Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin A family uses the comforts of home to fall asleep on a long flight getty Embarking on an overnight, international flight with plane changes, layovers, and economy seats? Here’s how to make a long-haul flight a whole lot more comfortable. If you’re avoiding a far-flung bucket list destination because you can’t stand the thought of a 20-hour flight, you’re reading the right article. I survived a 30-hour flight to the Maldives (with an 8-hour layover in the admittedly amazing Istanbul airport) in economy, sitting next to a baby and a very loud snorer.
If I can do it, you can too. You just need to know how to prepare. Best Ways to Prepare for a Long, Overnight Flight Just as with everything in life, the better prepared you are, the more smoothly things will go.
I carry a personal item that contains a refillable bottle of water and facial mist to stay hydrated. Every travel study extols the virtues of drinking plenty of water, and it’s best to start early on the day you’re set to travel. The mist targets your face and keeps it from drying out – it counteracts the notoriously dry airplane atmosphere, which affects your skin more than you realize.
Make sure you have everything you need to tune out. If light of any sort bothers you, a good eye mask is crucial. Pay a little bit more for one that adjusts for good fit and feels cozy on your face, but is not too warm.
You want something that makes you want to sleep, not that irritates you. Satin checks all these boxes. And definitely bring good sound-canceling earbuds.
They saved my sanity every time the neighboring baby cried or the snore levels reached their peak. Finally, pack anything that feels cozy to you – a comfortable travel blanket, fuzzy socks, your favorite hoodie, a good book, and your most relaxing music. How to Make a Long Plane Ride More Comfortable MORE FOR YOU Trump Signals He May Skip ABC News Debate After Bashing Network Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti Fires Warning To Vinicius Jr.
Why Artificial Intelligence Hype Isn't Living Up To Expectations The number one rule for a long flight - drink plenty of water, preferably from a reusable water ...
[+] bottle. getty Let’s assume that like most travelers, you’re stuck in economy seats. The good news is that you can make a long flight feel shorter, even with limited leg room and an inclined seat in front of you.
This is where you pull out your arsenal of comfort items and set yourself up. Then get yourself into the right headspace – think of the plane ride as the perfect way to disconnect. It’s your time to relax.
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render(randId); }); })(); On long flights, it helps to divide flight time into segments that are more manageable: time to eat, time to read, time to watch a movie, time to get up and walk around, time to sleep, and so on. Let’s start with food, since that’s the biggest disruptor to an otherwise quiet flight. It’s standard procedure for flight attendants to begin service after about an hour in the air – they usually serve the meal that is closest to the time zone of your departure, so if you’re leaving at around dinner time, that’s the meal you’ll get.
Beverages and snacks will be available throughout the night, and service will pick up again at whatever time breakfast falls at your destination. It’s all designed to help you with the time change, but it can, admittedly, mess with your stomach. Supplement airline food with healthy snacks to keep yourself energized.
getty Therefore, you want to make sure you have healthy snacks. I always pack protein bars that have 20 grams of protein (as opposed to fruit or granola bars, which won’t sustain you), slices of apple (brushed with lemon juice to avoid browning), and chunks of cheese. All do well on long flights, are filling, and make for healthy snacks in between meals.
Quinoa topped with beans and roasted vegetables makes for a good substitute meal if the airport offerings are lacking. Movement is important on especially long flights, which is why I always choose an aisle seat. Even in the middle of the night, when everyone is asleep, I can hit the bathroom, walk the aisles, or just get up and stretch my legs.
In fact, that’s when I discovered that you can pick up snacks and drinks at the service stations in the front, back and middle of the plane. They’re always available – just stroll back there and ask. Best Airplane Hacks for Sleeping Most window seat-lovers prefer those seats because you can lean against the side, you’re tucked away from beverage carts and aisle movement, and you can always gaze out at the clouds to help you get to dreamland.
Weigh that against your potential need to use the restroom, as most people are uncomfortable waking up their fellow passengers to get out of their row. Employ everything you packed to get comfortable. While many travelers will tell you to avoid alcohol, I have never found a drink or two to keep me from sleeping – if anything, it has relaxed me.
If a cocktail helps you sleep at home, it will help you sleep on the plane; if it keeps you awake at home, it will keep you awake on a plane. Common sense should prevail here. The most important tip for sleeping on a plane is to use the tremendous power of your brain.
Tell yourself if is whatever time zone you are flying into. Avoid the common mistake of thinking, “My body knows it’s only 6:00 pm,” and instead tell yourself that “it’s midnight and I need to get to sleep.” The greatest disservice you can do to yourself on a long-haul flight is to keep your mind on your home time zone instead of the one you’ll be in soon.
It may sound like I’m oversimplifying here, but this is the main trick seasoned travelers use to deal with long-haul flights. This mind-over-matter method works. Learn to flip the time zone switch and you’ll be in a better mood, avoid debilitating jet lag, and ready to hit the ground running when you land.
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