Long-haul flights—typically eight hours or more—pose unique challenges, from cramped seating and dry cabin air to time zone disruptions. Ultra-long-haul routes, like New York to Singapore (nearly 19 hours) or the upcoming Sydney to London direct flight (20 hours), take travel fatigue to the next level.
Though spending nearly a day in the air isn’t ideal, a bit of preparation can make the experience far more comfortable. With the right mindset, smart packing, and a well-stocked JetSet Meds travel medical kit, you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
1. Pack Smart and Strategize Early
Since your checked baggage is inaccessible during the flight, your carry-on should be packed with essentials to maximize in-flight comfort essentials.
Must-Have Items:
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A change of clothes (especially for layovers with shower access)
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Toothbrush and toothpaste for a mid-flight refresh
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Compression socks benefits: These help prevent swelling and improve circulation.
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A hoodie for warmth and privacy—perfect for blocking out light and noise.
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A JetSet Meds travel medical kit, stocked with essential medications like pain relievers, sleep aids for air travel, and anti-nausea meds to ensure a smooth journey.
Packing Essentials for Long Flights
When preparing for your trip, consider a packing checklist for long flights that includes all necessary items. This will help you stay organized and avoid forgetting key in-flight comfort essentials like a travel pillow recommendation and hydration during flights.
2. Prioritize Sleep
A good portion of your flight should ideally be spent sleeping, so set yourself up for success.
Sleep Aids:
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Melatonin or doctor-approved medications (like diphenhydramine, which is provided in every JetSet Meds travel medical kit) can help adjust your internal clock.
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Best noise-canceling headphones for travel: These block out background noise and make it easier to rest.
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A travel pillow recommendation such as the Trtl Pillow provides neck support and helps you avoid stiff muscles.
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An eye mask to block out cabin lights and create a sleep-friendly environment.
Sleep Strategy:
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If you have a multi-leg trip, stay awake during shorter flights to be extra tired for the long-haul segment.
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A "Do Not Disturb" eye mask ensures uninterrupted sleep by signaling flight attendants to let you rest through meal service.
3. Entertainment is Key
Surviving long hours in the air means keeping yourself engaged when you’re not sleeping.
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Entertainment options for long flights include downloading movies, TV series, and podcasts before you leave home.
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Don’t rely on in-flight Wi-Fi, as it may be slow or unavailable.
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Bring a book or magazine you’ve been meaning to read.
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Load up on offline games or learning apps—long flights are a great time to start a new skill!
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Consider noise-canceling earbuds to drown out background noise when watching movies or playing games.
4. Stay Hydrated
Cabin air is notoriously dry, which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and even headaches.
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Bring an empty water bottle to refill post-security to stay hydrated.
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Use moisturizer, lip balm, and hydrating eye drops to keep your skin and eyes comfortable.
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Add powdered electrolytes (as provided in your JetSet Meds travel medical kit) or vitamins to your water for an extra boost.
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Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption as they contribute to dehydration.
5. Move Whenever Possible
Sitting for hours on end can cause stiffness and increase the risk of blood clots. If possible, choose an aisle seat for easy movement.
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Walk the aisles every few hours to stretch your legs.
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In-flight exercises: Simple stretching routines and foot exercises can prevent stiffness and improve circulation.
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Stand when possible to keep blood flowing.
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Use SeatGuru to research plane layouts and book a seat with the most legroom.
6. Plan for Your Destination
Adjusting to a new time zone begins on the plane.
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Jet lag prevention: If you land during the day, resist the urge to nap! Powering through will help you adjust more quickly.
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Exposure to natural light and staying active upon arrival can reset your circadian rhythm faster.
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Consider using blue light blocking glasses if you need to use screens before sleep.
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Managing flight anxiety: If you struggle with anxiety, breathing exercises and calming apps can help.
7. Choosing the Best Airplane Seat
Seat selection can make a huge difference in comfort levels. Some tips include:
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Window vs. aisle: Window seats are better for sleeping, while aisle seats offer easy access to movement.
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Exit row seats: These provide extra legroom but may not recline.
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Bulkhead seats: Offer more space but are near the bathrooms, which can be noisy.
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Avoid seats near galleys as they tend to be louder due to food service activity.
8. Healthy Travel Snacks
Airplane food isn’t always satisfying or nutritious, so packing healthy travel snacks can make a big difference.
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Protein bars: Provide sustained energy.
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Nuts and seeds: A great source of healthy fats.
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Dried fruit: A natural source of sugar to keep your energy up.
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Dark chocolate: A mood booster that can also help with circulation.
Final Thoughts
Long-haul travel may never be enjoyable, but with the right preparation, it can be manageable. Pack wisely, prioritize sleep, stay hydrated, and make use of a JetSet Meds travel medical kit to handle any mid-flight discomfort. Arriving at your destination feeling good is the first step to making the most of your trip.
By incorporating these long-haul flight tips, you can maximize comfort and minimize travel fatigue. Whether you’re on a business trip or an exotic vacation, following these steps will help ensure you arrive refreshed and ready for your adventure.
Travel well!