Top 10 Tips for Long Haul Flight

Long-haul flights can be exciting but also exhausting, especially if you're in the air for 8+ hours. Business class or economy, your comfort and mindset matter. If you're a seasoned traveler, you probably have your routine down. If you’re a first-time flyer? Welcome to the club, it’s not as scary as it sounds.

Ready to transform your long flight into a more enjoyable journey? Here are our top 10 long-haul flight tips to help you fly smarter, stay comfortable, and arrive refreshed. We’ve got you.

1. Use Airmiles & Upgrade Opportunities

One of the best long-haul flight hacks? Use your air miles or credit card points to upgrade your seat. Many airlines allow you to bid for upgrades or even transfer points between loyalty programs.

Before booking, consider if a non-direct flight might offer premium economy or business class seating for a little extra. Flying longer but arriving rested is often worth it.

TBS Tip: Credit cards like American Express Platinum offer lounge access and flexible points you can use for upgrades on most major airlines.

2. Don’t Overpack - Pack Smarter.

When flying long-haul, smart packing is everything. Avoid stuffing your carry-on so much that it becomes your worst enemy under the seat in front of you.

Invest in compact travel accessories like a good neck pillow, sleep mask, and earplugs. These essentials take up little space and significantly improve comfort, especially when you need to sleep during the flight.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Don’t Overdress.

Gone are the days where you can blag an upgrade by dressing in business casual attire when you check in. Flights are often full so you will be much happier in comfortable clothes. Loose fitting, breathable clothes are a great option and bring a sweater or something warm as the cabin can get a little chilly while at high altitude..

4. Ask for a Better Seat at the Gate

Many airlines charge a premium for exit row seats or ‘preferred’ seats however if those seats go unsold, they are often reassigned for free. If the gate agents aren’t busy, kindly ask if there are any exit row seats available. It doesn’t work all the time, but in more cases than not we have been moved from a middle seat to the aisle or window and that makes the flight a lot more pleasant.

5. Plan Ahead for Jet Lag.

Flying back in time (west) is usually a lot easier on the body as you can try to sleep on the plane and stay awake a little later once you land. Going forward (east) can often often wreak havoc on sleep cycles and take a while to adjust. Overnight flights may sound daunting for nervous flyers, but you might be surprised how easy it is to get a couple of hours sleep when you are tired. Sleep aids such as melatonin or herbal remedies are a great way to relax and fall asleep more easily.

6. Bring Your Own Inflight Entertainment

Most long haul flights will have TV screens in the back of the seats with a good selection of movies and TV shows. But it’s becoming increasingly common for airlines to ask you to download their app to watch content on your smart phone, tablet or laptop. Great if you know this in advance, terrible if you are abroad with no data roaming or the plane Wi-Fi doesn’t work.

Think ahead and download some entertainment options beforehand. Most streaming services allow you to download and watch content offline and finding a TV serious that you can binge is a great way to pass the time.

7. Treat Yo Self

If you are a nervous flyer, or even if you just want to live your best life, get some goodies for the flight that will take your mind off the journey. Magazines, snacks and water are all great options. Staying hydrated is crucial for comfort and avoiding headaches, bring a water bottle so you don’t need to rely solely on crew service.

8. Drink Alcohol Wisely

We’ve all been there, a long flight coming up so let’s have a few at the airport and then a few more on the plane. While it seems a great idea at the time (and we have learned this the hard way), getting a hangover halfway into the flight isn’t be fun for anyone. Along with the dry air and dehydration your flight is going to feel even longer.

Hydrate throughout the flight and save the real cocktails for after landing.

9. Get Up and Move

Low oxygen levels in the cabin can cause swelling, headaches, and muscle stiffness. Don’t be afraid to get up and move about the cabin, it’s easy to get achy and uncomfortable after 5-6 hours in the air. Even in business class, it’s important to get up, stretch and walk the aisle for a change of scenery and to get the blood flowing.

10. Kindness Goes a Long Way

It may seem like it’s many passenger’s first day on earth when visiting an airport, but airplane etiquette matters. Be considerate: don’t recline during meal service and keep your space tidy. You’re sharing a small space for hours—a little kindness makes the journey smoother for everyone.

Long-Haul Flight Mastery Starts With Preparation

With the right mindset and a few smart choices, long-haul flights can actually be enjoyable. Plan ahead to arrive rested, beat jet lag and pass the time peacefully. These tried-and-true tips will help you fly like a pro.