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How to Make a Long-Haul Flight More Comfortable

By Jessica Poitevien

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Even for the most experienced travelers, the actual process of getting to your destination is hardly ever the fun part. Unforeseen inconveniences aside—think flight delays and last-minute cancellations—there are certainly travelers who enjoy the aviation experience (myself included), and have fine-tuned the art of packing for a strenuous long-haul flight.

For the seasoned explorer with rusty travel skills or the newbie headed to their first far-flung destination, we’ve asked those frequent travelers to share their best tips, tricks, and gear to get through—and maybe even enjoy—a long-haul flight. 

Below, what to pack to make that next overnight or all-day flight more comfortable.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Wear comfortable clothing

This may seem like a no-brainer, but whether you’re traveling in a lie-flat first class seat or barely reclining in economy , a pleasant flight starts with feeling comfortable. While you might be able to handle tighter, more restrictive clothing for a short period of time, consider looser loungewear during a long-haul flight.

“I wear clothes that are comfortable but not sloppy,” says Katie Hammel, an avid traveler and content marketing director at Scott’s Cheap Flights . “My husband recently bought me, as an anniversary gift, a set of cashmere joggers and hoodie from Nadaam . [They] are luxuriously soft and so comfortable, but still look put together.”

Take the coziness up a notch by removing your shoes, but pack a pair of easy-to-slip-on sandals or slippers for when you want to use the restroom or wander the aisles. Stretching and moving on such a long flight is key to avoiding swelling and discomfort in the legs. Throwing on a pair of compression socks can also reduce swelling and alleviate the pins-and-needles sensation.

Shop more loungewear sets here .

Shop more compression socks here .

Pack the right gear

Hammel describes two products as her “holy grail” for enduring long-haul flights: the Travelrest Ultimate inflatable travel pillow and a leg sling . This Travelrest pillow does more than its C-shaped counterparts, allowing for flexibility in the firmness and positioning of the elongated pillow. Amazon’s Bcozzy double support neck pillow is also a top-seller among travelers thanks to its variety of configurations.

Hammel initially had concerns that her favorite portable footrest would annoy her fellow passengers. After more than two dozen flights, though, she has yet to receive any complaints.

“It just makes the ride so much more comfortable as it allows you to have your legs in a wider variety of positions,” she says.

Other common causes of discomfort during any flight, but especially longer ones, are cold temperatures and stuffiness. Lavina Dsouza , a UK–based business analyst and journalist who often flies to Asia, always packs a blanket and hand warmers , as well 4Head roll-on menthol sticks to help with headaches and congestion.

Sleep strategically

Sleeping is one of the simplest ways to make a long-haul flight go by quickly, but there’s a method to ensure you don’t totally disrupt your sleep patterns and succumb to jet lag . If you’ll be arriving at your destination during the day, get as much sleep as possible during the flight, so you can hit the ground running and adopt a normal bedtime in your destination. If you’re touching down at night, resist snoozing too much so you’ll be sleepy enough to hit the hay at a decent hour in your new time zone. Food and travel writer Binita Sah goes as far as to coordinate her meals with regular mealtimes in her destination—in fact, most airlines already schedule their food service with this idea in mind.

Of course, sleeping on a plane is sometimes easier said than done, but there are ways to put the odds in your favor. “I love Spacemasks for when you need something uplifting to help you get some sleep as they’re eye masks with aromatherapy scents,” says Sah.

Meditation apps like Headspace or MyNoise are also useful for playing relaxing music or nature sounds that can help you fall asleep.

Prepare entertainment in advance

“I create an itinerary so that I spend the flight time being creative and productive,” says Christopher Paul Jones , who runs a phobia clinic. “Reframe how you see the flight. See it as some uninterrupted you-time, or self care time.”

Plan to download and catch up on your favorite TV series , movies , or podcasts ; finally tackle that task you’ve been putting off; or dive into a good book .

Although airlines often offer a flimsy set of headphones to use with the in-seat TVs, noise-canceling headphones —like this popular pair from Bose —can also double as earplugs for sleeping. If you prefer something smaller, be sure to pack this tiny transmitter that connects the in-seat TV to your AirPods or any other Bluetooth-enabled earbuds.

