First things first
Let’s face it, it’s expensive to travel to faraway places (and totally worth it, trust me!). Compared to most shorter distance, or domestic flights, you may already be experiencing some sticker shock.
But let me suggest a reframe here….
Instead of looking at the total price tag, break it down into cost per travel hour. Let’s compare 24 hours to Sydney at $2,500 vs. 3.5 hours to Vegas for $250. Sydney breaks down to $104/hour and Vegas to $71/hour — it doesn’t look so bad anymore, does it?
Now, considering you are going to be spending hours and hours on that plane, it’s worth spending a little extra — per travel hour — to upgrade for more comfort.
Many factors, like which airline you choose, how long your connections are, what style aircraft you choose, etc. are all going to affect your comfort and pleasure on a long-distance flight. As your travel agent, I will handle all of these details for you to get you the easiest, comfiest flight possible.
As we are planning your trip, I will recommend optional upgrades to you to make your journey more comfortable.
For example…
· For business and first class travelers, most airlines give you a set of comfy pjs and a complete toiletries kit so you can "go to bed" in your seat (which folds down flat), and they are yours to keep. (By the way, the complimentary pjs on Emirates flights are DIVINE, so don’t think you’re just going to get cheap, disposable-type pajamas.)
· When you're ready to sleep, your flight attendant will prepare your bed for you with soft blankets and full size pillows.
· The bathrooms in the business and first class cabins are significantly larger (at least 3X the size), which makes changing, brushing your teeth, and washing your face much easier.
I'm happy to price out business and first class tickets for you in addition to coach and premium economy tickets.
Even if this is the ONLY reason you choose to work with me as your travel agent, this is worth it. I will research and find you the best upgrade options so that you can actually enjoy your time in transit and arrive at your destination happy, well-rested, and ready to enjoy your destination.
Just like with anything in life, preparing your attitude ahead of time is key to success. Why not look at the time you are going to spend on a long-haul flight as a glorious day of rest, a true holiday. No phone calls, no text messages, no social media, no responsibilities. You just get to sit and relax — sleep, read that great book you’ve been wanting to read, binge watch movies guilt-free. You’re going to be stuck on a plane for a long time, you might as well turn it into something you can enjoy.
So now let’s talk about how you can actually do that….
Prepare to be Comfortable
Wear comfortable clothes. Maybe not your pajamas, because let’s face it, most of us feel most comfortable when we feel “presentable” in public. But, do try to avoid clothes that are too tight, that bunch or ride up in funny ways, are made of materials that irritate your skin or are otherwise bothersome in any other way.
Everyone has different things they find comfortable, but consider soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen and design features like elastic waist bands.
Wear multiple thin layers so that you can add or remove clothing to help regulate your temperature in transit.
Comfortable shoes are also a must, and vary from person to person. Don’t wear brand new shoes that may still be in that break-in period and could give you blisters. Wear shoes that you already know you can walk all day in without your feet screaming to be set free! Slip-on shoes that you can take off easily are a great idea too — for ease through security as well as comfort once you’re on the plane.
Got long legs, or just like more leg room? Consider an aisle seat or exit row for more leg room, or upgrade to business or first class.
Don’t carry on too much stuff. Even though you technically can stow a bag under your seat that doesn’t mean you want to. Think about how much leg room that extra large bag might eat up before you decide to carry it on. On the flip side, if you have short legs that don’t take up that much room to begin with, go ahead and stuff your bag under there!
Prepare to be Healthy
Pack plenty of food. You know what you like to eat and how much/often you need to eat. I recommend packing a little more than you think you will need in case of travel delays.
Nutritionists advise smaller meals with a good balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based foods to stay happy and healthy on long haul flights and to avoid jet leg.
For business and first class travelers, most airlines provide you a menu of complimentary gourmet food, and in some cases, it's made to order — VERY different from the food served in economy.
