Ever been on a really long flight? More than 12 hours? No? Lucky you. Yes? Then you know exactly what I am talking about.
It can be a very draining experience, to say the least. Before hopping on one, I read a few very lame suggestions on things you can do on long flights (including getting a sleeping pills prescription from your doctor!). None of them actually worked. Below is what worked, but before that let me share the lamest of all the lame things that I read during my research –
“If you are on a 16 hour flight, trick your brain into thinking you have 4 flights of 4 hours each.”
This is such a lame suggestion that it doesn’t work after the first 4 hours! 😁 Whoever came up with this has clearly never been on a 16 hour flight.
So here’s my two (four, actually!) cents about long flights –
1. Upgrade Your Travel
First of all, it’s totally worth booking a pricier ticket if it means a more comfortable airplane or airline. Better services and more legroom will just make the entire ordeal a tad easier. Think of it as an investment in your sanity.
2. Hobby Time!
Catch up with your hobby. Your hobby does not have to be the average Joe’s – watching movies, TV shows or listening to songs, but if those are indeed your hobbies (poor hobbies, I might add) you are in luck, as long flights typically have good inflight entertainment. Plus, you can always carry your own laptop or tablet with whatever content you like. The whole idea is to plan ahead.
3. Stay Active
Try to stay active and walk around a bit every once in a while so that your legs don’t cramp up. The aisle seat is your best bet so that you don’t have to climb over fellow passengers every time you want to get up.
4. Beat the Jet Lag
Jet lag is a real thing and there is no getting around it. The best way to help is by adjusting your sleep to the destination’s time zone. I know it sounds ridiculous, and impossible for most of us, but it’s worth a try. So do not sleep when you feel sleepy; try to sleep when it’s night time at the destination. Easier said than done, I know. But even partially pulling this off makes a difference.
Hope you find these suggestions helpful. Got your own long flight survival tips? Drop them in the comments below. You might also want to read my list of top 5 things to carry on a long flight. Bon voyage!
PS – Know your airplanes? Can you help answer these questions?
