Here are 12 tips that will ensure your next Long Haul Flight is Comfortable.
1. Upgrade to economy premium for business class for extra room if the $$$ are available
Two ways to do this: 1) use points if you have an airline-sponsored credit card; and 2) use an airline-sponsored auction. If you’re flying internationally many non-US airlines will let you bid on business class seats. I recently upgraded to business class for $500 from Washington DC to Lisbon by responding to a bid solicitation from TAP Portugal.
2. Wear a Kn95 mask
Covid19 is still with us. I like this KN95 mask and always wear one in flight! Bring a mask and avoid the germs!
3. Select a window seat
Select your seat ahead of the flight and always get a window seat so that you can lean on the window to go to sleep. Perfect if you also have the right neck pillow.
4. Recline your Seat!
Reclining Your Seat makes your flight more comfortable. Ignore those who would tell you not to, and recline that seat you paid for and get your rest!
5. Bring a good neck pillow
For long haul travel flights I think these two pillows are the most comfortable plane for long flights: Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow & Neck Pillow or the trtl Pillow – Scientifically Proven Super Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow. You need to sleep on a long flight and one of these pillows combined with an eye mask, high-quality ear plugs, and a window seat will ensure you get some rest!
6. Invest in a good pair of ear plugs and an Eye mask
Bring along some high-quality ear plugs and an eye mask. I like to use High Fidelity Earplugs for Long Haul Travel. These are concert grade. I also love the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Eye mask I never travel without either of these items.
7. Bring an extra pair of socks
Make your flight more comfortable by bringing an extra pair of comfy compression ankle socks. I like these ankle socks by CWVLC Unisex Cushioned Compression Athletic Ankle Socks Multipack for Long Haul Travel. I never walk barefoot on a plane but I will wear ankle socks and walk around. At the end of the flight, I take them off put them in a plastic bag, and wash them post-flight! Compression clothing is important for ensuring good blood flow in your feet and legs to avoid blood clots. See #12
8. Invest in some good noise-canceling headphones
Pack some Noise Canceling Headphones. I love my Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, I swear by them. Yes, they’re probably one of the most expensive but they are the best. An affordable alternative to the Bose headphones that I have owned and recommend are these 6S Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear, Hi-Fi Stereo Foldable Wireless Stereo Headsets. They are not comparable to Bose but they are decent and affordable.
9. Bring your own entertainment
- download your favorite movies from HBO Max and Netflix to an iPad or iPhone so you have other options besides what the airplane offers
- download your favorite podcast, mine is Ratchet & Respectable
- download your favorite audiobook
- download the latest subscriptions to your favorite magazine to your my iPad or iPhone
10. Drink a lot of water
Starting the day or so before and throughout your flight, drink extra water Hydration is extremely important on long haul travel flights. Consider bringing a refillable bottle like the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel which you can fill with water after the security check and it will clip to your carryon! If you travel to places without easy to access clean drinking water. This bottle is a Godsend! Drinking a lot of water will also get you to the most important thing for you to do on a long-haul flight get up and move (see #10). Avoid excessive alcohol preflight and during the flight and drink water instead.
11. Move your body during the flight
Get up and move or walk every 2 to 3 hours. Walking ensures proper blood flow and can help you avoid blood clots. If you drink a lot of water it will activate your bladder and you’ll have to get up much more often. Consult your doctor for more information on avoiding pulmonary embolisms/blood clots after a long flight.
12. Purchase and Wear Compression garments
Blood clot risks on long flights are REAL. Invest in a good pair of compression leggings and wear them on your flight. I love these High Waisted Women’s Leggings Compression Pants, these High Waist Compression Shorts, and these High Waisted Compression Capri Leggings. If you will fly for 8 hours or more, I recommend wearing compression garments plus exercising #10 and #12
For more tips about Solo Travel safety and security while traveling solo grab the BaldGirlWillTravel: A Guide to Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers its packed with tips and advice for maintaining your personal safety during solo travel.
Check out my YouTube video on this subject.
There you have it — My recommendations for making your long-haul flight more comfortable!
No matter where you plan to solo travel your travel should include a travel safety plan. Grab the BaldGirlWillTravel: A Guide to Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers and ensure you follow the safety tips to ensure a safe solo travel experience.
A great way to plan safe and fun travel excursions especially is through Viator. Check them out for great deals on walking tours, tours of popular places and airport transfers. As a woman traveling alone, I make a special point to plan my excursions in advance and I especially love Viator because I have the option of not paying in full until 48 hours before my tour date and I can get a refund until 24 hours before my tour!
How do I get the best prices on flights to all my adventures? I rely on Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights). I am always confident that the prices I find on Going are the lowest I will find anywhere.
Thank You For Reading!
Subscribe to this website and GET YOUR FREE DIGITAL TEAM CARRY-ON PACKING GUIDE FOR THE FLY 40+ WOMAN!
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join my Facebook Community for Fly40+ Black Women who Love to Solo Travel
Check out these solo travel blog posts:
3 WAYS TO BUILD A SOLO TRAVEL MINDSET
10 SOLO TRAVEL MISTAKES TO AVOID!
4 MORE OF MY FAVORITE SAFETY APPS & GADGETS FOR SOLO TRAVEL!
7 SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN OVER 40 TRAVELING SOLO
This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates, and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
