How to Withstand a Long-Haul Flight With Simple Actions
Escape
You need a solid plan to prepare for several hours of your flight, but it does not have to do with work. Though time can fly when you stare at spreadsheets and write proposals, it does not make those hours disappear. You want them to vanish without a trace. You can put on those headphones and watch Hollywood blockbusters. Finishing lots of work is okay, but you are not used to going through 15 hours without getting an email or phone call. Therefore, I persuade you to bring some work to do, however, this will be futile when it comes to the middle part of your ordeal. Don’t pass up headphones and Hollywood movies.
Do not take along too much stuff.
Checked in baggage fees encourage travelers to bring lots of stuff, but this could burn you during a long-haul flight. Placing more beneath the seat before you gives less legroom and more limited space to deal with for 15 to 16 hours. Avoid bringing too much stuff which will lead to having less space for stretching and sleeping.
Gear Up
You may not be a gear person when it comes to flying. Though you do not usually wear eye masks or use neck pillows, earplugs and noise-canceling headphones, these could certainly help during a long-haul flight. As earlier mentioned, your entire carry-on baggage should be less, but consider bringing some of those quite small survival tools. Your mind and body will be grateful for all the little things that offer comfort, and the hassle of packing and taking them along will be made lighter by the misery of going through 15 long hours of carrying kids, listening to the pilot’s voice and noise of the engine, as well as a major pain in the neck. So, do not forget your gear.
Get Complete Rest before Boarding
Don’t think that the long hours of your flight will be the best time to catch up on sleep. Though it seems like a good idea to hit on the reclining seat when you are too tired, hoping to get enough sleep during the whole trip, you are about to get upset when, for some reason, you cannot get enough sleep. You will be flying long enough to get a few winks, even though you may have rested a bit. What you can do is take it as it comes. When your eyes begin to close, wear those eye covers and earplugs.
Look after your Stuff
You can’t avoid having unscrupulous travelers on board, and a long trip gives them enough time to locate your wallet, wait for you to sleep and inspect your luggage. Keep your valuables hidden where only a TSA X-ray machine could find them. Hide your passport, credit cards and money in a belt bag underneath your clothes.
Inquire about Seats at the Gate
If you were not able to get good seats beforehand, try to ask at the gate. If it is not a full flight, there may still be an empty row, and the gate agent could you put you and your companion in a window and aisle arrangement, reducing the chance of having another traveler sit at the center, thus getting you at least a seat and a half.
