Post Last Modified – April 14, 2021
Surviving Those Long Haul Flights In Economy Class
For the majority of us flying these days, we have to endure the ever increasingly uncomfortable option of economy class. So after a few long distance flights in the last couple of years, Ive put together a few tips along with this colorful infographic on Surviving Long Haul Flights.
With these tips, it just might make your next long distance flight a little more bearable!
A couple of seasons ago, I took the longest non-stop flight ever, and survived the flight in economy class surprisingly well. The flight was 13 1/2 hours in length from Vancouver BC to New Delhi India.
It was a long one for sure!
Tips On Surviving Your Next Long Haul Flight In Economy
What To Do Before You Travel
Surviving Long Haul Flights Tip #1
First and foremost when flying economy class, is getting a seat that you are going to be reasonably happy with! If Im flying economy class, which is usually all the time, Im most definitely going to pay the little extra for advanced seat selection.
I always prefer an aisle seat and I like to be as close to the front of the aircraft as possible. This is a matter of personal preference and what suits you best!
I like to get up and out of my seat a lot! I need to stretch, use the toilet and just get out of that seat when ever I want! I dont want to have to ask those seated next to me to move for me each time, especially on long flights where they may be sleeping more often than not.
I also like the open space and not that cramped feeling of a middle or window seat. This is my preference only, but unless you dont mind a middle seat, then its always a good idea to take advantage of advance seat selection.
While on this subject, be sure to check out my latest post on 💺 Reclining Economy Seats, one hot topic that has stirred a lot of controversy lately!
Just one of my pet travel peeves! I hate having that seat in front of me in full recline mode, especially if there’s a television screen attached for me to watch.
What To Bring On Board
Surviving Long Haul Flights Tip #2
The infographic below suggests certain items that you may want to consider bringing on the plane with you that can definitely come in handy. Like a water bottle, something to read, toiletries, eye mask and so on.
My small carry on is full of goodies for those long flights. For example;
Healthy Snacks … Water Bottle … Neck Pillow … Toiletry Bag … Book … Earplugs
You get the idea!
A Guide To Surviving Those Long Haul Flights
What I recently received and used on our last long haul flight and now cant do without on any flight over 5 hours, is a travel neck pillow. I used to wonder what the big deal was about them until I actually used one on our last flight from Vancouver to Vietnam.
You can actually relax your neck and be quite comfortable and for the first time that I can recall, I fell asleep on an airplane! I have a 😎 Natural Latex Neck Travel Pillow and now I never leave home without it!
I also carry Ear Plugs all the time on long flights for escaping noisy passengers and crying babies, as well as to assist in trying to sleep. They do work wonders!
The other item we always carry on all flights is a water bottle with filter inside. Its very important to keep well hydrated with water on long flights. I dont want to keep asking the flight attendant to bring me a small glass of water every hour.
Be sure to check out my latest post on 🍍 Healthy Plane Travel Tips & Infographic, offering some important tips on staying healthy on your flights.
Food & Beverages On Long Haul Flights
Surviving Long Haul Flights Tip #3
For those of us who fly frequently and in Economy Class, know how dreadful most meals have become on planes. So, a good choice for meals and to make you feel a little better, is to opt for a vegetarian more healthy meal choice.
This is when your meals are included flights, which is the case on most long haul journeys.
Eating a stuffy greasy meal will only make you feel lousy and restless, but is unhealthy to boot! We always pack light snacks in our carry on and for the most part (with a few exceptions), are healthy snacks. Granola bars, healthy cookies, mixed nuts and such.
Fruit may or may not be taken from you at security depending on where you are and traveling to. We have gotten away with bananas and apples on previous flights.
Coffee, tea and soda beverages are a not recommended. Fine if you dont plan on grabbing some shut eye on the flight, but if you do, the caffeine will not help when trying to fall asleep.
Herbal tea or hot water is always a good choice!
Toiletries & Medication
Surviving Long Haul Flights Tip #4
I have a small pouch in my carry on where I keep things that I may need on a flight. I always pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, ibuprofen for aches and pains, tums for the tummy and on long flights,
I’ve lately been trying melatonin for sleep and jet lag.
Im not one for taking medication, but on our last long flight I did try melatonin, and it did seem to help for sleep on the aircraft. My wife and I didn’t experience any jet lag whatsoever as well.
For those of us who wear prescription eye wear, always pack an extra pair in your carry on and not in your checked luggage for obvious reasons. You may need the pair on the plane and theres less chance of you losing your carry – on bag thats with you.
There you have it, just a few tips to help make your long haul flight more bearable for those of us that are stuck in economy and can only dream of flying first class!
Thanks to Netflights and sources for putting this colorful infographic chart together on a guide to getting through your first long haul flight.
Safe and Healthy Travels!
✨ Did You Know
Your thoughts are Always Welcome in the Comment Box Below. As well, if you enjoyed reading this post, please do share it with others by scrolling down ↓ to your favorite Social Media Button ↓.
✈ Airplane Travel Tips & Etiquette – Air Travel
🧳 Beware Of In Flight Theft – On Your Next Flight
📖 Airline Reservations & Flight Restrictions – Travel Tips
Don’t Forget It … Be Sure To Pin It!
2021, All Rights Reserved gr8traveltips.com
