How to make long haul flights more comfortable

Don’t forget the noise cancelling headphones.

Long haul flights means you will be stuck in a plane cabin for hours. Yes, it is especially not great sitting in the same spot for hours, with loud passengers, which can be a toll on the body.

But it doesn’t have to be that bad. You can plan ahead and pack items and prepare your body for a considerably comfortable long haul flights. Here’s are a few tips.

Remember the necessities

Make sure to bring essential travel accessories to make your flight more comfortable, including a travel pillow, face masks, noise-canceling headphones (in case of noisy passengers), an eye mask (to get a shut-eye during the day), and layers of clothing to stay warm. Remember to buckle your seat belt over your blanket for visibility so you don’t get woken up by flight attendants when seat belt signs go off.

Book Your Tickets Early

The earlier you book your tickets, the better your chances of snagging your preferred seat. Whether it's a window seat with stunning views or an aisle seat for easy bathroom access, choosing your seat can make all the difference.

Consider Sitting in the Back

While most people scramble for seats in the front of the plane, consider sitting in the back. It may be noisier, but you could end up with an empty seat or two beside you, giving you extra space to stretch out and relax.

Try for a Free Upgrade

If you don't have the miles or the budget to upgrade, try for a free upgrade by dressing nicely, arriving early, and being polite to airline staff. You never know, you might just get lucky!

Beat Jet Lag

Jet lag is the worst. Prepare for it by adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your flight. Book a flight that arrives during the day, take advantage of stopovers, and stay well-rested before you fly. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Check in Early

Don’t take on the stress of a last minute check in, especially if youhave to go through customs and get your documents verified.  Arrive early which will give you a chance to choose your seat.

De-Stress Before You Fly

Take some time for yourself before your flight to relax and de-stress. Whether it's having a nice breakfast, going for a walk, or hitting the gym, doing something you enjoy will help you arrive at the airport feeling calm and collected.

Have a conversation

Many people dread sitting next to a chatty seatmate, but striking up a conversation with your neighbor can make the hours pass by much more quickly. You never know who you might meet or what interesting stories they might have to share.

Pack your own snacks

Think easy-to-eat, non-perishable items like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit. You don't want to be that person rustling through a noisy bag of chips in the middle of the night, but having a little something to nibble on can help you stave off hunger pangs and keep your energy levels up.