Long Haul Flight Checklist – How To Survive Long Travel Days

UPDATED FEB 2020. Traveling is such a fun experience, but the part when you are cramped up in the plane for long periods of time is not really the best part is it? For those short trips that are only a few hours long it’s pretty easy to get through, but what about the long travel days where every minute feels like an hour? Those ones can be harsh. Here’s my long haul flight checklist to help you get through those days that feel like forever.

Long Haul Flight Checklist – How To Survive Long Travel Days

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1. Drink lots of water

The first thing on your long haul flight checklist needs to be to stay hydrated. I know, I know, you’re thinking “well thank you captain obvious!”

It’s a common tip but the importance of staying hydrated while traveling can’t be overstated.

The biggest hurdle is that you can’t pack a few liters of your own as carry-on because it will be confiscated by the hydration-police, a.k.a TSA officials, as you go through security.

What I usually do is hydrate a whole lot the day prior – 3 liters minimum. Then, on the day of travel, I either buy a big bottle or 2 or use my reusable water bottle depending on where I am traveling to.

These collapsible water bottles look pretty awesome for a reusable travel water bottle.

Also, avoid drinking a lot of coffee and alcohol because they’re going to work against you when it comes to hydrating.

2. Pack an ‘anti-zombie’ kit

Long haul travel is an easy way to get that zombie look and feel. Which is great if that’s what you’re going for but not so great for those of us who like to present a clean and fresh look.

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to completely get the ‘fresh out of the shower’ feeling but packing some airline-approved toiletries can at least help you feel more human again.

Here’s what I have with me on long haul travel days:

• Roll-on deodorant
• Bamboo toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Body wipes (I like Epic Wipes)
• Moisturizer
• Hand sanitizer
• Chapstick
• Roll-on perfume (I use essential oil in a roll-on)
• Eye drops

I pack these in a Stasher Bag and use it all to have what I like to call ‘airport showers’.

Another trick is to keep the tiny bottle of water they give you to use to brush your teeth either on the plane or during layovers.

You can also pack an extra set of clothes that you can change into just before you land. Even just a clean T-shirt can help you feel fresh again.

Remember when you pack your kit it usually has to be in a clear plastic case and everything has to be travel size – under 100ml, to get through security.

3. Make yourself as comfortable as possible

Since you’re going to be uncomfortable for a good period of time, it’s a good idea to bring something to ease that.

This might be different things for different people.

For me, it’s all about keeping warm so I bring a pair of socks and a hoodie and as long as I have that I’m happy.

For others, must-have comfort might be a neck pillow, footrest, a great playlist of music or even a snack you love.

Whatever it means to you, make sure you have something to bring a little comfort to your journey. It’s always the little things that make a big difference!

4. Keep yourself entertained

Sure you can watch movies on the plane but after you’ve sat in the one cramped spot and watched three movies in a row it doesn’t quite have as much entertainment appeal, does it?

Make sure you have something that can keep you entertained or at least keep your mind busy while you’re traveling.

Unless of course you really love watching movies, then, by all means, watch as many as you can!

As with the comfortability item, the entertainment is very subjective so bring whatever works for you.

You could download interesting podcasts to listen to on the plane, bring a good book, write in your journal, get your mind working with a puzzle book or even use apps on your phone to play with.

And of course, tacky magazines are always a good go-to option.

5. Get your blood flowing during layovers

Part of your long haul flight checklist needs to be moving as much as you can to avoid blood clots. I’ve had one – they suck.

You have to sit still for so long that it’s important to get your body moving when you have the opportunity.

During the flights, you are limited to walking laps of the aisle to keep that blood flowing, but if you have a layover then you have a bit more of an opportunity to stretch out which is a bonus.

Find your gate then walk around the surrounding areas, look in the stores, take the stairs, even just walk laps if you have to.

Anything to give your body some movement before you have to go back to your cramped up zombie state.

I usually like to use the layover to grab a drink and just walk around the area where my gate is even if that means doing laps.

6. Take it one flight at a time

Plain and simple – sometimes it feels like an overwhelming amount of time to travel.

Just take it one leg at a time to help break up the day into bite-size pieces.

Before you know it you will arrive at your destination where you can get cleaned up (for that fresh out of the shower feeling we talked about earlier) and go out to explore.

It’s all worth it once you arrive at your destination, isn’t it?

Other guides to help you plan your travels

• Travel Diary Ideas – 21 Thoughtful Prompts For Your Travel Journal

• Budgeting For Travel – Where To Skimp & Where To Splurge

• Tips For Traveling More While You’re Rocking A Full Time Job

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