Flying, whether it be a short or long haul flight, isn’t for everyone. 40% of the US population report some degree of fear towards flying – although only 2.5% have a clinical phobia, according to the Washington Post. The rest of the population probably doesn’t jump up for joy at the thought of flying, but for someone with wanderlust, flying is sometimes the only option. Long haul flying physically and literally takes time from your life, so this is your personal long-haul survival kit.
Pre-Flight Prepping
The longevity of a long-haul flight begins long before you board the plane. To get the best out of your long-haul flight, you need to prep weeks in advance. No, we don’t mean practicing sitting in one spot for hours to prepare your behind for the flight. Pre-flight prepping should begin by picking your seat well in advance.
Most airlines offer free seat selections if the selection is made within 72 hours of the departure time – one airline that provides this is Emirates. Seat choice gives you the chance to pick an aisle seat for more legroom or a window seat if you love gazing out the window. The fee for early seat selection is extortionate, considering they could offer you that same seat for free if nobody else chooses it, but an essential luxury if you want comfort on your long-haul flight. The average cost of early seat selections depends on the seat you choose, but typically, budget between $10-30 per seat.
Another top tip is to make your journey as relaxed as possible. Pre-flight stress before a long-haul flight sets you up for disaster. The most stressful experience, for most, is the airport. Parking nightmares, security queues, baggage drop-offs – a lot is going on.
Pre Booking parking is a must. Not only does it save you money, but you’ll also know exactly where to go when you get to the airport. As for security and baggage drop-offs, most airports offer a fast pass that might be worth investing in if the queues are stressful for you. For the rest of your time at the airport, see if your departure airport has a lounge with unlimited food and drinks. Nothing like unlimited gin and tonics to take the edge off a long-haul flight!
Passing The Time
Now comes the part that everyone dreads. You’ll find that on the way to your destination, the flight passes by much quicker, thanks to unrelenting excitement. The way home is a different story. Without the fuel of excitement to light your fire, minutes seem like hours, and hours seem like days.
When you’re all out of movies, you need something extra to see you through.
Most modern long-haul flights have inflight internet access (for a fee, of course!). If you have internet access, gaming is one of the best ways of passing the time, particularly in online casinos. From jungle giant slot games to live poker rooms, there are endless games to keep you occupied. Plus, there’s more of a thrill if you’re playing for money, so you’re more likely to play for longer.
Podcasts and audiobooks are another great way to pass the time, perfect if you don’t enjoy reading. According to Statista, 57% of people listen to audio podcasts. They’re enriching, interesting, and a great way to kill a few hours of a long-haul flight. Check out Spotify and Buzzsprout to see the thousands of podcasts now active covering every topic you can think of.
Jet Lag Prevention
Long-haul flights typically mean impending jet lag that can hit you like a ton of bricks. Jet lag is essentially your natural body clock going out of sync. Everything from your toilet habits to your sleeping pattern gets thrown out of order. There are, thankfully, some key things you can do to prevent jet lag from striking. There isn’t much you can do in the way of preparing before your flight, but you can ensure you’re hydrated.
Air travel naturally dehydrates because of the lack of moisture in the air. The more hydrated you are, the more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to fall to sleep. Sleep is the key to preventing jet lag. The best long-haul flight times are ones that start in the evening, so you’re naturally more likely to fall to sleep. Seat choice will also play a part. The more room you have to spread your legs and get comfy, the more likely you will sleep.
Experts also recommend attempting to adjust to the time zone of your destination before you travel. The closer you are to the same sleeping pattern as to when you land, the easier it is to adjust. If you can’t do that, experts also recommend getting as much rest as possible in the days leading up to the flight.
There is no escaping long-haul flights if you want to travel to far-flung destinations worldwide. Long-haul flights are a necessary evil – a means to an end – if you will. But that doesn’t make the destination arrive quicker. Utilize the tips above to make your long-haul flight a breeze.