How to survive a long flight

The dream of an exotic vacation has finally come true! You found and managed to buy tickets to Bangkok on Kupi.com, and ahead of you are 10, 12, or even 15 hours of flight. A multi-hour flight is the inevitable price for traveling to the other side of the world. The very thought of having to spend half a day in a seat can overshadow any joy.

But how to endure this challenge with minimal discomfort? The good news is that any long flight can be made significantly more comfortable if you prepare for it properly. We analyzed the advice of experienced travelers and flight attendants and compiled a complete guide on how to make a long flight easier and arrive at your destination ready for adventure.

How to prepare on the ground

The battle for comfort is won even before you enter the airport. Your preparation is 80% of the success.

Choosing a seat

This is an eternal question, and for a long flight, the answer to it is fundamentally important.

Window seat (A, F): your personal "corner." You can lean against the wall using a pillow, and no one will bother you. You control the window shade. Ideal if you plan to sleep. But: you'll have to ask your neighbors to get up every time you need to go to the restroom or stretch.

Aisle seat (C, D, G, H): freedom! You can get up, walk around, stretch, and extend your legs into the aisle (carefully!) at any moment, without disturbing sleeping neighbors. But: you will be disturbed by neighbors going to the restroom, flight attendants with trolleys, and simply passing passengers. Sleeping here is harder.

Middle seat (B, E): just avoid it at all costs.

If your goal is sleep, take a window seat. If movement is more important to you, and you can't sit still for long – your choice is the aisle.

Choosing clothes

How to dress for a flight? Forget about style. On a 12-hour flight, your main priority is comfort, bordering on pajamas. First, no jeans: thick fabric and a stiff waistband will turn into an instrument of torture after three hours. Your choice is soft sweatpants (joggers), leggings, loose trousers made of natural fabric. The cabin can be hot or cold from the air conditioning, so dress in layers: a T-shirt, a hoodie or cardigan that is easy to take off. And no heels or tight boots. The ideal option is sneakers or slip-ons that are easy to remove. Take warm socks or disposable hotel slippers with you in your carry-on.

Items in carry-on luggage

Your carry-on luggage is your liferaft. Everything that will help you make the flight easier should be there. Toothbrush and toothpaste (mini-sized), wet wipes, lip balm, moisturizing cream (up to 100 ml). Dry air will instantly dry out your skin and lips. A U-shaped pillow (inflatable or foam), a sleep mask (essential!) and earplugs. Noise-canceling headphones (game-changer!), power bank, all chargers. Also useful are an empty water bottle (ask flight attendants to fill it after takeoff), compression socks (more on them below), and a personal first-aid kit.

How to make a long flight easier in the air

You're in your seat, the doors are closed, there's no turning back. The next 12 hours are your responsibility.

Move

The biggest danger of a multi-hour flight is blood stagnation in the legs and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Prolonged immobility is your main enemy. Every hour to an hour and a half, be sure to get up and walk around the cabin to the restroom and back.

Don't hesitate to do a small warm-up right in your seat every 30 minutes:

• Rotate your feet clockwise and counter-clockwise.
• Roll from heel to toe without lifting your feet off the floor.
• Raise and lower your knees.

Compression socks are not just for grandmothers. Special socks help veins maintain blood flow and prevent swelling. Put them on before the flight, and you'll thank yourself on the ground.

Drink more water

The air in the airplane cabin is drier than in the Sahara Desert (10-20% humidity). Your body dehydrates at an incredible rate.

What to drink: plain water. A lot and constantly. Use your empty bottle so you don't have to wait for a cup every two hours.

What NOT to drink:

• Alcohol: it might help you sleep, but it severely dehydrates and worsens jet lag. Its effect at altitude is unpredictable.
• Coffee and strong tea: caffeine is a diuretic; it also contributes to dehydration.
• Sweet sodas: sugar and gases under pressure changes are not the best idea for your stomach.

To sleep or not to sleep?

Sleep is the best way to "fast-forward" time. If you're flying east (for example, tickets Saint Petersburg – Dubai and beyond), you need to sleep to arrive in the morning. Put on a sleep mask, insert earplugs or headphones (turn on white noise or rain sounds). Use a pillow, but don't just place it behind you. Wrap it around your neck or use it to lean against the wall. Finally, cover yourself with a blanket and fasten your seatbelt over it. This way, flight attendants won't have to wake you up during checks or in turbulence zones.

Entertain yourself

Don't rely on the in-flight entertainment system. Movies might be old, in a foreign language, or the system might simply not work. Your smartphone or tablet is your savior, so download TV shows, movies, playlists, podcasts, and books in advance. Make sure your power bank is 100% charged. Occupy your mind: a book (paper or electronic) or crosswords are a great way to pass the time without straining your eyes on a screen.

Smooth landing and fighting jet lag

Hooray, you made it! But how to get through the first hours on the ground?

Upon arrival, try to spend as much time as possible outdoors in daylight. This is the main signal for your brain that it's time to reset your internal clock. As much as you might want to collapse into bed at 11 AM local time, hold on. Endure until evening. A short nap of 20-30 minutes is acceptable, but no more. Continue to drink water and eat something light.

A multi-hour flight is not torture, but simply a technical task. A little preparation, the right clothes, water, and movement – and you'll step off the plane feeling refreshed, invigorated, and ready for new adventures.