Long-haul flights require more preparation than short-haul flights, especially if you're temporarily away or traveling overseas. Preparation is key to enjoying a comfortable flight experience and to ensuring that you arrive at your destination with everything you need, knowing that you left home well. Along with a sense of humor and stamina, not only will good preparation help you to lighten your load from your journey from home to the airport and survive the long flight, but the many ways you have prepared to enjoy the trip will be even better!
Step
Part 1 of 5: Preparing for Comfort
Step 1. Bring blankets and pillows
Bring a soft blanket and your pillow or neck pillow can make your flight more comfortable. While some airlines offer small pillows and blankets, you may find it better to bring your own. you can find a set of pillows and blankets that are neatly arranged and will not cause a heavy burden to carry. You can even buy them at the airport, so you don't have to carry them through security detectors, although they will cost a lot more.
If you have a blanket and it's void, you won't have to worry about getting warm or experiencing tight neck muscles
Step 2. Bring tissues
This will help you keep your hands clean and clean your table. You don't want to have a dirty or sticky table after you eat, or this will cause pain during the flight. The use of tissue also helps you not to get up and go to wash your hands every time you eat.
Step 3. Bring an eye mask
Although some airlines provide it, especially for long-haul flights, there is no guarantee. Having an eye mask will help you fall asleep and rest your eyes. Even though the inflight lights will dim on night flights, you still want additional protection for your eyes.
Step 4. Bring earplugs or headphones
It can also help you drown out the in-flight sound when you're trying to rest. You may be around a crying child or two people who talk non-stop and you want to protect yourself. What's more, some airlines offer earplugs, but it's best not to expect them. Headphones are bigger than earplugs, can silence the world around you, and bring peace and quiet.
Listening to music on your iPod, if you bring headphones to listen to music, can also help you reduce the noise around you
Step 5. Wear and carry comfortable clothes
Think convenience on international flights. Don't wear clothes that are stiff, thick, and tight – you'll regret wearing them. Wear loose clothing, which is easy to clean. Avoid overheated synthetic materials and expensive labels that can attract unwanted attention. Avoid wearing unnecessary clothing, such as jewelry, belts, and boots that will keep you stuck at security checks and attract pickpockets on some travel destinations. Remember that the less valuables you carry, the less anxious you will be. Here are some clothing tips to bring with you to make your long-haul flight more comfortable:
- Bring clothes that will keep you warm when it's cold on the plane. Some flights manage to get quite chilly, so make sure you bring a scarf, or even a knit hat to warm you up if that happens.
- Use several layers of clothing. Make sure you wear a tank top or t-shirt inside a long-sleeved shirt or sweater. Planes can also get very hot during takeoff and landing, and you don't want to be trapped in heavy clothing with no layers of clothing underneath.
- Bring socks. Socks can help keep your feet warmer if you wear sandals, and they can also be substitutes for shoes to keep your feet comfortable in flight.
- You're better off wearing leggings, sweat-wicking pants, or loose-fitting pants instead of tights or jeans to keep your feet comfortable.
- If you get the chance to leave the plane and explore the city you're in, then bring a change of clothes in the suitcase you brought with you.
- Silk long underwear is very light, doesn't take up space, and is great if you're going to a colder climate and don't want to buy new clothes. wear a black cashmere sweater as much as two layers.
Step 6. Bring a small toothbrush and toothpaste
If you are a person who has to brush your teeth after eating or if you want to avoid that dirty feeling in your mouth from “not brushing your teeth”, then equip yourself with a small toothbrush and toothpaste on board. While brushing your teeth in a tiny airplane bathroom isn't easy, it's better than having a stinky mouth.
Step 7. Bring chewing gum
You can also bring some gum with you to keep your teeth fresh, if this is easier. Not only will this freshen your breath, but you can chew gum as the plane takes off and lands to avoid buzzing in your ears due to the rapid changes in pressure.
