If you have an exciting journey ahead but are curious about how to survive your long flight in economy, these tips have you covered.
As a budget traveler through and through, I exclusively travel economy. I want to say it’s by choice, but not everyone, including myself, can afford those first-class rates.
While flying in economy isn’t glamorous, it doesn’t have to be terrible. With over 10+ years of international travel under my belt and an uncountable number of long-haul flights logged, I’ve learned some tips and tricks for making economy long-haul flights a little less unbearable.
Here are some of my best long flight tips for those curious about how to survive a long flight in economy, from what to pack, what to wear, how to book, and more.
»Read more: Best Long Haul Flight Essentials For Your Carry On
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11 Long Haul Flight Tips: Surviving Long Flights in Economy
1. Book the aisle seat for daytime flights and the window for nighttime
I’m team aisle pretty much for every flight. I like that it gives me more legroom if I need to stretch out, and I like the freedom to get up and move around without having to ask people next to me to move (social anxiety, anyone?).
However, if you can sleep on airplanes and have a long-haul overnight flight, you may want to book the window. The window seat provides a place to lay your head and also ensures you aren’t woken up by your row mate having to scootch past you to get to the bathroom.
General things to keep in mind for each option
- Aisle pros: Can get up and walk around freely, can stretch out legs
- Aisle cons: May get bumped by passers-by, have to get up when row mates need to get up, people reaching across you during serving times
- Window pros: Can rest head against window and sleep
- Window cons: Have to ask aisle-mates to move when need to use the restroom, less room to stretch out, cannot walk around the cabin freely
2. Consider paying extra for Economy Plus or seats with more space
For those who cannot afford first class but would like some form of upgrade, booking an “Economy Plus” ticket can be a good compromise. While these tickets go by many different names, many airlines these days offer some form of upgraded economy that comes with a bit more legroom and other perks like priority boarding or extra baggage allowance.
These upgraded economy seats can be an excellent way to ensure you’re a little more comfortable by providing a couple extra inches of legroom without breaking the bank. These tickets are usually about $100+ more per leg, but the additional cost varies.
3. Book a seat at the back of the plane for a better chance of having a row to yourself
There are pros and cons to this tip, but generally, I’ve noticed that many people avoid booking the back of the plane. Which means there’s been a handful of times when I’ve scored an entire row at the back because the front was full.
Sitting in the way back also means you’re closer to the bathrooms, so you can sit back and time your visit to avoid waiting in line in the tiny aisle.
The cons: You’ll be the last on and last off, which is fine if you’re patient and don’t have a connecting flight to get to. And that bathroom thing may be a con for some, but you can solve that by choosing a seat a few rows away from the last row.
The last row seats are positioned against the wall and cannot recline, which is another reason to avoid the very last row.
4. Pack all the long haul flight essentials for a comfortable flight
One of the best ways to survive a long flight in economy is to come prepared with all of the long flight essentials. The right travel items can ensure you sleep well and stay comfortable.
Some of the best long flight essentials include:
- Travel neck pillow and blanket
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Airfly transmitter
- Smartphone hands-free holder
- Airplane footrest
5. Don’t forget to pack snacks and water!
Another critical thing to pack is plenty of snacks and water. I don’t know about you, but I hate being stuck on a plane for 8+ hours without ample supplies to ward off thirst and hunger.
Especially when you consider the quality of airplane snacks and meals. Not to mention, super long flights still only have two servings (usually), which can leave you stranded without food for hours. That’s a no-go for a snacker like me.
And while you can usually purchase snacks on your flight, who wants to pay exorbitant prices for dinky food options?
Also, be sure to bring a large, refillable water bottle you can fill up before you board. Staying hydrated on long flights is especially important for your health.
Some of the best snacks for long flights include:
- Trail mix, snack packs like chips and crackers
- Granola bars
- Candy snack packs
- Cookies
Avoid fruit and veggies, as well as nuts and seeds that aren’t in a store-bought package. Some countries have strict rules about bringing in outside agricultural products.
6. Bring along your essential travel toiletries
Part of staying comfortable also means having the necessary toiletries on hand to keep fresh.
Some of my must-pack toiletries for long flights include:
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand cream and lip balm
- Face care like make up wipes and moisturizer
- Clear TSA-approved travel bag
7. Bring plenty to stay entertained
Your packing list of carry-on essentials should also have on it things to keep you busy on your flight. Finding ways to pass the time is just as important as staying cozy and satisfied!
If you’re wondering what to do on a long flight, I have a few ideas for ya!
