How to Stay Comfortable on a Long-Haul Flight

Howdy Traveller!

So, the day is finally here! Your luggage is packed, the tickets are in hand, and you’ve wrapped up your rounds of hugging friends and family farewell. Sunsets on the other side of the world are just a day away!

But first, the hard part… That dreadful, long flight.

But fear not! We’re here to help make the long haul… well, bearable (10+ hour flights are tough, man). So, first thing’s first, make sure you stay comfy during those long hours. You’ll thank yourself later.

Keep these three things in mind the next time you fly:

Comfy Clothing
Cozy Comforters
The Right Seat for You

Here’s how to stay cozy and comfortable on a long flight.

Comfy Clothing

While it’s tempting to look fabulous when you touch down in another continent, you’ll feel way the better in your comfy clothes on the plane.

You’re gonna be stuck in a seat for 10+ hours after all, so get comfy.

Loose, breathable fabrics are a must; sweatpants, leggings, joggers, loose t-shirts, stretchy undergarments, and a nice baggy hoodie if you get cold easy!
Try out compression socks! Compression socks help promote circulation in your legs, keeping you comfortable by preventing swelling and pain. (P.s. Bring a second pair of socks for when you land too… your feet are gonna stink)
Get some comfy shoes. Look for soft soles that can easily slip on and off while you go through security. Sandals are welcome on a plane too – just make sure you wear socks as an added protection. If you’re buying new shoes for your trip, make sure you break them in ahead of time.
Layer up, make sure you’ve got a jacket on for when you land! It might get cold on the plane, and it always helps to check the weather where you’ll be landing ahead of time. Jackets make for adequate blankets if you’re looking to keep your bags light too.

Cozy Comforters

It’s a long flight, and there’s a real good chance it ain’t coming at a convenient time either. You’re either getting up for it way too early in the morning, or jumping on way too late at night.

You’re gonna be sleepy. Or maybe you’re someone that can’t fall asleep on a plane? You’ll want to try and sleep anyway – jet lag’s gonna get ya.

So, let’s get cozy:

Travel Pillow: Easy to keep hanging on your neck while you’re zooming through the airport, and your neck is gonna be all the more thankful for it
Blankets: Perfect for if you plan on kicking back, getting cozy, and want to keep warm while you fly. Keep in mind that certain airlines will count a blanket as one of your two allowable carry-ons
Free Blankets and Pillows!? Your airline is looking out for you too! They know all about the long-haul and are here to help, offering free blankets and pillows upon request. Check ahead of time to see if your airline is offering these amenities during your flight
Sleep Masks: Perhaps this is your missing piece for peace and quiet on the plane. Many overnight flights have free sleep masks on the plane – just ask!
Ear Plugs: It’s airplane napping made easier, time to kiss those incessant screams and cries goodbye! Again, this is another great freebie that most airlines carry on deck – just ask!

The Right Seat for You

What is the ultimate secret to picking the perfect seat on the plane?

The answer is… subjective.

Everyone’s different, everyone’s got a different thing that just, clicks. So here’s your seating breakdown – catered to as many different wants as possible:

The Best Seat for Legroom – Take a bulkhead or exit-row seat. Bulkhead row seats are the first row of seat behind a dividing wall. Bulkhead seats do not recline nor get under-seat storage space – these may not be for you if you enjoy kicking back in your seat or want to bring two carry-ons. (But hey, at least you get to get off the plane first)
The Best Seat for The Restless – Take an aisle seat. Get up, walk around, stretch, get to the restroom the fastest, and get an arm rest all to yourself! Don’t worry about sticking out like a sore thumb either – on these long flights, people are getting up just to walk around and stretch all the time.
The Best Seat for the Sleepers – Take a window seat. You can lean up against the wall, control the light coming from the window, and aren’t gonna get woken up by somebody’s urgent toilet needs. Still, make sure you’ve got some kind of pillow – you gotta be nice to your neck.
The Best Seat for Peace and Quiet – Take a seat near the front. You’ll be away from noise of the plane’s engine, which get pushed backward. Unfortunately, this does not a guaranteed counter against crying babies and screaming kids.

The Best Seat for Passengers with Motion Sickness – Take a seat over the wing or near the front. Compared to the front, the rear of the plane swings the most. You’ll feel less turbulence seated near the wings as well, since this is where the plane’s centre of gravity is located.

Hey Wait! How Do I Pick My Seats?

Once you’ve purchased your tickets, or even during the purchase process, your airline will prompt you to select your seat in advance. If this isn’t the case, you’ll be able to select your seat as soon as check-in opens.

Online airline check-ins typically open 24-48 hours before your time of departure. Keep your eyes glued to your email or airline app during this time!
In-person airline check-ins typically open 2-3 hours before domestic flight departure times, and 3-4 hours before international flights. Keep in mind that your chances of getting the seat you want are much better when checking in online!
Many airlines charge extra for advance seat selection; it’s up to you to decide how bad you really want that seat.
For those who don’t opt to select a seat, your airline will randomly assign seating for you.

Seriously, no matter how cozy we get, those flights are still long.

As Always, Safe Travels!

At A-Way to Work, we believe preparation makes travel easier and less stressful. We’re excited to help you take the first step toward your international journey. Your adventure starts here…check out our different destinations at awaytowork.ca