8 Tips to Prepare Yourself For a Long Haul Flight

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Making a long distance relationship work can require travel, lots and lots of travel! In the last 2 years alone, I’ve been to Switzerland 6 times! It’s safe to say I’ve had my fair share of preparing for long-haul flights.

Any flights that are longer than 6-7 hours are considered long-haul flights, which is quite a significant time spent up in the air in a little plane seat. Even though getting to a new destination can be exciting, being on a long international flight for over a quarter of your day can be daunting.

From prepping snacks to planning what to wear, I’ve learned a few things to keep in mind when preparing for a long international flight to make your travel day healthier, more comfortable and enjoyable.

Here are my 8 tips:

Workout.

If you can fit in a workout the day of your flight, great! It’s a perfect way to pass the time while you’re waiting to leave for the airport, and a workout will keep your blood pumping before sitting for a long time. If you have a morning flight, even doing a few laps and some light stretching near your gate at the airport can increase endorphins and be beneficial for your body. 

Stay hydrated.

Drink plenty of water leading up to your flight. Dry cabin air and the change in altitude can really have an effect on your body’s hydration, so try to go into the flight already well hydrated. I like to bring a reusable water bottle at least a litre in size on the plane, like this one. You can even take your hydration to the next level and add some electrolytes or supplements into your water. 

This company makes a product to add to your water that is tailored specifically for keeping your body hydrated and healthy during air travel. It’s full of superfood ingredients to help your body cope with changes due to being in the air, and can even help with jetlag

Skip the salt and alcohol.

It’s hard to pass up some deep-fried snacks and a glass of wine, especially if you’re starting your vacation! But excess sodium and alcohol can really take an effect on the body up in the air leading to bloating and dehydration which can make for an uncomfortable plane ride. Skip the salty foods and alcohol. If you get flight stress or anxiety, it’s even more important to avoid alcohol!

Pack some snacks.

There are usually tons of convenient and fast food options at the airport and on the plane, but these options might not always benefit your body once you’re up in the air (have I mentioned bloat 😬). Eating lots of leafy greens or high protein meals leading up to the flight, and packing snacks like unsalted nuts, dried fruit, protein bars, fresh veggies, or oatmeal packs are easy ways to eat healthier and help your body stay happy - plus, you won’t be spending your travelling dollars on a $6 mini can of Pringles (no hate to Pringles).

Pack your snacks in reusable Stasher bags for an airtight seal, and you can continue to re-use these at your destination.

Prep your in-flight entertainment.

But wait, doesn’t the airline usually have in-flight entertainment? The majority of the time, yes and there are usually very enjoyable and entertaining options! Still, it’s a good idea to download all of your favourite shows, podcasts, games, or audiobooks on your wifi at home or at your hotel. I’ve been on a flight where the inflight entertainment system was down for the entire long-haul flight, and we found this out right before boarding. Every passenger was frantically trying to download something on the spotty free airport wifi - it was not a good time.

Having some entertainment options that are available offline are also nice to have on hand to pass the time during airport hangin’, waiting at the gate, sitting on a train, etc. And don't forget to charge your devices!

Pick out some comfortable clothes.

Athleisure has got to be one of the best trends right now, not only are there very cute options but very comfortable as well. Trying to get comfy on a plane can be difficult already, so having stretchy or loungey clothes makes a difference. Think joggers, leggings, or even some sweatpants for your bottoms. A few layers on the top are great for temperature control on the plane- there’s nothing worse than being cold for the entire duration of a long international flight!

For footwear, consider shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and are easy to walk in for a fair distance (remember the airport laps?). If you’re like me and get swollen feet during flights, a wider shoe is a solid go-to.

Organize your carry-on bags.

Packing your carry-on and personal item bags in an organized way seems like a no-brainer, but being mindful of creating “homes” for all of the items you’ll need at the airport or on the plane can make your journey less stressful. Using small packing cubes or zippered bags to organize your belongings makes it easier to find things, especially if your flight is at night. You don’t want to find yourself digging through your bag looking for hand sanitizer and a new face mask in semi-darkness, or having that moment of panic wondering which pocket you put your passport in after security.

These zippered cosmetic pouches can be a good start to your bag organization!

Choose your seat, and check for upgrades

Preparing for a long-haul flight isn’t just about prepping your body! Making sure you’re checked in and you've snagged your desired spot and seat on the plane can set you up for an enjoyable flight. You can even check out last-minute seat upgrades, lounge access, and other in-flight deals that come up the day before your flight that can really make your journey even better. 

I hope you’ve found at least one helpful tip! What do you do to prep yourself for long-haul flights, or any flights for that matter? Let me know in the comments below!

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