We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through a flight when it hits that you still have six hours to go, you’ve run out of good movies to watch, and you can’t find the right position to actually get some sleep. Cue the dread. As excited as you are to explore somewhere new, it’s hard to beat the boredom that creeps in on a long-haul flight. But instead of mindlessly watching the flight tracker on your seatback screen, I’ve got you covered with some travel hacks to make your next long flight way more bearable.
After spending a good chunk of my summer on long-haul flights to Europe and shorter stints between destinations, I’ve found a handful of travel hacks that make flying and spending time at the airport much more comfortable. I’ve also spoken with Pamela Garza, an avid traveler and founder of luxury travel club Tory Ellers, for her best advice on jet-setting with as little stress as possible.
With your tickets booked (and cute travel outfits squared away), it’s time to read up on some travel hacks that make long flights easier.
Planning your next getaway? Find tips, itineraries, and destination ideas in The Everygirl’s Ultimate Travel Guide.
1. Block out your time
I rarely ever hear anyone talk about this travel hack, but I’ve found it makes my long-haul flights so much more comfortable to sit through. When you plan out enough activities to fill your time on a flight, it makes the whole thing easier to digest. I simply jot down the things I’d like to do and arrange them in a loose schedule of sorts. This also gives me a list of ideas to look at if I start getting bored on a flight.
Take a look at your flight schedule and break it into chunks for meal times, entertainment (movies, books, podcasts, games, or other travel-friendly hobbies), and any work you want to get done on the plane. If it’s an overnight flight, block out some time to wind down and get some rest. And don’t forget to build in moments for movement—periodic stretch breaks can work wonders.
2. Bring a quality sleep mask
A plain old sleep mask—the kind that presses on your eyelids and lets way too much light leak in—doesn’t really cut it when you’re 30,000 feet up. To cut out the sensory overload, you’ll want a quality mask (plus earplugs, which we’ll get to in a minute) that blocks everything out and does so comfortably.
Garza’s recommendation is a blackout mask with an elevated cushion that frames your eyes rather than pressing down on them. “Investing in a really good one will make the flight experience smoother,” she said.
3. Invest in (good) earplugs
Planes and airports are incredibly loud environments, and I can’t believe how many flights I’ve taken without a good pair of earplugs. The cheap foam ones often handed out on planes don’t cut it. I highly recommend investing in a pair that is made for hours of wear and properly blocks out noise.
Loop is one brand that changed the game for me. They have pairs designed to block out all sound, adjust volume levels, or limit background noise while still allowing for conversation. These earplugs have made the chaos of travel so much more manageable, and I often layer them with my noise-canceling headphones for complete silence when I need some rest.
4. Hack your hydration
It’s no secret that flying seriously dehydrates you, and it’s not always easy to get enough water from the intermittent cart service. My advice? Pack electrolyte packets and a reusable water bottle. These drinkable powders can help restore your electrolyte levels, which is important for staying hydrated and feeling refreshed. They also taste good, making it easier to up your water intake while you’re up in the air. Just remember to fill up your water bottle at the airport before you leave, and don’t be shy about asking the flight attendants for more water during the flight.
5. Do a mini skincare routine
“As an avid skincare and beauty lover, packing a little pouch with makeup remover, an eye mask, lip balm, face oil, and hand cream is an absolute must,” Garza said. Having this on hand gives you some semblance of your usual routine, even in the sky. Pack mini versions of your favorite products, prioritizing formulas that work double-duty. For instance, consider bringing a face moisturizer that also works as hand cream or a lip tint that doubles as blush. This will help you save room in your personal item, too.
If you’re a contact lens wearer, plan to wear your glasses on the plane and bring a fresh pair of lenses (and solution). You can put your contacts in just before you land, which will help you feel more refreshed and awake upon arrival.
6. Bring a massage ball
Cramped plane seats don’t make it easy to get movement in, let alone much stretching. While a resistance band or electric massager sounds ideal for releasing tension mid-flight, they’re just not fit for the space. However, there’s a great option that you probably haven’t thought about.
The perfect tool you never considered for comfort on your long-haul? A mini massage ball. “That little ball serves as a massager for your back, and the older you get, the more you’ll reach for it,” Garza explained. You can also place it under your feet to help work out any cramps, stretch your ankles, and keep the blood flowing in your legs.
