10 Simple Tips On How To Survive A Long Flight

Traveling is a life-changing experience.  Long flights are not.  Add kids into the mix, and you’re asking for a world of hurt.  Thankfully, there are plenty of little things you can do to make the experience far less painful.  Here are 10 simple tips how to survive a long flight.

1. Dress Comfortably

In a perfect world, everyone would dress in their pj’s for long flights.  Unfortunately, that’s not an option for a lot of travelers.  So the next best option would be to go with some comfortable loose fitting clothes.  Below are a few more specific items that we use on our travels.

A Sweater

Airlines are colder than you would expect.  While airlines attempt to keep the temperature near 72 degrees they have to pump considerably colder air through the cabin to counteract the combined body heat of the passengers.  As a result, your flight may feel more like it’s in the 60’s.

With fewer flights offering free blankets.  A simple sweater or hoodie could go a long way to make you more comfortable and possibly help you time travel (sleep).

Slip-on Shoes

It’s okay to be comfortable.  As long as you don’t have smelly feet you might as well kick off the shoes once the flight is underway.   Plus you get the added bonus of getting through TSA checkpoint that much faster.

Compression Socks

Sitting for an extended period is bad for the body.  Long flights are one of the rare occasions when you can feel the restlessness of being in one position.  Compression socks help with the restlessness by forcing your blood back up your leg not allowing it to settle in your feet.

2. Opt For The Aisle Seat

Windows seats are excellent for short flights, but they aren’t ideal for long trips.  If a flight is over 4 hours, we opt for aisle seats because it’s important to get up and move.

Sitting next to the aisle gives you the freedom to move around the cabin without disturbing the person next to you.  As long as you aren’t getting in the way of the crew and the seatbelt sign is off you’re free to roam around and stretch the legs.

Don’t Give Up Your Seat

It’s common for a person trapped in the middle seat to ask if they can switch places with you at the start of the flight.  I’ve seen a lot of people reluctantly give up their seat just to spend the trip in misery.  Politely say no and keep your sanity.

3. Make Introductions

Right at the start of the flight. Introduce yourself to the neighbors. In many cases, just knowing someone’s name can ease the awkwardness of sitting next to a stranger for such a long time.  They may also be willing to forgive you if you’re doing something that annoys them.

A friendly conversation can also help pass the time. Just know when to quit.

4. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Baby’s cry, people snore, they can’t help it.  Sometimes the passenger next to you wants to talk the entire flight.  Noise-canceling headphones make a world’s difference.

Our travel buddy Geoff likes Beats, but I’m partial to the Bose headphones.  They’re amazing!

5. Prep Your Device For Airplane Mode

You can’t assume that your flight is going to offer in-flight wifi.  Just in case, make sure to load your device with everything you need to keep you entertained.  We wouldn’t be able to make it through a flight without the media mentioned below

Audiobooks

I love them! On a 7 hour flight with no in-flight movies? An audiobook will save the day.

The Martian by Andy Weir is a safe choice, but if you need some recommendations check out our Audiobook page.

Of if you’re new to audiobooks, you can try Audible for free by clicking on the audible ad to the right. Signing up will snag you two credits to start your library!

Games

Be sure to install games that work without an internet connection.

Podcasts

Don’t forget to download all the latest episodes before you leave the house.  If you’re looking for something genuinely entertaining, I recommend We’re Alive by K.C. Wayland (iTunes).  Having been downloaded over 70 million times, We’re Alive is an audio drama about survival that will make you consider staying on the plane and flying it back to keep listening.

Music

If you use an app like Spotify make sure to download your favorite playlists.  Regional copyrights may prevent you from listening to your music while you’re abroad.  Having it downloaded to your phone can fix that.

6. Complimentary Food (Depends On The Air Carrier)

In addition to the in-flight meals.  A lot of international flights offer complimentary snacks and drinks.  You just have to know when and where to look.

Midflight, when most people are sleeping the cabin crew will head down into their crew quarters to take a break.  At that time, most airlines will set up a small snack bar in the back of the plane for guests to enjoy.

Complimentary Alcohol

Alcohol is usually free too on an international flight if you didn’t know.

7. Easy Way To Avoid The Long Bathroom Lines

Hundreds of people and a limited number of bathrooms tend to create long lines to the bathroom after a meal service.  If you wait until after they pick up your plate you’ll most likely get caught up in that line.  Two ways to get around this is to ask the crew what time the meal service is going to begin and go before they start serving.  The other option is to finish your meal and use the bathroom before they pick up the leftovers of the meal.

8. Have A Toothbrush And Toothpaste Handy

The dry air and long naps are a perfect storm for bad breath. So do yourself a favor and keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry on. Having the opportunity to brush your teeth on the flight is refreshing.

9. Prepare For Some Extremely Dry Air

The air inside the cabin is extremely dry.  With humidity at or below 12%, your body is going to feel the effects.  Having Chapstick & lotion on hand will keep you more comfortable.  You may also want to bring some tissues in case you get a random nosebleed.

10. Bring Items To Keep You Comfortable

Long flights do a number on your neck and lower back.  Bringing a neck pillow can help a lot when it comes to comfort.  After trying a handful of neck pillows, we like the Total Pillow the most.  I keep it in my car whenever we aren’t traveling.

Also, lower back pain is common on long flights.  Try placing a pillow or blanket behind your lower back to give you extra support when you are sitting.

Be Courteous To Everyone In The Airport And On The Flight.

Flying is stressful. Airports and planes tend to fray the nerves. You never know if the person you snap at at the security checkpoint is going to end up sitting next to you on the flight. So do your best to cut everyone some slack when you’re traveling.

Those Are Our 10 Simple Tips on How To Survive A Long Flight.

Hopefully, these little tips can help in some way.  Most are common sense, but you would be surprised how many people come unprepared, ending up miserable throughout the flight.

If you have any useful tips we’ve missed, please let us know in the comments below.  We’re always looking for ways to ease the pain of long flights. Be sure to check out our Travel Page for even more useful travel resources. There we post stories, itineraries, and helpful tips we’ve learned from our travels.

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