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A long-haul flight isn’t everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to travelling but sometimes it has to be done in order to reach the destination desired. Whether you’re travelling alone, with a partner, or with children, how you prepare for it is key to staying sane not just on your own but as a party – whoever your party might be made up of.

Staying sane on a long-haul flight is something that your future self will thank you for as soon as you step onto the plane. It’s normal to feel a little nervous or stressed when it comes to travelling long-haul because there’s only so much you can do in an enclosed space that’s flying tens of thousands of feet up in the air.

But here are a few things you can do in order to stay sane on your next long-haul flight.

Wear comfortable clothes

You need to travel comfortably. Even if you’re traveling in business class, sitting or lounging on a plane in a suit or tight-fitting dress is never going to be a comfortable journey.

You’ll likely stress yourself out more by wearing uncomfortable clothing, which is why a pair of joggers and a slouchy T-shirt are always a good go-to. Whatever your preferred outfit choice, loungewear is often a good option, but it doesn’t matter as long as it’s comfortable for long periods as this will really help you relax on a long-haul flight where you might not be getting much sleep – if any!

For kids, it’s always a good idea to pack a few extra sets of clothes so that you can tackle any messy in-flight problems. I’ve dealt with nappy explosions, messy food, and a nosebleed while flying, and I can tell you a change of clothes is always welcome

Plan your entertainment

Most flights don’t have WiFi available – nor is it reliable unless you pay for it – which is why it’s a good idea to prep all of your electronics for travel entertainment. This also includes when you touch down in another country. 

For example, if you’re an F1 fan but you’re going to a country where the races aren’t readily available, then it’s worth looking into. Try searching something like ‘where to watch F1 in Canada‘ – of course substituting ‘Canada’ for whichever country you’re travelling to.

Be sure to plan your entertainment for when you’re up in the air by downloading everything you need to last the entire journey. This is particularly useful if you’re travelling with temperamental toddlers who want to watch their favourite TV show but it’s not included in the on-board entertainment package.

Say hello to your seatmates

Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, chances are, you’re going to be in close proximity to other people. Strangers don’t need to be strangers, so it’s always polite to greet your seatmate, even if it’s met with a frosty response.

You may find though that most people you’re sitting next to are friendly and willing to help you out, should you need it. After all, you or they aren’t going anywhere for the next few hours, so it might be worth striking up a conversation to pass the time. 

This also helps when you pop into the toilet during trolley service. Hopefully, your new seatmate will be able to order anything you need that’s complementary so that you don’t miss out!

Eat well

Ok, so plane food hasn’t really improved that much since its inception. However, it has improved somewhat depending on which airline you fly with and the level of class you sit in.

However, you shouldn’t restrict your food intake to what’s available on board. Make sure to bring your own drinks and snacks to keep you going. Staying hydrated during your journey is particularly important to prevent you from suddenly feeling unwell.

Freshen up

As you get closer to landing, it might be a good idea to freshen up. I often carry a travel bag full of mini essentials so that I can brush my teeth, sort my hair out, and reapply deodorant. If it’s an overnight flight, I’ll have also taken my contact lenses out to sleep, so will need to put them back in again.

If you forget anything, there are always plenty of travel-friendly products that you can buy at the airport. It’s likely they’ll cost you a little more but it’s definitely worth it, that’s for sure.

Staying sane on a long-haul flight is the best way to start your holiday. Arriving dishevelled and stressed just isn’t want anyone wants. Use these tips to keep yourself and your party happy throughout the journey.