How to endure a long flight?

Long flights can be either an exciting adventure or a real challenge—it all depends on how you prepare for them.

In this article, we will tell you what to remember before a flight, what to take with you on a long flight, how to deal with possible difficulties, and how to make a long flight on a plane easier.

What to remember before your flight

Luggage

If you’re flying somewhere far, you usually want to take a lot of things with you. But it’s very important to consider how many kilograms of items you can take with you and if you can take any at all. Usually, at the check-in counter, you can check in luggage weighing plus or minus 20 kilograms — be sure to check your allowance on your ticket. An overweight of a few up to 400 grams might sometimes be forgiven, but for half a kilogram and more, you’ll have to pay extra — and often quite a bit.

You can also take carry-on luggage into the airplane cabin — a bag, briefcase, package, whatever. But it’s important that this “luggage” isn’t too bulky: sometimes they ask you to fit it into a sizer, and in rare cases, they even weigh it (usually only 5 kilograms are allowed).

From experience, I can say: usually, no one bothers with a regular backpack, even if it contains three laptops and weighs quite a bit. An unethical life hack — when they weigh your suitcase at the check-in counter, don’t put your carry-on luggage on the scale.

Here’s another way to take more with you: usually, a waist bag or “fanny pack” is not considered carry-on luggage, and no one pays attention to it. It’s convenient for storing documents for endless passport controls, your phone, and other items. And if you wish, you can load it up quite a bit — but it’s better to make sure it doesn’t stand out too much.

Before your flight, it’s useful to check what you can put in your checked luggage and carry-on luggage. For example, power banks cannot be put in checked luggage — only in carry-on. And some things cannot be transported at all.

For example, in India, I had to throw away an expensive Zippo lighter because lighters are not allowed at all in that country’s airport.

But the most standard rules are: no sharp objects, flammable substances, weapons, or anything you wouldn’t want to show your parents.

What to wear for the flight

Always consider the weather at your destination — for example, you wouldn’t want to step out into 40-degree heat in a down jacket or -5 in a T-shirt, would you? But sometimes, it’s worth thinking about the “weather on planes”: usually, in hot countries, air conditioners can work very strongly, so it’s a good idea to have a comfortable cardigan/hoodie or something similar with you.

It’s best to choose clothes for the plane made of natural materials and quite loose — believe me, sitting in tight jeans for about three or four hours is very uncomfortable.

In my humble opinion, the most important thing for a flight is comfortable shoes. I’ve had several instances where, due to long walks around the airport, my shoes started rubbing badly, even though they hadn’t done so before. So my favorite is good sneakers. And if you’re really cool, you can take slippers with you and change into them in the airplane cabin.

What to take with you into the airplane cabin

I don’t want to state the obvious, but take what you’ll need and what you want to do. My favorites are a Nintendo and a small book; all of this fits perfectly into a waist bag and doesn’t even take up space in carry-on luggage. You can easily put your satchel on the overhead shelf and not return to it until landing.

Moisturizer and some hygiene products will also be useful: wet wipes, antiseptic, and so on. For very long flights, dry shampoo will come in handy.

Sometimes it’s advised to take food on the plane — indeed, some airlines don’t feed passengers even on 4-hour flights. Read about food carriage regulations and decide for yourself. But, in my experience, sometimes it’s easier to order food directly in the cabin: this way, you won’t have unnecessary problems at security checks and won’t have to explain to security that your tuna sandwich is not a weapon of mass destruction.

How to combat motion sickness and ear congestion

Noticed you get motion sickness in a car or on a boat? Congratulations, it will be the same on an airplane. So take care of your well-being in advance. Pharmacies sell many remedies that alleviate motion sickness. Take a tablet a couple of hours beforehand, and it will be much easier for you to endure the flight.

Another common problem during takeoff is ear blockage. Lozenges, chewing gum, and yawning can help with this. As soon as you feel your ears starting to block, try yawning or chewing gum very vigorously, opening your mouth wide.

Getting to the airport

Carefully plan how you will get to the airport — especially in a large and unfamiliar country. While you can often easily get there on time by public transport, in some places it’s best to choose a taxi.

Keep in mind that you need to arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before departure and complete check-in, which usually closes one hour before departure.

For more details on what to do at the airport, read our guide for those flying on an airplane for the first time.

Phobia or anxiety

Being afraid to fly on airplanes is normal. Imagine flying on a piece of metal several thousand kilometers above the ground at immense speed — it’s understandable that this can feel unsettling. Even the most seasoned travelers, like myself, can break into a cold sweat from turbulence.

But it’s one thing to worry about your safety on an airplane, which is completely normal, and another to suffer from aviophobia. People with this condition experience not just mild anxiety and fear, but genuine panic attacks. And this disorder can be quite difficult to combat because it is irrational.

If you’re anxious before a flight, that’s normal. But if you have symptoms from the list below, it’s best to consult a doctor.

Symptoms of aviophobia

• increased levels of anxiety and worry before a flight;
• panic attacks, intrusive thoughts related to flying;
• physical symptoms: sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea;
• desire to avoid flying;
• desire to feel in control of the situation, even to the point of wanting to pilot the airplane.

Types and stages

Types of aviophobia range from moderate anxiety to severe forms that can lead to serious problems in daily life. Stages of aviophobia may include:

• flying only after taking sedatives or under the influence of alcohol;
• avoiding airplanes: flying only when absolutely necessary;
• complete refusal to use air transport and avoidance of situations related to it.

How to stop being afraid to fly on a plane

Statistically, every third passenger experiences some degree of fear of flying — you are not alone in this. But if you rely on statistics, you should also remember that an airplane is the safest mode of transport. The number of fatalities from air transport accidents is almost three thousand times less than the number of fatalities from road transport accidents.

People often fear flying and get nervous because of turbulence. Sometimes even the most resilient flight enthusiasts start to worry about air pockets — in reality, turbulence is unlikely to scare you if you understand why the plane shakes.

If the stress from the upcoming flight is strong, take a sedative and bring one with you. Under no circumstances consume alcohol before the flight! It might help for a short time, but passengers who have consumed alcohol feel much worse during the journey. A flight is a significant strain on the cardiovascular system and the body as a whole. Alcohol will only worsen the situation.

Use relaxation techniques: meditation, deep breathing, or yoga — this will help cope with stress and anxiety, and stop the flow of intrusive thoughts.

And if it’s hard to cope on your own, seek professional help. Psychotherapy can help you understand the reasons for your fear of flying and learn to regulate your emotional state.

We wish you pleasant flights without unnecessary worries!