How to Survive Long-Haul Flights: 5 Tips from WorkTrips.com

If you travel frequently for business, you know how challenging long-haul flights can be. Sitting for hours in a cramped seat, dealing with boredom, jet lag, and dehydration can take a toll on your health and productivity. But don’t worry, we have some tips to help you make your long haul flights more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are 5 tips on how to survive long-haul flights from WorkTrips.com, the best place to book your business travel.

Tip #1: Book the best seat

Booking the best seat can make a huge difference in your comfort and productivity on a long-haul flight. You want to avoid seats that are near the lavatories, the galley, or the exit rows, as they can be noisy, cold, or have limited recline. You also want to avoid seats that have reduced legroom or storage space, such as those in front of the bulkhead or behind the entertainment boxes. You can use apps like SeatGuru or ExpertFlyer to find out which seats have these drawbacks and which ones have extra perks, such as more space, power outlets, and privacy. If you can afford it, you can also splurge on a first class seat that offers a lie-flat bed, a personal entertainment system, and premium food and drinks. First class seats can take up to 30% of a plane’s cabin space, which means you’ll have more room to stretch and relax.

Tip #2: Bring your own entertainment and work tools

Bringing your own entertainment and work tools can help you pass the time and stay productive on a long haul flight. You don’t want to rely on the airline’s in-flight entertainment system, as it may not have the content you like or it may malfunction. Instead, you can load up your tablet or laptop with your favorite shows, podcasts, games, and books. You can also download offline content from streaming services like Netflix or Spotify. You’ll never run out of things to do and you’ll forget how long you’ve been flying. In fact, the average passenger spends 4 hours and 39 minutes on their personal devices during a long haul flight. You can also use this time to catch up on work, prepare for meetings, or learn new skills. Just make sure you have enough battery power and a portable charger. You can also bring headphones, a mouse, a keyboard, and a laptop stand to make your work more comfortable and efficient.

Tip #3: Dress professionally and comfortably

Dressing professionally and comfortably can help you feel more confident and relaxed on a long haul flight. You don’t want to wear clothes that are too tight, too loose, too hot, or too cold. Instead, you want to wear clothes that are easy to slip on and off, like joggers, hoodies, and slip-on shoes. You’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll breeze through security. Plus, you can always change into something more professional when you land. You can also layer your clothes to adjust to different temperatures and bring a scarf or a jacket to use as a blanket or a pillow.

Tip #4: Hydrate and nourish yourself

Hydrating and nourishing yourself can help you stay healthy and alert on a long haul flight. You don’t want to drink alcohol or caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep cycle. Instead, you want to drink lots of water and herbal tea. You can also bring your own water bottle and refill it at the airport or on the plane. You don’t want to eat unhealthy snacks or junk food, as they can be high in sodium, sugar, and fat. Instead, you want to bring your own snacks like nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, and dark chocolate. They’ll keep you energized and satisfied. Remember that dehydration can increase jet lag by up to 50%, so make sure you drink enough water before, during, and after your flight.

Tip #5: Stretch and meditate

Stretching and meditating can help you relax your body and mind on a long-haul flight. Instead, you want to get up and walk around every now and then. Do some yoga poses or tai chi moves in the back of the plane or in the aisle. You can also do some stretches in your seat to ease tension in your muscles. You don’t want to let your mind wander or worry about work or other issues. Instead, you want to meditate and relax. You can use apps like Headspace or Calm to guide you through breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or soothing sounds. You can also listen to music or read a book to calm your nerves.

These are some of the tips we have for making long-haul flights more productive and enjoyable. By following these tips, you can turn your flight into an opportunity to work, learn, and have fun. You can also arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to take on your business goals. For more travel hacks and deals, follow us on Instagram and visit our website at WorkTrips.com. Thanks for reading and have a great flight!