Planning to fly overseas soon or in the future? These flights should come with survival kits, especially if it’s your first long-haul flight. Not to worry though, as I have some recommendations that can help you along the journey. I personally love the long flights overseas, because it’s a truly remarkable experience to be able to travel across the world. Just think of how far humans have come in regards to air travel. I try to never take for granted the fact that I have the ability to see so much of the world in my lifespan. That said, I hope when you embark on your long-haul journey, you feel some of those same feelings. Nevertheless, it can be a very tiring experience trying to survive a 17-hour flight in economy.
Firstly, there are little things you can do during your flight that should help make your trip a bit more comfortable. The longest flight I’ve been on was the 17-hour flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney, Australia, and I sat in economy. Since that flight, I’ve compiled a short list of tips I think others will benefit from, especially since most people sit in economy when they fly. Let’s jump into the list! Here are my top 10 tips for how to survive a 17-hour flight in economy:
1. Book during the off-season
One thing you can do during the booking process is opt to travel during the off-season. Since most people don’t travel during the off-season, theoretically there should be more open seats on the flight. Depending on the flight, this might not always work, but it’s more likely to happen during the off-season. For example, on my 17-hour trip to Australia, I opted to book during one of their colder months. Less than half of the plane was full, so there was so much room to spread out and sleep laying down on the extra seats. 😴
2. Stand up every hour or two
One of the most important tips on how to survive a 17-hour flight in economy is making sure you stand up multiple times throughout the flight. You can walk up and down the aisles, as well as perform small exercises in your seat. Unless you’re sleeping, I would suggest getting up at least every two hours to keep your blood flowing. It also helps you feel more awake and refreshed during the flight.
3. Download your favorite music, movies, or TV shows
If you preoccupy your time while onboard, it’ll pass by before you know it. On those extremely long flights, you’ll definitely want to come prepared, whether that be by watching movies or tv series, or reading a good book. Additionally, if you download your favorite music, tv series, and/or films prior to your travel date, you’ll have a plethora of choices to keep you busy. I typically just stick with the inflight entertainment onboard, but it never hurts to have more to choose from. This can also be a great time to work on projects or journal, as long as it’s something that can be accomplished onboard a plane. In most cases, you’ll have the option of purchasing the inflight WiFi if that’s something you need while onboard.
4. Use extra seats as a bed
Sleeping in economy is quite a skill. I’ve never been someone who was able to fall asleep quickly while onboard the aircraft, no matter where I sat. However, if there are extra open seats next to you or nearby, that’s an excellent opportunity to make yourself a bed. I did this while on the 17-hour flight to Sydney and it made sleeping in economy so much easier. Additionally, on long-haul flights, the airline will typically supply you with a small pillow and blanket. If you’re searching for more tips related to sleeping better while traveling, check out my other post all about it.
5. Wear comfy clothes with a light jacket
There’s nothing worse than being stuck onboard in tight-fitting, uncomfortable clothing, right?! That said, opt to wear your most comfortable outfit whenever you fly, especially on long-haul flights. Typically, the aircraft can get quite cold, so don’t forget to pack a light jacket, cardigan, or sweatshirt to keep you warm. Additionally, if you’re someone like me who likes to take their shoes off, be sure to bring another pair of socks in your carry-on luggage.
6. Explore the inflight Entertainment
On a long-haul flight, the inflight entertainment options are impressive. There’s usually hundreds of movies or tv shows to choose from, you’ll have a hard time picking just a few. I love getting lost in a good film, and before you know it, you’ll have arrived at your destination. However, I would recommend bringing your own headphones to explore the inflight options, which brings me to my next tip…
7. Use noise-cancelling headphones
Headphones are a must while traveling on long-haul flights. The sound of the aircraft engines isn’t the most desirable sound to listen to for hours, so if you invest in a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll be good to go. I have a pretty old pair of headphones, so my search is on for the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones. If you don’t want to break the bank, check out this bestseller on Amazon for $50. What headphones do you use while you travel? Let me know in the comment section below! 🎧
8. Bring snacks & drink lots of water
In most cases, the airline will provide plenty of meals during your long-haul flight. However, you still may get hungry, so come prepared with a few easy-to-eat snacks in your carry-on. For example, I’ll try to bring granola bites, chocolate, fresh fruit, or protein bars. In addition, don’t forget to pack your water bottle, which can be refilled with the water the inflight crew brings during meal services. Flying a lot can be extremely dehydrating, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your flight. Lastly, if you have any healthy options for onboard snacking, please feel free to share in the comments below. Happy snacking and hydrating!
9. Invest in a neck pillow
If you don’t have the luxury of laying down for a goodnight’s sleep, then a neck pillow can really come in handy. There’s a ton on Amazon, such as this one (shown in the image above) which is made of memory foam and super comfortable. If you don’t happen to have a neck pillow, the airlines usually supply a small pillow for these long-haul flights as well.
10. Brush your teeth and change clothes at the end
A couple hours before the end of your flight, take a trip to the bathroom and freshen up. Change into a new set of clothes, brush your teeth, floss, wash your face, etc. For me, I love doing this because it gives me more energy and feels refreshing after a long flight. Additionally, if you’re arriving at your destination in the morning, then this is a great way to get your mindset started for the day. Whenever I’ve used this step in my long-haul flight routine, it has really helped make my travel experience effortless.
There you have it! Hopefully these tips on how to survive a 17-hour flight in economy gave you insight into how best to prepare. Where are you hoping to travel to in the future? I’d love to hear about your future travel plans in the comments! Also, please share any tips I didn’t cover in this post that you think others could benefit from. Good luck and happy wandering! 😄✈