Tips & Tricks: How to Prepare for a Long Flight

Hello there, it’s Gabe with an article about preparing for long flights. For many people flying, especially flying for a long time can be stressful, so this blog post will address some ways to make the flight aspect of your trip as smooth and stress free as possible.

The now-defunct Air Berlin, prepping for a long flight back to Germany

1. Check the Status of Your Flight before you leave for the airport

It is a very good idea to check the status of your flight for any flight that you may take, as the flight could be delayed for a variety of reasons - which include but are not limited to, weather on either end of the flight, weather en route, or some sort of irregular mechanical or technical error. There is also the chance that the flight could be cancelled altogether, which for many is a worse case scenario. Checking the status of the flight will make it so that you do not arrive to the airport only to realize that there has been a delay that would cause you to have to spend a long time waiting around in the airport. 

2. Arrive to the Airport with time to spare

It is also a good idea to give yourself time to spare before the flight, as you will have to locate your respective airline's departure area if you are checking bags or need to print a boarding pass, wait through security, which can be a long wait at any given time. Some airports and destinations also require passengers to go through passport control before you board your flight, this can also have a long line, and be time consuming. Arriving at the airport with time to spare can be the difference between making and missing your flight.

3. Bring a Sweater, Jacket, or Blanket onboard the plane with you

This is a very useful piece of advice, especially if you are on a longer flight, as many times the cabin will be kept very cool throughout the flight and many times blankets will not be provided, bringing a sweater, jacket, or blanket will help you to stay warm, and also may help you to fall asleep on your flight.

4. Bring along a snack

If you think that you may get hungry at some point during your flight, you can bring along a snack in your carry on. Most pre-packaged snack foods, think chips, pretzels, cookies, crackers, etc. can be brought through airport security checkpoints, foods that may resemble liquid or have some sort of liquid quality may not be the best to take through security, also try to steer clear of pungent foods, as your fellow passengers may not appreciate if you eat a food with a strong smell to it. Also if you have to clear immigration before getting on your flight, bringing along produce such as a whole apple, banana, etc. is probably not the best idea. Of course there is food for purchase after your clear security at the airport, and these can all be brought onboard the plane with you, and some flights may include a meal to be served sometime during the flight, it is always best to check with the airline about that.

5. If you are nervous in-flight try some breathing techniques

This can be very useful for someone who has a fear of flying. Practicing breathing is very calming, and will allow you to relax so that you are not nervous during your flight. Breathing is also good to do if traveling is stressful to you, it will help to relieve the stress.

Thanks again for reading! Does anyone have tips of their own that they find useful on a long flight?