Let’s face it, long haul plane journeys are worth it for getting to a far flung exotic destination, however they can be extremely dull. While it’s a small price to pay for the holiday you get at the end of it, it doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do that can make it a bit easier along the way. From the way to dress, to finding things to do while in the air, we’ve put together some top tips on how you can make a long-haul plane journey go quicker and arrive feeling refreshed, excited and looking forward to the trip you have planned.
Plan your flight times well with your sleep
One of the most sensible things you can do is try to plan your flight times well. While you might not have that much flexibility due to limited numbers of flights, or perhaps the price you want to spend, you can choose how you deal with things like sleep in correlation to your flight time.
Work out what the hours will be with the time difference when you get to your destination and try to get as much sleep as you can on the plane. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination absolutely shattered. Plus, you’re better off sleeping on the flight when there is nothing else to do, than getting to your holiday destination and having to spend your first day in bed!
Dress for comfort
While there is a rising trend of dressing up for flights, this isn’t the best idea for a long haul flight. You want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, as sitting there squirming and feeling uncomfortable is one sure fire way to make the flight feel much longer! Wear loose clothing that is soft and try to layer up. Some flights are warm, others can be really cold. By having plenty of layers you can either add or remove items depending on how you feel, making the journey feel a lot better. Wear shoes you can easily slip on and off too, as well as comfy socks.
Find games to play on the plane
The next thing you should try to do is find games you can play on the plane. While films and TV shows are all well and good, sometimes you want a change and want to keep your brain active. Games like Sudoku, Wordle, wordsearches and other similar ones to this are a great way to make the time go quicker and for you to keep your brain busy at the same time. You can get these on your phone, or even get an old-fashioned book with puzzles and quizzes that you can work through as your journey progresses.
Use the time to get some work done
A long-haul flight can be a great opportunity to catch up on work without the usual day-to-day distractions. With emails, meetings and notifications on pause, you may find it easier to focus on tasks you’ve been putting off. Download documents, presentations or offline files before you travel so everything is accessible without Wi-Fi. Even completing small tasks, such as planning, organising notes or clearing your inbox, can make the time pass more quickly and leave you feeling productive when you land.
Consider doing some meditation or mindfulness
Long flights are an ideal time to slow down and focus on your mental wellbeing. Meditation or mindfulness exercises can help reduce travel anxiety, ease restlessness and make the journey feel calmer and more manageable. Simple breathing exercises, guided meditations or body scans can be done from your seat using an app or downloaded audio. Even just a few minutes of mindful breathing can help you relax, improve comfort and arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed and grounded.
Get some new reading material
Saving new books, magazines or articles specifically for your flight can make the journey feel more exciting. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction or short reads, having fresh material helps keep your brain engaged and makes time pass faster. E-readers and tablets are ideal for long-haul travel, allowing you to carry multiple options without extra weight.
Choosing something immersive or enjoyable can also help you disconnect from travel stress and settle into the flight more easily. You could pick up something in the airport too, a trip to the shop in the airport is a great way to kill some time and also give you something new to focus on while in the air!
Find alternative activities you can do
Variety is key to preventing boredom on long flights. Alongside watching films or sleeping, consider activities such as listening to podcasts, journaling, learning a new language or organising photos on your phone. Creative activities like drawing, writing or planning your trip itinerary can also help pass the time.
Switching between different activities keeps your mind engaged and prevents the journey from dragging, making the overall experience feel shorter and more enjoyable. You could get an adult coloring book, which is a great way to help your mental health and make time go quicker, or make an itinerary of activities you can do when you get to your destination. Some planes have Wifi now, especially if you are in business class, so you can research things like your hotel amenities, activities and places to eat.
These are just a few things you can do that can make a long-haul plane journey go quicker. As we said above, while a long haul journey can feel like it takes a long time, the place you get to visit at the end of it means it’s definitely worth doing. You will come home with memories and experiences under your belt unlike anything you’ve done before and the plane journey will all be just a distant memory. What are some top tips you have for making a long-haul plane journey go quicker? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you and get inspired.
