Whether you are flying from the UK to Australia, the USA, Asia or any other far-flung destination, long haul flight tips can help you prepare for a more comfortable and stress-free flight. It’s possible to feel tired and uncomfortable after spending several hours on a plane, but the right preparation can make a difference.
We’ll give you some practical long haul flight tips to prepare for your flight, select your seat, pack your hand luggage, sleep better and minimise jet lag. When you’re in doubt about how to survive a long haul flight, these tips will help you feel more organised from the moment you leave home until you arrive at your destination.
If you are a first time long haul traveller or a regular flyer, this guide will provide you with long haul flight advice that will make you journey more comfortable.
Quick Long Haul Flight Tips for UK Travellers
If you want to make your next journey easier, start with these simple tips for long flights:
- Choose your seat carefully: Select a window seat if you prefer resting against the wall or an aisle seat if you want easier access to the toilet.
- Pack your essentials: Keep your passport, travel documents, medication, headphones, charger and toiletries within easy reach.
- Dress comfortably: Wear breathable layers and comfortable shoes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly and avoid excessive alcohol.
- Move around: Stretch your legs and move your ankles regularly during the flight.
- Prepare for sleep: Bring an eye mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones and a travel pillow.
- Adjust to your destination: Gradually shift your sleep schedule towards your destination’s time zone where practical.
- Arrive prepared: Check your airline’s check-in guidance and allow enough time for security and boarding.
These long haul flight tips are simple to follow and can make journeys lasting 10 hours or more feel more manageable.
Long Haul Flight Tips: How to Prepare Before You Fly
The journey can be a pleasant one, even before you reach the airport. Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary stress and make better decisions about your flight.
Choose the Right Flight
When comparing long haul flights, consider more than just the ticket price. Your experience can be impacted by flight duration, departure time, stopovers, baggage allowances and arrival time.
A direct flight might be more expensive than a connecting flight, but it can save time and the hassle of changing planes. If you are using a connecting flight, make sure you have sufficient time between services, especially if you have to go through security or immigration again.
Before booking, it is also wise to do some research on your airline. You can compare the comfort of the cabin, in-flight entertainment, seat pitch and meal service to determine which airline is best for you. Read our guide to the best long-haul airlines in 2026 for more information.
Be flexible with dates, and consider booking for a few days in a row and a different airport. Look for cheap flights and flight deals to locate something that you can afford.
Check Your Travel Documents
Verify the validity of your passport, visa needs and entry requirements before leaving. Don’t just trust social media or travel forums; check official government guidance for requirements by country.
Store copies of important documents in a secure place, but also have access to original documents when needed.
Plan Your Airport Arrival
Allow plenty of time to check in, drop off bags, go through security and get to your departure gate. The best time to arrive will vary depending on the airport, airline, destination and if you’re traveling during a peak time.
Allow extra time if you need to check your bags and/or do document checks; check airline instructions. Our guide explains how long before a flight you should arrive at a UK airport.
Prepare Your Body for the Journey
Try to get a good night’s sleep before departure. If you are already tired when you board the plane, it will be even more difficult to get through a long flight.
Have a meal that you know will agree with you, drink water and don’t make any last minute plans that leave you in a rush to the airport. For those who are flying across multiple time zones, slowly shifting your sleep schedule can also aid in preparation.
Long Haul Flight Tips for Choosing the Best Seat
Comfort is important on a long flight and your seat could make a difference. The choice will depend on you, whether you want a place to get a good night’s sleep, enough legroom, a place that is easy to move around in, or a place you can travel with friends.
Window Seat
If you prefer leaning against the side of the plane while on your rest, a window seat may be a good option. You’ll also be able to control the window blind and won’t be moved every time another passenger wants to get off the flight.
However, getting up to stretch or use the toilet may be less convenient.
Aisle Seat
Aisle seats come in handy if you prefer to get up and stretch your legs or go to the bathroom without disturbing other people.
The only disadvantage is that sometimes people and crew will pass by your seat and this can disrupt your sleep.
Extra-Legroom Seats
Some airlines have seats with extra legroom that can be purchased for an additional charge. These may be worth considering if you’re tall or want more space during a long journey.
Please check the seating restrictions before paying. Bulkhead and exit-row seats may have specific requirements and/or a prohibition on items under the seat during take-off and landing.
If you want more detailed instructions, read our article on how to get the best airline seat on the flight.
Long Haul Flight Tips: What to Pack in Your Hand Luggage
The right items can make a long flight a lot more comfortable. Instead of packing your bag with unnecessary items, think about what you will really need on the trip.
Travel Documents and Valuables
Keep your passport, boarding pass, payment cards, travel insurance details and other important documents somewhere secure and easy to reach.
If you need to have essential medication, valuables or documents with you during the flight, do not place these items in your checked luggage.
Comfort Essentials
Consider packing:
- A supportive travel pillow
- An eye mask
- Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
- A lightweight jumper or extra layer
- Comfortable socks
- Lip balm and moisturiser
- A toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
- Tissues and hand sanitiser
- An empty reusable water bottle to fill after security, where permitted
Cabin temperatures vary, so wearing layers is often more practical than relying on one thick item of clothing.
Electronics and Entertainment
Get movies, podcasts, music, ebooks or games before you go out. Not all aircraft have dependable Wi-Fi or a system to entertain you.
If needed, take in a charging cable and a suitable power bank. Please refer to the airline’s current policy on power banks as it may change.
Don’t put your phone, headphones and other commonly used items at the bottom of your bag.
Toiletries and Liquids
If you are flying from a UK airport, please review the current hand baggage liquid restrictions on the airport before packing. Requirements may differ depending on the airport and security measures.
