Long-haul flights are a necessary reality for far-flung travel, but they don't have to be miserable. According to Casey Brogan, a consumer travel expert at Tripadvisor, “A long-haul flight can certainly be daunting and stressful. Airports and security lines definitely generate traveler anxiety, especially with new guidelines and ever-changing restrictions. But it is important to remind ourselves that the journey to get there is not the vacation, and relaxation awaits you.” To help travelers avoid common pitfalls, HuffPost consulted travel experts for their top mistakes and advice.
Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes
Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer, says, “The most common mistake people make on long-haul flights is not dressing properly. Since you will be sitting in the same seat for six or more hours, it is essential to be as comfortable as possible.” Avoid heavy, restrictive clothing; opt for soft fabrics and stretchy garments. Layers help with shifting cabin temperatures, and compression socks are a must for health and comfort. Gabby Beckford, founder of Packs Light, adds, “While I’m usually a proponent of dressing nicely on flights, the super long-haul ones are where I see many people make the mistake of dressing too cute and then winding up uncomfortable. I always get compliments on my flight fit — matching top and bottom neutral sweats. Or, I recommend bringing a comfortable flight fit to change into once you reach a cruising altitude.” Also, avoid tight shoes. Brogan advises, “Loosen the laces so you can slip on and off to get comfortable. At the end of the flight, you’ll probably find that your feet have swollen. This is normal and another reason to choose comfortable footwear.”
Choosing a Seat By the Restroom
Seat selection significantly impacts flight quality. Paul Jacobs, general manager and vice president at Kayak North America, warns, “Sitting near the restroom may sound convenient, but it’s never fun to be in that row when a line forms outside the restroom. Sit far away and use the walk to stretch.”
Watching the Clock
Time drags when you constantly check it. Brogan advises, “Once you’re on board, set your watch to the time of the place you will be landing in, but try to avoid looking at it and counting down the hours. Similarly, don’t look at the ‘where are we’ map. You’ll land soon enough!”
Forgetting to Double-Check Upgrade Options
Don’t assume upgrades are unaffordable. Beckford recommends checking in exactly 24 hours before: “When you do that, you will see what seat options are available. Often on the day of the flight, upgrades will be drastically reduced in cost. For example, on my flight from Cape Town to Newark, originally upgrades were $3,000 — but on the day of the flight, those same upgraded seats were $700. That little upgrade will definitely make a 14-hour flight more enjoyable.”
Traveling Without Sleep Essentials
Dengler emphasizes, “You should bring good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if you plan to sleep. Additionally, a good sleep mask can make a huge difference. Finally, I recommend finding a good neck pillow before flying.” Not all neck pillows are equal; Jacobs says, “Get the ones that attach to the headrest. It’s a total game changer.”
Flying Without Entertainment
Brogan suggests, “Before your flight, download movies, music or podcasts to your devices like phone, iPad or laptop and ensure they are fully charged before traveling so you have guaranteed entertainment options. On a recent flight, my in-flight entertainment was not working properly, so I was glad to have downloaded movies to my iPad as a backup.” Non-screen options like books or crossword puzzles work too. Dengler says, “You should always have something to do on a long-haul flight. At times, that may be sleeping, but I recommend always having access to entertainment.”
Overlooking Seat Options
Ravi Roth, travel expert and host of “The Gaycation Travel Show,” advises, “Be sure to select your seat in advance. You don’t want to end up stuck in a middle seat on a long flight. Most airlines do not charge a seat fee for economy, but if you can splurge I say go for comfort plus or economy plus. Extra legroom is key.” Dengler adds, “Select a window seat if you plan on sleeping. Pay extra for an exit-row seat if you will be more comfortable with extra legroom.” Jacobs notes, “Window or aisle — you really need to decide what is more important to you. You can lean on the window — or have the freedom of getting up and stretching whenever you feel like it. I prefer the aisle any day.”
Boarding Without a Sleep Game Plan
Dengler explains, “It is important to figure out what you will be doing on the flight. Is it a red-eye flight where the goal will be to sleep? Or is it during the day when you will need to stay occupied?” Try to sleep when it’s nighttime at your destination. Avoid caffeine and walk around the airport before boarding. Jacobs suggests, “Watching movies can make you sleepy, so instead log on to Wi-Fi and work or shop when you need to be awake.” Roth says, “Do not take a nap once you land at your destination. Power through so that you sync up your body with the local clock.” Laura Ratliff, senior editorial director at TripSavvy, recommends an “espresso nap”: “I down a quick espresso, draw the curtains, and force myself to sleep for 25-30 minutes. It helps me get through the day without being bleary-eyed, and I am just tired enough to sleep at night.”
Feel Obliged to Talk the Whole Time
Jacobs says, “When traveling with colleagues, you don’t have to sit next to them. A long flight is a long time to make small talk.” Unless collaborative work is needed, choose your own seat. “Plus, no need to have your colleagues see or hear you sleeping. Sit separately — it’s not rude. They will appreciate it too.”
Not Bringing Enough Food
Dengler says, “I always bring my own snacks on long-haul flights, and I have never regretted it. Food options can be limited, so this guarantees I will be able to eat what I want and when I want.”
Neglecting Self-Care
Brogan advises, “Get up to walk around and stretch every few hours. Your legs will thank you once you arrive!” Stay hydrated and take daily vitamins or medications. Ratliff shares her ritual: “On long flights, I have a little ritual of brushing my teeth, washing my face and applying lotion about an hour before landing. My favorite lotion is Le Labo’s Rose 31 — the fragrance helps boost my mood a little, and now, it’s become such a habit that I associate that smell with getting off the plane and exploring a new place!”
