For those who have been following my travels, you know I’ve been on some long-haul flights lately.
(I hit up three countries and two world wonders in one weekend!)
And although I consider myself a great traveler, it’s been a humbling reminder of what really works best when you’re in the air for hours on end.
I used to get extremely nauseous due to the time difference when traveling to Europe. Now, I’ve learned to simply sleep the entire flight, wake up, and go with a cappuccino in hand for a much-needed boost.
Over time, I’ve developed a toolkit of habits and hacks that make long-haul trips around the world manageable and enjoyable.
Here are my tried-and-true methods for making your next long-haul international flight more comfortable.
1. Wear Comfortable Clothes
It may sound obvious, but the clothes you wear on a long-haul flight can make a world of difference. Long gone are the days of stuffy travel outfits. Now it’s all about blending comfort with a little bit of personal style.
Think of your travel outfit as an upgraded version of your favorite loungewear. You should be able to curl up in it, but also feel confident walking into a café when you land.
Personally, I live in brands like Unbound Merino (for chic, odor-resistant basics) and Anatomie (tailored, lightweight travel pants that somehow still feel like pajamas).
Recently, I’ve been loving Halara, a yoga-inspired brand I discovered after spending way too much time on TikTok Shop. Their sets feel elevated yet cozy, and are perfect for both sleeping on the plane while looking pulled together when you land.
A few of my golden rules for your flying wardrobe:
- Wear layers. Cabins get cold, then hot, then cold again. A hoodie, cardigan, or wrap can save you.
- Slip-on shoes. No one wants to wrestle with laces mid-flight.
- Compression socks. I don’t personally love them, but they can help with circulation and swelling, especially if you’re prone to it.
Read More: 10 Essential Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life
2. Focus on What You Eat and Drink
The old saying “you are what you eat” applies at 35,000 feet, too. Your pre- and in-flight diet can make or break your comfort level.
I’ve been on a major health kick lately, so I make sure to eat a proper meal before I even leave for the airport. It’s a clever tactic to avoid becoming reliant on mystery airport sandwiches or salty in-flight meals.
Some of my go-tos:
- Protein-rich meals before boarding (like boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or a protein shake).
- Healthy snacks like nuts, protein bars, and dried fruit.
- Lots of water. I skip carbonated drinks on flights, even Diet Coke, which is hard for me! Fizzy drinks and alcohol tend to bloat and dehydrate you in the air, and staying hydrated is key to beating jet lag.
Pro tip: Pack a reusable water bottle. Flight attendants will refill it, and you’re doing your part for the environment by minimising your plastic usage.
3. Board The Plane Tired to Sleep Through the Flight
On travel days, I usually do two workouts before heading to the airport. By the time I board, I’m physically tired and ready to knock out for most of the flight.
Not only does this make the time pass more quickly, but it also helps me align with the destination’s time zone. Plus, working out before and after long-haul flights is a good practice to have for circulation and energy.
If two workouts feel like overkill, even a brisk walk or yoga session before you head out can help your body wind down once you’re on board.
Read More: The Best Ways to Manage Jet Lag
4. Keep Electronics Organized and Accessible
Few things are worse than fumbling for a charging cord in the dark while your seatmate is sleeping. Before I fly, I organize all my electronics in one small pouch that lives in the seat pocket in front of me.
You can buy cable organizers like this one from Amazon.
My must-have tech kit for long-haul flights includes:
- Noise-canceling headphones (non-negotiable for blocking crying babies or engine hum).
- A wired pair of earbuds, just in case Bluetooth isn’t allowed.
- Charging cords for every device.
- A power bank.
- A USB plug adapter (since not all planes have universal outlets).
Having everything within arm’s reach means you’ll never be stuck at 2% battery when you’re halfway across the Atlantic.
5. Splurge on the Wi-Fi (With a Backup Plan)
Airplane Wi-Fi has a reputation for being unreliable, and honestly, it often is. But here’s the secret: if it doesn’t work, airlines almost always refund you.
So, I splurge on the Wi-Fi package anyway.
At best, it works, and I can stay connected, clear out emails, or post updates on social media. At worst, I submit a refund request and keep the credit for a future trip.
Either way, it’s worth the gamble. Nothing feels more productive than ticking things off your inbox while cruising over the Atlantic.
6. Stay Fresh Mid-Flight
Long-haul travel has a way of making you feel… less than glamorous. A quick refresh kit is a must-have for resetting, feeling like a stale piece of bread.
Mine always includes:
- A toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste.
- Facial wipes or micellar water pads.
- Body wipes (game changer if you’ve been in transit for 12+ hours).
- Lip balm and moisturizer to combat the notoriously dry cabin air.
7. Move When You Can
It’s tempting to stay cocooned in your seat the entire flight, but your body will thank you for getting up for a stretch every couple of hours.
When I go to the bathroom, I take my time going back to sitting down. Usually, I’ll find a corner where I’m not blocking anyone else and do a few small movements.
Ankle circles, shoulder rolls, and calf raises help to keep circulation flowing and ward off stiffness.
8. Master Your Sleep Strategy
Sleep is the holy grail of long-haul flights. If you can rest well on board, you’ll arrive feeling like yourself instead of a zombie. Even if you’re sitting in economy, there are tactics you can use to grab a few hours of shut-eye.
A few things that help me:
- Neck pillow. Find one that actually supports your head (splurging on a memory foam pillow is worth it).
- Eye mask. Block out overhead lights and glowing screens.
- Noise control. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are key.
- Routine cues. I sometimes brush my teeth, apply lip balm, and read a few pages before “bed” just like at home. The ritual signals to my brain that it’s time to sleep.
Read More: 9 Ways to Sleep Better on Long Flights
Remember to Adjust Your Outlook
At the end of the day, the biggest comfort tip isn’t about what you wear, eat, or pack – it’s your mindset.
Air travel is only one part of the journey. Yes, it can feel cramped, tiring, and a little chaotic at times. But the way I see it, the long-haul flight is just the doorway to adventure.
Once you land, you’re in a whole new world. Keeping that bigger picture in mind makes every layover, cramped seat, and turbulence bump worth it and part of your travel story.
What are some of your top tips for surviving long-haul flights? Let me know in the comments below!