Part 2 of 5: Preparing for Entertainment
Step 1. Decide what electronic devices you will use for entertainment during the trip
There are two approaches. First, leave it all up to the airlines (be sure to check what they have to offer) and travel light. Another approach is to take your entertainment with you because you don't trust the offers provided by the airlines. Be aware of maximum loads and the more items you carry, the greater your anxiety about losing, damaging or stealing them. It also means less room in your bag to bring home souvenirs and memories from where you're traveling.
- On the other hand, some items will be carried on hand “during” the journey and not just on the plane (for example, an iPod or eReader), so letting them do double duty is the best option.
- Another thing to consider, if you want to pay to watch movies as entertainment on the go, these can get quite expensive. While this is provided by some airlines, you should look into the flight policies. You're probably better off buying a movie on iTunes and watching it on your iPad or computer (although the volume may be lower than a movie on an airplane) for $3 to 4 instead of paying $10 or more to see a movie on an airplane. If you choose a movie early, you will have many options to choose from.
Step 2. Bring your electronic devices
Devices you might consider bringing on board include an iPod for music and audio books, a laptop or iPad for writing and reading (and exploring on your journey), a portable DVD player (though these are quite large and hotel rooms have them) or portable game machines, such as Nintendo DS or PSP. Each device has its positives and negatives that you can consider. If you go on vacation, however, you'll want to leave your laptop or any device that reminds you of work at home.
- Bring your cell phone; You may need it on a trip and even if it cannot be used on board, it is best to carry it with you for safety. Keep in mind that many new airlines provide in-flight entertainment.
- And if you bring a laptop or iPod, make sure the battery is fully charged. Based on the length of the flight, you may consider using a spare battery to keep the batteries in all your electronic devices fully charged if there is no power available on board.
Step 3. Bring reading material
If you haven't read the novel or the news yet, this is your chance. don't forget that you can bring the magazines available at the airport before the plane takes off and if you can finish to read all the magazines on the flight you won't have to bring them back down! If you have an eReader, you may prefer to take one with you as it can store a lot of novels or other reading material, including guides that tell you where to go. here are some forms of reading material that you can bring:
- Novels (bring more than one to prevent boredom)
- Celebrity gossip magazines, like Us Weekly
- Top magazines, such as The New Yorker, The Economist, or TIME
- newspaper
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Material to read at school or work
If you enjoy writing, you can bring writing materials, such as journals, laptops, or articles that you prepared. This can be a great time to write
Step 4. Bring up the game
Whether you're traveling with friends or hoping to make friends with someone sitting next to you, bringing some games with you is a great way to keep you entertained. You can bring dice, cards, or some small games like Sorry! or a magnetic chessboard. If you are traveling with someone, make sure that the game brought is a game of their choice.
- You can also bring a booklet so you can play games like “MASH” or Hangman with others.
- You can prepare some easy games that only need you to talk. For example, you can play “Geography”: all you do is say the name of the country or city; after that your partner must say the name of the country or city starting with the last letter of the country or city you say; then you do the same thing, and you take turns until one person can't think to say or repeat the country or city already mentioned.
- You can also bring a Mad Libs book with you to keep you and your friends or companions entertained.
Step 5. Bring the puzzle
Another way to keep yourself entertained, especially if you're alone, is to bring along a jigsaw, Sudoku, or other puzzle book. You can just watch the puzzle whenever you want and feel it without thinking about the flight time. The more difficult levels will take from 2 to more hours to complete, and you will see the time go by quickly as you do the work.
You can also bring a MENSA brain teaser book, which is a combination of word puzzles, numbers, or other challenges
Step 6. Charge all electronic devices before flight
This is essential if you want to use it as entertainment during your long journey. While you may be lucky and sit in the part of the aisle that has an exit, this is not always the case. You should also “make sure to put your charger in the bag you carry”! It's so easy to leave the charger at home and ruin your vacation by wailing. Use an international sim card, phone card or an easy-to-carry USB connector.
- If you're really desperate to charge one of your electronic devices, flight attendants will do it in the back of the plane, but don't expect it.
- Most airlines today allow you to charge the electronic devices on board. Take a look at seatguru.com and look for different options.
