Five things to avoid when flying long haul
Do you dread long-haul flying as much as we do? Living in Australia, we’ve had to endure our fair share of marathon flights. Trust me, traveling often means lots of long-haul flights. But over the years, we’ve picked up some crucial tips. Today, I’m going to share with you five things you should ALWAYS avoid on these journeys. Stick around for the most important one—number five—because you’ll definitely want to know about it! Long-haul flying can be tough—physically and mentally. And with airlines planning longer flights, like Qantas’s Project Sunrise starting in 2026, which is going to be over 19 hours without stopping, you need to be prepared. Last year, we flew nonstop from Auckland to New York—nearly 17 hours in the air. To survive these flights, here are five things you need to avoid: Dehydration The dry cabin air and high altitudes can quickly dehydrate you, causing fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and digestive issues. Not how anyone wants to feel on a long flight! To combat dehydration, drink plenty of water. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly. I also keep Hydralyte sachets handy to replenish minerals and electrolytes. Skip the caffeine and alcohol as well as salty snacks—they’ll only dehydrate you more. And don’t forget your skin! Use hydrating facial mists or moisturisers to keep your skin feeling fresh! Stay hydrated, and you’ll arrive at your destination feeling so much better. Overeating Even though it’s tempting to indulge in all those in-flight meals and snacks, overeating can make a long-haul flight even more uncomfortable. Overeating causes bloating, indigestion, and discomfort, especially when confined to a plane seat. I’m prone to boredom eating, so this is a big one for me! Heavy meals can cause acid reflux and heartburn, and possibly even contribute to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stick to lighter, easily digestible meals and say no to excess snacks. If you suffer from acid reflux, keep chewable antacid tablets in your in-flight essentials. A heavy meal can also disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder to relax and rest. To ensure a restful flight, avoid high-fat, heavy foods so your body can settle down. You might have seen in my video on “Five Tips to Make Long-Haul Flying More Comfortable” how crucial rest is—check it out here (point up with left hand)! Finally, avoid salty and sugary foods. Excess salt and sugar are often found in airline meals, as they add to dehydration, which I covered in the previous tip. So, be mindful of your food intake—it can make a significant difference in how you feel during and after the flight. Too much screen time Staring at screens for hours—whether it’s your phone, tablet, or the in-flight entertainment system—can strain your eyes, cause discomfort, headaches, and even blurred vision. To prevent this, take regular breaks and focus on distant objects to give your eyes a rest. Blue light from screens can mess with your sleep-wake cycle, so reduce screen time before bed and use blue light filters or night mode on your devices. Prolonged screen use can also lead to neck and shoulder pain. Maintain good posture and use a neck pillow for support. Too much screen time can cause mental fatigue as well. Give your brain a break with activities like reading a book, listening to music, or simply gazing out the window. Unless you have to work, don’t sign up for the in-flight Wi-Fi—treat your flight as a break from the world. By balancing screen time with other activities, your long-haul flight will be much more pleasant. UV exposure Did you know UV radiation is stronger at higher altitudes? On a flight, you’re closer to the sun and exposed to harmful UV rays. If you’re by the window, the sun can hit one side of your face and body. Applying sunscreen before your flight is crucial. Combine the dry cabin air with UV exposure, and your skin can suffer. Use a moisturising sunscreen to keep your skin hydrated and protected. And here’s my top beauty tip, which isn’t just for flying days: wearing sunscreen daily (even in winter) helps prevent premature aging—a much better investment than any expensive serum. I always use SPF50+, even in winter, because we have extremely harsh sun in Australia. So, when packing for a long-haul flight, include sunscreen in your essentials. Your skin will thank you! Too much time sitting in one position Sitting in one position for hours can really take a toll on your body. It increases the risk of developing DVT, a serious condition where blood clots form in your veins. Move around and do simple leg exercises while seated to improve circulation and reduce this risk. Prolonged sitting leads to muscle stiffness and discomfort, especially in your back, neck, legs, and shoulders. Regularly walking up and down the cabin or doing gentle stretches helps alleviate tension and keeps your muscles flexible. To prevent back pain, perform back stretches, adjust your seating posture, and use lumbar support. If you’re not given a pillow during the flight, roll up a hoodie for support. Incorporating movement and stretching not only addresses physical discomfort but also supports overall health and well-being. It boosts energy levels, reduces stress, and enhances your travel experience. Next time you’re on a long-haul flight, remember to avoid sitting still too long. Listen to your body and prioritise your comfort and health! Are you ready to take flight? