How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Wondering how to survive a long-haul flight and arrive feeling refreshed? \I have developed a routine that makes those hours in the air much more comfortable. From compression socks and comfortable clothing to hydration, skincare, and my overnight flight routine, these are the long-haul flight tips I personally rely on to make the journey easier.

I have taken some very long flights over the years, from Newark to Japan, Australia, Dubai, and beyond. And while I love arriving somewhere new, traveling for over 24 hours is not exactly the highlight of the journey.

Over time, I have developed a routine that makes long-haul flying considerably more comfortable.

The goal is not to arrive looking as though you just stepped out of a spa. The goal is to arrive feeling rested, hydrated, and ready to enjoy the trip you traveled so far to experience.

Here are the long-haul flight essentials and habits I rely on every time I fly…

Dress for Comfort to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

For a long flight, comfort wins.

I wear comfortable clothing made from soft materials and avoid anything tight or restrictive. You will be sitting for hours, sleeping in your clothes, walking through airports, and dealing with changing cabin temperatures.

Think soft, breathable layers that allow you to move easily and adjust to the temperature throughout the flight. Wear a tank top or t-shirt then add on a soft sweater or sweatshirt and match that with soft, comfortable, anti-wrinkle pants.

And then there are my non-negotiables: compression socks. I wear them on long flights and consider them one of the most important things in my carry-on. Put them on before or early in the flight and your legs will thank you for these.

Essential Carry-On Items for a Long Flight

I keep the things I will use during the flight within reach - in a pouch I can easily take out of my carry on upon boarding the plane. This avoids digging through your carry on.

My essentials include:

Compression socks

Comfortable headphones

A good eye mask

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Facial cleansing products

A deeply hydrating face mask or moisturizer

Hand cream

Lip balm

Water

Phone charger cable

Reading material

These are simple things, but on a long flight, they make an enormous difference, especially when they are in a pouch so you can easily pull them out of your carryon.

Overnight Flight Routine

When I am taking an overnight flight, I try to treat the flight like an abbreviated version of my normal evening.

After dinner, I brush my teeth and wash my face. Then I apply either a very hydrating face mask or a rich moisturizer, along with hand cream and lip balm.

Once I have done that, the eye mask goes on, the headphones go in, and I try to sleep.

Having a routine sends signals to our brains that the day is over. Rather than watching movie after movie simply because I am on an airplane, I try to get onto the schedule of my destination as much as possible (see below for how to adjust to your new time zone).

The sooner I can settle down and sleep, the better I tend to feel when I arrive.

Hydration Is Everything on Long-Haul Flights

Airplane cabins are incredibly drying, and I notice the difference if I am not intentional about hydration.

I drink plenty of water throughout the flight and reapply moisturizer, hand cream, and lip balm. It sounds like a small detail, but after many hours in the air, your skin will thank you.

And while a glass of wine with dinner can be tempting (sometimes I will have just one glass), water is always the priority for me on a long flight.

Adjust to Your New Time Zone Before Arriving

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is thinking about jet lag only after they arrive.

On a long-haul trip, I start thinking about my destination's time zone while I am still in the air. When possible, I sleep and eat with the destination in mind rather than focusing entirely on what time it is at home.

You may not adjust perfectly on the flight, but even a small head start can make those first couple of days easier.

And when you have traveled that far for an extraordinary vacation, you do not want to lose the first few days trying to recover.

A Better Long Flight Makes for a Better Beginning

Long-haul flights are part of traveling to some of the world's most extraordinary destinations. I have learned that a little preparation can make those hours in the air much more manageable and easier to survive a long-haul flight.

Wear comfortable clothes. Put on the compression socks. Drink the water. Moisturize more than you think you need to. Create a bedtime routine. And make sure to sleep.

At Distinct Vacations, we design private international journeys so our clients can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying where they are going.

Planning a long-haul journey to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, or beyond? I would love to help you design an experience that feels seamless from the planning stages until you return home.

Contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation.