7 Tips For Surviving Long International Flights

7 Tips For Surviving Long International Flights

1. Research Airlines For Surviving Your Long International Flight.

When YOU are booking your flight, research airlines. If you can choose a newer model aircraft. It will be up to date and have many options for entertainment and charging your devices. Check the food option for your flight. 

2. Select your seat wisely. 

Choosing your seat wisely is one of the most important decisions you will make. 

An aisle seat is a good option, it allows you to stand up frequently to stretch your legs and take frequent walks to the restrooms.

A window seat allows a good option for sleeping it will give you space between your seat and the window with space to rest on the window/wall.

An exit row typically will give you more legroom, but be careful, some times the exit row window seat will NOT recline.

A front of the plane seat will give you legroom and first on the plane, however, this is where passengers with young children will be placed on an international flight.

A seat on the wing of the plane is a good place, you will experience less turbulence because you are closer to the center of gravity. 

A seat in the back of the plane will assure you are the last onboarding, it will be noisier and most likely a bumpier ride. But if you are taking your chances of finding an empty seat next to you, you could stretch out your legs and use both your seat and the empty seat next to you.

If you have an option to select your seat ahead of time it is best to do so

3.  Nutrition is Important to Surviving your LONG international Flight.

Investigate what meal choices will have on your flight. Order a specialty meal (usually within 24 hours of flight). Airline specialty meals are of better quality than standard meals, and they are served first.

Purchase healthy snacks air-side(after security check-in). Aim for protein-rich snacks. Almonds, trail mix, peanut butter crackers or protein bars.

Stay hydrated, airline cabins have low humidity making the air dry. To avoid getting sick, drink slowly and regularly. Don't wait till you are thirsty and have to wait on the FREE drinks to come your way. Purchase drinks before boarding the plane, but always after the security check-ins.

4. Bring your own entertainment!!!!

Even if your flight offers entertainment, if you have your own you will be able to avoid any technical difficulty your flight might be having with the in-flight entertainment options. (The last flight I took, they were having problems with their in-flight programs loading so the only option I have was for a kid television.

Watching or listening to what YOU want to will pass this time more quickly.

Adult coloring books, games and or puzzles are an excellent option.

BRING your own comfy socks so you can ditch your shoes under your seat!

5. How to Avoid DVT on Your LONG Flight.

DVT (deep vein thrombosis) wear compression socks! We do not anyone getting a blood clot from seating to long and not having adequate circulation. 

Try in get up often walk the plane with the seat belt sign if OFF.

6. Sleeping May Help Your Long Flight Survival.

Most international flights are overnight, so your body's time clock will be ready for sleep.

You will also be fighting with the time changes as you are changing many time zones on your flight.

Wearing comfortable clothes is a HUGE part of being able to settle down for sleep in an uncomfortable seat.

The noise of the plane: background noise from the plane itself as well as from other passengers can cause stress. Having noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are helpful.

When planning to sleep you can use an eye mask, this can help with jet lag.

Jet lag is when you cross time zones faster then your body can adjust. You should change your clocks on your phones and the hands-on your watches to the time zone of your destination as quickly as possible.

Have a neck pillow: As great as a seat you have chosen for this flight, sleep in a chair is never ideal for quality sleep, a quality neck pillow simply helps.

7. A Small Cosmetic Bag Will Help Your Long Flight.

Bring in your handbag or carry-on a small bag to help you freshen up. These long international flights can really run you down. If you are expecting to hit the road running when you reach your long-awaited destination a small bag to help you freshen up will be the MOST Important item you bring.

This bag can contain: travel toothbrush/paste. cosmetics, deodorant, moisturizers, lip balm, eye drops. (All within travel size requirements)

It is also good to be able to change into a clean pair of undies and a fresh t-shirt on arrival :)

You might want to just consider upgrading your seats!!