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Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London

10 Ways To Survive A Long Haul Flight

Thursday 22 September 2016
How to survive a long haul flight
{Photo: http://www.stillstoked.com/}
There is so much to be seen with only a relatively short distance to travel. If you are from the UK, you have the famous sights of Paris, skiing in Switzerland or stuffing your face with pizza in Italy. But there are some things you can't do without taking a long haul flight. Post 5 hours and I know, I start to get restless. So I've put together my top tips I've picked up on how to survive a long haul flight.

How to survive a long haul flight

Hydrate

Keeping hydrated is an absolute must. The stuffy cabins, lack of movement and maybe a little bit of nerves can all contribute to headaches, dizziness and nausea. So keep your hydration levels topped up throughout. 

I find that the water trolley doesn't come around enough on long haul flights. So take a water bottle with you (fill it up after security). I'm currently using this bottle by Infruition as not only does it come in a mini size which is perfect for putting in your limited space carry on, but also as the name suggests, you add fruit to the bottle to get a great little fruity pick me up. Perfect for getting those vitamins when healthy food isn't always an option on flights. 

How to survive a long haul flight

Wear comfortable clothing.

Forget trying to emulate celebrities stylish airport attire, there's no paparazzi waiting for you. The best thing you can do is wear comfortable loose clothing. If you are sat down for 7 hours, you don't want a tight waist band, and I've found planes can go from cold to hot pretty quickly, so its best to have a few layers you can pop on and off if you need to.

I've found either loose dresses or stretchy leggings are the most comfortable, depending on your preference. Here's a few of my picks for a still stylish but comfortable journey. 



How to survive a long haul flight

Keep your phone charged.

It's becoming more and more common for long haul flights to have wifi. So the temptation to get some serious work done is high. Personally I love using the time to go through and reply to every single outstanding email I have in my (multiple) inboxes. However this can drain your battery pretty quickly- especially if you also use your phone for music. 

It's really important to have a good amount of battery left when you land in case you need to call the hotel, your taxi or anything else which may crop up. You don't want to be stranded in the airport with no way to contact anyone. 

I keep my phone on charge using a power pack. I use the Belkin MIXIT 6600 to charge my phone on the go. It can charge 2 devises at once and up to 4 full charges unlike those small little ones you get from the likes of Primark. I really couldn't live without it now. I actually keep it in my handbag all the time.

How to survive a long haul flight

Use air miles

Now I realise not everyone does air miles, but if you read my post about how to fly first class for cheap, you'll know I'm a big advocate of collecting miles through a credit card. If you read the post you'll understand how I do this without getting into credit debt.

Whenever I can (and have enough miles) I'll upgrade. It might not be to first, but even to premium economy can make the difference. A little extra leg room, some wine and half decent food, maybe a blanket thrown in? It's the little things that make the difference to a long haul flight, so I would recommended using those miles to upgrade yourself.

Don't drink too much alcohol

Don't get me wrong, I love a glass of wine or maybe even a G&T, but don't over do it. Flying long haul is stressful enough, let alone when you start to get a bit woosy! The worst thing possible is to get a headache on a flight, as planes are hardly relaxing. Plus alcohol in most cases will disrupt you ability to relax and fall asleep. And what ever you do, DO NOT get drunk. Do not be that person. 

How to survive a long haul flight

Keep entertained

Boredom is what kills me on long haul flights. Especially when you are on your own! (I've just realised all my long haul flights I've done on my own!) There is only so much of that box set you love that you can manage. 

Keeping occupied is the only way to survive a long haul flight in my opinion. I like to split my time up into manageable chunks. The first hour I usually go through all my emails and reply to every single one. Then the next 2 hours I'll read my Kindle (I have the Paper White). Currently I'm reading the The $100 Startup, which if you are interested in running your own small business, then I highly recommend. In fact, if you are a fellow blogger, then it's perfect, as it's about small "from home" businesses. 

Then after that, I'll usually spend a couple of hours watching a movie or TV shows on the plane. By then 5 hours has already past. After hour 5, I then get some sleep. Depending on the flight, I tend to only manage 2 hours sleep. 

Flights post 7 hours are what really kill me! I end up just cycling through more books and TV!

Bring your own snacks

Depending on who you are flying with, means your levels of food and drink will differ entirely. However even with some good airlines, the trolly doesn't always come around quick enough. Also it can be hard to eat well. I'm not saying I eat healthy, but sometimes I'm just dying for a piece of fruit.

I like to bring my own snack with me. Usually an apple, and then the more unhealthy like some sweets and a chocolate. It just mean's I'm in control of when I want to eat. No one wants to be hangry on a long haul flight.

How to survive a long haul flight

Look after your skin

I don't know about you, but my skin becomes all try and tight over time. Especially with the A/C blasting down. I've found going to the bathroom, maybe half way through the flight and giving your face a good cleanse and moisturize is the best thing. It feels amazing, and also just gives a little spring of revitalization back.

I've been currently using Neek Miss Divine cleanser. It's a great gentle cleanser and it's all organic and animal test free. Then I like to put on a repair serum to help protect my face from the cloggy plane air. For this I like Yours Truly Organics Fix Me! Again, it's all natural and organic.

Sleep

Sleep is so important on a long haul flight. As well as passing the time, it also is great for refreshing yourself. Pack a neck pillow and blanket to help you get comfy, and if possible, book your flight early so you can choose a window seat to lean against.

If you are going to take sleep meds, please please try them out at home before you go. You do not want a case of reacting badly and going a bit crazy on them. No one wants to be that person who starts slurring there words and running wild.

Be nice to the crew

I mean you should do this whether its a 2 hour flight or a 10 hour flight, but it's always beneficial to be extra nice to crew on long haul flights. The attendants really can make or break your flight- you need help with something? Need a little top up of your drink? If you've been a rude idiot earlier, they aren't going to play nice to you.

But most of all, try to enjoy your flight. That is the most important way to survive a long haul flight. As wherever you are flying to, once you land, it'll all be worth it.

3 comments:

  1. I'm with you, travelling can suck sometimes. You hit the nail on the head though, the best flights I've had are where I've drank a hella lot of water and hardly any tipple. Sometimes being good works.

    xoxo
    jessica
    from
    The Crown Wings

    ReplyDelete
  2. So many good tips Laura! I just flew back from Australia and that 24 hour journey is killer! I suggest some good earplugs (the squishy ones from the pharmacy) - they are great for blocking out the aircon. Also, if you can make a makeshift footrest - it helps to fall asleep!

    X Phoebe

    www.woodandluxe.com

    ReplyDelete