Part 3 of 5: Maintaining Health on the Plane
Step 1. Bring healthy snacks
Snacks take care of your boredom during the flight and help you deal with unexpected hunger pangs. If you're on a strict diet or just want to eat snacks without paying $5 for a small bag of Pop Chips or Chex Mix, then bring your own snacks. it will also make it easier for you when you want to eat it, rather than waiting for the flight attendant to come. Here are some snacks that won't spill and will make you feel full and boost your energy:
- Apple
- Trail mix
- Almonds, cashews or pistachios
- Granola bar (as long as it doesn't have a lot of spice)
- Yogurt with raisins
- Salty pastries
- Dried mango or banana
Step 2. Prepare yourself to drink lots of water
Traveling by plane can be dehydrating, so bring plenty of water and drink. While you can't bring bottled water through security, you can buy one near the airport before you take off. You should also take every opportunity to get a glass of water, because you don't know when the flight attendant will be back. Of course, you can usually ask for water in the rear of the plane or even press the “call” button, but it's much easier to receive water when the flight attendant arrives.
Of course, while it's very important to drink water, you also don't want to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes to pee, especially if you're sitting by the window and afraid of disturbing the comfort of others in your row. Find a balance between staying hydrated and not filling your bladder feeling full during the ride. Remember it's more important, though, to be hydrated with a full bladder than to be dehydrated and not urinate
Step 3. Bring eye drops if your eyes tend to be dry
Eye drops help prevent your eyes from drying out during flights. While eye drops are not mandatory, they can be of great help if you experience the dry eyes that most people usually experience during flights. It can be an uncomfortable condition if you notice that your eyes start to dry out in the first hour of the 10-hour flight and there's nothing you can do about it.
Make sure that your eye drop bottle is small so you can take it on the plane and through security without any problems
Step 4. Stay active on the plane
According to the National Institute of Health, there is a small risk of causing blockage of the arteries on long flights of more than 4 hours. Staying active will help prevent clogged arteries. You should try to walk down the aisle as much as you can, move, flex, and stretch your legs to keep blood flowing, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Here are some other things you can do:
- Drink one day before the flight and during the flight
- Wear compression stockings to keep your feet from swelling if you are at risk (talk to your doctor about risk factors)
- Avoid consuming alcohol the night before or during the flight as this will dehydrate you. This also applies to coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate.
- Take small doses of aspirin the night before and the day of your flight if you don't have stomach problems.
- Try to get an aisle seat so you can easily walk on the plane.
Step 5. Bring any medications you may need
Bring anti-nausea medication, painkillers, sleeping pills, or general medication with you on the plane so you don't find yourself in need of medication mid-flight. Make sure that you take your general medications and medications you usually take for pain relief in case you have a headache, neck pain, or other pain.
If you're thinking of bringing sleeping pills to help you sleep during a night flight, make sure you try that first. You don't want to try it the first time on your flight and end up with an unpleasant experience during the flight and after you land
Part 4 of 5: Make the Most Convenient Flight Arrangements
Step 1. Decide which flight you will use
You need to know which flights are available to your destination and the price has to be “right”. However, another thing you should consider when booking a long flight by plane is how the comfort of the plane can prove. Some flights offer more legroom than others and this is an important consideration for long flights; do your research and read advertisements, and check other people's opinions on online travel or airline forums.
- Do a check on what entertainment the airline has to offer. Most new airlines offer individual monitors behind each seat in front of you so you don't have to look up and watch an old movie with someone else's head in front of you. Some airlines, such as Swiss Air, Virgin Atlantic, and Jet Blue, tend to have individual monitors for entertainment.
- Individual entertainment today is complemented by many movies, news, documentaries and so on. Options, such as radio, music and games, can be played using the equipment in your seat.
Step 2. Choose a comfortable seat early
Even if someone is sitting in the middle seat, you should do what you can to sit where you want. First, you'd better find the seat you want, in the aisle or the window. Sitting in the aisle may be most comfortable if you are taking a long flight because you have little space in the aisle and can easily stretch your legs or use the restroom without disturbing the comfort of others; however some people prefer to sit by the window because it is easier to rest, and can see the outside view. Whichever you choose, here are some pointers for choosing your seat:
- Most airlines ask you to select a seat when you book a flight ticket. Don't overlook this important aspect of booking tickets, even if you're in a hurry.
- If you don't choose your seat online, try to select it when you check in, or even when you're at the plane door. While your flight may be full and you may not be able to swap seats, it's worth trying.
- You can try to sit in the front so that you get in and out of the plane early. Sitting at the back is an option not far from the bathroom.
- You should try to get a seat in the row near the exit, so you get more legroom.
- Try to avoid seating "at the front" of the row close to the exit. Some of the seats cannot be reclined!
- You should also avoid sitting at the very back of the plane. Now just sitting in the back row not only can not lie down, but they are also close to the bathroom, so it will give rise to an unpleasant odor.
Step 3. If you have small children, make sure to arrange a proper seat for them
While it is cheaper to carry a “baby in lap” (a small child who does not have a seat and only sits on the lap during the flight), it will be unsafe as the baby has his or her own seat (most airlines recommend that you use a seat that has a separate seat). detachable in flight). What's more, you will not be allowed to carry your child on long international flights.
Step 4. Beware of choosing a tight connecting flight after a long flight
If you're going from San Francisco to Paris, an hour-long stopover in Brussels might be tempting, but you should make sure to give yourself a minimum of two or three hours between connecting flights if you want to make sure you're on your next flight. If you're traveling internationally, you'll have to go through passport and other security checks that take a lot of time, not to mention looking for unfamiliar airport terminals. If you want your flight to be stress-free, choose a connecting flight that gives you enough time to make a second flight.
Step 5. Check on the availability of business class mattresses
If you can get a few hours of sleep, this will be a bonus as you can arrive refreshed and possibly overcome jet lag more quickly. The downside is the cost; although you can take the opportunity to change using frequent flier miles or points and maybe even find deals online for business class travel. It can be worth doing in-depth research into your choice or paying for extra convenience – and you won't know if you don't try!
Step 6. Check for in-flight food options
Most airlines offer a large menu for international and long trips. However, you "have" to order things in an unconventional way and it's wise to check 24 hours before you travel, just to make sure that the food you order is recorded. It can be very stressful to take a long flight and realize you don't have food because they don't take orders!
Step 7. Prepare medical equipment in advance
Contact the airline if you have certain dietary intake, access (e.g., wheelchair or walker) or other issues that require double-checking. This is either done 24 hours or 12 hours before departure. Make sure that you have the medicines you need and bring a prescription with you. This is very important just in case you experience health complications.
If you are prone to airsickness, you can also take anti-nausea medication or ginger candy that helps you feel healthy during the flight; but it is very important to read the instructions on the medication, you should take anti-nausea medication two hours before the flight
Step 8. Check for restrictions “before” your luggage is wrapped and taken to the airport
Losing your favorite penknife because you wrapped it up and carried it in your handbag instead of the trunk is no fun. What's more, many items are prohibited, which can be easily found by checking airport or airline websites, or you can look on the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) website for worldwide information.
Be aware of weight and baggage size restrictions. This is more painful for your wallet than losing the penknife is the added cost of an overweight bag! If your handbag is too big and full, fix it from the start. Take a look at how to prevent extra charges for baggage for your information
Part 5 of 5: Preparation Before You Travel
Step 1. Sleep well before traveling
While you may convince yourself that you will “sleep on the plane”, this is not always a guarantee because you may feel uncomfortable or other passengers in the back seat are very noisy. Therefore, "starting" the flight feeling tired can expose you to illness. Long periods of time in an airplane environment can expose you to colds, flu, and all sorts of other people's illnesses that you can beat if you're in good health. It is also very important for parents and children to get a good night's sleep before a long journey, to prevent nervous tension, crying, and frustration.
Step 2. If you have an apparent disease, be prepared to prove that it is not contagious
If you have an illness such as chickenpox or a severe flu, ask for a doctor's certificate that you are allowed to fly (that is, that your illness “will not” be contagious). You may be prevented from joining the flight if the airline sees your illness as contagious. It's also important to get a prescription or letter if you are carrying medicines, to prevent additional costs for medicines due to misunderstanding of purpose. Read about How to travel with drugs.