But some of my favorite things to do on long flights include:
- Watching movies (obvious, but I had to share)
- Reading: I never leave behind my Kindle with plenty of downloaded books
- Listening to podcasts
- Knitting, crochet, macrame
- Writing
- Gaming
Be sure to download everything you need before you board.
»Read more: Best Things to Do on a Long Flight to Fight Boredom
8. Pack Essential Meds for Any Potential Ailment
I hope you still have room in your carry-on because I’m coming at ya with more packing essentials.
With a long flight ahead of you, there’s plenty that could go wrong health-wise, and you don’t want to be caught off guard and stranded without aid to fix it!
Some essential travel meds include:
- Cough drops
- Pain relievers like Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve
- Anxiety medicine
- Vitamin C packers
- Heartburn
- Tissues
- Liquid IV
9. Thoughtfully plan your outfit: What to wear on a long haul flight
I don’t know about you, but looking cute on an airplane is a big ole nope for me. Gimme soft pants and a comfy oversized sweater every time! Especially for those oh-so-long flights.
This is usually my go-to outfit for long haul flights:
- Soft pants: leggings, joggers, sweats
- Layers: t-shirt with sweater, crewneck, or cover-up
- Coat: To wear and stay warm or to be used as a blanket or pillow
- Warm and thick socks
- Shoes that are easy to take on and off: yes, I’m that person; just don’t put your lil piggies in other people’s space, and please, for the love of all that is holy, wear shoes to the bathroom
- Change of clothes: to stay fresh, particularly for any journeys longer than a day
10. Come prepared with a plan to beat jet lag
Jet lag is an inevitable part of long-haul travel, but with the right plan, it can be manageable. Here are some ways you can decrease jet lag.
Stay awake
This is the tried and true method of beating jet lag but also the most painful. Whatever you do, during and after your long haul flight, stay awake when it’s daytime and only sleep when it’s bedtime at your destination. That means if you land at 6am after a red eye, your best way to beat jet lag is to stay awake until past 9pm that night.
Stay hydrated
Drinking ample water is another key factor in feeling good and staying healthy when traveling over multiple time zones. Your body is already out of whack from the change in sleep, so ensuring you’re hydrated means your body can heal and adjust all the better. Plus, air travel is notoriously dehydrating. Pack some Liquid IVs for extra electrolytes.
Use the Timeshifter app
This app is a handy tool that tells you exactly when and what to do to adjust your body to a new time zone. You plug in your flight information, and it’ll let you know what times to avoid/get light exposure, drink/avoid caffeine, sleep, take melatonin, etc. It effectively shifts your circadian rhythm and helps you start doing so days before you leave if you wish.
I used this app for the first time on my flight to Australia and felt it did end up helping me. The first time you use it, it is free, and you have to pay for it afterward.
Take melatonin
This hormone is created naturally in our bodies in conjunction with our circadian rhythm (sleep patterns). It’s been shown to help with jet lag when taken close to your target bedtime at your destination by helping you fall asleep earlier than you would at home.
Try taking no jet lag pills
Jet lag pills are usually herbal or homeopathic supplements that are supposed to help reduce the effects of jet lag. Much in the same way as staying hydrated, they may help your body adjust better to the changing time zones.
11. Make sure you’re signed up to earn reward miles and have the airline app downloaded
Having a rewards account and the app downloaded with every airline I fly has come in handy in more ways than one.
First, a travel hacker’s number one goal is to always be collecting those miles and points! Even if you don’t expect to fly with the airline again soon, you never know.
Second, many airlines have programs where you can access entertainment in flight on your phone if you have the app downloaded. While you’ll likely have a screen in your seat (sometimes you won’t), it’s a handy option to have it on your phone.
Thirdly, you may get rewarded in other ways! For example, on my most recent flight to Sydney with Etihad, I was able to access free wifi for messaging because I’m a member of their Etihad Guest rewards program.
And if you earn enough miles, you may even be eligible for free upgrades to better, premium seats!
There you have it! My ultimate guide for How to Survive a Long Flight in Economy.
12. Consider booking a stopover to break up the flight
Some airlines offer the option to include a stopover, aka a really long layover, in their headquarters country. It can be a great way to break up the journey, all while seeing a new place. Stopovers are usually possible to book at no extra charge and can vary from 12 hours to 1-2+ days.
Some airlines offering stopover programs include IcelandAir, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and more.
Some airlines like Emirates (Dubai) and Etihad (Abu Dhabi) even offer extra perks like free hotels and transportation for airline passengers who book a stopover!