How to Enjoy Your Long Plane Ride

Co-authored by Amy Tan

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References

Being stuck in a small area over a long period of time can be difficult for even the most patient of people. How you transform your long haul flight from an ordeal into an enjoyable experience is a matter of preference. Some people find long flights ideal for getting work done, while others look at it as the perfect time to relax with books and movies. Whatever you prefer, with a little planning and preparation, your lengthy flight can become a pleasant part of your trip.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Ensuring a Comfortable Flight

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Get the best seat possible. Although an upgrade to business or first class isn't always financially feasible, if possible, the extra room in these parts of the plane can make your trip much more comfortable. When traveling economy, try to reserve a seat on the aisle, as this will make it easier to go for a quick walk when you're feeling restless. You'll also be able to sprawl into the aisle for some extra leg room.
- Some flyers prefer window seats. The benefit of a window seat is that you can use the side of the plane as a cozy nook in which you can sleep.
- The major drawback to window seats is the difficulty you'll face potentially crossing over two other people when going for a walk or trying to use the bathroom.^{[1]
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2
Devise ways to decrease discomfort. Airline headphones/earbuds aren't always the highest quality, so you may want to bring a pair of your own. Noise-cancelling headphones, in particular, are praised by veteran long-haul flyers, though these can be expensive. Earplugs are a good, affordable substitution for these and can be bought at most drug stores.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.}
- You might want to download some relaxing white noise tracks onto your media player to drown out other passengers or loud children.^{[3]
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- Many long flight travelers recommend wearing compression socks, especially when flying economy. They can help prevent swelling in your feet and ankles.
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3
Familiarize yourself with in-plane exercises. Keeping your blood flowing and your body engaged can prevent soreness, swelling, and discomfort. The key to these kinds of exercises is small, controlled movement done consistently over time. Even if you're only raising your toes, doing this for 10 - 20 repetitions several times over the course of your flight will help keep your body limber. Speaking of raising your toes...
- Raise your toes while sitting. Slowly raise your toes as high as you can. Do this 7 - 10 times with controlled, deliberate motion.
- Raise and twist your legs. Raise your legs as much as you can and rotate your toes in a clockwise motion. Do this 6 times, then repeat going counterclockwise.
- Bring your knees to your chest. Bring one knee as close to your chest as you can with both hands. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then repeat with your other leg. Do this 3 times.^{[4]
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4
Create an in-flight schedule. Your schedule doesn't have to be set in stone, but by plotting out your plans for your flight time you can arrange activities to prevent boring gaps during your journey. You might plan on spending the first two hours of your trip getting situated and doing some light reading. At about the third hour of your flight, complimentary beverages, including alcohol, are usually offered. You may want to skip alcoholic drinks; the cabin will already be dry, alcohol can lead to dehydration, and alcohol can also hurt your quality of sleep.^{[5]
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Research source} After that you might:
- Consider taking a nap or getting as much sleep as possible at around the five-hour mark.
- Natural sleep aids, like chamomile, Valerian root, and melatonin may help.^{[6]
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  Mayo Clinic
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- By planning a nap toward the middle of your long flight, you break up your activities so you hopefully won't get bored of in-seat entertainment.
- Think about a walk down the aisle at the eight-hour mark. This is a good opportunity to visit the restroom and freshen up with your in-flight toiletry bag.
- Enjoy your planned activities between hours eight and ten of your trip.
- Try to catch a little more rest at hour ten. You might find yourself ready for another short nap.
- Finish out the rest of your flight with planned activities. This is also a good chance for you to do your in-flight exercises.^{[9]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Having a Good Time on Your Flight

