My Guide to Crappy Long Haul Flights
July 21, 2017
Seats in economy are a lot like college dorm rooms. It's a shock the first time you see them because they seem so small and uncomfortable, and you have no idea who the person sleeping next to you is. But with a little planning and creativity they're not that bad at all.
My very first flight ever was a 15 hour red eye to Johannesburg, South Africa and because of a lot of reading on blogs I had a great flight. I got all the meal service, slept 10 hours, watched a couple of movies I had wanted to see, and totally beat jet lag. Totally. Now that it's study abroad season I've been passing along a lot of the info that helped me to fellow travelers, so I thought I'd organize it all here.
Before the Flight
Don't sleep. You heard me right. The best way to ensure that you can fall asleep is to make sure that you're exhausted. Sleep less, take a couple laps around the terminal before take off, and stay away from the coffee (as wonderful as it sounds) as you get closer to the flight.
Have your entertainment ready to go. The in-flight entertainment systems are pretty great, but sometimes they break. Be ready for the worst by downloading a few episodes or a movie on Netflix so that you have something to watch if disaster strikes. Podcasts and a good book work too.
Bring the right supplies. Having a good supply pack is essential to feeling at home in your 17.2 inches of seat. I recommend: a water bottle (#Hydroflaskforlife), headphones that you love, compression socks, a neck pillow, chamomile tea bags, make up wipes, a natural sleep aid, and something to keep cozy with.
Dress to impress (everyone with how prepared you are). Comfy pants, layers, and slip on shoes. Bonus: set your watch to the new time zone so you can begin adjusting.
Dress to impress (everyone with how prepared you are). Comfy pants, layers, and slip on shoes. Bonus: set your watch to the new time zone so you can begin adjusting.
On the Plane
Settle in. Get comfortable because your seat is your own space now. Place your pillow just so, make sure your feet can rest in a comfortable position, and recline your seat as soon as possible so that your not disturbing your neighbor later.
Pretend it's bedtime. Brush your teeth, wash your face, and make sure that you're situated in a comfortable position. I also recommend asking a flight attendant for a cup of hot water so you can brew one of those bags of chamomile. Then pop a couple of those sleeping pills and you are on your way to sleep.
Wear an eye mask. You can do everything perfect but still be startled awake when your neighbor decides to take a peek out the window mid flight (speaking from experience). Cover your eyes, people.
Use your carry-on/personal item as a footstool. Elevating your feet by putting something on the floor below them can help to relieve so pressure on your lower back and make the seat a little more comfortable.
Wear an eye mask. You can do everything perfect but still be startled awake when your neighbor decides to take a peek out the window mid flight (speaking from experience). Cover your eyes, people.
Use your carry-on/personal item as a footstool. Elevating your feet by putting something on the floor below them can help to relieve so pressure on your lower back and make the seat a little more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
I think planes are incredibly amazing (guys, we are literally flying through the air at hundreds of miles an hour and getting to eat ice cream and watch the latest Ryan Gosling movie) so I give them a pass on the whole economy class thing. Relax, prepare ahead of time, and enjoy the ride. You'll be at your destination in a blink.
Got any long haul flight must haves? Let me know what you would add to my list.
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