10 Travel Tips for Long flights
Flying long-haul can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can journey in relative comfort. VVP Travel has curated ten essential tips to enhance your in-flight experience. From exercising for the flight to wearing comfortable clothes, these recommendations will help you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready. Learn what to do with your electronics, pack the right snacks, and maintain your sanity throughout the flight. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first long journey, these practical tips are invaluable for a smooth and pleasant trip.
1. Bring a Travel Pillow
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Although it is a common tip, it is often ignored. If your flight is over 5 hours, chances are, you’ll fall asleep. And while airlines provide passengers with adequate seating, we doubt you’d be pleased if you reached your destination with a strained or painful neck and back. This is why having a compact travel comes in handy. It provides neck support while making your naps more comfortable.
2. Charge All Your Electronic devices
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Nothing is worse than realising your phone battery life is sitting at 10 per cent, and you forgot your power bank at home. Ensure all your electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, Bluetooth earphones, iPads, etc) are fully charged including your power bank, so that you keep your mind occupied during the flight.
Also read: 5 Exciting Things to do In Johannesburg
3. Pack essentials to your in-flight luggage
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When packing your luggage, prioritise items you’ll use during the flight. Plan your main activities beforehand and carry only those items on the plane. Leave the rest in your larger suitcase. Lugging unnecessary weight is not advised. Carry only what you will utilise and consume.
4. Reset your watches (Should time zones differ)
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To avoid needless confusion and further disorientation along with prevailing jet lag, change your timepieces, phones and other electronic times to the appropriate time zones of the destination. This not only saves ‘time’ but allows you to focus on other important travel duties once you arrive at your destination.
5. Download, Download, Download
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Aeroplanes come in all shapes, ages and sizes. While it is true that some airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, this is not ubiquitous across the airline industry. Many older aircraft don’t have Wi-Fi, so to save yourself the trouble of having no internet during the flight, download your favourite movies, documentaries, YouTube videos, music and podcasts. If Wi-Fi is available, view that as a bonus, but always have content downloaded.
Also read: Travel Tips When Going to South Africa
6. Bring Snacks along (Not everyone is a fan of plane food)
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In-flight food may not be for everyone, and although many airlines try to cater for many palates, carry snacks with you if you struggle to stomach certain foods. Although most airlines sell snacks, many are set at mark-up prices, so bringing your snacks could also be a money saver.
7. Have a notebook handy with you
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Although movies are great and podcasts are insightful, you aren’t always going to engage with your electronics. Why not carry a notebook and pen? Write down your thoughts, observations or what you are excited about regarding your vacation. It keeps your mind active and allows you time to reflect.
8. Wear Comfortable Clothes
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When boarding a flight, don't dress to impress. Dress comfortably and dress in clothes you can sit in for many hours. Make sure your odour is neutral as far as possible, and ensure your clothes are clean. Make sure your shoes are also comfortable.
9. Exercise Before the Flight
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Feeling relaxed and a bit tired is ideal for long flights. Being active before your flight helps. A gym workout, swim, run, or power walk can make all the difference. Even a stroll around the airport helps. By exercising, you can ease into a more comfortable and restful journey.
10. Be Kind to the Flight Staff
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It’s a given to treat the flight crew with respect, but, if possible, strike up a conversation with one of the flight attendants. Serving many people throughout the day in the air is not an easy job, and making things easier in small ways not only makes your flight more pleasurable, but it creates an uplifting atmosphere. You may even get preferential treatment if you’re fortunate.