1
Brainstorm possible activities. Think about and make a list of activities you like to do in enclosed spaces, like your room, school, or office. Some common in-flight activities include reading, listening to music, watching movies, and doing homework/work. Don't forget any hobbies you might have that can be done in a seat, like drawing, knitting, playing chess, doing puzzles (like sudoku or crossword puzzles), folding origami, and so on.
- You might also want to consider meditating before your flight so you're calm and relaxed.
- A long flight might also be a good time for you to try out a new activity, especially if you find that you normally don't have free time to try something new.
2
Scope out free seats. Some long haul flights will be less crowded than others. Keep your eyes peeled when boarding and settling into your seat. If you notice some seats that look empty, call over a flight attendant and ask if you might move to those seats so you and the other passengers can have more room. Don't be shy when asking - in many cases, open seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.^{[10]
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3
Make a friend. Even if it feels awkward introducing yourself to a stranger, remember that your seat-mates are likely feeling the same thing. Being on friendly terms with those sitting next to you can make it seem less of a bother when you need to exit your row to use the restroom or go for a walk.
- To help making friends with those sitting around you, you might bring an extra snack to offer. Even if your seat-mate refuses, most people will appreciate the gesture of good will.
- You might engage your seat-mates in a game, like chess, or ask for help with a difficult puzzle.
4
Consider changing into pajamas. Routine can help put you in the mood for slumber. Even though you'll be in an enclosed, unfamiliar space on your plane, heading to the bathroom to change into nightwear/pajamas could be just the thing to help you nod off. These lightweight garments can usually be packed in your in-flight bag without taking up too much room.^{[11]
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- You might also find it easier to fall asleep if you take your shoes off and give your toes some wiggle room.
- If you're traveling for business and are wearing a suit jacket or blazer, ask a flight attendant to hang your jacket up so it doesn't get wrinkled.^{[12]
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5
Get cozy when trying to sleep. Although your space in-flight will be limited, there are still ways you can get comfortable when you're trying to drift off to sleep. If you have a window seat, you can pull the window shade down and rest your head on it. But even if you don't have a window seat, remember to recline your chair! Even a slightly backwards lean to your chair can improve your comfort levels.
- If you don't have a pillow, a balled-up jacket or scarf can do in a pinch.
- If you are trapped in a middle seat, attempt various positions to find what's most comfortable for you.
- You may find that leaning to the left or right in your reclined seat helps considerably.
- You might even be able to create a surface to lean against by wadding up extra clothing, like a sweatshirt.
- Sitting on a pillow, even one of the U-shaped variety, can help relieve pressure on your lower back.^{[13]
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6
Stay on top of charging electronics. It's easy to get distracted from maintaining the charge of your electronics, especially if, for example, you're enjoying a good movie on your tablet or laptop. Keep your chargers handy and try to keep at least one device charging at all times. This way, you'll at least have one device with a charge when the batteries on your other electronics are low on power.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.}
- Depending on the kind of plugs used in your home country, you might also want to bring a power adapter for your electronics.^{[15]
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7
Give yourself something to look forward to. If you have a book, a game, or a puzzle you're really enjoying, try not to finish it in one sitting. Take a break halfway through so you can enjoy it more later on in the flight when you'll likely be more restless and in need of something engaging. You might watch a movie, do in-flight exercises, or go do some work in between the activity you're enjoying.
- Taking a break from an enjoyable activity will also prevent you from getting burned out on it. Even the most enjoyable things, if done for too long, can become tiresome.^{[16]
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Hydrate yourself. The dry air in the cabin can steal your moisture quicker than you realize. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and can contribute to mental fog.^{[17]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the flight by drinking plenty of water.
- To prevent dehydration, you also might want to avoid diuretics. Diuretics are substances that make you have to urinate more frequently, like coffee and alcohol.^{[18]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Packing for Your Long Haul Trip

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Consider your basic needs. On many long flights, especially those over eight hours long, you'll likely end up sleeping or taking a nap. A bathroom kit is excellent for just these kinds of situations. This way, you don't have to feel like you have to worry about "dragon breath" after waking up.
- In your bathroom kit, you'll probably want to at least include a toothbrush, travel sized toothpaste, deodorant, and hand sanitizer.
- If you wear contacts, bring a case and solution so you can take them out on the plane.
- The air in the cabin of most flights can be very dry. Some travel-sized lotion and lip balm can soothe your dry skin.
- Eye drops, too, can be a lifesaver after a nap.^{[21]
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2
Prepare in-flight sleep supplies. A few hours of sleep, or better yet, a full eight hours, can cut your long haul flight down to a fraction of what it would otherwise be. Many people, however, have difficulty sleeping in airline seats or ignoring other passengers while trying to sleep. Try to anticipate things that might help you sleep better, like a sleeping mask to block light, a travel pillow, personal blanket, and ear plugs.^{[22]
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Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.}
- Before using sleep aids on your flight, do a test run to see how they affect you.^{[23]
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- Many long flights offer amenities like pillows and blankets, though they may not be the best quality.
3
Assemble your in-flight bag. Even though long many flights usually provide meal-service, there's no guarantee you'll find the food appetizing or that the amount will be enough to satisfy your hunger for the entire flight. Pack some travel-snacks approved by your airline, like dried fruit, and protein bars. Avoid nuts due to potential allergy issues had by other passengers. You'll also want to bring games, media, and other items necessary for the activities you've brainstormed.
- Prioritize snacks that you know from experience are kind to your digestion. An upset stomach on a long flight can ruin any enjoyment you might have had.^{[24]
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- Make sure you pack your chargers and potentially a power pack for charging your devices in flight.^{[25]
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- It's a good idea to bring at least one item that can't malfunction, like a book and/or some paper puzzles (sudoku, crosswords, etc.).
4
Determine your in-flight attire. You might be surprised by how the temperature in your cabin changes. At the beginning of your flight, you might feel relatively comfortable, but after getting comfortable and settling in to sleep, you might feel cold. Dress in layers so that you can ensure that you're comfortable no matter how the cabin temperature fluctuates. Prioritize loose fitting, comfortable clothing from your wardrobe.
- Scarves take up relatively little space and can be draped over your arms or legs if you get cold.^{[26]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What should you bring on a long plane ride?

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.

Amy Tan

Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

Expert Answer

Bring chapstick, hand lotion, earplugs or noise cancelling headphones, earphones for the onboard entertainment, a phone charger, hand wipes, pain medicine, a neck pillow, and a universal adapter. You can also bring some books or a handheld gaming device to occupy your time.
Question

Can we not get food in airplanes?

Community Answer

You can bring food, but you can't take any liquids unless the liquid container is 100ml or less. But you can easily take food on the plane, and if it's a long flight they'll serve food at some point.
Question

What is the best way to feel comfortable on the plane? What if I get bored?

Community Answer

If you’re bored, watch a movie, play games, read a book, listen to music, etc. You can get comfortable on the plane by bringing a blanket or a neck pillow, or an eye mask, and socks. You can buy them at the airport, though they might be more costly there.

Warnings

At certain points in your flight, you'll likely be instructed to turn off electronic devices or put these into airplane mode. Because of this, it's a good idea to also bring along a physical item to occupy your attention, like a book or puzzle.

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