How to survive a long, international flight in economy & on flight travel essentials
Travelling is fun. It’s my life. I like exploring exotic destinations which unfortunatly means I have to take loooong ass flights (in economy MEH). As much as I love being abroad, I don’t like spending endless hours on airplanes and airports. But we need to work with what we’ve got so therefor you need to make your travel time as comfortable as possible. The tips below really work for me.
A guide to surviving a long, international flight:
Book the right seat
Small people (like me) : make sure to book a window seat, it gives you a little more space (trust me on this) and somehow I find it more comfortable and less claustrofobic. Some companies make u pay to choose your seat, but it’s worth the extra money. You’re in economy, so everything that helps you getting more comfortable is a plus.
Tall people: you know your best spot is at the emergency exits!
If you have a connecting flight, and very little time between flights, book a seat as close to the main exit as possible. Have you noticed how LONG it takes for people to get out of a plane? This tip actually helped me several times making it on time to the gate of my connecting flight.
Wear the right clothes
I honestly couldn’t care less how I look on a flight. and neither should u. It’s all about comfort: sweatpants, hoodies, soft leggings. Basically anything that doesn’t cut of my blood circulation :)
Never understood people who get on planes wearing jeans or even suits.
Try to avoid jetlag
Yes, I know it’s impossible to avoid jetlag but small things can help like setting your watch to the local time of your destination and sleep/eat/ be awake accordingly to the new timezone you’re heading to.
Get the blood pumpin’
Once in a while ( for example when you walk over to the restroom), try working in a little work out. By this I don’t mean a full on yoga session but more like stretching your legs and moving your body so you can get the blood pumpin’ again. We don’t like blood cloths! Again, don’t mind other people watching you! Nobody cares.
Invest in an airplane foot hammock
I haven’t tried it out myself yet, but this looks pretty epic. What is it? As the name says: it’s a hammock for your feet. Hang it under your desk or the airplane tray and ajust the straps to the desired height and enjoy the trip. Suitable for all heights and especially recommended if your feet do not reach the floor when seated.
It helps with blood circulation, helps reduce leg swelling and relieves pressure off feed and knees.
You can get one on Amazon for only 16 dollars! Worth the investment, no?
You can buy it here.
Reconsider the size of your hand luggage
Bring a small bag or backpack on the plane. First of all it’s just easier to carry around and second of all you can put it underneath the seat in front of you and all your stuff is within hand reach during the entire flight.
This brings me to the next subject: things you should always bring in your hand luggage:
ON FLIGHT TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Travel pillow
yes, it can be annoying to carry this around BUT IT WILL CHANGE YOUR FLIGHT EXPERIENCE FOR THE BETTER. Can’t stress it enough. Just strap it around on the outside of you backpack. Problem solved. The little pillows they provide on the plane just won’t do it. This will actually help you get some decent sleep.
Sleeping mask & ear plugs
These two go hand in hand as far as I’m concerned. They will help you zone out. It’s a small investment and you’ll be happy to have ear plugs when there are screaming babies around you :/
Things that might help you to sleep during your flight
I’m talking about sleeping pills, melatonine etc. This might be not for everyone tho. I’m not saying you should knock yourself out with heavy sleeping pills. Please don’t.! Consult your doctor to see what would work for you. I usually take half of a very light sleeping pill and that does the trick for me. But again, don’t go self medicate and do your homework on this. Inform yourself. Also only consider taking one only on LONG flights.
Emergency clothes
I always put a spare bikini, shorts, T-shirt and flip flops in my hand luggage in case my checked-in luggage wouldn’t arrive on time at my destination (for whatever reason).
The MacGyver travel kit
Yes, I named it the The MacGyver travel kit :) It’s a small bag I put in my hand luggage that contains everything you will need on your flight:
a pen: yes, you will need it at some point, even if you think u won’t
Gum (helps your ears feel less painfull when landing)
small mirror (altho I look like the elephant man after a long flight, It still comes in handy to see if I can improve how I look LOL)
a pair of socks
moisturizer and lipbalm (your skin and lips get so dry on a plane)
Dettol tissues/wipes: anti bacterial wipes to clean your seat belts, window, tray table , tv-screen etc. The tray table is the dirtiest part of an airplane! I ALWAYS give it a good cleaning
Medication: in case you need to take some medication, don’t put it in your checked-in luggage, you never know if your bag might get lost.
Feel free to share your travel survival tips below in the comments xxx
