How to survive a long flight: revealing the secrets of a comfortable long stay in an airplane

By Iryna BolshakovaJun 29, 2024 10:09 AMBlog
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How to keep yourself entertained on a long flight. Source: Image by Christo Anestev from Pixabay

You know that feeling? The tickets are bought, the suitcase is packed, but a LONG flight looms ahead. 10 hours in the air! Or maybe 12? And how not to go crazy with idleness until the plane lands at your destination? We've put together a comprehensive guide to surviving (and even having fun!) on long flights. Forget boredom and endless hours spent looking at clouds! In this article, we'll tell you how to turn your time in the air into a pleasant journey full of entertainment and comfort. Fasten your seatbelts, we're taking off!

Preparing for a long flight: what you need to do in advance

Proper preparation for a long flight is like packing a magic suitcase that will help you comfortably survive the journey. Here are a few secrets that will make your flight more pleasant.

1. Choose your seat like a special agent

Remember, a window seat or aisle seat is not just a word, it's your comfort for the next 10-12 hours. Do you want to admire the clouds and sleep tucked against the wall? Then the window seat is for you. Prefer to walk freely to the toilet and stretch your legs? Feel free to choose an aisle seat. Online registration is your faithful assistant in this mission! Don't forget to check-in in advance so you can choose the seat of your choice. And if you're traveling with family or friends, try to book seats close to each other.

2. Gadgets and entertainment are your personal boredom rescue team

Download your favorite movies, shows, music and books to your phone, tablet or laptop. Believe me, time will fly by in no time! Download offline maps and translators so you'll be fully equipped when you arrive. And don't forget your power bank - a real hero of long flights!

3. Comfort is your main weapon

Leave jeans and heels for fashion shows. Comfortable clothes and shoes are the key to a comfortable flight. An inflatable neck pillow and eye mask are your staunch allies in the fight against fatigue. And don't forget about moisturizer and lipstick - nobody can cancel the dry air in the plane!

By following these simple tips, you will turn your flight preparations into an exciting adventure and approach the moment of takeoff fully prepared!

Ways to pass the time with benefit and pleasure. Source: Image by Orna from Pixabay
Ways to pass the time with benefit and pleasure. Source: Image by Orna from Pixabay

Entertainment on board: what to do during the flight?

So, you are in the airplane, comfortably settled in your seat, and it's time for the most interesting thing - entertainment! Forget about boredom, because you have a whole arsenal of opportunities at your disposal.

1. Immerse yourself in the world of movies and music

Most airlines offer an in-flight entertainment system with a huge selection of movies, TV shows, music and games. Wear noise-canceling headphones to maximize your immersion and distract yourself from engine noise. Didn't have time to watch a new movie before your flight? No problem, all the most interesting things are waiting for you on board!

2. Time for reading

There's nothing better than immersing yourself in an engaging book while the clouds roll in. Grab your favorite novel, a thrilling detective story or a collection of short stories. Prefer e-books? Even better! One small reader can hold an entire library!

3. Awakening a creative or polyglot mind

A long flight is a great opportunity to get creative or educate yourself! Keep a travel journal, write down your thoughts, make up stories. Or maybe you've long dreamed of learning a new language? Download the app and start right now! Time will fly by in no time!

4. Сommunication and games

Travel board games are the perfect way to pass the time and get to know your seatmates. Or maybe there's an interesting companion flying next to you and you'll spend time having a fascinating conversation? After all, traveling always means new acquaintances and stories!

Do not be afraid to experiment and find what you are really interested in! The main thing is to be positive and enjoy the flight!

Don't forget about yourself: tips for maintaining comfort during a long flight

A long flight is not only about entertainment, but also about taking care of yourself. After all, it's so important to get off the plane rested and full of energy, not tired and frazzled. Here are a few tips to help you stay comfortable throughout the flight.

1. Nutrition and hydration: food and water are your friends, not your enemies

Avoid heavy meals before and during the flight. Choose light snacks, fruits, nuts. And don't forget to drink water! Dry air in the airplane cabin can lead to dehydration. Take a reusable bottle with you and fill it regularly.

2. Physical activity: warm up without leaving the plane!

Sitting in one position for long periods of time is not healthy. Try to warm up your legs and back right in your seat every couple of hours. Get up and walk around the cabin when allowed.