Stay hydrated

The low humidity levels inside an airplane cabin make dehydration a common problem for passengers, so “bring your own water bottle and make it a large one,” says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of tech-forward travel agency Fora . “You don’t want to rely on flight attendants to bring you water, and you want to stay hydrated.” Some frequent fliers abstain from drinking alcohol and caffeine leading up to a flight to avoid extra dehydration, too.

For Suzanne Aston, lead singer of the Aston Band , it’s especially important to hop off the plane feeling hydrated and ready to head to her next gig, so she goes the extra mile by wearing a HumidiFlyer mask . “It traps exhaled moisture from your breath and allows you to breathe in your own recycled humidity and not the dried, shared air of the plane,” she says, explaining that this mask prevents her throat from drying out and leaves her feeling more refreshed. (To note, the HumidiFlyer is not an anti-viral mask .)

Practice self care

The importance of hydration applies to your skin as well. “The dry air in the cabin is particularly harsh on your skin, stripping the moisture barrier of its oils,” says Giacomo Piva, travel industry analyst and cofounder of luggage storage network Radical Storage . “Carry and apply moisturizer at regular intervals throughout the flight, especially for your hands…[and] you’ll reach your destination with plump skin and less irritation.”

Piva even encourages travelers to treat the flight like their own personal spa, using a thick face mask for extra moisture, along with their favorite beauty products .

Refresh before getting off the plane

With lost luggage becoming an increasingly common issue, it’s always a good idea to pack a few outfits in your carry-on just in case. But this advice also serves another purpose.

“It makes a big difference when you land to be able to change into something fresh and put yourself together,” says Vazquez. Packing a small toiletry bag with some basics—like a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, perfume, and eye drops—goes a long way toward starting your trip on the right foot.

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10 Things to Never Bring on a Cruise and What to Pack Instead From $11, According to a Former Crew Member

Don’t leave port with these common packing mistakes in your bag.

Kelsey’s writing has appeared in outlets like Condé Nast Traveler, TripSavvy, Edible Magazine, and TimeOut. Some of the most standout experiences in her travels include living in Tokyo, abseiling in Vanuatu, surfing in Costa Rica, and cycling through the Pyrenees mountains.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Cruising offers a seamless travel experience. It combines the luxury of a floating hotel with the variety of destinations and the simplicity of unpacking your luggage once. However, novice and seasoned travelers often make common packing mistakes when preparing for a cruise, impacting how much they enjoy their voyage. 

As a former cruise ship employee , I've seen it all after sailing short routes and long, extended world cruises; guests would make the same mistakes again and again, and in the worst cases, some would walk away from their cruise feeling like they didn’t make the most of it. To ensure that your next cruise is hassle-free, I've compiled some of the frequent mistakes cruise ship guests make and how to avoid them with my handy solutions and product recommendations — all of which you can find at Amazon (and have at your door in less than two days if you have a Prime membership ).

Mistake: Overpacking

Pack this instead: bagail packing cubes .

Many travelers bring too many clothes, thinking they need a different outfit for every occasion. This leads to cluttered cabins, heavy luggage, and long wait times to have large bags delivered to your stateroom and later picked up on shore. My first tip to avoid this mistake is to plan outfits that can be mixed and matched by bringing versatile pieces you can dress up or down. But to really make the most of your suitcase space, you're going to need packing cubes. These useful accessories keep your clothing organized and compact so everything fits. They'll also keep your stateroom tidy by ensuring that everything has a place.  

Mistake: Losing essential travel documents

Pack this instead: hero rfid-blocking neck wallet.

New environments can often lead to confusion and panic, and today’s enormous cruise ships can easily have you feeling lost and overwhelmed. I frequently saw guests become frazzled after misplacing essential travel documents like tickets, passports, ship maps, room keys, and more. Keep your most important items close to you and organized with a handy neck wallet like this one from Hero. With it in tow, you'll be able to hold onto things like itineraries and schedules without rooting around in your pockets or purse. They're equally convenient when you’re traveling ashore, too.

Mistake: Ignoring dress codes

Pack this instead: dokotoo v-neck bow-tie dress.

Though cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney are pretty casual; other cruise lines like Celebrity, Oceania, Silversea, or Holland America Line are more rooted in the classic tradition of cruising, which designates several "formal nights" of your cruise to dress nicely. On these nights, guests are expected to adhere to elevated dress codes after dusk. I would often see oblivious guests walking around in flip-flops and shorts, while others were in dresses and blazers. Formal nights are a fun part of cruising, and you’ll feel more comfortable in onboard spaces like restaurants and lounges if you embrace the guidelines. For the ladies, I recommend elegant options like the Dokotoo V-neck Bow-tie Dress or the Veiisar Sleeveless Lace Dress . For the fellas, a casual-leaning blazer like this one from Grace Karin will take your cruise outfits far. 

