When I arrived in Singapore for the first time, a family friend met me at the airport and took me on a driving tour of the city. It seemed like a wonderful idea, until the jet lag struck. As we made our way along Orchard Road, I felt my eyelids growing heavy. I knew exactly what was happening, and although I tried to fight it, I was asleep before we reached Emerald Hill.
Jet lag had won.
I have now been enjoying long haul flying for four decades and have worked in the travel industry for more than 25 years. In that time, I have learned a great deal, partly from my own mistakes, the Singapore episode very much included, and partly from the wisdom of fellow professional travellers who clock up just as many miles as I do.
Most recently, I took my longest flight to date, a non-stop journey from London Heathrow to Perth in Western Australia; nearly 17 hours in the air, covering approximately 9,400 miles. And I arrived feeling surprisingly fresh and ready to explore.
So, what makes the difference?
Here are the tips I now consider essential for any long haul flights. These are the things that will help you enjoy the flight itself and step off the plane ready to make the most of your holiday from day one.
| Summary: Richard is a travel industry professional and in this blog he shares his travel tips for long haul flying. From what to plan and pack before you go, and how to sleep on a plane and avoid jet lag, through to what to do when you land. He even shares his own long haul flying checklist, so you can enjoy long haul flights too. |
As you are reading this, I am sure that you already know, but for the avoidance of doubt, in the travel industry we generally consider a flight to be long haul if it lasts longer than six or seven hours. From the UK, that covers a wide range of popular destinations outside of Europe, including the USA and Canada, the Caribbean, all of Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Currently the longest non-stop flight in the world links Singapore with New York, but Qantas has promised a direct flight between London and Sydney in 2027, which will entail a mere 20 hours on board. Today, many of the longest non-stop routes still exceed 15 hours, but modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380 have made long distance flying considerably more comfortable than it once was.
When booking a long haul flight, it is worth thinking beyond just the price. Budget is obviously important, but I always also consider the airline’s reputation for service, the type of aircraft operating the route, and, perhaps most importantly, the arrival time at my destination.
If I am going to be confined to an aircraft cabin for hours, I want to know, I want to know that I will be well looked after. So service is important. Some short haul carriers appear to have all but given up on service, but for the long haul the quality of food, entertainment and service are important. Airlines are judged and rated by consumer websites annually, so it is worth doing some research before you part with your money.
As I have mentioned earlier, the improvement in aircraft quality has been dramatic over the years. Noise reduction in particular has made sleeping on a long haul flight much easier. I personally believe that the Airbus A380 offers the quietest cabin of all the current operational aircraft, so if I have the choice I would look for that type of aircraft.
I personally prefer to arrive at my destination in the late afternoon or early evening. Not only does this mean that you can travel directly to your hotel and check in straight away, but it also allows you time for a light meal and an early night, so that you wake the next morning fresh and raring to explore. Some people may advocate arriving in the morning, adopting local time and just powering on through until the evening, but as I have found out to my cost, that isn’t always possible.
For very long journeys, a stopover is also worth considering. Breaking a long journey into two more manageable segments can be far less tiring, and if you choose the right city to stop in, it can become another highlight of the holiday in itself. We have written about some of the best stopovers on the way to Australia elsewhere on this blog, so that is worth a read if you are planning that journey.
To help with all of these choices I would always speak with an experienced travel consultant who will be able to give advice and make recommendations on airline service, flight times and stopovers.
Seat choice matters more than many people realise on a long haul flight. There are now whole websites that offer seat plans for every aircraft and will discuss the benefits of sitting in every seat throughout a plane. I won’t pretend to do that here, but there are some simple facts that I can share.
A window seat is generally the better option for sleeping on a long haul flight. Not only can you lean against the cabin wall for extra support, but you can control your own daylight and avoid being disturbed every time a fellow passenger needs to get past.
However, if you like the freedom to move around the cabin without having to climb over anyone, then an aisle seat works well, although you will need to shuffle out of the way of your neighbours more frequently.
Wherever possible, I always check the cabin layout before I book. Rows near the toilets or galley areas tend to see significantly more foot traffic and noise during the night, so are rarely the most restful places to sit.