3. Sleep: turning the plane into a cozy bedroom

Want to sleep during the flight? Wear an eye mask and earplugs to create a comfortable atmosphere. Bring a blanket or a warm sweater - it can get chilly on the plane. And don't forget a comfortable neck pillow!

Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity, especially during long flights. Listen to your body, follow these simple tips and your flight will be as comfortable as possible!

Traveling with children by airplane. Source: M W image from Pixabay website
Traveling with children by airplane. Source: M W image from Pixabay website

Flying with kids: mission accomplished!

Traveling with kids is always an adventure, and a long flight can be a real challenge for parents. But don't despair! Here are a few tips that will help make the flight comfortable for both the kids and you.

Magic backpack: packing the essentials

Pack a separate backpack for your child with favorite toys, books, coloring books, a tablet with cartoons. New toys, which the baby will see for the first time on the airplane, - a trump card up your sleeve in case of childish caprice. Do not forget about headphones, suitable in size for children's ears, so that the baby can safely watch cartoons without disturbing other passengers.

Think about what you can occupy little hands: take stickers, a magnetic drawing tablet, small lego sets. A variety of activities will help your child not to get bored during the flight.

Snack time

Bring snacks and drinks that are familiar to your child. Fruit purees, cookies, dried fruit - this is what you need for a snack on the flight. Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks, which can cause overexcitement or tummy problems.

Don't forget the water bottle: drinking during the flight is especially important to avoid dehydration. If your baby is still using a drinker, take it with you so that your child can drink comfortably.

Comfort above all

Comfortable clothes, a favorite pillow and a blanket will help your baby feel comfortable throughout the flight. Don't forget a spare set of clothes in case your baby gets dirty.

If you are flying with an infant, take a sling or an ergo backpack with you: this will make it easier for you to comfort your baby during takeoff and landing. Don't hesitate to ask the flight attendants for a carrycot if it is available on your flight.

Games and entertainment

Make up games, sing songs, draw, read stories. Use your imagination and the time will fly by! Turn your flight into an exciting adventure: tell your child about where you're going and what interesting things you'll see.

Look at a map of the world together and find your location and destination. Talk about the different countries and continents you are flying through.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Flight attendants are always ready to help parents with small children. Don't hesitate to contact them if you need help with luggage, heating baby food or just friendly support. Don't worry if your child is cranky: it's normal, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Show patience and understanding, and your flight will go much smoother.

Remember that the main thing is your calmness and positive attitude. Children are very sensitive to the mood of their parents, so stay optimistic and your family flight will go well!

Flying in comfort: tips for travelers with pets

Traveling with pets is a great opportunity to share the joy of new discoveries with your furry friend. However, the flight for the animal is stressful, so it is important to think through all the details in advance and provide him with maximum comfort. Preparation for air travel with your pet begins long before arrival at the airport.

Preparing for the flight

Visit a veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy and ready to fly. Complete all necessary paperwork, including a veterinary passport with vaccination and chipping records. Check with your veterinarian to see if your pet needs to be sedated for the flight and follow their recommendations.

Choose the right carrier for your pet. It should be spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn and lie down freely, and it should meet the airline's requirements. Be sure to attach a tag to the carrier with your name, contact information and information about your pet.

Allow your pet to get used to the carrier in advance: put his favorite toys, treats, blankets inside so that he gets used to his new "home" and feels comfortable in it. Leave the carrier open in a place accessible to the pet, so that he can go inside at will.

When all preparations are completed and you are at the airport, remember to keep your pet's comfort in mind during the flight itself.

Long flight with pets. Source: Image by freepik
Long flight with pets. Source: Image by freepik

At the airport and on board

Do not feed your pet immediately before the flight to avoid nausea. Offer him a small portion of food a few hours before the flight. Bring a bottle of water and a bowl with you in the cabin. Check with flight attendants for fresh water for your pet.

Walk your dog before check-in and, if possible, before boarding. For cats, use special absorbent diapers in the carrier. Bring a few spare diapers, wet wipes, and clean-up bags.

Stay calm and confident, your pet will sense your mood. Talk to him affectionately and pet him to make him feel safe. Don't scold your pet if he or she is anxious; this will only add to the stress.

Follow the airline's rules for carrying pets, do not open the carrier during the flight without the permission of the flight attendants. Check with the flight attendants to see where the carrier can be placed during the flight.

