The best tips to survive a long flight by plane

This post is also available in: Español

The Earth has a perimeter of 40,075 kilometers and the human being is of an adventurous nature. There are millions of combinations to travel around the world. But even though the appearance of the airplane has incredibly shortened the time to travel, there are still routes in which you need to invest quite a few hours in a long flight in order to reach the desired destination.

Even within the same countries, there are distances that are quite long. If your purpose is to discover the multiple wonders that await you all over the world, you will need quite a few hours of flight time.

Below we will give you some tips for long flights by plane, and not having to miss any adventure you have to do at least once in your life, such as visiting Machu Picchu in Peru.

Tips for long flights by plane

Keep in mind that if you are going to be for many hours in the seat of an airplane you have to go prepared from home.

Wearing comfortable clothes, taking some snacks that you like, or even collecting your favorite songs or more relaxing style, can always be useful to isolate you from the noises of the plane and even to get better sleep.

Here are some tips to make a long trip short.

Wear comfortable clothes

The most basic and essential recommendation to survive a long flight is to wear comfortable clothes.

Many people choose to go directly comfortable from home, but the other option is to carry in the hand luggage a pair of tights or sweatpants, socks, and a sweatshirt and change yourself as soon as the plane is in the air and you are allowed to get out of the seat.

Keep in mind that most of the time you will spend the night and sleep in the air. So, make sure you wear clothes that allow you to move freely and rest comfortably.

Also, keep in mind that the seasons of the year are different in the northern hemisphere than in the southern hemisphere. For example, the seasons in Latin America are not the same as in Europe, and vice versa. Therefore, remember to put in your hand luggage some warm clothes in case you arrive at your destination in winter.

Hydrate yourself during a flight

When traveling long distances the time during the plane can help you start acclimating your body to the time at the destination, making fewer symptoms of Jet Lag.

In addition, as body conditions change, the humidity on the plane drops to 20% of the average humidity you may have in your home, causing your body to suffer.

This is why you have to keep yourself hydrated during the trip. It is advisable that when you pass the airport security control you get several bottles of water for the journey.

On the plane, you are also offered water for free, but it is served in very small glasses and you have to constantly ask for a refill. If you buy bottles it is more comfortable for you and this way you avoid constantly bothering the stewardesses.

Carry something to nibble on for long flights by plane

The water is not allowed to pass through the security control, however, you can board with food.

When you fly, the combination of low humidity and low pressure makes the sensitivity of the taste buds decrease by 30%. Both the less sensitivity and the loss of olfactory capacity makes the food seem less tasty.

It is for this reason that the pre-cooked menus given on planes are usually especially spicy and even very salty.

You might know that the menus prepared for this type of trip are not especially balanced. They are mainly composed of carbohydrates, with little fruit and vegetables.

The ideal would be to take something to eat from home during the rest of the flight and try that your stomach does not suffer too much with the digestion of these foods.

The best advice for long flights is to bring some nuts or fruits. You can choose the one that is easily peeled without getting too dirty or perhaps take it peeled and cut from home, ready to eat.

Be careful with some fruits. If you are traveling back from Latin America, there are certain exotic fruits such as durian, which are not allowed to be carried or eaten on planes due to their bad smell.

Move around the plane

We recommend getting out of your seat every once in a while to stretch your body. Always being in the same posture can impair your circulation and make your limbs feel a little swollen.

You can even do some exercise, such as squats or stretching. They will make you feel better and will be the best medicine for your boredom.

What to entertain yourself with during the trip

Whether traveling alone for the first time or traveling with someone, you should look for something to fight boredom. Most likely you will try to sleep as much as possible. This is a key factor in making the trip go by quickly.

But if you have already taken a nap and you still have a long way to go, most airlines that cover these routes have a wide range of films or series, you are sure to find one that suits your tastes.

You can also take advantage of the trip if you have work to do, read, or even write if you like it. Always carry a book or some device to listen to music, isolating yourself from the plane will make the trip go faster.

You can also go by planning your trip. For example, if your destination is Chile, you can organize the excursions in Chile that you are going to do and know more about this destination.

Another option to entertain yourself is to take advantage of the travel time to practice languages, meet people, and make new friends.

What to put in your hand luggage for long flights by plane

Finally, all you have left to do is pack everything that we have mentioned above that suits you and that can make the trip go by, never better.

Please note that long-distance airlines usually have a kit for travelers. These include blankets, earplugs, and some basic toiletries such as a comb, a toothbrush, and a sleep mask.

If you are reading this, we hope you are embarking on a new adventure. You don’t know how long our teeth get just from writing it down. Have you got any other tips for long flights by plane we’ve forgotten?