Long-Haul Flight Tips: 12 Ways to Travel Better

Let’s face it long-haul flights aren’t exactly a walk in the park. Whether you’re crossing oceans for a beach holiday, heading home after months abroad, or flying halfway across the world for work, being trapped in a metal tube for 8 to 16 hours (or more) can take a serious toll on your body and mood. But with the right strategies, you can upgrade your entire experience, without spending a fortune or relying on first-class perks.

Here’s a curated guide of the best, tried-and-true long-haul flight tips, based on insight from seasoned travelers, flight attendants, and frequent flyers. From inflight comfort and hydration to beating jet lag and staying sane in economy, this is everything you need to make it through long flights like a pro.

1. Pick the Right Seat, It Matters More Than You Think

Aisle seat for easy movement and bathroom access
Window seat for better sleep and a headrest
Exit row or bulkhead for extra legroom (but sometimes limited storage)
Use tools like SeatGuru to check seat layouts and avoid poor picks like seats near the lavatory
If the flight isn’t full, rear sections often have empty rows, perfect for stretching out.

2. Dress Like You’re in Transit, Not at a Gala

Comfort makes a major difference during long flights. Choose practical, layered clothing and supportive items:

Choose slip-on shoes for easy movement through the cabin.
Wear soft, breathable fabrics
Dress in loose layers to adjust for cabin temperature
Bring a hoodie or shawl for extra warmth
Use compression socks to reduce swelling

3. Hydrate Like You’re Crossing a Desert

Cabin air is notoriously dry.

Bring a refillable water bottle and ask crew for regular refills
Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine. It dehydrates and disrupt sleep
Add electrolyte tablets for bonus hydration without the sugar

4. Pack Smart with Inflight Comfort Essentials

Create your own personalized amenity kit with:

Neck pillow (inflatable or memory foam)
Eye mask (preferably contoured or silk for comfort)
Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
Lip balm and facial moisturizer
Toothbrush, wipes, and face mist for a mid-flight refresh
Foot hammock or compact footrest to reduce swelling

5. Prep Your Devices and Entertainment in Advance

Don’t rely on the airline’s inflight screen to entertain you for 12 hours.

Download movies, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, and games in advance
Bring a hands-free phone stand or tablet clip
Fully charge all devices and pack a portable power bank
Bring Bluetooth adapters if you want to use your wireless headphones with the seatback screen

6. Plan Your Meals and Snacks Wisely

Avoid relying solely on inflight meals, they’re not always satisfying or predictable. Instead:

Carry instant meals or tea sachets. Ask crew for hot water
Pack healthy, protein-rich snacks like nuts, protein bars, or dried fruit
Avoid greasy, salty, or overly sugary foods
Bring gum or mints to freshen breath and help with ear pressure

7. Move Often, Don’t Risk Circulation Problems

Sitting for long periods can affect blood flow. To reduce the risk of DVT and stay comfortable:

Make movement part of your routine in-flight
Walk the aisle every hour or two
Do ankle rolls and calf raises at your seat
Wear compression socks to reduce swelling

8. Beat the Noise, Block the Light

Noise-canceling headphones help drown out engine hum and crying babies
Use a white noise playlist or sleep meditation app
Wear a quality sleep mask to shut out ambient light

Together, these small changes make falling asleep and staying asleep a lot easier.

9. Ask the Crew, They Might Have More Than You Think

Flight attendants often carry helpful extras. Don’t be shy about asking for:

Tips on less crowded lavatories or cabin temperature settings
Pain relievers or dental kits
Hot water for tea or meals
Extra blankets or pillows

10. Avoid Overpacking Your Carry-On

Only keep what you’ll need during the flight within reach.

A small pouch for essentials
A tote or backpack that fits under the seat
Use packing cubes or organizers to keep things tidy

Digging through an overstuffed bag in a tight seat is a fast track to frustration.

11. Practice Inflight Self-Care

Use the downtime to refresh and reset:

Change into fresh clothes or socks before landing
Clean your face, brush your teeth, and apply lotion
Use hydrating sheet masks or balms if you don’t mind the look

A little mid-air grooming goes a long way in arriving feeling human.

