How to Survive Long-Haul Flights: My First Experience Across Continents

Long-haul flights can feel intimidating, especially if you’re used to shorter trips. As someone over 50 who recently took their first long-haul flight from the UK to Barbados, I had my concerns. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can survive and maybe even enjoy the experience. Here are 10 tips I wish I had considered before taking my long-haul flight but most certainly will help you.

10 Essential Tips for Surviving Long-Haul Flights

1. Choose your Seat Wisely Your Bladder May Depend On It

   
   

   Check in early to secure the best seat that suits your comfort, especially on long flights. If you use the restroom frequently, an aisle seat, preferably near the toilet would be more convenient. If you prefer a window seat, it’s best to book your seat when you are booking your flight.

2. Stay Hydrated But Don’t Drink Too Much

   
   

   Cabin air can be dry, so stay hydrated by drinking fluids, preferably water, but avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you. During my flight to Barbados, I ensured I drank before I boarded the aircraft. I also kept up with my fluids during the flight. But be prepared because you will be using the restroom frequently. I tried to avoid this but in the end, I had to face my fears of using public toilets.

3. Move Around but be Considerate

   
   

   Once you are permitted to remove your seatbelt, get up, stretch, and walk around every few hours. This helps to reduce stiffness, cramps and DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis. On my flight to Barbados, this seemed common practice and the air flight attendants don’t seem to mind as long as you are considerate and try to avoid getting out of your seat during meal times. As it was my first time flying long-haul I was surprised by the amount of people walking up and down. I think they forgot they were on a plane how many thousands of feet in the air and thought they were at St Jame’s Park.

   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

4. Bring a Travel Pillow and Maybe a Bum Cushion

   
   

   I flew economy with Virgin Atlantic and I was not the only one who thought the seats were uncomfortable. This was the real reason there were so many people out of their seats during the last hours of the flight. Pillows were provided but they had no real substance. It actually made the seat more uncomfortable. I suggest bringing your own neck pillow and cushion seat.

   
   
   
   

5. Dress Comfortably But Leave the Pajamas in the Suitcase

   
   

   Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Your whole travel day will be longer than the actual flight so it is best to wear comfortable shoes. Altogether I was travelling for 14 hours and I was so grateful that I wore loose clothing and my favourite trainers. As you may be using the airplane’s considerably small restrooms it is best that you have clothing that is easy to navigate.

   
   
   
   

6. Bring Snacks but preferably Healthy Snacks

   
   

   Virgin’s Atlantic’s on-flight food is quite decent and we were supplied with plenty of drinks and snacks but I would suggest bringing your own healthy snacks to keep you energized, especially if you have special dietary needs.

   
   

7. Stayed Entertained but Don’t Forget You're on a Plane

   
   

   Load up your device with movies, TV shows, books, podcasts and your favourite music. Virgin Atlantic have a great selection of entertainment but it’s always good to have a backup plan. I managed to watch 4 movies and at one stage I almost screamed out loud due to the Horror movie I was watching. Thankfully I was aware I was on a plane full of other passengers.

8. Moisturise, You Don’t Want to End Up Looking Like a Prune

   
   

   This one might seem unusual but during the flight, the air can be quite drying to the skin so I would recommend carrying lotion, lip balm, eye drops and even hand sanitiser as Virgin Atlantic did not provide wipes to clean your hands before your meal. And you most certainly want to wash your hands after using the restrooms on board.

9. Use a sleep Mask and Earplugs to Avoid Meaningless Conversation

   
   

   If you prefer to sleep during long-haul flights I’d suggest using a sleep mask and ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out noise and distractions that may prevent you from sleeping. I am not one to sleep during a flight so this is not a problem for me. But you can zone out watching movies and using the headphones that are provided airline.

10. Plan Your Tiolet Breaks But Some Things You Just Can’t Plan For

    
    

    Learn from my mistake and don’t wait to use the restroom until the last minute. If possible use the toilet before you board your flight. I strongly advise you to use the airplane bathroom at the beginning of your flight. I chose to leave going to the bathroom within the last couple of hours of the flight and trust me it was not a pretty sight. The flight attendant tried her best to clean it but it was almost unusable with something beginning with a V blocking the sink to wash your hands. I was so upset as I couldn’t eat the delicious looking Afternoon Tea.

    
    

    Final Thoughts

    
    

    For someone over 50 embarking on my first long-haul flight. My experience was not perfect but I survived. It would have been more enjoyable if I had considered these 10 tips.