Long-haul flights don’t have to be miserable. Whether you’re flying to Europe, Asia, or halfway across the world, a few smart travel hacks can make all the difference. In this guide, we’re sharing our best long-haul flight tips — from what to wear and how to sleep on a plane, to exactly what to pack in your carry-on for maximum comfort. Consider this your complete international flight essentials checklist — tried and tested by travelers who’ve done it all!
Let’s be honest — long-haul flights are a lot. Between tight seats, time zone changes, and the mystery of airplane sleep, they can make or break the start of your trip. After countless international flights (and plenty of trial and error), we’ve fine-tuned our strategy for surviving (and even enjoying) those long travel days.
Here’s exactly how we do it:
Dress for Comfort
We love a cute travel fit as much as anyone, but when it comes to long flights, comfort always wins. Think soft, breathable fabrics, layers for changing cabin temps, and shoes that slip off easily at security and on the plane.
Our go-to combo: leggings or sweats, a loose tee, a cozy wrap or hoodie, and compression socks (trust us, your legs will thank you later).
Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Airplane air is dry, and dehydration can make jet lag and fatigue way worse. We each bring a large refillable water bottle and fill it up right before boarding. Then we aim to sip throughout the flight — even when we’re not particularly thirsty.
Skip the multiple cups of coffee and limit alcohol — both can dehydrate you fast. If you need something warm and comforting, ask for herbal tea instead.
Plan Your Sleep Schedule Around Your Destination
One of the biggest game changers for long flights: adjusting your body clock before you even land.
If you’re flying east (like the U.S. to Europe), try to get some sleep on the plane. We’ll take melatonin gummies about 30 minutes before we want to drift off and use an eye mask, earplugs, and neck pillow to make it as comfortable as possible.
Flying west? Stay awake and treat it like a long day — watch movies, stretch, and nap only if absolutely needed.
Pack a Mini “In-Flight Care Kit”
We always pack a few small items that make a huge difference mid-flight. Think of it as your comfort bag that lives in the seat pocket in front of you.
Our must-haves include:
Lip balm + moisturizer (the dry air is no joke)
Hand sanitizer + wipes
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Hydrating face mist
Hair tie + brush
Eye mask + earplugs
Melatonin gummies or magnesium for sleep
A change of underwear and socks (because freshening up halfway through just feels good)
Move — Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
You don’t have to be that person doing lunges in the aisle (though no judgment if you are), but standing up to stretch, walking to the lavatory, and rolling your ankles while seated helps with circulation and stiffness.
Every couple of hours, we take a short lap or two — it makes a big difference in how we feel when we land.
Bring Your Own Entertainment
Even the best in-flight systems can fail or have limited options. Load up your phone or tablet with podcasts, audiobooks, playlists, and offline Netflix downloads before you board.
We also like to bring noise-canceling earbuds — they block out everything from chatty seatmates to engine hum, and make it easier to unwind or focus.
Snack Smart
Airline meals can be hit or miss (especially on overnight flights), so we always pack a few travel-friendly snacks. Think protein bars, trail mix, or fruit that won’t get squished easily.
Avoid heavy, salty, or overly sugary foods before and during the flight — they’ll make you feel sluggish and bloated once you land.
Freshen Up Before Landing
There’s something about brushing your teeth and washing your face right before descent that makes you feel like a new person. We always do a quick bathroom refresh about an hour before landing, apply moisturizer, and swap into clean clothes if it’s a super long flight.
It’s a small ritual that helps us feel human again when stepping off the plane!
✈️ Our Carry-On Essentials for Long-Haul Flights
Here’s what we never board without:
🧦 Compression socks
💧 Refillable water bottle
🛏️ Neck pillow
😴 Eye mask
🦷 Toothbrush + toothpaste
💊 Melatonin or magnesium
🎧 Noise-canceling headphones / earbuds
💄 Lip balm + moisturizer
🧼 Hand sanitizer + wipes
📱 Fully charged phone + portable charger
🥨 Healthy snacks
👕 Change of clothes
Long-haul flights don’t have to be something you dread — with the right mindset (and the right gear), they can actually be a relaxing start to your adventure!
Whether you’re heading off to Europe, Asia, or halfway around the world, a little preparation goes a long way toward stepping off the plane refreshed, not wrecked.