12. Use Layovers to Recharge (Literally and Mentally)

If you have a stopover:

Walk, stretch, and move around to reset circulation
Top off your devices at charging stations
Freshen up in airport lounges or restrooms
Refill your water bottle and pick up snacks for the next leg

Making the Most of Your Long-Haul Flight Experience

No matter how many times you fly, long-haul journeys rarely go exactly as planned. Unexpected delays, cabin temperature changes, or limited amenities can throw off even the best-laid plans. Still, having the right essentials and a flexible mindset can transform the experience. Simple extras like a cozy travel blanket, noise-canceling headphones, or pre-downloaded entertainment help you reclaim comfort and control amid the challenges of extended flying.

Beyond gear, how you approach the flight mentally makes a big difference. Embracing movement breaks, adjusting your body clock early, and focusing on small routines can ease stress and fatigue. These strategies blend together to create a travel rhythm that keeps you refreshed and ready. Whether you’re heading to tropical islands, global business trips, or home after a long adventure. Thoughtful preparation and mindfulness help turn hours spent in the air into a smoother, more manageable part of your journey.

Feature Image via Emirates

A luxurious Champagne and fine dining experience returns to the Maldives as Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrate five years of their signature collaboration. From 20 to 26 October 2025, guests at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will enjoy a week of exclusive events. These experiences celebrate rare vintages, gourmet cuisine, and island elegance. The collaboration brings together the rich heritage of Champagne Guy Charbaut. A family-run house from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France with the curated luxury of THE OZEN COLLECTION.

What Makes This Partnership So Special?

Founded in 1936, Champagne Guy Charbaut has spent nearly a century perfecting its craft. The winery creates elegant cuvées shaped by the limestone terroir of the French countryside. Meanwhile, THE OZEN COLLECTION delivers immersive hospitality in some of the world’s most stunning settings. When you bring these two together, you get something pretty special.

That’s exactly what happened here. This partnership blends Champagne, culinary artistry, and island luxury into a one-of-a-kind annual tradition.

Xavier Charbaut puts it perfectly:
“We have discovered something extraordinary with THE OZEN COLLECTION. What began as a meeting of philosophies—our devotion to terroir, their dedication to moments—has blossomed into a tradition that reinvents itself each year. These shores have become a second home for our champagnes. The salt-kissed air seems to amplify their vibrancy. As we raise our glasses to five years of shared excellence, we see not an endpoint, but a horizon brimming with possibilities.”

And that’s not all. Looking ahead, he adds:
“The next chapter will unveil even more daring pairings. More intimate encounters with our rarest vintages. And perhaps a few surprises we’re still carefully guarding in our cellars.”

Where and When: Event Highlights at Both Resorts

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: 20–22 October 2025

First up, Maadhoo kicks off the celebration with three days of indulgence:

20 October – Underwater Dining at M6m
To start things off, guests will enjoy lunch and dinner in the iconic underwater restaurant. Each course comes paired with exclusive Champagnes chosen for the occasion.

21 October – Champagne & Spice Dinner at TRADITION INDOCEYLON
The celebration continues with a bold and flavour-packed Franco-Indian dinner. Here, vibrant spices meet refined bubbles in a pairing that’s full of surprises.

22 October – Champagne Brunch Royale at THE PALMS
To wrap up the Maadhoo leg in style, guests can unwind at a breezy Champagne brunch. The pours and the vibes are equally generous.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: 24–26 October 2025

Next, it’s Bolifushi’s turn to pop the cork:

24 October – World Champagne Day at ORIGINƎ
What better way to celebrate World Champagne Day? This over-water dining experience pairs ocean-inspired dishes with some of the house’s finest vintages.

25 October – Champagne & Spice at SAFFRON
Back by popular demand, this flavour-packed dinner returns with a fresh round of Indian warmth and French finesse. If you missed it at Maadhoo, now’s your chance.

26 October – Sunset Pool Party at OZAR
Finally, the week winds down with a golden-hour pool party. Chilled Champagne, music, and sunset views take centre stage. It’s the kind of farewell you won’t forget anytime soon.

A Shared Commitment to Craft and Experience

Of course, the collaboration doesn’t stop when the week ends. Champagne Guy Charbaut’s bottles remain available across both resorts throughout the year.

Whether you’re sipping the Cuvée de Réserve ‘Old Vines’ Brut or the vibrant Rosé 1er Cru Brut, each bottle offers a new reason to celebrate.

Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, sums it up well:
“The union between Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION represents the very essence of what modern luxury should be. A harmonious dialogue between heritage and innovation, where every detail is considered and every moment is elevated.”

12 Essential Tips for Surviving and Thriving on Long-Haul Flights