Mistake: Not bringing the proper footwear

Pack this instead: sorel out 'n about iii low waterproof sneakers.

Cruisegoers often pack too many shoes or the wrong type, leading to discomfort during excursions. Always err on the side of comfort. If the ship encounters choppy waters, you don’t want to be walking the deck in heels. I’ve watched guests take a tumble when we hit a wave. When guests return to the ship after a day of exploring ashore, they’re often tired from walking in unsupportive shoes all day. Flip-flops, though convenient to slip on, offer no foot support and are not good shoes to wear out walking. 

Look for comfortable walking shoes that dry quickly like the popular Sorel Out 'N About III Waterproof Shoes. These white-bottomed shoes are traditionally favored aboard ships because they don’t leave scuff marks on the vessel. For men, these Bruno Marc KnitFlex Breeze Mesh Sneakers are cruise-ready. 

Mistake: Forgetting a water bottle

Pack this instead: simple modern water bottle with straw lid.

Sadly, I’ve seen more than one guest get overheated on a cruise because they’re not staying hydrated (indulging at the bar exacerbates the problem). I also see far too many single-use water bottles discarded in the ocean, littered around the ship, or left ashore. To protect your health and the planet, invest in a reusable water bottle you can always keep with you. Plus, it’ll save you money as water prices in hot locales can be high due to demand. Fill your water bottle from the ship’s buffet area, or ask a bartender to fill it from their filtered tap.

Mistake: Skipping sunscreen

Pack this instead: badger reef-safe sport mineral sunscreen spf 40.

The cliche surrounding the sunburned cruise goer is all too true. Don’t be that guest who catches too many rays on their first day and spends the rest of the cruise hiding from the sun. Always go outside with sunscreen protection. If you’re cruising in Australia, you won’t be able to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef unless you’re wearing reef-safe sunscreen , but using the gentler protectant is a great practice worldwide.

Mistake: Not Bringing a Waterproof Bag

Pack this instead: pedvsty waterproof floating phone pouch.

Failing to pack a waterproof bag can result in wet valuables during beach or pool trips, and bringing back sand on a soggy towel, which makes a mess of your stateroom. Bring a packable waterproof bag that can be your designated tote for trips to the water’s edge (and keep a handy waterproof inside to protect your essentials). Add a watertight bag to your cruise packing list for valuables like electronics, especially if you'll be taking part in any water sports and activities on and off the ship. 

Mistake: Forgetting medication and first-aid supplies

Pack this instead: johnson + johnson travel first-aid kit.

A trip to the ship medical center can be pricey, so you should avoid it if you have minor cuts, scrapes, or discomforts that can be solved with over-the-counter solutions and a little planning. To build your first aid kit, pack your essential prescription medication. Then, include items like Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers, plus motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to sea sickness and electrolyte tablets to beat dehydration.  

Mistake: Forgetting adapters and chargers

Pack this instead: ceptics universal travel adapter kit.

If you’re cruising to many different countries, you’ll encounter different electrical outlets ashore, and many travelers overlook this detail. Your stateroom will likely have a US and EU port, but it’s always a good idea to check with your cruise line ahead of time. To charge your devices on board and ashore, get a travel adaptor like this one from Ceptics that conforms to many different outlet charging types. Don’t forget to bring the necessary charging cords for your devices.

Mistake: Bringing the Wrong Day Bag Ashore

Pack this instead: waterfly crossbody sling backpack.

Wearing the wrong bag all day can cause your back and shoulders to be out of alignment, leading to soreness and pain for the rest of your trip. When heading out into port, you’ll bring a lot with you (think: travel documents, a wallet, a water bottle, and a camera), so you’ll want to carry it comfortably all day. And if you’re going shopping, you’ll want extra room in your bag to bring back souvenirs. Avoid tote bags that easily slip off your shoulder and displace the weight of its contents all to one side of your body, and instead, look for a useful sling bag, crossbody purse, or backpack with a water bottle holder and a comfortable strap that keeps the bag close to your body.

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