5 tips for long-haul flying that actually work

Get the special meal… book window seats… no, book aisle seats… only bring carry-on… Everyone has a tip, but which ones should you actually listen to? 

Turn the long-haul into something more comfy. Even in economy.

Everyone has tips for travelling – and I’ve heard and done them all. Easily influenced, I’ve bought packing cubes (life changing!), tried the carry-on hack (not for me – I will always pack five pairs of shoes for a weekend away) and spent big on a $100 neck pillow and a foot hammock I’m too ashamed to take out of its bag. But here are five actual tips that may make long haul a bit easier…

1 . Noise-cancelling headphones are key

Yes, the in-flight headphones these days are far superior to the ones of yesteryear – or indeed yester-ear, amiright? But noise-cancelling ones offer a world of muffled comfort, where you can’t hear the man next to you snoring or pressing the call bell for another JD and coke, there’s a pleasantly dulled version of the plane’s rumblings and you get GREAT audio for watching Bridget Jones. I have Sony ones and even my Apple-loving hubby recognises that they’re better, lighter and more comfortable (and cheaper).

2. Pre-book your seat…

If you can choose your seat online, do it. I’m partial to an aisle seat near the back. This is because if the plane isn’t full, I can end up with what I think of as airline gold – an entire row to myself. Book in the middle section – that way you’ll get four seats instead of three if that magic happens… and if it doesn’t, there will only be one passenger climbing over you to use the loo.

Preferred seat? Check.

3. And a special meal

As a hungry gal, I always think why wait for dinner when you can get served first with a special meal. I usually get the vegetarian option. Downside? You’ll have often finished eating before your seat mate has even been served, meaning you may have to sit with your in-flight detritus for a long time, so get comfy with it.

Plan ahead with a pre-booked meal.

4. Always bring a water bottle

Look, I don’t subscribe to the no alcohol rule on planes – simply because I love a mini bottle of gin and a nice French red with dinner. TBH I figure I’ve paid for it, I should enjoy it. BUT. I do subscribe to the rule that being hydrated is key – it helps with jetlag because dehydration can worsen symptoms, plus you will feel better and your skin will look better. Don’t make a grab for those tiny Mount Franklins on board, though – bring a proper big girl’s bottle and ask nicely if the flight attendants will refill it.

Bring a bottle and refill it.

5. Meditation apps for the win

Even though I’ve flown a lot, I still sometimes get that “how is this huge metal tube held up in mid-air?” existential panic, often halfway through a long-haul flight, usually two wines in and always when my eyes are hanging out of my head thanks to the bone-dry air in the cabin. The Calm App and its downloadable content can put a stop to the spiral. Also, Calm means you can download Harry Styles telling a sleep story, which is super cute, but any meditation app will do.

Download some meditation apps before you go.

Originally published as 5 tips for long-haul flying that actually work