Our Guide to Long-Haul Flights

1. Packing Essentials Checklist

• Passport and Travel Documents: Make sure to carry your passport, visas, travel insurance, and flight tickets. A pro tip is to carry a digital or paper copy of your important documents in case of loss or theft.

• Admin and Organisational Items: Keep your money, mobile phone and travel documents organised in one place. You can keep these in handy travel wallets, designed to hold bulkier documents, money and passports for convenient storage while on the go. For filling out customs forms or jotting down important information, a notebook and pen will be handy.

• Health Items: Bring any prescription medications in your carry-on, and consider packing a small first aid kit with pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness medication. Don't forget other health items like hand sanitiser and masks if needed.

• Essential Electronics: Pack your headphones or earbuds, and charging cables. Make sure to keep your devices charged throughout the flight. A power bank is a lifesaver for longer journeys. If you're travelling internationally, a travel adapter and voltage converter are essential.

• Comfortable Clothing: Wear and pack layers of comfortable clothing. Consider compression socks to help prevent deep vein thrombosis on longer flights.

• Travel-Sized Toiletries: Pack a small toiletry bag with essentials such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, moisturiser, and deodorant. Remember airlines have liquid restrictions for your carry-on luggage, usually up to 100mls.

• Comfort Items: Travel pillows, eye masks, and earplugs can help you sleep better and adjust to different time zones more easily.

• Personal Entertainment: Download movies, music, podcasts, or books on your electronic devices. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from screens, so consider bringing a magazine or a paperback book.
  Snacks and Water Bottle: Pack some healthy snacks and an empty water bottle that you can refill after passing through security.

2. Consider Luggage Types

When flying on a long-haul flight, selecting the right type of luggage can significantly enhance your travel experience. The options are varied and cater to every traveller's needs. Below are some luggage types that can help you achieve a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

1. Choosing the Best Seat

Invest time in selecting your seat. Consider extra legroom seats, and weigh the pros and cons of aisle vs. window seats based on your comfort and mobility preferences. Choosing the best seat for long-haul flights is crucial, as it significantly affects your comfort and overall travel experience.

2. Comfortable Attire

Comfortable attire can prevent discomfort or health issues like deep vein thrombosis, which can occur from prolonged sitting. Wear loose, comfortable clothes and dress in layers to easily adjust to temperature changes. Comfy shoes paired with compression socks or stockings are a must.

3. Managing Jet Lag

Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before your flight, stay hydrated, and consider sleep aids if necessary. Once on board, try to sleep according to your destination’s time zone. Using light exposure to help reset your internal clock can also significantly reduce the effects of jet lag.

1. Packing Entertainment

Load your devices with books, movies, and music to keep you entertained. Consider downloading offline content in case in-flight Wi-Fi is unavailable or costly. It's also wise to include noise-cancelling headphones and a portable charger to ensure uninterrupted enjoyment of your media throughout the journey.

2. In-flight Exercises

Stretch and walk around the cabin periodically to maintain circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Simple ankle rolls and shoulder stretches can make a big difference, helping you maintain physical well-being during extended periods of flights.

3. Productivity Options

Long-haul flights offer an excellent opportunity to catch up on work or personal projects, as many airlines now provide onboard Wi-Fi and power outlets to keep your devices charged. If you plan to work, ensure your devices are charged and consider bringing a portable charger. Noise-cancelling headphones can help you focus and creating a to-do list before the flight can significantly enhance your productivity.

1. Food Choices

If possible, some airlines allow you to choose your meal preferences in advance, especially if you have dietary restrictions. It's advisable to opt for light and nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to avoid feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

2. Hydration

Drink plenty of water and avoid beverages high in caffeine which can dehydrate you and affect your sleep. It will also be helpful to bring a moisturiser and a nasal spray to help keep your skin and nasal passages from drying out due to the cabin's low humidity levels.

3. Snack Packing

Bring healthy, energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruit, and protein bars. These can be lifesavers during long flights and layovers. Budget airlines may offer limited food options, so packing snacks is crucial.

1. Adjusting to New Time Zones

If you’re keen to reduce the impact of jat-lag as much as possible, adjusting to your destination's time zone is crucial. The trick is to not sleep or nap until it’s nighttime at your destination – while this may be quite challenging, your body will get into a rhythm with the new time difference much faster and without compromising your general health and well-being. Staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals and caffeine close to bedtime, and engaging in light physical activity can also ease the transition.

2. Post-flight Care

Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after a flight helps counteract the dehydrating effects of high altitudes and cabin pressure. Hydration tablets or drinks packed with electrolytes can help supplement your hydration levels once at your destination. Other general post-flight care includes:

• Avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine as this can lead to further dehydration.
• Apply hydrating skincare, like a serum or mask can replenish lost moisture and soothe the skin.
• Following a gentle exercise routine to recover from the flight. This could include a light walk or some yoga in your hotel room.