Long Distance Flight Tips You Need For A Smoother, Smarter & More Comfortable Journey

Long distance flights can be made dramatically easier with a few strategic choices, and the key is knowing exactly what makes the biggest difference before you ever step on board. Whether you’re flying 7 hours or 17, these long haul tips will help you travel like someone who’s been crossing continents for years.

What To Do Before You Fly Long Distance

The secret to surviving a long flight begins well before boarding. Start by choosing your flight times wisely. An overnight departure is one of the easiest ways to slip into a natural sleep rhythm once you’re in the air.

It also helps to download everything you need ahead of time — playlists, films, reading material — because relying on patchy airport Wi-Fi is a guaranteed frustration you don’t want before you even take off.

Packing a personal comfort kit is another move seasoned travellers swear by. Neck pillow, eye mask, soft socks, lightweight blanket or scarf, moisturiser and lip balm — these tiny additions can completely alter the feel of a long flight. And don’t forget your tech as noise-cancelling headphones are practically a form of therapy at 36,000 feet.

What To Eat, Drink And Avoid On Long Flights

Flying long haul changes how your body handles hydration and digestion, so what you consume matters. One of the simplest long distance flight tips is also the most overlooked, which is drinking water regularly. 

Aircraft cabins typically hover at less than 20% humidity — that’s drier than the Sahara Desert, which averages around 25%. No wonder your skin, eyes and throat feel tight after a few hours.

Avoid heavy or salty meals before and during the flight as they can make you sluggish and dehydrated. Instead, eat light and bring your own snacks so you have more control over timing and portions. 

Bringing herbal tea bags is a small but powerful trick. Ask the cabin crew for hot water and you’ll have something soothing that won’t dehydrate you like caffeine.

As for alcohol, think of it as a treat, not a hydration plan. It hits harder in the air and can dramatically disrupt sleep.

How To Sleep Properly On A Long Flight

If you want real rest, preparation matters. Wear comfortable layers — temperature can swing from chilly to warm within one flight, and being uncomfortable is the fastest route to staying awake.

Stretch before you sit down. It helps loosen your body and sets a better baseline for sleep. When it’s time to drift off, recreate a night-time environment: eye mask, neck support, device on low brightness, gentle playlist or white noise. Even if you only sleep in short bursts, setting the right environment makes each minute of rest more restorative.

If you’re someone who struggles to switch off, use intervals. Read for 10 minutes, close your eyes for 10, repeat. Surprisingly often, the body takes the cue.

How To Move, Stretch And Maintain Circulation

The biggest mistake long haul travellers make is staying completely still. Even the smallest moves help prevent stiffness and swelling. 

Rotate ankles, point and flex your feet and adjust your seated position regularly. Set a goal of standing or walking the aisle every 90 minutes if the seatbelt sign allows.

Sitting on the aisle makes this much easier — one of those tiny seating choices that can transform your whole experience.

Compression socks are also hugely underrated. They support circulation, reduce swelling and can help you feel refreshed instead of drained when you land.

How To Make Long Flights Feel Shorter

This is where mindset really comes in. Think of long haul travel as a series of small segments instead of one giant block of time. 

Break the flight into phases: pre-meal unwind, eat and relax, watch something light, stretch, sleep, wake up, snack, refresh and land. Suddenly, the journey feels purposeful, almost structured.

Curate your entertainment smartly. Mix passive (films), immersive (a great book), and productive (podcasts, notes or planning ideas). Switching between these prevents fatigue and keeps your mind stimulated.

How To Feel Human When You Land

A quick reset after landing makes all the difference. Start with water and movement. Wash your face, reapply moisturiser, and change into fresh clothes if you packed a spare set. Small physical resets create a huge psychological lift.

If you’re crossing multiple time zones, try to adapt to the new schedule immediately. Get daylight, eat at local meal times and resist the nap unless it’s absolutely necessary. A short brisk walk outside does wonders for shaking the fog.

Final Thoughts

Long distance flights don’t have to feel like endurance tests. When you combine simple preparation with smart in-flight habits, you land feeling clearer, calmer and far more ready to enjoy your destination. 

And if you want to make these long journeys even better, the real magic happens before you book — because the right fare at the right time can elevate your entire trip. Sign up to Secret Flight Club and unlock long distance flight deals you won’t want to miss!