Travel Tips: How To Endure A Long-Haul Flight In Coach
No one looks forward to spending ten-plus hours squeezed into a cramped seat in the back of a plane. But if you want to travel the world, you're going to spend a fair amount of time on an airplane. How can you endure it and make it bearable? Keep reading to find out.
1. Upgrade Your Seat
Upgrading is kind of a copout, but it needs to be said. The easiest way to endure a long economy flight is to avoid economy altogether. You can use miles or points to help defray the cost of a first or business class seat. An overnight long-haul flight is much more enjoyable in a lay-flat business class seat. You can also spend a little less to upgrade to economy-plus or an exit row seat in coach. These seats usually cost around 200 dollars for a long flight, but you'll get more leg room. Every inch counts when you're stuffed into a tiny flying tube. Upgrading is the easiest way to avoid the inconvenience of an economy seat. You can also try this trick we use to get an entire plane row to ourselves. But what if upgrading isn't in the budget? Keep reading for tips to make the best of it.
“The easiest way to endure a long economy flight is to avoid economy altogether.”
There’s not much room in coach.
2. Accept That The Experience Won’t Be Amazing
Acceptance is the first step to making it through one of these flights. It's not going to be fun. Just accept it and deal with it. It's going to be cramped. It's going to be boring. And you probably won't be able to sleep. Coming to grips with that will make the whole experience a lot better. Plus, remember that you're going somewhere awesome. The flight is just part of getting there. Don't fight it. Just plan to endure whatever the airline throws your way as calmly as possible.
“Acceptance is the first step to making it through one of these flights. It’s not going to be fun.”
3. Bring Plenty To Do
We don't like to rely on the airline's in-flight entertainment because you can never guarantee what your particular flight will offer. Prepare beforehand to provide your own amusement. Be sure to download plenty of music and movies. You won't have internet on the plane, so put plenty of choices on your phone or tablet. Netflix allows you to download content, so sit back and use the time to catch up on a series or two. If there's a mobile game you like to play, check to see if you can play it offline. Many games today require a data connection to load at all. You will also probably need a backup battery to power your devices. This one from Anker is our favorite. You could use the time to be productive and catch up on some work. Whatever you choose, have options. You don't want to find yourself without anything to do but read the SkyMall catalog.
If you use your laptop, pray they don’t recline the seat in-front of you.
4. Dress Comfortably
I'm of the opinion that you should still dress well for plane travel. But it's possible to dress well and still be comfortable. Wear comfortable shoes and loosen the laces as soon as you're in the air. Compression socks can also keep the blood flowing through your legs. Avoid tighter clothes and fabrics that restrict your movement. Keep a hoodie or blanket close, because it's often cold on the plane.
5. Bring Your Own Food
Airplane food is horrible. The only difference on a long-haul flight is that you get a larger quantity of this terrible food. Bring your own food, and the trip is instantly more enjoyable. TSA will let you bring food through as long as it doesn't include more than three ounces of liquid or gel. A sandwich will clear security but a bowl of soup won't. You could also eat a big meal in the airport or stock up on snack after you go through security.
“Airplane food is horrible. The only difference on a long-haul flight is that you get a larger quantity of this terrible food.”
6. Take Time To Walk Around And Stretch
Every hour or so, walk up and down the aisle. Go to the back of the plane, where there's more room, and stretch a bit. Whatever you need to do to keep the blood flowing. Your seat will be tight and after a few hours will become very uncomfortable. Use every opportunity you have to stretch out.
Conclusion
Long flights are a necessary evil when you're traveling to far off places. The ride is the worst part of a trip though. When you land you'll be on vacation and exploring a new piece of the world, Hopefully, these tips will help make the whole experience a little more tolerable. What do you think of our list? Do you have any other practices that make air travel more fun? Answer below in the comments.