7. Pack a full change of clothes in your carry-on
Garza pointed out that it’s vital to bring a full change of clothes with you while flying. Plane temperatures often jump around, so having layers you can put on and take off will make the experience more pleasant. “You’ll find me wearing a long sleeve, a sweater, a scarf that works as an extra blanket, and a little jacket that serves as an extra pillow,” she said.
Not only that, but if a worst-case scenario happens and you can’t find your suitcase, you at least have an extra set of clothes on hand to get you through.
8. Have a belt bag on hand
Instead of shoving all your stuff into the overhead bin, Garza recommended keeping everything you might need during the flight in a place that’s easily accessible. “I don’t want to bother my seatmates getting in and out to grab the things I need,” she said. “Preparation is key! And don’t forget about your snacks, too.” Aside from my personal item and carry-on bag, I like to bring a sling or belt bag on long flights to keep a few essentials close. It’s the best way to keep items like lip balm, hand sanitizer, and earbuds within reach, especially if you love the window seat. (However, some airlines are strict about only bringing one personal item on board, so you may need to consolidate and then rearrange once you get to your seat.)
This style of bag will also come in handy when you get to your destination, as you can keep your phone, passport, and other essentials close by and safe. It also means you won’t have to lug around a backpack or tote every time you leave your hotel.
9. Focus on movement on and off the plane
Don’t forget to get up and move as often as possible when you’re flying long distances. Once the seatbelt sign is off, it’s a great chance to walk up and down the aisle a few times or do some stretches in the aisle. Prior to your trip, I recommend researching a few exercises you can do while seated and screenshotting them. This way, you have a reference for exercises you can do even from your seat, such as ankle rotations and neck stretches.
Garza also advised getting some movement in on the ground if you have time before boarding or between connecting flights. This will help ease stiffness, promote circulation, and make you feel more limber before sitting on the next flight.
10. Wear compression socks
Anything boldly labeled as “travel clothing” usually doesn’t match up with my idea of stylish, but functionality is everything on a long-haul flight. One unsexy (but highly practical) item you’ll definitely want to pack is a pair of compression socks. These socks lightly squeeze your legs to keep blood flow circulating, which is a top priority when you’re sitting for hours. Slip them on right before boarding a long flight to help prevent achy, swollen legs. They may not be the coolest item you own, but your body will appreciate it!
11. Download your go-to meditations and calming playlists
I’m not going to lie—turbulence and sometimes just the length of the flight alone are enough to break me out in a cold sweat. Even though I know air travel is generally super safe, I have moments where the stress hits. I’ve found it’s so helpful to have a few tried-and-true guided meditation tracks or calming songs downloaded to my phone that I can quickly switch on when I feel anxious.
Make sure to have enough music and audio to last the duration of your flight so you’re fully covered if needed. I also recommend finding some chill sleep podcasts or playlists, which will make it easier to fall asleep in a not-so-comfy seat and help drown out the noises around you. Don’t forget to download everything ahead of time so you can access it in-flight!
12. Pack your own snacks
This is one of those travel hacks that your future self will majorly thank you for. While packing food might require some planning and take up a little more space, bringing your own light bites is a game-changer. No shade to airplane food, but it’s not the best, and I often feel bloated and blah after eating too much of it.
I recommend a mix of healthy options (like fresh fruit and veggies) and a few of your favorite sweet treats and snack foods. You can fuel up with foods you actually enjoy, and you’re not reliant on the next time the flight attendants stop by your seat. Just make sure you eat or discard anything that’s not allowed through customs (like fresh produce) before you get there.
Want more travel tips? Try these:
- The Top 12 Things People Always Forget to Pack for a Trip
- I’m a Wellness Editor and These Are the 9 Items I Always Pack in My Carry-On
- The Absolute Best Walking Shoes to Wear On Your Trip
- This $30 Amazon Find Makes Economy Feel Like First Class
Kara Thompson, Contributing Home Writer
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon. In 2022, she left her full-time job as an editor and started her own writing, editing, and social media firm, Kara Thompson and Co. She has over five years of experience writing lifestyle content for publications including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com, goodhousekeeping.com, and Parents, where she covered all things home, food, health, travel, fashion, and holidays.
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