If you are travelling in economy class, then sitting nearer the back of the plane can increase your chances of having spare seats to spread out on during the flight. Meanwhile, the middle of the aircraft, over the wings, is generally the most stable area if you are affected by turbulence.
This question comes up a lot, and the honest answer is that it very much depends on your budget, what cabin classes are available, and where you are travelling to. For example, for a daytime journey flying west, the difference between economy and premium economy may not be essential, as you don’t need to sleep. However, on an overnight flight heading east, where sleep is a priority, the extra space and ability to recline can genuinely transform the experience.
Upgrading to premium economy or business class can also include airport lounge access, which is particularly valuable if you have a long transit in an airport. It is amazing what a shower and change of clothes inbetween flights can do for the rest of your journey. To learn more on cabin upgrades and which airlines are best, I have compared the options in detail in my guide to Economy vs Premium Economy flights.
Forget the old recommendations that dressing smartly can earn you an upgrade. In my experience it is more likely to matter what your loyalty status is with the airline, than what you are wearing. A smart outfit does not get you an upgrade.
Comfort, however, is far more important on a long haul flight. Loose clothing and layers that you can add or remove, and sensible footwear make a real difference on a long journey. Cabin temperatures do vary considerably during a flight, so the ability to adapt quickly is worth more than any smart outfit. There is scientific evidence that flight socks (compression socks) do reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis on long haul flights, but moving regularly also helps with blood flow, so I wouldn’t claim that they are essential, unless you are at high risk of blood clots or similar medical conditions.
One tip that is easy to overlook: If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses for the flight. Aircraft cabins are very dry environments, and dry eyes and lenses are an uncomfortable combination over many hours.
Having the right items within easy reach can transform a long flight from something to endure into something genuinely comfortable. These are the essentials on my long haul flight packing list:
On the subject of snacks: it is not that airline food is necessarily bad but having something you actually enjoy to hand means you can eat when you are genuinely hungry, rather than just when the trolley happens to come round.
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One of the most straightforward things that you can do to prepare for a comfortable long haul flight is to arrive at the airport without rushing. Being late is stressful and stress before boarding a long haul flight is avoidable and counterproductive. Check the traffic before you leave home, pre-book parking, and always give yourself plenty of time to check in and clear security. It is best to be settled and relaxed before you board.
You don’t need to pack water, although a refillable bottle is always useful. However, once you are through security, ensure that you drink plenty of water. Aircraft cabins have very low humidity, typically around 10 to 15 percent, compared to the 30 to 60 percent most of us are used to at home, and dehydration sets in faster than you might expect. Starting the flight already well hydrated gives your body a head start.
If time allows before boarding, walk around the terminal and stretch your legs. It may not be possible to try all your pilates exercises in the departure lounge, but do try stretching your back and leg muscles before you board. You are about to spend many hours mostly sitting still, so making the most of the opportunity to move freely is time well spent.
Start thinking about your arrival before you have departed. The moment you board, I recommend switching your watch, and your mindset, to the time zone at your destination. By adopting the time at your destination, you can plan sleep and activities during your flight, so that on arrival your body is already in the right time zone. It is a simple habit, but it will help your body begin adjusting straight away and shifts your focus firmly towards where you are going.
Even if you drank water before getting on the plane, you will need to keep drinking water consistently throughout the flight. I try to drink at least a glass of water or herbal tea every hour, which I find a sensible guideline for staying hydrated in the dry cabin atmosphere. Although it may be tempting, I do recommend avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks during long haul flights. All three can disrupt sleep and worsen dehydration, which is precisely the opposite of what you need.
Although you will need to spend most of the flight in your seat, it is important to try to get up and walk around the cabin every couple of hours. Even doing some exercise in your seat improves circulation, prevents stiffness and, frankly, makes the time pass a little more quickly. Cabin crew are well used to passengers doing laps of the aisles, or stretching near the exits, so there is no need to feel self-conscious about it.
Long flights feel far more manageable when you divide the time loosely into activities. You can watch a film or read for a while, then listen to a podcast or try to sleep. Having a rough rhythm stops the hours from blurring into one long stretch of restlessness.
