Sitting still is harder than it seems. Now, add a chair without much cushion, little to no elbow room or legroom, and a mandate to stay put for several hours straight. Long flights can be a recipe for achy joints and growing impatience, unless you know how to do them right.
Any flight lasting over four hours is considered a “long-haul” flight. Even if you are jetting off on an exciting adventure, sitting for that long poses challenges and can even start to get dangerous. Bottom line: Comfort isn't optional on long-haul travel; it’s essential. Fortunately, we have you covered with our best tips for long flights that help maintain your sanity and your health.
Hack 1 – How to Get an Upgraded Seat
The longer the flight, the more your seat matters. It’s always worth a try to upgrade your seat from economy to premium or business class. Using airline miles is the easiest method. Check with your individual airline soon after booking your air travel for fees to upgrade using miles or money.
You can also try schmoozing the check-in agent. Dress nicely, be friendly, and politely ask if there are open seats "up front." You may have to pay extra, but day-of upgrades often come with a discount.
Hack 2 – How to Stay Comfortable
Dress comfortably, because clothes that bind will make those long-haul journeys feel even longer. (But remember, you’re still in public.)
Pack shower wipes, a toothbrush, and other toiletries for freshening up. You'll feel much better after a quick, mid-flight refresh.
If seat upgrades aren’t available, a seat near the back of the plane may allow you to get up and move a bit more easily. At least every few hours, stand up, stretch your legs, and walk the aisle if possible. This also reduces the risk of blood clots – important if you’re seated for more than 4 hours.
Hack 3 – How to Stave Off Hunger and Dehydration
Bring your own water and pack snacks. Nuts, protein bars, and other whole-grain foods fill you up and keep you comfortable when in-flight service stops. Fresh fruit is a good option, except on some international flights.
Related: Check out our tips for traveling abroad so you know what to expect.
Hack 4 – How to Stay Entertained
As they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Bring your entertainment, rather than depending on the in-flight entertainment system, which can sometimes have issues.
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Paper and downloaded digital books can be read everywhere and anytime, unlike streamed entertainment.
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Ditto for podcasts and music, which you can enjoy even with your eyes shut.
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Activity books aren’t just for kids; crosswords, sudoku, and the like keep you thinking.
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Watch movies or shows on your devices; download them ahead of time, so you aren't dependent on WiFi.
Store devices, books, jackets, and lots more in the ultra-adaptible Travelpro® Altitude™ Medium Expandable Laptop Backpack.
Hack 5 – How to Score Better Food
Airline food doesn’t have a great reputation. The altitude and pressurized cabin can mess with our taste buds. Plus, that food also has to be cooked ahead of time, preserved, sealed, reheated, and distributed. Being nice or extra helpful to flight attendants might score you some better (or extra) food, but don’t depend on it.
Check your airline’s website for ways to reserve special in-flight meals, or plan to pack your own.
This handy 2-in-1 Travel Tote & Cooler stores dry snacks to full meals with insulation to keep items warm or cold. If temperature doesn’t matter, the Maxlite® 5 Soft Tote is an economical choice for storing dry snacks and onboard needs for easy access.
BONUS Long Flight Tip:
Long trips can feel like a mini vacation away from the pull of real life if you are well prepared. Knowing what long flight essentials to bring and packing the right gear will help keep you comfortable as you jet across the time zones to your waiting adventure.
