First-Time Long Haul Flyer? Here's What You Need to Know

29 September 2025

If you’re about to hop on your first long haul flight, buckle up—literally and figuratively. We’re talking hours in the sky, crossing time zones, eating airplane food, and figuring out how to get even a wink of sleep while your neighbor snores like a freight train. But hey, it doesn’t have to be a miserable ride. With a little prep and the right mindset, you’ll be gliding through the clouds like a pro.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to survive (and even enjoy!) your first long-distance flight. So grab your carry-on and let’s get into it.

What Exactly Counts As a Long Haul Flight?

Before we dive into tips and tricks, let’s set the record straight: a long haul flight is typically defined as a flight that lasts over six hours. Most intercontinental flights fall into this category—think New York to London, L.A. to Tokyo, or Sydney to Paris. If it involves crossing an ocean or a big chunk of the planet, you’re probably signing up for a long haul.

Booking the Right Flight Matters—Big Time

1. Timing is Everything

When booking your flight, try to fly overnight if possible. Why? Because you can sleep during what would usually be your bedtime, which helps with jet lag. Your body will thank you later.

2. Choose Your Seat Wisely

For real—don’t leave this up to chance. Spend a little extra to pick your seat. Window seats are gold if you want to lean against something and sleep. Aisle seats give you the freedom to stretch your legs or hit the bathroom without performing a gymnastics routine over your seatmates.

Want peace and quiet? Avoid seats near the bathrooms and galley. Those places become loud social hubs mid-flight.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On: Essentials Only

Long haul travel is not the time to wing it. What’s in your carry-on can make or break your trip.

Must-Haves:

- Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs
Drown out crying babies and engine noise. You’ll thank yourself when you finally get some shut-eye.

- Eye Mask
Because cabin lights will flicker on and off like you’re in a disco club. Not cool when you're trying to sleep.

- Comfortable Neck Pillow
Don’t trust the airline to supply this. Get a good one that keeps your head from bobbing like a dashboard toy.

- Snacks
Airplane food can be a bit... uninspiring. Granola bars, trail mix, or gummies are convenient and satisfying.

- Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration is key. Cabin air dries you out like your grandma’s Thanksgiving turkey.

- Toiletries
Think toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, deodorant, lip balm, and moisturizer. You want to step off the plane feeling like a human, not a zombie.

Dress Like You’re Staying In, Not Going Out

Forget style; think comfort. The cabin temperature can swing from sauna to freezer in minutes. Layers are your best friend.

Pro Outfit Tips:

- Breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo
- A hoodie or sweater (for chillier parts of the flight)
- Slip-on shoes for easy security checks and mid-flight bathroom runs
- Compression socks to help with circulation and prevent swelling

You don’t want to show up looking like you slept in a broom closet—even if that’s exactly how you feel.

Game Plan for the Flight: Stay Sane in the Sky

1. Set Your Watch (and Mind) to Destination Time

As soon as you board, switch your watch or phone to the time zone of where you’re headed. It’ll help trick your brain into adjusting early.

2. Don’t Just Sit—Move Around

Get up and stretch every couple of hours. Walk the aisles, do some ankle rolls, and shake out the stiffness. Your body (especially your legs) needs it.

3. Sleep Strategically

Sleeping during the first half of the flight makes it easier to adjust to your new time zone—especially if you’re landing in the morning. Eye mask = your new best friend.

4. Stay Entertained

Load up your tablet or phone with movies, books, podcasts, and music before you fly. Trust me—airline entertainment can be a hit or miss.

Food and Drinks: Be Smart About What You Consume

Stay Hydrated

Drink water. Lots of it. Cabin air has about 20% humidity compared to 40-60% in a regular room. Translation? You’re drying out from the inside out.

Go Easy on Alcohol and Caffeine

Sure, that complimentary wine is tempting, but both alcohol and coffee mess with your sleep and dehydrate you. If you must sip, do it in moderation and chase it with plenty of water.

Don’t Skip Meals

Even if you’re not super hungry, try to eat something. Your body will appreciate the calories and nutrients during the journey—just don’t eat too much heavy or greasy food that could mess with your stomach.

Jet Lag: That Sneaky Travel Gremlin

Jet lag can feel like a hangover, flu, and sleepless night rolled into one. The more time zones you cross, the worse it tends to be. But with a little planning, you can soften the blow.

Beat Jet Lag with These Tips:

- Get some sunlight when you land. Natural light helps reset your internal clock.
- Avoid napping if it’s still daytime at your destination. Push through until evening.
- Melatonin supplements can help regulate sleep patterns—just check with your doctor beforehand.

Airplane Etiquette: Be the Passenger Everyone Loves

We all want a chill flight, and it starts with how we treat each other.

- Don’t hog the armrest (middle seat gets dibs, by the way).
- Be kind to the flight attendants—they’re dealing with a lot.
- Keep your voice down. Nobody wants to hear your Zoom meeting replay.
- Watch where your seat reclines—you’re not in a La-Z-Boy.

Small acts of consideration go a long way in a pressurized metal tube 30,000 feet in the air.

Arrival: Don’t Just Wing It

The flight’s over, but there’s still more road ahead.

Custom Forms & Immigration

If you’re flying internationally, get your documents in order. Fill out any customs forms provided on the plane and know your visa situation before you land.

Don’t Be That Person at Baggage Claim

If you checked luggage, stay patient. Everyone wants their bag. Use the downtime to freshen up or stretch your legs.

Give Yourself Recovery Time

Avoid scheduling anything intense or important right after you land. Give your body at least a few hours (if not a day) to adjust and rest.

Final Thoughts: Long Haul Doesn’t Have to Mean Long Suffering

A long haul flight can feel daunting at first—especially if you've never done it before. But with a bit of prep, the right mindset, and a carry-on full of essentials, you’ll be just fine. Look at it this way: it’s not just about enduring hours in the sky. It’s the beginning of an adventure, a new culture, a new chapter. That long flight? Just the prologue.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride—literally.

Bon voyage, friend!