Skip to content
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
Wandering Journal
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • North America
      • California
    • Oceania
      • New Zealand
  • Series
    • Cities on a Budget
    • Through My Eyes Series • Story Behind A Photo
      • New Zealand
      • USA California
      • Singapore
  • Discover More
    • Travel Tips & Resources
      • Saving Tips
      • Recommended Gears
      • Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20
      • Travel Inspirations
    • Blogging Resources
      • Start Your Travel Blog
    • Travel Product Reviews
  • For Malaysians
    • Work & Travel USA Guide
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa for Malaysian
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa Application
    • What I Learnt From NZ Working Holiday
    • How It’s Like Working in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Search
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
Wandering Journal
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • North America
      • California
    • Oceania
      • New Zealand
  • Series
    • Cities on a Budget
    • Through My Eyes Series • Story Behind A Photo
      • New Zealand
      • USA California
      • Singapore
  • Discover More
    • Travel Tips & Resources
      • Saving Tips
      • Recommended Gears
      • Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20
      • Travel Inspirations
    • Blogging Resources
      • Start Your Travel Blog
    • Travel Product Reviews
  • For Malaysians
    • Work & Travel USA Guide
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa for Malaysian
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa Application
    • What I Learnt From NZ Working Holiday
    • How It’s Like Working in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Search

Want to Enjoy Your Long Haul Flights? Then You'll Need This!

Yen
·
December 13, 2019
·
Travel Resources
Wandering Journal eBook Cover

Get Your Free
"Ultimate Travel Bucket List" eBook!

It’s my first ever e-book, and I want to share it with you! 

Everyone hates spammy emails, so do I. 
Rest assured, I will never spam your inbox! 

There are always two sides to long haul flights. The good news is that you’re going to explore somewhere far from home and embrace the adventures awaiting ahead. But the downside is, the long haul flight process can be a nightmare. As a travel lover myself, I’ve taken several long haul flights, from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo, from Tokyo to San Francisco, or from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland in New Zealand. The longest one I’ve taken is the 17-hours flight from Los Angeles to Singapore. But to be honest, I actually enjoyed the flights more than hating them. So, in this post, I’ll tell you exactly how you can enjoy your next long haul flight too!

This post will be about the things you can do during the long haul flight, essential stuff to bring onboard, and some tips & tricks you can use to truly enjoy the flight. Also, I’ll only be focusing on economy class flights.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something through the links below, I may earn some commission at no additional cost to you. This will keep my travel blog running to share more amazing content.

Okay, enough talking. Let’s dive in and see how to enjoy a long haul flight in an economy class!

Passengers in Long Haul Flights

Contents

  • 1 What to Do During a Long Haul Flight?
  • 2 What to Wear For Long Haul Flights?
  • 3 Long Haul Flight Essentials to Bring Onboard
  • 4 Tips & Tricks for Long Haul Flights

What to Do During a Long Haul Flight?

Plan What’s Next in Your Travel Itinerary

Daydreaming in a long haul flight is the ultimate activity to waste time. But I understand sometimes it’s very peaceful when you’re flying, I get it. But if you haven’t done planning your travel itinerary, now is the time to do it.

Plan for what if things go wrong and you have to change your plans. What are the Plan Bs? Got your travel itinerary planned? Well, plan further ahead! There are many things you can plan on your flight!

Write Your Travel Journal or Diary

Now, this might not be the most time-killing activity on your long haul flight, but I love to do it. The journal is something that I procrastinate a lot, so I think in a flight, it’s the best time to really pen down everything that happens.

You should definitely do this if you’re returning home from your vacation, to record down all the experiences, memories, and even expenses. If you don’t have a travel journal, this one is amazing and costs less than $20.

Pick a Few Movies and Enjoy!

Most of the airlines have pretty decent movie playlist. From the hundreds of movies, you should be able to find one for yourself, but I understand that sometimes you can’t.

Well, then download some movies you like into your tablet and watch them on the flight!

Read That Book!

It is time to read the book you said you will finish last year! I have a habit of bringing a book with me wherever I travel to, just to kill time when I’m stuck in a situation where all I can do is wait.

If you don’t have a book you feel like reading, what about the diaries and journals you’ve written? Or else, read the guidebook on the destination you’ll be landing on.

Most of the time, we don’t bother to make too much research about our destination until we arrive. But doing this will get you more excited and ready for what’s ahead.

If you’re thinking about the weight of the book, an e-book is a good idea too!

View from Airplane Window Seat during Sunset

Check out these Amazon’s best travel accessories under $20!

What to Wear For Long Haul Flights?

When we are flying long distances, we don’t want to wear anything too fancy. I won’t recommend exactly what to wear for both males and females because I’m not an expert in fashion. But I do have some advice if you’re doing this for the first time.

Always wear non-cotton clothing. I know some travel blogs recommend cotton clothing but I don’t. Cotton absorbs moisture pretty quickly and is very hard to dry in case you spilled something on your clothes. I recommend wearing microfiber shirts, as it’s more flexible, doesn’t smell and does not absorb moisture that much.

