Will you soon be traveling on a plane for more than 8 hours? If so, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you are going to enjoy this tiresome part of your vacation. Things to consider are how to stay entertained, how to prevent catching the ill-fated ‘plane cold’ and how to keep your body in good condition. We all know sitting still for 8+ hours is not good for us, both mentally or physically. So, we have created a pre-flight/inflight guide for you, so you arrive at your destination, feeling as close to fantastic as possible.

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Please note: We are not trained medical personnel and the activities expressed in this article are things that we have done ourselves to enjoy a long-haul flight. If you have any medical conditions, always speak with your doctor before boarding a plane.

>> For more airport and luggage advice check out – ‘Fun Activities for kids at the Airport’ and ‘Carry-On Like a Pro: A Hand Luggage Debrief’. <<

Pre-Departure Survival Tips

Before you even leave the ground there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of a comfortable flight. They are:

Wear appropriate clothing

Baggy clothes are best, like a t-shirt, sweater and sweat pants. Also, wear layers so you can adapt to any changes in temperature. Items like jeans and shirts can be restricting. But if you prefer to wear these during check-in, you can change into your plane clothes just before you board or even change on the plane.

Reserve your seat in advance

Don’t simply cross your fingers for a good seat. Instead, book your favorite seat location ahead of time.

If you are taller than 5ft 7, you will love the extra legroom available on the rows by the emergency exit. Also, if you have the lucky ability to sleep on a plane, book a window seat so you can lean against it. Or maybe you frequent the bathroom regularly if this is the case reserve an aisle seat, this way you won’t disrupt other passengers as you scramble to get out.

But the best seat on the plane will require an upgrade. Cash in your frequent flier miles or pay extra for a Business and First-Class ticket. These seats have more legroom than economy seats and are usually a little wider, they may even recline 90 degrees.

Fully Charge your Electronics

Before leaving home make sure your entertainment devices are fully charged. Also, if you want to watch any films or tv shows make sure they are downloaded, as once they are set to Airplane Mode, you won’t have access to WIFI.

Survival Tips for the Airport & Onboard

Once you arrive at the airport and you are all checked in and waiting to board, you can mentally and physically prepare yourself for the long-distance flight. The following tips can also be repeated onboard.

Exercise

Stand up and move around the terminal. You’re going to be sat down for a long time on the plane, so don’t add more time by sitting down in a lounge area. Walk from one end of the airport to the other, explore the shops, bars, and restaurants or do some stretches. Some airports even have a gym.

There are loads of apps and blogs that share exercise ideas for the airport. For example, ’30 Minute Full Body Airport Workout’ by certified Personal Trainer, Luke Andrus, offers some easy stretches and suitcase related exercises to keep you active.

During the flight extend your bathroom break or every 90- 120 mins, stretch your legs and move around the cabin for 20 minutes.

Hydrate

Did you know the first sign of dehydration is thirst? Water is your best and only friend when it comes to drinks. So, drink, before, during and after your flight.

Make A Plan

A great way to make the time pass quickly is to break it up into manageable chunks. Make a plan, to incorporate the activities you like to do on a plane. Watch a film, read a few chapters of a great book, complete some puzzles, walk around, have a long nap and repeat.

We hope you find these helpful. Feel free to share your own long-distance flight tips below.

Happy Flying!!