By Caitlin Hornik
You’ve booked your flights and hotel. Your itinerary is mapped out. Your bag is packed. The only thing left to do is make your in-flight game plan!
Long-haul flights are a great opportunity to catch up on TV shows, movies, and that book you’ve left unfinished on your bedside table for months. You’ll definitely want to be as prepared as possible for your long flight, especially if it’s your first! Having a list of tasks you wish to accomplish can also help to ease any flight-related anxieties you may be experiencing.
Prep your Playlist
Music, podcasts, and meditations can help ease any in-flight anxieties. Downloading all of your favorite albums and sounds prior to your flight is definitely a good idea. There’s nothing worse than being unable to sleep mid-flight and without your favorite soothing sounds!
Take advantage of this opportunity to listen to a new album or artist! Maybe you’ve been meaning to give that new country artist or rapper a try. There’s no better time than at 30,000+ feet!
Download TV & Movies
If your Netflix cue is out of control, use your long-haul flight to reign it back in! Download the last season of your favorite show, or that rom-com you’ve been dying to see. You may not accomplish everything on your list, but you’ll definitely be able to make a dent. Don’t forget to pack tissues!
Books on Books on Books
Hardcopy or electronic, books can help time pass quickly! Dive into a juicy new novel, finish the autobiography you started months ago, or flip through some beautiful poetry. It’s easy to get swept up in a good read, especially when you're amongst the clouds!
Skincare & Hygiene Routine
While some airlines provide passengers with a toiletries kit, others do not. You might as well pack a small kit for yourself, and then treat anything you receive during your flight as a nice bonus! Your kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant at minimum. You could also throw in an easy-to-use sheet facemask to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated! Those with sensitive or dry eyes may also wish to include eye drops to combat redness that may occur during the flight. Hand lotion and hand sanitizer are also good to include in your kit.
This small and simple addition to your carry on can help you feel more comfortable during your flight, and will also help you feel refreshed upon arrival! Of course, you want to make sure that your toiletries are travel sized so they don’t get confiscated at the TSA checkpoint.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Pillow!
If you’re not adding this crucial item to your checklist right now, what are you waiting for?! You certainly don’t want to spend 6-12 hours in an airplane seat without a supportive neck pillow. Investing in a good one before your trip will help you feel more comfortable during your flight. A supportive pillow can really be a gamechanger even for those who struggle to fall asleep on planes!
Plan a Smart Outfit
You’re hot, you’re cold, you’re sweating, you don’t know how to feel or what you need! Prepping for a long-haul flight includes choosing a smart outfit with layers that can easily be put on or taken off. The more comfortable, the better! Skinny jeans may be your go-to look, but you may want to trade them in for sweats or leggings for the sake of breathability. Opt also for a zip-up hoodie or sweatshirt instead of a pullover one!
Preparing your outfit ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary stress the day of your flight. Choosing this outfit when packing for your trip is a great idea, especially if you plan to mix and match layers and pieces!