Wear clothes that are large enough to not restrict your movement even a slight bit. Tight clothes are very irritating especially when you’re trying to find yourself a comfy sleeping position.

Never wear jeans. Jeans are a nightmare because it’s not at all flexible and might cause uncomfortable sleep. Slim-fit jeans are even worse. You really don’t want your lower body to feel strangled all the time. A little nuisance can lead to huge irritation, and you can’t do anything because you’re flying. Your pajamas pants might be a good choice.

Sandals are your good friends. I hate wearing covered shoes onto long haul flights because my feet can sweat, and it’s uncomfortable to sleep with my shoes on (for me). Instead, I wear sandals and a pair of socks. When I’m going to sleep, I wear socks because my feet are cold.

Long Haul Flight Essentials to Bring Onboard

I wouldn’t elaborate on all the essentials things to bring on board, but here is a list that you can certainly refer to when you’re hopping on a long haul flight.

  • Face Mask – to moisturize your face due to the dry condition in airplanes
  • Water Bottle – to keep yourself hydrated
  • Power Bank & Charging Cable– just in case there are no electric sockets
  • Eye Mask – helps you sleep easier
  • Tissue Papers/Wet Wipes – in case you spill anything
  • Deodorant – you’ll know if you need it
  • Book or e-book – to kill time
  • Travel Journal – record your activities and experiences, or plan your itinerary
  • Neck Pillow – the travel pillow helps you sleep much better
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste – if you plan on brushing your teeth onboard
  • Hand Cream – keep your hands moisturized due to the dry condition
  • Socks – to keep your feet warms after removing your sandals (I recommend wearing sandals because it’s much easier to put on)
  • Earphones – because those provided by the airlines suck
  • Waist Bag – to keep your electronics and important documents
  • Dry Snacks – in case you get hungry or just want to munch on something
  • Compression socks – made to ease discomfort and swelling in your lower legs
  • Earplugs – so that you won’t hear the annoying kid behind your row

Optional Stuff to Bring Onboard

  • Sleeping bag – which can be used as a blanket if you hate cold
  • Jacket – again, if you hate cold
  • Gloves – refer above
  • Your own cutleries – if you’re against plastic cutleries
  • Clothes to change

Check out these backpacking guides to Vietnam and Laos!

Night Time in Airplane on Long Haul Flights

Tips & Tricks for Long Haul Flights

Choose a Comfy Seat For Yourself

Choosing a good seat for yourself is probably the best thing you can do to ensure an enjoyable flight. And guess what, it’s easier than you imagined. While trying to find the balance between good airlines and affordable deals, here are something you should look at before purchasing your flight ticket.

First of all, choose an airline that provides good service, helpful attendants, and comfy seats. A good airline does not necessarily mean an expensive flight ticket. If you book early, you can secure yourself a flight with an amazing airline at an affordable price.

Check out Airline Quality, where you can check the reviews and ratings of a particular airline before deciding whether you should book with them. You can also check the reviews on the airports around the world, as well as the lounges. It’s a very handy website to help you plan your flight.

Other than that, you can visit Seat Guru, which has reviews and ratings of the seats of different airlines. With this website, you can simply enter your flight number and date, and you’ll find the layout of your airplane you’re flying in. Read about the reviews and decide which seat is the most comfortable for yourself.

Here’s my little tip. If you’re good at drinking the least amount of water and sleeps well, I recommend sitting near the window. But if you need to stretch your legs often, and needs to go to the lavatory frequently, then the aisle seat if probably the best. If possible, I won’t recommend choosing a middle seat unless you’re traveling with someone.

Sitting at the emergency exit row also gives you a little more legroom, which is great if you need to stretch your legs often!

Keep Yourself Hydrated!

The air condition inside an airplane is dry. You might not even notice it if you’re flying short distances in the past. Keeping yourself hydrated is very important, but there’s a catch.

There are two things to do. First, drink just enough water to keep yourself hydrated without feeling the urge to pee too often. If you’re sitting near the window, it’s very awkward to keep asking people to let you through for the toilet. If you’re sitting by the aisle, then it’s a different story.

Second, apply moisturizers, creams, masks or whatever you feel necessary. I don’t know much about the cosmetics stuff, and I don’t really apply these creams when I’m flying, but I guess I should tell you about that. Because there are a lot of people doing that.

Avoid Alcohols!

Yes, I know falling asleep is essential when it comes to long haul flights. You might think alcohol is one of the best “remedies” for sleeping, but it’s not. Alcohols can make you sleepy fast, and fall asleep real quick, but there are some minor consequences. And we don’t want them in the long flights.

Alcohol makes you dehydrated! The air condition in the airplane is already dry, drinking alcohol will only worsen the situation. Other than that, alcohol is also diuretic, which means it makes you want to pee more often and therefore disturbing your sleep more frequently!

