Long Haul Flights: Preparation & Pains
Prior to a few weeks ago, my last long haul flight to Europe, or anywhere for that matter, was 8 years ago when I travelled to Spain and cruised the Mediterranean with my family. To be honest, not much has changed, but definitely a few things. Now after the whirlwind of traveling, jet lag (never been so bad.....), and exhaustion from back to back trips, we're ready to share with you what we experienced and how you can apply this to your next long-haul flight!
Below, we will dive into the pains of a long-haul flight (but why it's worth it) and how to prepare days in advance. Remember, this is not only useful when traveling to Europe, but any flight considered international. And don't forget to read until the end, I always enjoy throwing in a fun hack or deal for you all!
Had to feature Loaf, my sister's bear, who traveled on our long-haul flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam with us!
Preparing for your Long-Haul Flight
I'll admit this past trip I did a terrible job preparing physically, where as my mom was on top of it. Now, I know better for next time! Check out below some of the preparations we usually take before long flights:
1. No alcohol or caffeine 48 hours prior to your flight.
Now, I know this is difficult, particularly when returning from your trip where you may have indulged in new wines, beers, coffee, etc. That's ok! At least do this prior to leaving on your trip, AND before returning, drink lots and lots of water. Hydration is key in helping with the long hours of sitting 35,000+ feet in the air and flushing your body out of toxins to help with adjusting to time zone differences.
2. Sleep the Night Before
I don't know if it's just me, but the excitement of a trip the next day keeps me up at night. Even when I have to get up at 3am to go to the airport early. Despite the excitement, plan ahead and try to get 7+ hours of sleep the night before your flight. Just like with hydration, ample rest allows your body to physically be ready for the stresses of travel. This also includes when your flight is overnight the next day. Still, get rest!
3. Bring Items for Sleep & Entertainment
Most of these long-haul flights will be overnight or during the day. Either way, prepare ahead of time and bring items with you to either help you sleep or keep you awake. This will help with the time difference and probable jet lag you will experience.
My favorite items to bring are books, headphones, a jacket/sweater, and snacks. The best part about long-haul flights is the airlines ALWAYS provide a pillow, blanket, and earphones as soon as you get on the plane. So if you forget, or like me and don't want to bring a neck pillow nor blanket in my carry on (takes up too much space), then don't worry. The airline will take care of you there!
*Also, all airlines will provide free entertainment whether on a TV screen on the back of the seats OR allow you to access it on your own devices.*
4. Allow Time at the Airport
This may be a no brainer, but I know too many last minute travelers. So this is for you all!
For an international flight, DO NOT and I repeat, do not get there in the nick of time. Boarding starts around an hour before the flight is scheduled to depart and you must be checked in by the hour mark or they do not let you on the plane.
Checking a bag? Highly recommend 3 hours before the flight leaves, but if you are there 2 hours ahead of time, not a huge deal. The biggest concern would be if the line to check a bag and TSA are backed up. Personally, I have both TSA Pre-check and CLEAR meaning usually max of 20 minutes if security is behind, but no more. (More on these perks in a future blog post!) But seriously, the more time you allow yourself, the less stress on you leading up to a wonderful trip or ending an amazing one. So just prepare and give yourself some time!
*If you're interested on how I have TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR for FREE, follow the link below to check out the AMEX Platinum card. Pricey but if you are an avid traveler like myself, it more than pays for itself with all the benefits!
Long-Haul Pains
I'll keep this section short and sweet, as I do not want to scare anyone away. Plus the benefits of taking these flights are worth your while. There are too many places around the world to experience and all are worth an 8-12 hour flight (I promise!).
Sleep is one of the biggest concerns for people. Bring a neck pillow and/or eye mask if you are really concerned. Like I mentioned before, the airline will provide you a pillow and blanket as well to help be slightly more comfortable. It's only for one night, two if you include the return flight I guess, but still doable!
Wi-Fi, now this one is simple yet tricky. Many airlines are changing how wifi works on board. Most at this time still charge a fee to use wifi. And I'll admit, the few times I have used this, it is not worth the fee. BUT slowly, airlines are starting to offer FREE wifi. Currently, Delta offers this on domestic flights in the US, with a plan to include all international flights by end of 2024. JetBlue is also currently offering free wifi for domestic, Latin America, Caribbean, and a few international flights. But the winner of it all is Singapore Airlines who put into effect on July 1st free wifi on ALL flights. Only caveat with all three of these is you have to be a member of their loyalty program, but all are free to join!
I can't say there is too many other pains as food is included on all long-haul flights as long as you don't fly a low-cost carrier airline, but even then, food is for sale. And food is a whole other topic, maybe I'll write a post about that separately as well.
So why not a food picture since I spoke about food! KLM served warm pastries for breakfast before landing in Amsterdam. By far, best food on a flight I've had to this date!
There is so much more I could dive into. From how to choose your seats, food options, which airlines are best depending on the type of flight, etc. But for now, I want to leave you with a fun travel hack.
How to Fly with an Empty Middle Seat
Middle seat to sleep, thank you!
Don't hold me to this, as it works about half the time. But I promise when booking your flight, it's worth a try!
My mom and I flew from Atlanta to Amsterdam just a few weeks ago on KLM (currently top of my list for service & food). When we booked the flight & choose our seats, we found a row with a window, middle, and aisle seat available. We put ourselves into the window and aisle seat. As many of you know, the middle seat is least desirable.
And low and behold, it was a "full" flight but no one sat in the middle seat between us!
As I mentioned this does not work for every flight, but worth a shot. Plus if someone does sit in the middle seat, you kindly ask them to move to the window or aisle seat so you can sit with your travel buddy.
So will you try this next time you fly??
Heck yeah!
Maybe
No, we'll just take what seat is given.
Well, that is all for now! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below to get notified as these blogs are released AND you get extra travel tips & tricks when emailed only once per month. So come join our community!
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