How to Survive Long Haul Flights

Living in New Zealand when your entire family lives in the UK inevitably means taking long-haul flights more often than your average. In fact, living in New Zealand full stop means taking long-haul flights often because it takes at least 3 hours to get anywhere else and most places, a lot longer!

I have flown a lot over the years and I have to say, no matter how often you fly, being on a plane for long periods of time is never enjoyable and it doesn’t really get easier. In fact, it is one of the most draining, boring and tiresome experiences you can ever go through. But sometimes it has to be done and there are ways to make it slightly more bearable, so I thought I would share my quick guide to how I survive long-haul flights:

Survive long haul flights

How I survive long-haul flights:

1. Bring a good travel pillow

This one is essential. You need a good neck pillow that makes it easier to sleep. Sleep is difficult and important for successful long-haul flying! I got a sausage style one from Kathmandu which you can find on their site HERE.

2. Wear comfy natural fibre clothing

This is key – you basically need to wear your pyjamas and have layers to deal with the temperature. There is no point trying to look your best. Being comfortable is the way to go. Natural fibres, soft cotton is best because it is breathable and when sitting in your clothes for all the time you need to be able to breathe!

3. Take noise cancelling headphones

This is another great one – don’t forget your noise cancelling headphones. The ones they give you on the flight are fine but if you get a good pair of chunky noise cancelling ones, the experience will be so much better, guaranteed. Check out Bectech for some good deals for NZ.

4. Take GOOD travel size cosmetics on the flight with you.

It pays to have some nice soap and oils on the flight with you. Not only will your skin dry through all the air conditioning on the flight and feel gross, but getting cleaned up provides you with a bit of a “pre-bed” activity. Take your favourite natural and organic products. You are not going to want to be putting chemicals on your face when you are up in the air! don’t forget that they need to be less than 100ml. I love Oh Natural for all things cosmetics.

5. Use essential oils

Similar to the former this is a great one for getting the senses back in balance. Taking a couple of essential oils to smell throughout the flight, place on your wrists or temples.

Recommended essential oils for flying would be:
Lavender
Frankincense
Tea Tree
Peppermint
Citrus Oil

Check out this blog for more information on essential oils.

6. Try to limit alcohol (until it’s impossible)

This is a tricky one, there is nothing that feels better than enjoying a couple of drinks while watching a movie on the flight but my recommendation is to save this drink only for when you are really really bored!

For the first several hours of the flight, its better avoided because it will dehydrate you and make you feel terrible. Save the boozing for when you are really losing your mind and need a little mood lifter later on, or try ti avoid it completely!

7. Take a reusable water bottle

This is essential. Everyone knows that flights are the ultimate dehydration stations so drinking plenty of water is key. The best thing to do is take your own refillable water bottle that you can ask the air hostesses to refill it when it gets low but you won’t have to constantly ask for those crappy little plastic glasses of water that they give you. I love my Kleen Kanteen bottle, in which I can have hot or cold beverages.

8. Pre-order a special meal

This is a good one. I always order a vegetarian meal on flights, not only because the food on the flight can be beyond dodgy but also because the special meals usually come ages before the non-special ones. These days there are all sorts of options for meals so check it out and it can just mean you get the meal bit out of the way much quicker.

9. Bring healthy favourite snacks

As I said, the food on flights can be truly questionable and a bit drab. So it’s a good idea to hit the supermarket before you head overseas and stock up on your favourite snacks to make sure you don’t get hungry or need something fresh. I like to take some pieces of fruit, nuts and some good snack bars.

10. Be entertainment prepared

Although some flights do have Wi-Fi these days, it really pays to be prepared with entertainment. Take books, download all your podcasts, movies and music. This is important because if you end up being the unlucky soul whose in-flight entertainment is broken you don’t want to spend the whole time bored out of your mind.

11. Choose films wisely

This is important, don’t try and watch something too difficult to enjoy! Does that make sense? I guess what I’m saying is, choose the movie that is right for your mood.

I once watched “Call me by your name” 4 times in a row on a flight because it was exactly the mood I was feeling. Whatever that means!

12. Try to walk around a lot and stretch.

Whenever you can during the flight, get up and walk around and stretch. Bend over shake your limbs and do some simple stretches. Get the blood flowing and don’t forget to do this!

13. Drain ankles between connections

This one is my absolute non-negotiable – especially if flying super long haul to the UK with a break in the middle. I am one of those people who suffer from swollen ankles after sitting for long periods of time. So, when I get to Hong Kong or Singapore or Dubai or wherever it might be, I take my shoes off, lie on the ground with my feet in the air against the wall. This isnt the most “normal” or flattering thing to do, but it is essential for me. Try it! It works.

14. Get in a “me time” head space

Whatever you do, the flight is going to happen, so your mental attitude is very important. I like to think of the flight time as some “me time” No distractions, no work, nothing to do but chill out, watch movies and have my own little cocoon in the sky for a day!

Having said that, it’s good to use the time to get down some thoughts. With no internet to distract, you can write notes on your phone of the things you want to do or remember. I wrote the notes for this blog post while on a flight!

15. Choose the best times with the right amount of connection time

This is more for before you buy your flight but spend the extra $100 for the shorter connection times. A 45 hour flight time is awful. Get the shortest possible with the least connections and spend the little bit extra!

16. Try to fly at night

Night flights are better because hopefully you can sleep the whole time and arrive fresh!

17. Take a decent size carry-on bag

I don’t know what it is about flying but I always end up with so much stuff in my carry-on bag! I set off with it neatly packed and everything I need and by the end, my stuff just multiplies. So, no longer do I take a small backpack, I take a big tote that I can get stuff in and out of easily.

For loads of great luggage check out my faves Luggage.con.nz HERE.