A long flight can be tiring for your pet. Bring your pet's favorite toy or treats to distract him or her. Talk to him periodically in a calm voice to make him feel safe.

Remember that each airline has its own rules for transporting pets, so be sure to check them on the airline's website before booking your tickets. Following these simple tips will help make the trip as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet!

Aerophobia? Don't let fear win!

Fear of flying is a very real phenomenon that many people face. But you shouldn't let aerophobia rob you of the joy of traveling! Here are some tips to help you manage your anxiety and make flying more comfortable.

Knowledge is power

Learn information about the structure of the airplane, the principles of flight, and safety rules. Understanding how things work will help reduce anxiety. Read about how turbines work, why an airplane doesn't fall, and how safety is ensured on board.

You can find a lot of useful information on airline websites, in specialized magazines or documentaries. The more you know, the less reason to worry!

Relaxation techniques

Master deep breathing, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These techniques will help you calm down and relax during your flight. For example, try square breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, pause for 4 counts.

Visualizations also help: imagine a place where you feel calm and happy. Focus on pleasant sensations and images, this will help reduce anxiety levels.

Music and books

Make a playlist with your favorite calming music or pick up an interesting book. Immersing yourself in reading or listening to music can help distract you from anxious thoughts. Choose light and positive works that won't cause you to feel negative emotions.

Audiobooks are another great option! An interesting plot will capture your attention and help you forget about fear.

Professional help

If aerophobia is severely affecting your life, do not hesitate to seek help from a therapist. There are effective treatments for aerophobia that will help you overcome your fear of flying. A specialist will help you understand the causes of fear and teach you self-regulation techniques.

Don't be afraid to seek help! Overcoming aerophobia is a real challenge that professionals can help you overcome.

Remember that you are not alone in your struggle with aerophobia! There are many ways to cope with your fear and make your flight comfortable and safe.

Secrets of a comfortable long flight. Source: Image by Lukas Bieri from the Pixabay website
Secrets of a comfortable long flight. Source: Image by Lukas Bieri from the Pixabay website

Useful resources: your helpers in the world of air travel

Planning a trip and preparing for a long flight will become easier and more pleasant with the help of useful resources. Properly selected sites and applications will save you time, help you find great deals and make your trip more comfortable.

Airline websites

On airline websites you will find detailed information about baggage rules, hand luggage allowance, in-flight meals, entertainment program and additional services. Here you can also choose a seat in the cabin, order special meals or additional services, such as sports equipment.

Apps for travelers

Download apps for flight tracking (e.g. Flightradar24, FlightAware), finding cheap tickets (Skyscanner, Aviasales), hotel booking (Booking, Airbnb), offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps) and translators (Google Translate). Many apps offer to save boarding passes, hotel reservations and other useful information offline, which is especially convenient when traveling.

Travel forums and blogs

On forums and blogs, you'll find travelers' reviews of different airlines, hotels, attractions, and useful tips for planning independent trips. It's a great way to learn about the flyhacks of seasoned travelers, find interesting itineraries, and get answers to your questions.

Don't be afraid to use all the resources available to make your trip as comfortable and memorable as possible!

Don't Land: Bonus Tips for Extra Long Flights

If you're facing a flight that's as long as Frodo's journey to Mordor, the previous tips are just the beginning! Here are a few extra tricks to help keep you sane and in good spirits along the way:

  • Layering is your key to comfort. Temperatures in the cabin can vary, so dress in multiple layers. This way you can easily adjust to any weather conditions on board.
  • Hygiene is everything. Don't forget about wet wipes, antibacterial hand gel and a toothbrush. These little things will help you feel fresh and alert throughout the journey.
  • Break the flight into stages. A long flight will seem shorter if you break it down into phases. Plan what you'll do every hour or two, and the time will fly by.
  • Don't be afraid to chat with the flight attendants. Flight attendants are a treasure trove of useful information. Don't hesitate to ask them for help, advice or just a pleasant conversation.
  • Enjoy the moment. Flying is not only a means of transportation, but also a part of your journey. Relax, enjoy the views from the porthole, read a book or just daydream.

Remember, even the longest flight has to end sometime! And a positive attitude and our tips will help you reach your destination rested and ready for new adventures!

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