroom. The aisle seat offers the most legroom and freedom but means you have to let two people pass to go to the bathroom. Nic and I usually choose the middle seats in the center row. If we’re lucky, we get a full row to ourselves. If someone takes the other aisle, we get three seats. If the plane is fully booked, we ask the person next to Nic to swap seats. This way, we maximize our comfort and space.
16. Seat Location
There are many choices: window, middle, aisle. What about the front, middle, or back of the plane? Here’s our take:
Front of the Plane: First class and business. I am only going to focus on the economy.
Middle of the Plane: Known to be more stable during turbulence but generally the most crowded section.
Back of the Plane: Our favorite section because it’s usually less crowded. If you opt for the very last row, you can recline your seat as far as you like without worrying about disturbing the person behind you.
These are my 16 tips to ensure you survive a long-haul flight. If you found them helpful, join our community below.
And if you’re unsure what not to pack for your trip, read our blog on the 9 Things We NO Longer Pack for One Bag Travel.
Happy travels!
By following these tips, you can turn a potentially exhausting long-haul flight into a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. If you have any additional tips or tricks, feel free to share them in the comments below!