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and our email newsletter for more travel insights and exciting content. Your support means the world to us as we embark on this journey together. Here’s to smooth skies and happy travels ahead! 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Five Ways to Make Long Haul Flying More Comfortable
Are you dreading your long-haul flight? Let’s face it, those endless hours in the air can be a real challenge. But fear not, because I’ve got five essential tips to help you say goodbye to discomfort on long flights, so you’ll feel first class! Stick around till the end because tip number five is an absolute game-changer. Picture this: you’re on a never-ending flight, feeling sick, tired, and anxious. Sounds familiar, right? Well, worry no more because I’ve cracked the code to stay refreshed and ready to conquer your destination. First things first, let’s talk clothing. Your outfit can make or break your comfort level during a long flight. No one wants to end up feeling like a hot mess at the end of the journey. I’ve got a fail-proof flying uniform strategy that ensures both style and comfort. Research is key – choose clothing that suits the weather at your departure and arrival locations. Layering up with a loose-fitting dress, leggings, a cardigan, and sometimes a long-sleeved t-shirt is my go-to formula. And always opt for familiar, comfy clothes to avoid any mid-flight wardrobe malfunctions or discomfort! I also take a pair of loose, lightweight tracky pants and a comfy t-shirt to change into on the plane, and a pair of thongs – flip flops not underwear – or hotel slippers to slip into when leaving my seat. Next up, it’s all about entertainment. Flying can be stressful for many, including myself. To unwind and relax, bring along your favourite distractions! Obviously, having a massage or a warm bath isn’t going to be possible! Whether it’s diving into a good book, indulging in some soothing music, or binge-watching your preferred streaming series, make sure you have your entertainment essentials ready to soothe your nerves. Now, let’s tackle the sleep factor. A good rest during the flight is crucial for a smooth journey. Set the stage for sleep by staying comfy, cool, and well-hydrated. Establish a pre-sleep routine with light skincare, layered comfortable clothing, and perhaps some gentle sleep aids if needed. Remember, a well-rested traveller is a happy traveller. If I don’t sleep, I not only end up tired and cranky – watch out Michael – but I also feel nauseated, anxious, and hung over– and that’s without even having the fun of drinking the alcohol! Hydration is key! Keep yourself hydrated throughout the flight to feel fresh, cool, and energized. Ditch the alcohol for a while and opt for hydrating fluids to keep your skin and body in top shape. Some airlines will have a bottle of water at your seat when you board. If your airline doesn’t provide a bottle, make sure you take on your own bottle that you can get them to fill. Last but not least, seat selection matters. Choose your seat wisely based on your preferences and needs. Whether you crave extra legroom or crave peace and quiet, find the perfect spot that complements your style of travel. If you haven’t flown on this airline or type of plane before try googling “best whichever-class-you-are-in seat on airline aircraft”. You might find discussion boards or Reddit threads that can help you find that great seat the airlines don’t tell you about! Utilise tools like Seat Guru to score the best seat in the house and breeze through your flight with ease. I’ll put a link in the description below. It will tell you the nitty gritty details of the seats on your plane! So there you have it – five essential strategies to elevate your long-haul flight experience. Thank you for tuning in! If you found these tips helpful or have some of your own to share, drop a comment below. Get ready to transform your next long-haul trip into a comfortable and unforgettable adventure! Ready to take flight? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more travel insights and exciting content. Your support means the world to us as we embark on this journey together. Here’s to smooth skies and happy travels ahead! Stay tuned for more in our long-haul flying series. Bye for now! 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