Top Survival Tips for Long Flights: Stay Comfy and Rested

Surviving (and Thriving) on Long Flights

Long-haul flights can feel like an agonizing marathon. Hours spent cramped in a metal tube soaring across oceans and continents can be energy draining. But here’s the good news: they don’t have to be a slog. With the right mindset and a few clever tricks, you can turn that 8-hour flight to Europe or 15-hour trek to Asia into a chance to unwind, recharge, so you can step off the plane ready to dive into your next adventure. 

I’ve crisscrossed the globe enough times to know that how you handle the flight sets the tone for the whole trip. So whether you’re a frequent flyer or gearing up for your first big journey, these are the ultimate travel tips for long flights that will help you stay comfy, entertained, and rested. No first-class ticket required!

Seat Selection Strategy: Why It’s Worth Paying Extra

Let’s kick things off with where you sit on a plane because, trust me, it matters more than you think. The middle seat? When I’m flying with my husband, one of us has to take it if we want to fly together but it’s the ultimate buzzkill for long-haul comfort. With the middle seat you’re boxed in, fighting for armrests, and praying your neighbors don’t need to get up every 20 minutes. Avoid the middle seat at all costs and be willing to splurge a little on your plane tickets if you have to. 

Now there’s also the classic debate between the aisle and window seat. Aisle seats give you freedom to stretch your legs or hit the bathroom without climbing over anyone, but you might get bumped by passing carts and other passengers walking past. Window seats offer a wall to lean on for sleeping and a view if you’re lucky enough to catch daylight, although you’ll be the one doing the awkward “excuse me” shuffle each time you need to get up. I personally prefer the window seat every time over aisle seats but choose what makes you the most comfortable.

Picking the Ideal Spot

For couples flying together, there are several ways to tackle who sits where. For those who are willing to sit apart from one another, snag two window seats in front and behind one another. Or, if you guys prefer aisle seats, choose those within the same row. Or if you’re like us, we just take turns with who gets the window seat and who sits in the middle (we like staying together. Plus we both get to look out the window that way.) If you’re lucky and your plane is not full, you might even score an empty row to stretch out. 

Bulkhead or exit row seats sound tempting with the extra legroom, but beware. Bulkheads often lack under-seat storage and the exit rows come with the responsibility of helping in an emergency which can mean less sleep if you’re paranoid about it. Something you can always try is SeatGuru before booking. It’s a lifesaver for scoping out aircraft layouts and dodging seats near galleys or bathrooms where traffic never stops.

What to Pack for Long Flights (Essentials You Shouldn’t Forget)

Packing smart for a long flight will set yourself up for a win before takeoff. Your carry-on is your survival kit so don’t skimp on the essentials!

Carry-On Must-Haves for a Long Flight

Noise-canceling headphones are a non-negotiable must. Period. From crying babies, the engine hum, and chatty seatmates, all of the noise vanishes with a flick of a switch with headphones. I love them because they give me a brief reprieve and help me get some introverted time despite being surrounded by people. Just be sure to bring a charger. A set of headphones or your phone dying on you mid-flight can be awful!

A solid travel pillow makes a world of difference too! For long flights, airlines like Delta give you a small pillow and blanket but you can be so much more comfortable if you plan ahead! I swear by the Cabeau Evolution for its memory foam support. They are way better than all of the flimsy U-shaped ones I’ve tried. Toss in a big soft scarf or wrap and voila, you’ve got a blanket, a pillow, or an extra layer when the plane’s AC goes rogue. Compression socks might sound like something your grandma wears, but they keep swelling at bay and your legs feeling fresh. 

A refillable water bottle comes in handy for staying hydrated. Bring an empty one through security and then fill it afterwards. This also saves you from paying for overpriced bottled water in the airport. Plus, try to purchase healthy snacks like almonds or a protein bar instead of airport junk food. While the junk food tastes delicious, it can be harder to digest, and with all of the wear and tear on your body flying and commuting for hours, you’ll need to think ahead and take care of yourself.

Back in the airplane, dry cabin air is brutal so pack a facial mist and moisturizer to keep your skin from turning into a desert. If you’re already suffering from lack of sleep and time zone changes, don’t forget to treat your skin too! Don’t skip lip balm, nail clippers, or hand cream. Your cuticles will thank you at 35,000 feet. Finally, earplugs, a sleep mask, or even just a hoodie are your tickets to shutting out the world when it’s nap time.

Pro Tip: Keep a dedicated “long-haul flight kit” packed in a small bag. Mine has saved me countless times! Grab it and go without scrambling every trip.

How to Dress for Comfort & Style on a Long Flight

Dressing for a long flight is all about balancing looking decent while feeling like you’re comfy lounging at home. Layers will be your best friend. Planes can swing from chilly to stuffy in no time, so start with a breathable base like a cotton tee then add a cozy sweater and top it with that scarf I mentioned. 