Step 3. Check the weather conditions at your destination
This will help you to get everything ready in full and will help you to dress appropriately on the plane. It's very uncomfortable to walk from a plane, cold environment to humid environment when you're still wearing a heavy knit sweater and you forget to wear a short sleeved t-shirt inside! The same thing happens when you enter a colder environment after being in a warmer one; always wear a jacket in case you have to walk to the terminal; it's no fun if you're wearing a t-shirt and sandals when it's snowing and the wind is blowing hard.
Step 4. Prepare all the travel documents you need
Do check that the passport is not within the grace period. Some countries require a minimum of 6 months of valid passport to prevent passport expiry during travel, so you don't get trapped. Here are some considerations you can make when you get all the flight documents:
- Arrange for the required visas before the trip. It's much easier to do this "before" you leave another country than it is to have to stand at an international airport worrying that they won't let you go.
- Arrange some overseas money, traveler's checks and credit/debit cards for overseas trips. Speak to the bank to see what they have to offer when exchanging money.
Step 5. Get vaccinated
It can be very easy to forget about it because of the fun of preparing for a trip, so check with your doctor ahead of time if you need to. If you need additional supplies of medication you will be carrying, let your doctor know how long you will be away. Don't rely on buying the medicine you need in the country you're visiting so you can prevent problems from drug shortages to not being able to see a doctor.
Step 6. Do the packing a few days before the trip
This includes your clothes, any medicines you need, airline tickets, passports, and toiletries. It makes a lot of sense to make a list that can help you remember what you need to take with you and can be used during your trip to help you remember everything in your bag, in anticipation of remembering your belongings if your bag is lost or stolen.
Be sure to leave messages to neighbors, friends, and family about what to do in the event of an emergency with your property (house, car, etc.), your pets or the children you live with, if they are old enough
Step 7. Decide how you get to the airport
Long flights usually assume that you will be away for a while and that you will not be taking the car to the airport. However, do check for the cost of long term car storage if it is available and the best option for you, especially if you are very concerned about the safety of leaving your car at home while you are away. Some airports offer appropriate long term parking fees. Instead, consider renting a car, using a shuttle service, taking a taxi, or asking a neighbor or family member to drive you to the airport. The latter option is the best especially when you have to part!
Step 8. Arrive early or within 2 to 3 hours before departure time for international destinations
If you are incapacitated or need special assistance, it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible to make sure you arrange the assistance you need and for your convenience. If you're worried about what you can do before your flight because you're arriving too early, there's a lot you can do at a modern airport and you can always get a book, game, journal or other form of entertainment!
While you're waiting at the airport, read How to feel comfortable on a long journey to overcome burnout while on a plane
Tips
- Some good entertainment devices include portable video games (DS, PSP), iPods and MP3 players, magnetic “travel” board games, puzzle or Sudoku books, novels, magazines that interest you, and cell phones.
- Bring a charger for electronic devices. Don't assume that fully charging your electronic devices before your trip will work because your DVD player may not have enough power for a 6 hour flight, a week of vacation, and another 6 hours of flight.
- Bring gum with you so you don't feel the ear pain that can occur when the plane lands.
- Be polite to flight attendants and flight attendants. You never know when they consider some comfort for you because they love your smile or choose a seat next to the toilet at the back of the plane even though you ask them not to, all because you hurt them.
- Think realistically, you won't be listening to an iPod during a 10 hour flight, so bring more than one source of entertainment.
- Carry medicines in your handbag.
- Carry some cosmetic and hygiene kits in your handbag. One pair of underwear is a good idea when your luggage is lost.
- Carry extra clothes in your handbag to anticipate events you never know about.
- Arrive at the airport 2 hours before scheduled departure. This will give you time to eat, buy a book before your flight, or use the bathroom. Instead, you have to rush to do something at the airport and have an uncomfortable flight. Keep in mind that the new security check system may take some time until all your bags have been checked.
- It's very important that someone picks up your mail. A mailbox full of social security numbers, credit payment amounts, and other personal information is an identity that thieves want. However, it is possible for the post office to withhold your mail if you make a special request.