You can alert your flight attendant of food allergies and sensitivities and they will accommodate you.
When you eat can be just as important, or even more important than what you eat. Eating sends important cues to your body to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Careful planning of when you eat before, during and after a long-haul flight can help you sleep better and avoid jet lag.
Stay hydrated. Air travel is dehydrating. That coffee you drink to stay awake is dehydrating. That wine you drink to relax is dehydrating. Dehydration exacerbates jet-lag, so in order to stay healthy you need to counteract all this with plenty of water. Make sure your water bottle never runs dry and sip on during your entire flight.
Pro Tip: peanuts and peanut butter are a great source of protein for many people, however if there is someone on your flight with a peanut allergy you may be asked not to bring these out — and why put someone at risk? I recommend choosing snacks without peanuts in them (don’t forget check your granola and energy bars too and choose flavors sans peanuts).
Prepare to be Entertained
Pack something to watch. Most flights will have in-flight movies, but your choices will be limited. You might want to bring your own tablet, or laptop loaded with a few movies that you know you will enjoy. Movies that you love and want to watch again or new movies that you have been dying to see — or both.
Pack something to read. Here again is where a tablet, or even your phone or laptop, shines! Make sure you have downloaded some books to read. I recommend more than one book, just in case you get bored of one, or finish it!
Pack something to listen to. If popping in your noise-cancelling headphones and zoning out to your favorite music is your thing, make sure you have all your favorite tunes loaded on your device. Maybe even some new songs to keep things interesting.
Podcasts are another great option for audio entertainment. There is a podcast for every single interest out there. You can be entertained, or educated or both. And bonus — podcasts take up less space and use less battery than movies — so load ‘em up!
Pro Tip: Your device can also help relieve anxiety and help you get to sleep. Try downloading a meditation app (like Mindfulness.com, Headspace, or Calm).
Prepare to be Rested
In order to rest, most people need to be able to block out light and noise. A good eye mask and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones or simple ear plugs are a must. Most airlines provide these sorts of amenities on overnight and long flights, but why chance it. Especially if you are picky about the style, I recommend packing your own.
You also might want to bring your own travel pillow. Travel pillows have come a long way since the only option U-shaped inflatable neck pillow. From luxury down jackets that convert to neck pillows to scarves that hold your head up while you sleep, there is an option for everyone.
Ultimate Long-Haul Flight Packing List
· Food (we covered this in detail already)
· Tea bags if you have a favorite tea, or other drink mix
· Refillable water bottle
· Small toiletry kit with travel versions of everything you need to feel (and smell) fresh
o Facial wipes or cleanser
o Hand wipes
o Body wipes
o Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
o Facial moisturizing
o Hand and body lotion (you can save space by choosing something that works on your face too)
o Lip balm
o Eye drops (if you’re prone to dry eyes)
o Hand sanitizer
o Deodorant
o Small comb or brush
· Entertainment
o Tablet or e-reader
o Book or magazine if you prefer a physical version
o Cards or other small games
o Small notepad or pen
o Battery charger and cords - for your phones, tablets and even laptop
· Comfort
o Eye mask
o Ear plugs or noise canceling headphones
o Neck pillow
o Blanket/scarf
o Extra sweater
o Socks (compression if you’re prone to feet/ankle swelling)
o Slip-on shoes (or just wear these the whole time)
· Medication
o Motion sickness remedies
o Baby aspirin, if recommended by your doctor
o OTC pain medication in case your back hurts from hauling heavy luggage or your neck hurts form the awkward sleeping position
o Any prescription medication you need — please make sure any medications you rely on are in your carry-on luggage and not your checked bag
· Clothing
o An extra change of clothes (in case of spills or lost checked luggage)
o Pajamas or just super-comfy clothes if you need to change to sleep
As always, as your travel agent, I’m here to help you plan, prepare, and customize your packing list!
If you have questions or want to get started, contact me, Mary-Gail Durst
613-355-0112
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