How to prepare for a long-haul flight
Spending hours and hours in the air is no easy feat. Unlike short flights, long-haul flights can be boring and stressful. Preparation is the best way to conquer the travel stress for a comfortable flying experience. Remember to have all your essentials in place before boarding the flight. Fasten your seat belts and get ready to fly stress-free.
Comfort essentials
Bringing along your cozy blanket and neck pillow can make the flight a lot more comfortable. Blankets and pillows provided by the airlines might be itchy or thin so you might be better off bringing your own. Similarly, it is recommended to carry an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones. These will help you get a good sleep on the flight.
Wear and carry comfortable clothes
It is always better to put on comfortable, relaxed clothing while going on a long-haul flight. Avoid stiff and itchy clothing. Avoid synthetic materials since they can be uncomfortable when worn for a long time. The fewer valuables you carry, the less stress you will have. Additionally, carry clothes that will keep you warm in case the inside of the airplane is too cool.
Adjusting time zone
Long travels almost always result in jet lag, especially if you're crossing several time zones. To minimize its effects, there are a few things you can do before your flight. Adjust your sleep schedule gradually before the date of your trip so that you sleep close to the time zone of the place you are visiting. Also, ensure you are mentally prepared and well-rested.
Prepare for your entertainment
Choose a form of entertainment you might use during the journey. You could depend on the airline for in-flight entertainment, or you could bring your own entertainment. Make sure you have movies, music, and ebooks downloaded to your device, as you will have no access to the internet midair. You could also carry a book, and games like mini chess, or sudoku.
Take your own snacks
Although long-haul flights offer complimentary meals for the whole journey and make every effort to be accommodating, it is a good idea to be prepared and bring some snacks in case the food offered doesn't live up to your expectations or if you have any dietary preferences. Since the air in high altitudes contains less moisture, it is recommended to hydrate yourself frequently.
