10 Ways To Survive Long Flights

While I was on my 12.5 hour flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo, I was thinking of how miserable it is to be on such a long flight. You’re stuck in a metallic cylinder for basically an entire day and it’s even worse when you’re alone!

Of course, you can live the mile high life by sitting in First Class where they feed you grapes on a silver platter, constantly at your beck and call and make international flights a pleasure. However, for those of us that aren’t quite that lucky or loaded, have no fear! I’ve come up with 10 flight tips to make your long flights so much better!

1. Slippers –During an international flight, my legs and feet get swollen. It makes wearing shoes uncomfortable, so the solution? Slippers. Depending on the airline, some will give you free slippers for international flights but since most of them don’t, bring your own. Foldable slippers are compact and cheap. I personally own the Dr. Scholl’s foldable slippers – they fold up and super light. Another benefit for the ladies? You can carry them in your clutch and switch them out for the painful heels! 

2. Empty Water Bottle – TSA may reject a water bottle but not an EMPTY water bottle! I spent so many years buying $4 bottles of water inside the terminal and kicked myself after seeing my best friend with an empty bottle of water. I have 2 that I rotate – my foldable water bottle and my bkr bottle. I bring it through security completely empty, then find a water fountain to fill it up or ask a food stand to do it for me or a flight attendant on board. Guess what? You saved at least $8.00 for your round trip flight on bottled water!

3. Moisturizer – Following the hydration theme, I mentioned this in my Favorite Travel Hacks post but moisturizer is a must! Airplanes get so dry, your skin needs some love too. Not only is it dry, on long haul flights, it’s even worse. That’s why I use night-time moisturizer to keep my skin extra hydrated; sometimes I use it for my arms and legs as well!  

4. Melatonin – This may be a little controversial but for me, this works. Sleeping is the best way to pass time on a long flight. Melatonin is mostly natural, I see no side effects and I fall asleep really quickly with absolutely no habits developed. It’s considered a supplement, so make sure it’s right for you before consuming it.   

5. Get Up & Walk – This is such an understated piece of advice. Growing up, my parents always made it a point to take me on a walk through the aisle. We would walk up and down the aisle a couple of times. It sounds short and simple but it helps with blood flow and prevents blood clots. If you’re sitting on the window side and feel awkward asking someone to move, just take an extra long walk when going to the restroom. 

6. Snacks – Spending $5 on a bag of Bugles is ridiculous when you think about it but for some reason it feels acceptable when you’re there – or is that just me? Forget wasting that kind of money and bring your own snacks. I always bring sweet, salty and minty. 

7. Movies, Podcasts, Books & Music – Sounds super obvious but during an international flight, watching movies can make a huge difference. If you’re lucky, some flights have plenty of movie choices and watching just 3 movies can amount to 5-6 hours! I always have my kindle
, laptop and phone – oh, don’t forget your earphones! Noise-canceling earphones are my jam! 

8. Laptop – Laptops are great for movies, yes. It’s also great for catching up on those e-mails, messages and blog posts you’ve been meaning to write! That Aunt you’ve been meaning to e-mail back, that blog post you want to start writing so it doesn’t interfere with your trip, Instagram hashtags you want to use, whatever it may be, there’s so many productive things you can focus on! 

9. Neck Pillow – This is always a part of my carry-on (my post on carry on essentials), especially during international flights. My neck pillow is my best friend during those long haul flights. It prevents that incredible pain from falling asleep with your head cocked. Even if you’re not sleeping, it keeps your head and neck relaxed. 

10. Face Wipes –Oh face wipes. It’s one of those things that I kick myself for when I forget them but 99.9% of the time I don’t. I usually use it mid-flight and then pre-landing. I bulk purchase the Burt’s Bee’s Grapefruit Face Wipes simply because they’re the best. It smells citrusy and much needed at hour 12!

There you have it. They’re not magic spells that can make you feel like you’re not stuck in coach for several hours but I guarantee it’ll make it a lot better. It works for me every time and I hope it does for you too!

Do you have any flight tips or things you do to make a long flight or international flight better? Let me know, I would love to add to this list!  

Find me onInstagram &Bloglovin

♥♥♥

P.S – My Instagram account was featured by the Bloguettes as the Top 5 Instagram Accounts for April! I’m so honored! Go check it out by clicking here!