The fact is that long-haul flights aren't exactly joy rides, whether you're traveling for work or for play.
But hey, there are ways to at least make it more comfy. Check out these ten travel tips that'll help you survive your next marathon journey.
Don't wait till later to buy your tickets
To begin your trip on the right foot, ensure you snag the seats you desire. Don't leave it for the last minute or until you're at the check-in counter. If you can pick your seats when booking or during online check-in for a small fee, go for it right away. It saves a lot of hassle later on.
Wear a comfortable outfit
When you're picking out what to wear for a long flight, think comfort! Picture yourself still feeling good after ten hours in that outfit. Since planes can get pretty chilly with the AC blasting, go for layers. Loose clothing lets you adjust if you get too warm or cool. Oh, and leave the bling at home- it tends to cause a fuss at airport security.
Closed-toed shoes are a safer bet than flip-flops, especially in emergencies. And keep in mind, your feet might swell a bit up there, so avoid super tight shoes. If you're wearing bulky boots for luggage space, don't worry- you can swap them for cozy slipper socks during the flight.
Choose your seat very carefully
On a quick flight, you can tough it out in that not-so-great middle seat or right by the bathroom. It's doable, especially if it saves you a few bucks on a cheaper ticket. But let me tell you, on a long-haul flight? Avoiding a bad seat is crucial- it's a total nightmare otherwise. What makes a seat good really depends on what matters most to you.
Befriend the crew
Of course, it's a no-brainer to be respectful to the flight crew, but why not take it up a notch and be extra friendly? Being kind not only increases the chances of getting better treatment but also spreads some positivity to the people taking care of you during the flight.
Bring some snacks
You know, they do serve meals and snacks on the plane, but it's smart to bring along a little something from home. Even just a couple of fruits or some crackers can be a lifesaver if the meals don't match up with your hunger cues.
Stay hydrated
Here's a key tip for long flights: drink plenty of water! The air inside planes is super dry, so you can get dehydrated way faster than you would at home.
Pack a pillow (and a blanket)
There's a whole bunch of travel pillows out there. Figure out which one suits you best and stick with it. Oh, and heads up- not every airline hands out blankets, so it's a good call to bring your own or at least a snug sweater.
Charge your electronic devices
If you're bringing your own gadgets- headphones, iPad, Kindle, or phone- make sure they're fully charged before you head to the airport. Even though planes often have outlets or USB chargers, they might not always work. It's just easier to have everything juiced up and ready to go, so you don't have to spend your time on the plane charging stuff.
Bring all of the vital toiletries
For those long trips, make sure you pack certain travel-sized toiletries in your carry-on. Think about what makes you feel clean and refreshed, and grab those essential toiletries!
Plan for sleep
So, you've made it to the airport, all set in comfy clothes and geared up for some shut-eye. Catching some z's on the plane can really fight off that jet lag and make the flight hours fly by quicker.
Long flights can be a real challenge, but with these ten tips, you'll totally make it through. Whether it's choosing the most suitable seat or bringing your own snacks, a bit of prep makes a big difference. So, when you're gearing up for that long flight, keep these tips in mind- they'll help you make the most out of your journey.
