Relaxed travel: 8 tips for long-haul flights
Long-haul flights can be a real challenge, especially if you are not prepared for them. But don't worry! With a few simple tips, you can make the flight more enjoyable and relaxing. Here are our eight tips for long-haul flights:
1. Comfortable clothing is the be-all and end-all
Nothing is worse than sitting for hours in uncomfortable clothes on a plane. Therefore, it is essential to wear loose and comfortable clothing. Breathable fabrics are particularly recommended. Shoes should not be too tight, as feet can swell during the flight. Loose shoes are also quicker to put on and take off.
2. Adjust bedtime
If you want to sleep on a long-haul flight, you should adjust your bedtime in advance. Many people have difficulty falling asleep in an unfamiliar and noisy environment. It is therefore advisable to sleep a little less before the flight in order to be able to fall asleep better on the plane due to fatigue. If the flight takes you to a different time zone, jet lag can be avoided by making the appropriate adjustments. If the arrival in the destination country is at night, it is better to sleep on the plane. If the plane lands during the day, it is not recommended to sleep during the flight.
3. Use an eye mask, neck pillow and earplugs
To get some sleep on a long-haul flight, an eye mask, neck pillow and earplugs are essential.
These utensils are incredibly good at blocking out noise and light. In addition, a neck pillow ensures a more comfortable sleep without tension after waking up.
4. Regular exercise is important
One of the most important tips: Long flight = Keep moving!
To avoid blood clots and stiffness, stand up every few hours during the flight, walk a few steps on the plane or do simple stretching exercises in your seat. The movement stimulates blood circulation and prevents the legs from swelling or forming a thrombosis.
5. Bring your own entertainment
It can quickly become boring on long-haul flights, especially if the in-flight programme doesn't have much to offer. To pass the time a little, a good tip is to bring your own entertainment, such as a good book, a tablet or a music player. Crossword puzzles or Sudoku can also make time fly by.
6. Prefer light and nutritious meals
An important consideration for long-distance flights is diet. Heavy and fatty food can lead to sluggishness, malaise and sleep disturbances. It is therefore advisable to prefer light, nutritious meals that provide the body with important nutrients but are not heavy.
Some airlines offer special meals on long-haul flights, such as vegetarian or gluten-free dishes. If you are on a special diet, it is worth asking the airline beforehand if such options are available.
In addition, snacks such as nuts, fruit or muesli bars can be taken along to satisfy the small hunger in between. However, it is important to make sure that no prohibited foods are carried in the hand luggage and that sufficient liquid is consumed to avoid dehydration.
An additional tip for long flights: take an empty bottle with you and fill it up with water after the hand luggage check and take it onto the plane!
7. Long-haul flight: Hand luggage tips
It is best to pack the hand luggage carefully with everything that will be needed during the flight. It must comply with the prescribed dimensions and must not be too heavy.
As a rule, 7 to 8 kg are allowed. Precise preliminary considerations and a self-prepared checklist help to ensure that nothing is forgotten.
Important documents such as passport, tickets or identity cards should always be at hand. Medication and personal items like your netbook also belong in your hand luggage. A small bag or backpack makes it easier to access these items.
8. The right choice of seat
The choice of seat can also have a big impact on comfort during a long-haul flight. A window seat is more suitable for sleeping, as the head can be comfortably leaned and the aisle traffic is not disturbing. Aisle seats are ideal if you want to get up more often. You also have quicker access to the toilets and can stretch your legs more easily. Some airlines also offer special seats such as emergency exits or seats with more legroom for an extra charge.
In addition to our eight tips for long-haul flights, it is also advantageous to plan enough time to get to the airport and to inform yourself in advance about the entry regulations of the destination country. After all, the journey itself is part of the adventure.