Pants-wise, skip the tight jeans and opt for loose joggers or leggings that let you move without feeling strangled. Slip-on shoes are a must for breezing through security and kicking off mid-flight but tight sneakers are a nightmare if your feet swell up when flying.

Pro Tip: Pack an extra pair of socks in your carry-on. Trust me, you don’t want to pad to the bathroom in bare feet or thin socks after someone’s spilled their soda… or worse 😬

Staying Comfortable in Economy Class

Flying economy doesn’t have to mean misery. With a few hacks, you can fake that first-class vibe. Bring a small lumbar pillow or roll up your scarf or hoodie to support your lower back (despite their intended purpose, those seats aren’t built for hours of sitting). A lightweight travel blanket beats the scratchy airline ones (which, let’s be real, probably haven’t been washed since last year). If you’re stuck with a chatty or sprawling seatmate, claim your armrest early, plant your elbow and hold your ground with a polite smile.

Pro Tip: Chat up the flight attendant nicely. They often have spare pillows or blankets stashed away, and a little kindness goes a long way.

Making the Most of Your Layovers

Layovers can be a drag or a mini bonus. It all depends on how you play it.

Short Layovers (Under 4 Hours)

With less than four hours, stick to the terminal. Hunt down quiet zones with charging stations or nap pods. Airports like Singapore’s Changi or Munich have cozy spots to recharge. If you’re hungry, skip the fast food and seek out a solid restaurant; Denver’s Root Down in DIA has killer salads and vibes. Some airports even offer free showers which I kid you not are a gift from heaven! London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is a great for a quick refresh.

Long Layovers (5+ Hours)

Got five hours or more before your connecting flight? Consider escaping the airport. In places like Amsterdam or Taipei you can zip into town and explore! For total relaxation and a promise of a real bed and hot shower, book a transit hotel close to the airport. It’s rejuvenating and helps with long travel hours.

Maximizing Airport Lounges (Free & Paid Options)

Lounges are my secret weapon for long travel days. Free access is easier than you think with credit cards with rewards or frequent flyer airline status. Paid options like Priority Pass are worth it especially for hot meals, showers, and a calm spot to unwind. Some lounges like the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow even throw in nap pods or massages.

Pro Tip: Scope out lounges with private sleep areas. It’s like a mini hotel without leaving the terminal.

Beating Jet Lag & Staying Healthy on Long Flights

Jet lag can be a genuine pain but you can outsmart it! In order to combat it, focus on hydration and sleep. Hydration can be everything so aim for a liter of water every five hours in the air. Skip the alcohol and coffee; they dehydrate you and mess with sleep. Herbal tea or plain-old water will work just fine. In the air, get up to stretch every few hours and simple ankle rolls while sitting.

Pro Tip: If possible try to adjust your sleep schedule a couple days before flying. Shift bedtime closer to your destination’s time zone. It’s a head start on beating the lag.

Keeping Yourself Entertained on a Long Flight

Sitting in one place for hours with the same walls around you can be mind numbing. But boredom doesn’t stand a chance if you prep right! Load up your phone with movies, playlists, or podcasts but make sure you do it before you take off! Plane Wi-Fi is a gamble and for my last overseas flight to Europe, I made the awful mistake of not downloading my playlists before we boarded the plane. 8 hours without music… It was brutal.  

If you like to pass the time reading, an e-reader is lighter than a stack of books and keeps you hooked for hours. I also love journaling mid-flight to pass the time. Scribbling travel plans or my thoughts gets me pumped for what’s ahead. Couples and families can pack a deck of cards for quick games like Uno.

Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps of your destination. You can plot your first moves without waiting for Wi-Fi.

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The Best In-Flight Sleep Strategies

When you fly for long enough distances, sleeping on the plane will become a necessity, yet it can be so elusive. This is what I do when I need to get some shut-eye while flying: find a comfy position (like I said, window seats let you lean and aisle seats let you stretch). And use noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask to block out the chaos. Melatonin can help too but test it at home first since some people feel groggy when taking it instead of feeling rested.

Pro Tip: Try the “backward hoodie trick.” Pull your hood over your face to cut light and muffle sound. It looks weird but it’s effective. I find myself doing it the most often when waiting in the airport on layovers.

What to Do When You Land

Hit the ground running. Literally! Stretch or walk to shake off stiffness. Sync to local time as soon as you can. Morning arrivals mean no napping so try to get some sunlight as soon as possible to help reset your clock. Also, upon arrival at your destination, drinking an electrolyte beverage like coconut water will rehydrate you better than plain H2O.

Pro Tip: Power through that first day. A short walk outside beats a nap every time!

Long Flights Don’t Have to Be Miserable!

Long flights used to wear me out but now they’re part of the fun! Prep well, stay cozy, and use the time to chill or plan and I promise you’ll land ready for everything!  Where’s your next flight headed? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

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