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I used to be terrified of flying.
Heck, sometimes the thought still scares me even after I’ve flown countless times.
Fact is I am scared of heights.
If you’ve read some of my previous posts, this one in particular, you should have a good idea just how much my thoughts turn completely irrational when faced with heights.
Like it’s actually ridiculous but it’s a work in progress.
I have learned a couple things through the years, however. Things that I can use to help get me through these dredded flights, both short and long.
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In this post
7 tips for surviving a long-haul flight
1. Your thoughts matter
Psych yourself up for this flight. You are the boss of this flight.
The first thing I think is that this flight is necessary to get me to my destination. It’s one small hurdle (using the term small loosely) to hop over to achieve my goal.
2. Choose your seating wisely
While some prefer an aisle seat as it allows for ease of getting up to stretch their legs easily, I much prefer the window seat.
I NEEDS MY WINDOW SEAT.
Staring out the window as the plane takes off, soars through the air, and then finally descends somehow grounds me. Instead of solely focusing on the movements of the plane(that can sometimes be scary), I get lost in the shapes of the clouds and the changing scenery hundreds of miles below.
Now for others, this might be the opposite, and sitting in the window seat would turn up different results. So just figure out where you’ll feel the most comfortable, bearing in mind that the middle seat will never do that for you. So whatever you do, just make sure you don’t get stuck there.
3. Have proper entertainment /be sure to charge up
I always make sure to power up all my devices before leaving home. I also make sure to charge up my portable battery as well.
However, a lot of planes are now equipped with USB ports, so you can charge during the flight.
If you’re someone who can’t sleep during flights, then make sure to have different forms of entertainment prepared.
This is a great time to catch up on reading, journaling, or watching that series you’ve been putting off forever.
On my long-haul flight to Southeast Asia, I downloaded a whole series on netflix I’d wanted to watch for awhile but had never found the time to.
Now a days, however, a lot of airlines are equipped with an excellent selection of entertaining movies and tv shows.
On that long flight, I didn’t even need to pull out my phone, there were a lot of new releases I’d been wanting to see, so I happily took advantage of them.
It made the time go by very quickly.
Download your free long-haul flight checklist now
4. Take an overnight flight
I do this every time I’m flying to Europe.
I usually catch a flight leaving in between 7 and 10 pm and I’m usually so tired running around getting ready for my travels that I’m exhausted and ready to pass out as soon as my butt hits the seat.
This is a good thing.
You sleep for the majority of the plane ride (since it’s night time and the proper time to sleep anyway).
Then you wake up to eat and go back to sleep after, and then by the time you fully wake up, you’ve reached your destination (or you’re almost there).
Always make sure to pack a travel pillow (the memory foam ones are the best) and sometimes even a blanket as some airlines love to blast the A/C.
If you find it hard to sleep on a plane, (because let’s be honest, those seats are nowhere near comfortable) try taking a sleeping pill. Melatonin works great.
5. Pack an eye mask and earplugs
If an overnight flight isn’t possible but you want to catch some zzz’s during the ride, think about bringing an eye mask.
I purchased this one from amazon mainly because I got my lashes done and didn’t want them to get ruined, but also because I knew I wanted to knock out for some of that long 14-hour flight.
This eye mask is also great for blocking out the light.
They are contoured which allows you to open your eyes fully when they’re on, and it’s pitch black inside.
They’re also memory foam, so super comfortable, I highly recommend.
Earplugs are great for canceling out noises that will hinder you from falling asleep.
Some of them are also made to help with regulating that sometimes uncomfortable pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing.
6. Wear comfortable clothing
The key to being as comfortable as possible on long(and even short) flights, is what you’re wearing.
You want to dress as comfy as possible.
You’ll usually find me sporting a loose t-shirt, oversized sweater that I can easily take off and put back on, and either leggings or track pants.
I usually take my shoes off too for added comfort, but that does end up leaving my feet feeling cold.
So if you’re like me and your feet get cold easily, bring extra socks.
I like packing big fluffy ones.
If you’re in for an extra-long flight, compression socks will be your best friend.
I wore mine on my flight to Asia but on my flight back, I forgot to pack them in my carry on.
Because I was sitting for so long, without the help from the compression socks, my feet and ankles swelled up crazily the next day.
I didn’t realize just how much of a difference they made, so my next long flight, you better believe I won’t forget them!
7. Pack snacks and water
Long or short flight, I always pack some extra snacks to bring with me.
Yes, you can bring food onto the plane.
But you can’t take liquids through customs.
So either pack an empty water bottle that you can fill up before you get on the plane or purchase a bottle of water from one of the convenience or food stores in the airport.
The foods and beverages offered on the plane may not always be to your satisfaction, so this is something you can take into your own hands.
You don’t want to end up totally thirsty on this long flight and be at the mercy of the flight attendants, waiting for them to travel up the aisle towards you for a little cup of water.
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Well that brings me to the end of my list.
I hope these tips help you to prepare for your next flight.
Whether it’s a long or short flight, it doesn’t have to be a scary or uncomfortable one.
Until next time, stay blessed ♡
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Just get on a plane and go!
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