A long-haul flight means you are flying for 6 hours or over. This can be a long time for some people, but with the right preparation, you can make your journey easier and even enjoyable. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or this is your first long-haul adventure, these 8 Essential Travel Tips for a Long-Haul Flights will help you get through it feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

Remember to buy travel insurance to protect yourself against the unexpected such as Cancellations, Medical Emergencies and Lost/delayed luggage. Don’t forget, you’re covered from the day you purchase your policy.

1. Choose the Right Seat

Selecting the right seat can make a significant difference to your journey. The majority of airlines will ask if you’d like to choose your seat when you book your flight, but this usually costs extra. However, it’s worth considering paying the extra fee if you know don’t want to take the risk of getting a seat where you’ll be uncomfortable.

If you prefer more legroom, consider booking an exit row or a seat right with no one in front of you. For those who like to sleep, a window seat might be best, so you can rest your head and no one else in the row disturbs you. Use tools like SeatGuru to check seat reviews and find the best option for your needs.

2. Dress Comfortably

Wear loose, breathable clothing and layers, so you can take jackets and jumpers on and off to adjust to varying cabin temperatures. Compression socks are also recommended for long haul flights as thy can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Many flyers find that their feet swell when flying, this is due to sitting for prolonged periods of time. Comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off are a must.

3. Stay Hydrated

Cabin air can be very dry, so it is essential to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during the flight. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration. Bringing a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the journey is a great idea, not many people know you can ask the cabin crew to fill this up for you!

4. Adjust to the Time Zone

To minimise jet lag, try to adjust your sleep schedule to your destination’s time zone a few days before your flight. During the flight, set your watch to the destination time and try to sleep or stay awake accordingly.

5. Move Around

Sitting for extended periods can be uncomfortable. Try to stand up, stretch, and walk around the cabin once in a while. Be sure to follow advice from the captain and crew and remain seated when your seatbelt sign is switched on. This is to avoid accidents like falling during turbulence. Simple in-seat exercises, like the 10 listed here, can help you feel less stationary and get your circulation flowing.

6. Entertainment and Activities

Long flights can be tedious, so bring a variety of entertainment options. While many long-haul flights will give you a screen with inflight entertainment, it’s good to have options. Load your devices with games, movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and e-books you can access offline. Bring a portable charger to keep your devices powered. If you enjoy reading, a good book or magazine is a good way to wind down without blue light if you need to sleep.

7. Stay Calm and Relaxed

Long flights can be stressful but staying calm and relaxed is the best way to tackle them. Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listen to calming music to help reduce anxiety. Remember, the journey is part of the adventure, so try to enjoy the experience.

8. Pack a Travel Kit

Having a small travel kit with essentials can make your flight more pleasant. Include items like a neck pillow, eye mask and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones if you want to relax or sleep. Pack lip balm, moisturizer, wet wipes and a toothbrush to help you stay comfortable and freshen up during the flight.

By following these tips, you can make your long-haul flight more comfortable and arrive at your destination ready to take on new adventures.

It’s also important to have a Travel Insurance policy in place in case anything goes wrong.

Why do I need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is an essential part of any trip, especially long-haul journeys. Here are a few reasons why it’s crucial:

1. Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons like illness, injury, or unforeseen events. By purchasing your Travel Insurance through GoSkippy you could be covered up to £12,500 in the event of a cancellation.
2. Medical Emergencies: Medical treatment abroad can be expensive. Travel insurance can cover emergency medical expenses and even medical evacuation if necessary. Buying Travel insurance through GoSkippy gets you up to £15 Million Medical Cover.
3. Lost or Delayed Baggage: Up to £3000 baggage cover. If your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, travel insurance can help cover the cost of your belongings and any essentials you need to buy. Smart Luggage cover is included in all Gold Policies, automatically giving you £50 if your luggage is delayed by more than 30 minutes. If you bag is deemed lost after 48 hours you will receive £500* Smart Luggage can also be added on to all bronze and silver policies for an added price.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing you are covered in case of emergencies allows you to relax and enjoy your trip more fully.

Whether you are planning a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family trip – long-haul destinations can provide unforgettable memories. Don’t forget to secure travel insurance for peace of mind and use these tips to make your long-haul flights more comfortable.

Looking for Travel Insurance?

Get a quote today with GoSkippy!

*Terms and Conditions apply. Flights must be registered in advance of travel. All claims must be made within 48 hours of acquiring knowledge of the delay or loss. Check your policy wording for more information.