Bringing Your Own Snacks

For me, I get hungry when I get bored, and I bet you’re pretty much the same too. When I get hungry, I get ‘hangry’, and my mood is basically ruined.

2-3 meals on a 17-hours flight are unacceptable. So, it’s important that you care about your own craving and bring some dry snacks onboard. Healthy, dry snacks like nuts or dried fruits are great options.

Ready For Your Next Long Flight?

Here are what I’ve got to offer for your upcoming long haul flights. I hope you find them helpful, and hopefully, the idea of long haul flights won’t be haunting you anymore. Personally, it’s an enjoyable experience for me, as long as I don’t do it too often. Getting disconnected from the world is a good idea once in a while. If you like this article, share it with your friends, and leave your feedback in the comment section below! Travel safe and enjoy your flights!

Would You Pin This?

Tips and Tricks For Enjoying Long Haul Flights Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Long Haul Flights

These Tips Will Make You Love Long Haul Flights You'll Need These to Enjoy Your Long Haul Flights

This is How to Truly Enjoy Long Haul Flights In-depth Guide to Enjoying Long Flights

Tweet
Pin
Share

Written by

Yen

Yen is a university student from Malaysia and a huge fan of Blues music and photography. His passion for travel can be traced back to 2016 when he spent 6 months traveling New Zealand. By blending into the locals and traveling long-term, he shares all the comprehensive and detailed travel ideas and guides for the countries with his footprints.

Related Posts:

5 Things to do Before Traveling to a New Place
Yen
//
January 25, 2020
Traveling to a new place may sound daunting to some. Here are 5 things you should do before planning a trip to somewhere you've never been to before....
13 Tips for Student Travelers to Save Money While Traveling
Yen
//
January 11, 2020
Are you a student who's going for a trip later? Here's how you can save money on the road as student travelers without compensating any enjoyments. Written by...
Ultimate Guide To Traveling With Pets - Everything You Need To Know
Yen
//
August 25, 2019
Traveling with pets doesn't have to be a hassle and a burden. WIth this comprehensive guide, see how you can travel with your beloved pets!
Nikon D3500 For Travel Photography? Great Choice or Not?
Yen
//
March 3, 2019
Looking for a camera for your travel soon? Nikon D3500 might be the perfect choice for your travel photography. Check out more about it here - the specs,...
Christmas Gift Ideas For Travelers Under $20
Yen
//
December 3, 2018
Looking for ideas what to gift to your travel-loving friends & families? Here are the practical and affordable Christmas Gift Ideas For Travelers Under $20. Get ready to...
Amazon's Best Travel Accessories Under $20
Yen
//
November 11, 2018
Make your travel smoother and relaxing with all these affordable travel accessories from Amazon. I only recommend products I personally tried or used by other travelers I met...
Recommended Gears
Yen
//
November 10, 2018
My ultimate recommended gear list. I only recommend products I personally tried or used by my travel friends I met on the road or through blogging network. Make...

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About The Blog

swing abroad blog

Greetings! It’s Yen here, the guy behind this blog. Currently a university student who takes advantages of holidays for life-changing experiences abroad. Loves adventurous outdoor sports as much as street foods. Feel free to explore around!

Travel Together?

Popular Posts

things to do in new zealand
New Zealand

27 Remarkable Things To Do In New Zealand South Island

Best Things To Do in Melaka Malacca
Malaysia

17 Best Things To Do In Melaka (Malacca) – Must Try No. 4!

things to see in santa cruz
USA California

21 Awesome Things To Do in Santa Cruz California in Summer!

Fun and adventurous Things to do in vang vieng laos
Laos

17 Adventurous Things To Do in Vang Vieng – Not Just Tubing!

For Backpackers

backpacking nepal

Backpacking Nepal – Explore More With This Detailed Guide!

woman on mountain peak vietnam

Backpacking Vietnam – The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need!

laos backpacking laos itinerary

Laos Backpacking Guide – Crafting Your Perfect Laos Itinerary

Travel Resources

save money while traveling

10 Legit Ways to Save Money While Traveling

swing abroad recommended gears

Recommended Gears

nikon d3500 for travel photography

Nikon D3500 For Travel Photography? Great Choice or Not?

Amazon's Best Travel Accessories Under $20

Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20

Let's Meet Elsewhere

It would be lovely to meet you at social media platforms!

Facebook Twitter
Pinterest Instagram
Wandering Journal eBook Cover

Would You Join Me On My Adventures?

I’m giving away my first ever eBook, which I know you will love it. Subscribe and let’s explore the world bit by bit together!

Now, I know everyone hates spammy emails, so do I. Rest assured, I will never spam your inbox in any way.

Travel Together?

Join me on my travels and get the latest travel ideas, guides and tips. Grab your ebook as freebie now!

More Resources:

Recommended Gears

Amazon's Travel Accessories Under $20

Start Your Own Travel Blog

Disclaimer: WanderingJournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you. We only link to products & services we personally use or trust.
Wandering Journal
Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top
Tweet
Pin
Share
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok