A practical, comfort-first guide to surviving long-haul flights. Here’s how to make long flights actually manageable.
Long flights used to absolutely wreck me.
I’m talking tears. Anxiety. Counting the hours. Wondering why I ever thought international travel was a good idea.
Fast forward to now – I’ve flown long haul more times than I can count. Paris. Singapore. India. Hong Kong. Shanghai. London. Economy. Premium economy. Overnight flights. Day flights. You name it.
Somewhere between crying on my first 17-hour flight and sleeping ten straight hours on my most recent one, I figured out what actually works for staying comfortable on a long flight.
If you’re prepping for a long-haul flight (especially in economy), let me help you avoid the chaos.
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How to Survive Long Flights
Start With the Right Clothing
Comfort starts before you even sit down.
- Slip-on shoes – easy on, easy off. Your feet will swell. It’s normal.
- Socks – always. Even if you hate socks.
- Drawstring pants – nothing tight. Nothing structured. Nothing that presses into your stomach.
- T-shirt + zip-up hoodie – planes are either freezing or weirdly warm. A zipper makes temperature changes so much easier than pulling something over your head.
If it’s not something you can nap in, don’t wear it on a long flight. I know everyone makes international travel look glamorous online with their 10-step routines and cute fits – but this is literal survival. Be realistic. If anything, wear a cute sweatsuit or loungewear set.
Skincare + Hydration (Keep It Simple)
I used to be influenced by those in-flight skincare routines. You know the ones. Ten products. Full face misting. Red lights and so much more. Very cute, but very unrealistic.
Here’s what actually works and what you will most likely have the energy for:
- Hydrate constantly. Bring a water bottle and refill whenever the flight attendants offer water.
- Electrolyte mix before and during the flight.
- Clean face + moisturizer before boarding.
- Facial wipe or makeup wipe mid-flight or after landing.
- Moisturizer again. Lip balm always.
- Hypochlorous acid spray on face, neck, and chest to help with breakouts.
- SPF if you’re flying during daylight hours.
Shower before your flight if you can. We like to shower right before heading to the airport.
Use deodorant generously and keep your outfit simple and comfortable.
For hair, I usually do two braids so I can rest my head comfortably. I also pack a hat or eye mask – I love a weighted eye mask.
Snacks Matter More Than You Think
Airplane food is unpredictable. Hunger makes everything worse. As someone who gets nauseous when hungry and then also I get hangry – I NEED to pack snacks.
Not having snacks or water packed for a flight gives me so much anxiety.
I had a mini panic attack before our recent return flight because we didn’t have enough time to stop at the shop for snacks. We ended up grabbing water and chips from the vending machine to help me calm down.
Once again, I’ve cried on long flights for multiple reasons – feeling claustrophobic, I’m crazy hungry, or I’m too tired.
Basically, when everything is not as it should be – I panic. Just let me be me. 🙂
My rule:
Protein first. Fun snacks second.
What I usually pack:
- Protein-heavy snacks
- Cheese, crackers, or simple sandwiches (Adult lunchables are perfect!)
- Yogurt snacks that meet liquid requirements, like Chobani Flipz
- Uncrustables (yes, always)
- Candy (chocolate, Skittles – whatever makes you happy)
- Crunchy snacks like Cheez-Its or Hot Cheetos
Eat something light before boarding. I don’t mean just a snack, I just mean something not greasy. Snack throughout the flight and hydrate. Don’t rely on the plane food to keep you going. Meals only come around twice on a 17-hour flight, and sometimes they might offer a snack. Pack snacks!
@julia.vaness I love to overpack my snacks!! We didn’t eat everything on the flight but they were so helpful to have for afterwards and getting to the hotel. #travelsnacks #longflightsnacks #snacksforlongflight #airplanesnacks #planesnacks ♬ original sound – Julia Vaness
Movement & Circulation (Learn From My Mistakes)
On my last long flight, I slept so deeply I didn’t stand up for 12 hours.
When I finally did? Everything hurt.
Now I always:
- Wear compression socks
- Get up every few hours – if I’m awake
- Use a footrest or step stool
- Sit on a seat cushion for lower back support and so your butt doesn’t hurt
Your body needs movement!
Sleep Hacks That Actually Work
Let’s talk about neck pillows. They don’t work.I tried them all.
Your head is too heavy. It still falls.
The thing that changed everything for me was real head support, not a pillow. I finally bought the Turtle head support (it’s more like a brace than a pillow), and it completely changed how I sleep on planes.
On my last 17-hour flight:
- I stayed up for a bit.
- Ate.
- Watched TV.
- Then slept 10 straight hours.
On the way home (15 hours):
- Slept 8 hours.
- Woke up with 3 hours left.
- Ate, edited photos, listened to an audiobook.
- Landed in a genuinely good mood.
That has never happened before.
I also:
- Try to sync sleep with the destination time (when possible)
- Use melatonin or magnesium glycinate – nothing new or heavy.
- Avoid trying new sleep meds on a plane (hard no)
Keep Your Space Clean and Organized
Planes are public transportation. People are gross. Please wipe down your seat, please!
I wipe down:
- Seat
- Headrest
- Seatbelt
- Armrests
- Window area
- Tray table (inside and out)
- Screen and remote
Everything.
I don’t store items directly in the seat pocket. If I use it at all, things stay in a separate bag. Those pockets don’t get cleaned, and it’s way too easy to forget things.
For audio:
- Over-ear headphones are best (earbuds fall between seats constantly)
- I still pack earbuds for convenience
- AirFly lets me use Bluetooth headphones with the plane’s system
Entertainment Is Non-Negotiable
Time passes faster when your brain is busy.
I always pack:
- Kindle (lighter than books, endless options)
- Headphones
- Charging cords (plus a portable charger for before/after the flight). You can’t use your portable charger during the flight, so be sure to pack a charging cord.
- Phone holder mount for watching shows
- Audiobooks
- Small projects (crosswords, knitting, editing photos)
On return flights, I love editing photos from the trip.
It’s busy work, and you have the time anyway.
Airplane Hacks for Long Flights
Long flights don’t have to be miserable. They just require intention and planning.
Once I stopped hoping the plane experience would magically be comfortable – and started packing for reality – everything changed.
I land less exhausted, less anxious, and way more ready to enjoy where I am.
If you’re prepping for a long-haul flight, take what works for you and leave the rest.
Comfort looks different for everyone.
But trust me – preparation makes all the difference.
You’ve got this.
XOXO,
Julia
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of local travel and beyond!
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