Practical Tips for Long Flights
We know a long flight can sometimes be a travel deterrent. So, we caught up with some of our favorite frequent travelers to ask their tips for making the most of the long journeys. Here’s what they say:
Luna Antonia Arboleda
Weleda Skin Food hand dream for dryness during the flight.
Whole Foods Melatonin and Magnesium to fight the jet lag
Stay hydrated with lotssss of water (fave travel size bottle by Bink)
A pair of TOAST wool socks to stay cozy during the flight
Prepare your own meal to take on the flight and bring stainless steel U Konserve tupper ware
Dieux reusable gel eye mask with CocoKind eye cream for after the flight
Always bring a book and/or magazine to read and a podcast to listen to (What Now by Trevor Noah and Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso)
Re Jin Lee
If it’s a long trip and red eye flights are available, I book one. When I’m confident there won’t be delays, I take a sleep aid; lately a cortisol manager supplement. As soon as we reach 10,000 feet, I put on compression socks, an eye mask (the kind with a band around the head, not behind the ears), and earplugs, then go to sleep. I skip meals to maximize rest, but bring a protein bar (but really a Snickers bar ;) just in case.
Despite all the usual hydration advice, I avoid drinking water or any liquids until descent and avoid airplane bathrooms at all costs. I wear leggings or pants with elastic cuffs so if I do need to use the bathroom, the hems don’t touch the floor.
Depending on my destination, I start taking a probiotic supplement (this korean one) about a week before the flight and continue for a few days after arrival. Once there, I try to adjust to local time immediately: no caffeine, light meals, plenty of water, and, if needed, a sleep aid around 9 p.m. local time to get a solid eight hours.
Jessie Mordine Young
I like to claim a window seat so I can nap on the plane more easily. I always get cold on planes, so I bring a sweater and scarf (can double as a pillow) .
In addition to packing essential items (travel docs, money, cards, electronics), I like to have some things on board to feel refreshed:
liquid IV and a reusable water bottle
face cleansing wipes
face lotion
tooth brush and tooth paste
probiotics and vitamins
protein bar
Once you’ve arrive, try and acclimate to the time zone: avoid the big long nap when you arrive and instead go for a walk. This is a fun way to get a sense of the place but also to curtail jet lag. Maybe that’s when you also wander to find a nice meal, you’ll likely be hungry and tired after travel as your patterns will be slightly off, it’s important to get back on track!
Barbara Gage
For the trip to Japan, I used Timeshifter, an app to help adjust sleep patterns prior to flying, and it helped. I have used No-Jet-Lag tablets for years. No-Jet-Lag is a Homeopathic jet lag prevention in chewable tablet form made in New Zealand (available online). I wear a mask on full flights and I put a couple of drops of essential oil on the inside of the mask to help with odors, sleep etc.
Monica Medeiros
My long flight essentials start with noise canceling headphones... none of this earbud business. Real headphones with cushy earphones. My headphones emit a sort of white noise when they are turned on, and during flights I'll wear them even when I'm not listening to music or a movie, they really help cut out the noise from the plane and allow me to get some decent sleep on overnight flights. Second is a scarf, I usually pack a large but lightweight scarf. If I get cold, just having something around my neck can really warm me up. Alternatively it can be used as a pillow or blanket. And lastly, I usually bring a knitting or sewing project because I can get a little fidgety on long flights. There is something very satisfying about seeing a little project develop in front of you, it can really take your mind off of the progress of the flight.
Hot tip: yes you can bring scissors on a plane as long as the blades are under 4 inches.
