Are you dreading that upcoming long haul flight? Whether you’re heading to your dream Mediterranean cruise or planning an Alaska cruise, surviving those endless hours in economy doesn’t have to be torture.
I’ve learned these tricks the hard way after taking several long flights over the last 18 months, including routes to Europe and across Canada that tested every comfort strategy I could think of.
These aren’t your typical “drink water” suggestions. These are the real game changers that make the difference between arriving refreshed or completely drained.
Pre-Flight Preparation Hacks
1. Download an Entire Netflix Series Before You Leave
This has been my absolute lifesaver as someone who deals with flight anxiety. Having a full season downloaded means no worrying about airplane WiFi dropping out mid-episode.
Choose something engaging but not too intense. Comedy series work perfectly for keeping your mind occupied during takeoff and turbulence.
2. Pack an Airplane Pocket Organizer
I discovered this on Amazon and it’s changed everything. Instead of cramming items into that cramped airplane seat pocket (seriously, people often put used tissues in there), you have your own clean, organized space for your phone, snacks, and entertainment within easy reach.
3. Choose Your Seat Like a Pro
Exit row seats aren’t always the best choice for long flights. The tray tables are often in the armrest, making them narrower and less comfortable for eating. Seats over the wing experience less turbulence, while window seats near the front are quieter.
Avoid seats at the very back near galleys and bathrooms. Use SeatGuru to check reviews for your specific aircraft before selecting.
4. Wear Compression Socks Before Boarding
Put these on at home, not at the airport. Your feet will thank you after hour 8 when everyone else is dealing with swollen ankles. The key is getting them on while your feet are still at their normal size.
Essential Items for Your Personal Bag
5. Headrest Sleep Mask with Padding
I was skeptical about this Amazon find, but it’s become my most recommended travel gadget. It creates a cocoon around your head, blocking light from all angles while cushioning against the headrest.
6. Quality Noise Canceling Headphones
Invest in good ones like AirPods Pro or Bose. The newer models are incredibly comfortable for extended wear.
They’ll block out crying babies, chatty neighbors, and engine noise. This makes a huge difference in actually being able to rest.
7. Portable Phone Charger and Long Cable
Your seat might not have working outlets. Pack a fully charged portable battery and a 6 foot charging cable so you can still reach your device while it’s plugged in.
8. Travel Pillow Alternative
Skip the bulky neck pillows. Instead, pack an inflatable lumbar support pillow. It takes up almost no space but provides amazing lower back support during those long sitting sessions.
For extra comfort, bring a lightweight travel blanket since airline blankets are notoriously thin.
Comfort and Sleep Strategies
9. The Hoodie Strategy
Wear an oversized hoodie backwards. Pull the hood over your face for instant privacy and darkness. The front pocket becomes a perfect holder for your phone and snacks when worn this way.
10. Master the Armrest Rules
The middle seat passenger gets both armrests. Everyone else gets one. Don’t be that person who hogs all the space. A little courtesy goes a long way when you’re stuck together for 10 hours.
11. Time Your Sleep Cycles
Start adjusting your sleep schedule 2-3 days before travel. If you’re flying overnight, try to stay awake during the first meal service, then sleep until the final meal. This helps with jet lag adjustment.
12. Create Your Own Foot Hammock
Use a belt or scarf to create a foot sling under the seat in front of you. This elevates your legs slightly and reduces swelling. Flight attendants might ask you to remove it during takeoff and landing.
Food and Hydration Hacks
13. Bring Your Own Tea Bags
Airplane coffee and tea are notoriously bad. Pack your favorite tea bags and ask for hot water. Most flight attendants are happy to accommodate this simple request.
14. The Water Bottle Strategy
Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it at a fountain after. Ask the flight attendant to refill it with their bottled water rather than from the tap. This keeps you hydrated without paying airport prices.
15. Pack High Protein Snacks
Nuts, protein bars, jerky, and hard boiled eggs keep your blood sugar stable better than airline pretzels. Avoid salty airplane snacks that make you thirstier and bloated. The key is bringing lean protein that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
16. Time Your Meals Wisely
Eat the first meal even if you’re tired. Skip the middle snack service. Wake up for the final meal. This helps reset your internal clock to your destination timezone.
Entertainment and Productivity
17. Prepare Multiple Entertainment Options
Don’t rely on just your phone. Pack a paperback book, crossword puzzles, or adult coloring books. When your eyes get tired from screens, these low-tech alternatives are perfect.
18. Use Flight Time for Planning
Research your destination while you’re flying there. Download travel apps before you fly and use airplane mode to plan activities without using data.
19. Learn Something New
Download language learning apps or educational podcasts. That 12 hour flight is enough time to get through several language lessons for your destination.
Health and Wellness
20. Set Movement Reminders
Walk the aisle every 2 hours minimum. Do calf raises and ankle circles in your seat. Your circulation will thank you, and it prevents that stiff, cramped feeling. Consider downloading a stretching app to remind you when it’s time to move.
21. Stay Fresh with Mini Toiletries
Pack face wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, moisturizer, and a small toothbrush in your personal bag. A quick refresh in the bathroom makes you feel human again halfway through your flight. Consider doing a full skincare routine on overnight flights to arrive looking refreshed.
22. Combat Dry Air
The airplane air is incredibly dry. Use saline nasal spray and eye drops. Apply a heavy moisturizer before boarding. Your skin and sinuses will feel much better upon arrival.
Money Saving Tips
23. Pack Your Own Entertainment
Instead of paying for in-flight WiFi or movies, bring downloaded content. This saves $20-40 per flight and you get better selection anyway.
24. Bring Your Own Blanket
A lightweight travel blanket is better than airline blankets and you don’t have to worry about cleanliness. Plus, you can keep it for your hotel or cruise cabin.
25. Strategic Duty Free Shopping
If you need to buy liquids after security, airport duty-free can be cheaper than destination prices for some items. Just don’t go overboard with unnecessary purchases.
Advanced Comfort Tricks
26. Pack a Full Change of Clothes in Your Carry On
This can save you on a 10 hour flight if someone spills a drink on your white shirt. Having a complete outfit change means you can stay comfortable and confident throughout your journey. Pack it in a compression cube to save space and keep everything organized.
27. Master the Bathroom Schedule
Use the bathroom right before boarding, then wait until after the first meal service. Avoid the bathroom during meal times when lines are longest.
The bathrooms in the back of the plane often have shorter lines. Use the bathroom before landing to avoid those long customs queues.
Bonus Pinterest Favorites
28. The Tennis Ball Foot Massage Trick
Pack a tennis ball in your carry on for the ultimate foot massage hack. Roll it under your feet during the flight to keep blood circulating and relieve pressure. This simple trick prevents that stiff, achy feeling in your feet and calves.
29. Wear Slip On Shoes
Your feet will likely swell during long flights, so avoid lace-up shoes or anything restrictive. Slip on shoes make it easy to take them off for comfort and put them back on quickly when you need to move around the plane.
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Final Thoughts on Long Flight Success
The secret to surviving long flights isn’t any single hack, it’s combining several strategies that work for your specific needs. Some people prioritize sleep, others focus on entertainment or comfort. The key is being prepared with options.
After my recent European river cruise trip and Alaska cruise adventure, these techniques made those 8+ hour flights manageable. No more arriving exhausted and needing a day to recover.
If you’re planning cruise travel that requires long flights, don’t let the journey discourage you from booking that dream vacation. With the right preparation, you can arrive at your departure port ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise experience.
What’s your best long flight survival tip? Share it with our community of cruise travelers who know the struggle of getting to those amazing destinations!