To help with this, I always download my own entertainment before travelling. Most aircraft have good inflight systems, but I do like to disappear into a podcast, a favourite film or TV series (with different running times), when I travel.
Sleeping well on a plane does take a little effort, but it is absolutely achievable. Firstly, it is important to turn your screen off when you are ready to sleep. Bright light and the mental stimulation of watching something, even the flight route map, makes it much harder to drop off. You can also use your eye mask to block cabin light, and your earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to muffle the background noise.
Before you close your eyes, fasten your seatbelt over your blanket so the cabin crew can see that you are secured without needing to wake you during turbulence checks. It is also worth letting them know in advance if you would prefer not to be disturbed for meal service. Cabin crew are very accommodating if you simply ask.
Before reclining your seat, always check behind you. I appreciate the courtesy when others do the same for me. Spilling a drink or disturbing the person behind you is not conducive to falling asleep. Even if you can’t get horizontal a little angle will help your comfort, and turning on to your side is usually better than lying on your back.
If you are in a window seat, then you can also use your pillow to create a soft area to lean against, and you can turn your back to the rest of the cabin to avoid any unwanted distractions. Finally concentrate on your breathing, and then dream of everything you are going to enjoy on your holiday.
Jet lag is, in my experience, less about the length of the flight and more about how well you manage your body clock. The Singapore incident taught me that lesson more vividly than any advice ever could. I arrived determined to enjoy every moment and was asleep in a moving car within the hour.
The key is to follow your destination schedule as early as possible. Sleep when it is night at your destination, and stay awake when it is daytime there, even if it feels completely unnatural. Eat lightly and only when you are genuinely hungry; don’t be afraid to opt out of a meal service. Your appetite may feel out of step with the clock, and that is perfectly normal.
On arrival, resist the temptation to nap unless you are landing in the evening. Pushing through until local bedtime on that first day is one of the most effective ways to reset quickly. It is not always easy, but the difference it makes the following morning is considerable.
On my flight to Perth, I planned the journey carefully. I drank water throughout, avoided alcohol entirely, and slept according to Western Australian time rather than London time. I stepped off the plane in the afternoon and was able to check in to my hotel on arrival and go out exploring straight away. After forty years of long haul flying, it still feels like something of a triumph.
Before you leave the aircraft, always check the seat pocket, the floor and the overhead locker for all your possessions. It is surprising how many people leave things behind when they are tired and eager to get moving. Check under pillows and blankets and down the side of your seat before you leave the plane. Try to move your passport and other documents to the top of your bag when you are repacking, so that you are ready for immigration. Being prepared makes the process considerably smoother, particularly after a long night flight when everyone is keen to get through quickly. There is nothing more frustrating than someone digging through their bag for their passport at the front of the queue at arrivals.
Whilst I like to wash my face and brush my teeth prior to landing, sometimes this isn’t possible, and the queue for the toilet after the captain announces the descent can be quite long, so the alternative is to wait until after arrival. Usually there is a wait until the checked in bags arrive at the carousel, so it is good to use this time by visiting the bathroom, having a quick wash to freshen yourself up, and change into some fresh clothes. Something simple like this can do wonders for how you feel. Even if it is simply a psychological boost, don’t underestimate it. You will feel much better prepared for your onwards journey.
Long haul flying is one of those things that rewards a little planning. The difference between arriving tired, stiff and disorientated, and stepping off the plane ready to start your adventure, often comes down to a handful of small decisions made before you even reach the airport.
After four decades of long haul flying, I still find real pleasure in the journey itself. Catching up on the films I have been meaning to watch, the books I finally get round to reading, as well as the rare and genuinely guilt-free hours of doing very little. With the right preparation, the flight stops being something to endure and becomes a genuine part of the holiday.
If you are planning a long haul trip and would like some help putting it together, our expert travel team at Freedom Destinations would love to hear from you.
Richard is the Content Manager at Freedom Destinations and has more than 25 years of experience working within the travel industry. He has travelled widely in Europe, the USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, South East Asia, as well as Southern Africa. He enjoys exploring National Parks and other wilderness areas.
