Our 11 Essential Long Flight Tips

What is the longest flight you have endured? 10 hours? 12? Did you know that currently, the longest non-stop flight in the world is from Doha, Qatar to Auckland, New Zealand and it takes 16 hours and 10 minutes to travel 9,032 miles?! While we haven’t been on a flight this long, Berty and I travel quite a bit and we have figure out a kind of “airport routine” that works for us. Berty and I have annual trips to Indonesia to visit family, so we are not new to 10+ hour gallivants on an airplane! If you are finding yourself on a plane soon, we’ve got you covered with long flight tips that has worked for us time and time again. Enjoy!

 

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11 Essential Long Flight Tips 

 

1. Hurry Up And Wait

Berty would be fine getting to the airport minutes before we board, but I’m an anxious flyer. For international flights we arrive at least 2 hours before leaving, so that we can handle any hiccups with luggage, passports, or anything else. Additionally, with layovers, after exiting the plane, I like to find our gate number before we eat, go pee, anything. That way if we are rushed for time, we at least know where we are going.

2. Be Gracious To Your Travel Buddies

Sometimes being tired and hungry can bring out the worst in people. Watch out for one another, and be patient – especially with newbie travelers. Also, be honest when you need a break yourself too – it’s okay to not speak to anyone for a while!

READ MORE: 6 Things To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed

3. Pack A Comfy, Cozy Layer/Scarf

When I was traveling in India, I was inseparable from my dupatta. (Don’t worry, I already googled it for you here) 🙂 It acted as an instant blanket on cold flights and folded up for a makeshift pillow. Bring a lightweight comfy cardigan, sweater, or scarf to use on those chilly airplanes!

4. Back Up All Your Electronics

This is super important. Always make sure your precious photos are stored away permanently at home. No matter how careful you are, things get stolen/lost all the time. This is an especially important tip from Berty because he has many weddings and engagement shoots on computers and hard drives that NEED to be secured in a safe place!

READ MORE: 9 Ways To Keep Your Tech Safe Abroad

5. Drink Lots Of Water

Drinking water can make such a difference when you arrive at your destination! Keeping hydrated, you will feel much more refreshed, and keep your immune system in check. Once you’re on the plane, scope out the bathroom nearest to your seat. I’d rather be that person that goes to the bathroom 5 times per flight (okay, I’m exaggerating a little) than the person tired and dehydrated when we arrive in paradise.

READ MORE: Genius Tips On How To Beat Jet Lag

6. Bring A Paper Copy Of Your Passport/Visa And Make Sure Immigration Stamps It

If you lose your passport in transit, a paper one can help you when you talk to your embassy. Also, when you are standing in the immigration line at the airport, MAKE SURE they stamp that you come in the country AND leave. When Berty and I went to Peru last year, I didn’t have a stamp showing I came into Peru. They must have forgotten to stamp it, and I didn’t know any better to check. We caught a lot of grief from Immigration as we were leaving and I don’t want you guys to go through that either!

7. Listen To Podcasts / Bring You Own Headphones

I’ve recently become a podcast lover. My favorite is Young House Love Has a Podcast, but I’ve heard Serial is good too, I want to check that one out. Podcasts are good when you’re sick of your Spotify playlists and the movies suck. On the headphones note: your pair is alway 10x more comfortable than the free airline pair. Also podcasts/headphones combo is great for waiting in airports during layovers.

8. Bring A Neck Pillow

Berty swears by them. He says you can double up the airline pillow and your neck pillow for an extra comfy sleep on the plane. Even though sleeping on an airplane isn’t the best situation for a good night’s rest, bringing a pillow can make a tiny difference in how you feel arriving at your destination.

9. Traveling Alone? Go Online And Pick The Aisle Seat Before You Go

Lots of airlines let you edit your ticket and choose your seat if you buy it early enough. An aisle seat give you easy access to walking breaks and the bathroom. This way you don’t have to ask a stranger to get up every time you want to move around.

10. Bring A Change Of Clothes And Toothbrush/Toothpaste

I personally like to freshen up after getting off each plane. It helps my body reset and feel like I won’t kill the person next to me with my stench. Make sure to bring a travel sized toothbrush, and tiny toothpaste for easy stowing and accessibility.

READ MORE: How To Avoid Overpacking

11. Wear Shoes/Jacket You Can Easily Take On And Off

Security lines can be rough. To get out of there ASAP, take off your shoes and jacket, and put all things in your carry-on BEFORE you get to the conveyor belt. You’ll get through the line in no time!

It was kind of tricky packing for a long flight/short trip with just a carry-on in the winter time! Find out how we did it successfully (with all those bulky layers and long flights) in just a carry-on each to Paris, France this past January!

 

Did we miss anything? Let us know how you survive long flights. Comment below!

 

Thanks for reading!
Love,

 

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5 Comments

  1. These tips are spot on girly! I hands-down agree with that scarf/pashmina/dupatta trick. I always bring a scarf for warmth and a makeshift pillow.

    Here are a few of my add-ons:

    1. Maxi dresses will forever and always be my go-to flight outfit. You limit the amount of items/belts/layers you have to deal with in the security line and I swear it feels like a cozy blanket on the flight itself. So comfy!

    2. I always pre-assess how many bins I’ll need before I even get to the conveyor belt. I count my bags, shoes, and laptops that need a spot so I’m not fumbling when I get there.

    3. I usually wear a jacket with a zipper pocket to store my boarding pass and ID. That way I don’t have to hunt for my wallet every time I need to access it. It’s just right there on my person!

    4. For long flights I always pack snacks. As a girl with an insane metabolism and weird propensity to get INSTA-HUNGRY I always have granola bars, packaged cheese, jerky, whatever handy. I can’t stand airplane food and flying for more than a few hours can really mess with your “meal every three hours rhythm.” Besides, airport food is insane expensive. No one wants to spend that…

    1. So good Lauren! These tips are gold. I especially love the zipper pocket one – I’m always to paranoid about losing my boarding pass or ID! Love this advice 🙂

  2. I agree with Lauren regarding the leather jacket with either a zipper pocket or an internal pocket. I have a jacket with an internal pocket deep enough for my passport, phone and sunglasses.

  3. Just discovered your blog and I love everything about it ! My personal tip for long-haul flights would be to bring hand sanitizer because if you can’t move from your seat to go to the bathroom and you need to eat, it’s super helpful 🙂 xxx

    1. Hi! I am so glad you hear you like our blog! and great tip too – that’s very important for speedy trips to the bathroom!!