- If you have problems with air pressure in your ears, such as buzzing, take earplugs in your handbag so you can use them. Air pressure in planes can be constant and they have air conditioning so you don't need it. Ear and eye plugs will help you avoid unwanted noise and light when you want to sleep.
- Read the flight magazine (usually in the back pocket of the seat in front of you) as a substitute for activities you “cannot” do before takeoff. You don't want your new iPhone to be confiscated.
- Make sure to buy food at the airport if they don't provide it during the flight, most airports have a small food court with common restaurants like McDonald's or Taco Bell.
- Bring spare batteries and/or adapters for overseas destinations.
- If you don't have a cell phone and you're over 7 years old, use your parents' cell phone.
- Check with your healthcare provider to give your baby a small bottle during takeoff and landing to help prevent ear discomfort.
- Say goodbye to friends and family who won't be meeting at the airport. It's a good idea to leave them with a list of flights, travel arrangements, hotels and other places you'll be visiting and your international phone number. Also leave a copy of your passport, traveler's check number and credit/debit card (choose someone you can trust to take care of it). If you have a problem with lost luggage and money, this person will be very helpful to you.
- It's also a good move to ask a trusted neighbor to move your car (if you left it behind the house) in a different position each day if you want to get away for a while; or they can park additional cars in your parking lot if needed, in and out.
- Make arrangements with someone to receive mail (or have the post office hold your mail) and see pets.
- Make arrangements to keep your home safe when you are away. Set all the timers to turn off the time and maybe the radio in the house at night while you are away, to make the appearance that someone is in the house. This is especially important if you live in a neighborhood full of thieves.
- If you have pets and a garden, a housekeeper is the best choice when you are traveling more than 1 week; If you can't find a professional domestic helper with a recommendation, what about your neighbor's or sibling's teen? Most older teens love the opportunity to prove they can “play house” and they tend to appreciate it more when it's not at their home!
Warning
- Don't rely too much on one source of in-flight entertainment – anything can happen. Your iPod may turn off, in-flight movies won't play, and so on.
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There are many warnings as airlines and airports strictly observe good behavior. You will notice that they act very quickly and here are some warnings to give:
- Do not pack items that are not allowed to be carried at the origin or destination airport. This is very important. Check with the flight or travel agent to confirm what is allowed during the trip.
- Do not stand while the seat belt sign is on.
- Do not ignore pilot orders to turn off all electronic devices. Some electronics have a bad effect on the plane when it lands.
- Don't do stupid things like threaten the pilot. Don't joke about bombs or terrorists.
- Do not use the telephone (except in flight mode) or any other device that uses a wireless transmitter/receiver (such as a laptop, Nintendo DS, etc.) in the aircraft, the signal may interfere with the aircraft's navigation technology. If you have a phone or iphone or other equipment, make sure it is in Plane mode.
- Try not to get out of one seat when everything else is empty. This can make it difficult for other passengers and flight attendants to be forced to move. Do not do this by getting out of the seat so as to make the passenger appear uncomfortable.
- If you use the shuttle service to go to the airport, when you are asked about the flight time, give an hour earlier than the actual flight time, say an hour earlier. They will often pick up other people around you, and others may not be on time when using the shuttle service, like you. this is even more important for return flights, especially if you are traveling to a favorite vacation spot like Florida, where most people use the shuttle service as it costs half as much as a taxi. This way, you can use your time wisely and won't be in a rush when you arrive at the airport.
- Avoid telling your vacation. While it's acceptable to tell close friends and family about your trip (and it's recommended), it's not acceptable to share your trip on a blog or Twitter: “Oh, tomorrow I'm going to Mexico, and I'll be there for two weeks” – strange people might go to your house and steal.
- Prepare to walk while in the plane to prevent blockage of blood vessels. Move your feet, or get up frequently to walk to the bathroom, depending on the length of the flight. Do a few small stretches in the aisle (be aware that you will hit other passengers or flight attendants). Some flights with personal televisions provide videos of stretching in the seat.