The official guidance of the UK Government hand-luggage liquid restrictions can be found.
Snacks and Water
If you need to eat something between meal services or have dietary needs, bringing appropriate snacks can be helpful. Pack easily transportable items and find out if there are any regulations in place for bringing food into customs at your destination.
Take water on a regular basis during the flight. A reusable bottle can be refilled generally once you have passed security, depending on the airport facilities and rules.
Long Haul Flight Tips for Sleeping on a Flight
It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep on a long flight, but it can make you feel more refreshed when you reach your destination.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Setup
Take a travel pillow for the neck, an eye mask to block out light and ear plugs or headphones to cut out the noise. Wear layers of clothing to accommodate changes in cabin temperature.
If there are any options for seating, think about which one will allow you to sit without needing to get up a lot.
Match Your Sleep to Your Destination
Before boarding, see what time it is at their location. If it’s nighttime there, you might be able to sleep part of the way. If it’s day time, it may help to stay awake, depending on when you are leaving and how much sleep you require.
You don’t need to adhere to an exact time schedule. Sometimes it’s better to get some sleep than to fret about whether you’re sleeping at the right time.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine may make it difficult to fall asleep, especially when taken near bedtime. While alcohol can cause drowsiness at first, it can interfere with sleep quality and dehydrate you.
In general, water is a good option during the flight.
Choose a Suitable Flight Time
Overnight flights are convenient for some travellers as they can attempt to sleep on the flight. Others like to leave during the day, as they feel more awake and comfortable adjusting to a new time zone.
When planning a departure time, take your own sleeping and arrival patterns into account.
Long Haul Flight Tips for Staying Comfortable
Being seated for many hours can cause stiffness and restlessness. Here are some quick tips that can help make the trip easier.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose loose-fitting clothes made from breathable materials. Layers are helpful because cabin temperatures vary during the flight.
Wear shoes that are comfortable and easy to take off and put on. If you are travelling a long distance, your feet can swell, so don’t wear shoes that are too tight.
Stay Hydrated
Dryness can be caused by cabin conditions which may make your mouth, skin and eyes uncomfortable.
Stay hydrated and use lip balm/moisturiser as needed. If you wear contact lenses, and your eyes feel dry, follow your usual eye-care advice.
Move and Stretch Regularly
People with other risk factors may be more likely to get blood clots if they are not moving around for long periods, particularly a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
If it is safe to do so, move around periodically. Also, gently move ankles and feet while sitting.
See the NHS guide to DVT for more information about symptoms, risks and prevention.
Keep Your Essentials Within Reach
Store frequently used items, such as headphones, tissues, water and entertainment, in a small pouch or accessible part of your hand luggage.
This saves you from reaching up to your overhead locker multiple times and helps you to get comfortable in your seat.
Long Haul Flight Tips for Beating Jet Lag
Jet lag is the condition that can happen when crossing several time zones and it affects the body’s internal clock. Symptoms can include tiredness, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration and digestive discomfort.
Although it may not be possible to avoid jet lag entirely, a few habits can help you adjust.
Adjust to the Local Time
If it’s appropriate, adjust your watch or cell phone to the time zone of your destination. Try to organise your sleep and meals around local time, particularly after you arrive.
If possible, set up a staggered sleep pattern in the days leading up to the trip.
Get Natural Daylight
Light is a regulator of your body clock. After arriving, it can be helpful to spend time outside, but this will depend on the direction of travel and the number of time zones crossed.
If feeling well enough to explore, try not to spend the whole first day indoors.
Avoid Overloading Your First Day
While you might want to get started on sightseeing right away, a busy itinerary can be challenging when you’re exhausted.
Take time to unload, have an appropriate meal and sleep. If you have to nap, try to keep it short so you don’t make the bedtime at your local bedtime more difficult.
Be Careful with Sleep Aids
Melatonin and sleep medicines are not appropriate for all people and timing is important in dealing with jet lag. Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using them, particularly if you are on other medications or have a medical condition.
Read the NHS advice on jet lag for more information.
Long Haul Flight Tips for Travelling with Children
Travelling with children requires extra preparation, but a well-organised hand-luggage bag and a flexible routine can make the experience easier for everyone.
Pack a Child-Friendly Travel Bag
Bring extra clothes, wipes, nappies (if necessary), favourite snacks, water and some favourite activities.
A blanket or a soft toy that is familiar to the child could help them to settle down if they are younger. Ensure that necessary items are readily available, as you will not want to unpack everything while in flight.
Plan Entertainment in Advance
Download age appropriate films, programmes, games or audio books prior to departure. Take colouring books, stickers, small toys or other quiet play items appropriate for your child’s age.
Although an airline entertainment system might be provided, it is helpful to have a backup plan in case it doesn’t work or your child loses interest.
Keep Routines Flexible
Where possible, schedule meals, naps and bedtime around the flight.Plan meals, naps and bedtime around the flight where possible, but allow for changes to routine.
Give children water frequently and encourage them to get active at a safe and appropriate time. Some children may find it easier to cope with ear pressure during take-off and landing if they swallow, drink or suck on an appropriate item.
Prepare for Unexpected Delays
Bring a slightly larger amount of food, entertainment and extra clothes than you think you will need. Things can go wrong and some essentials can help make waiting less stressful.
Review airline policies on child travel such as seat allocation, baggage allowance and child restraint requirements.
Your Long Haul Flight Tips Checklist
Use this checklist before leaving for the airport.
- Check passport validity, visa requirements and travel documents.
- Confirm your flight time, terminal and check-in instructions.
- Choose your seat and review baggage allowances.
- Pack medication and essential documents in your hand luggage.
- Download entertainment and offline travel information.
- Pack headphones, a travel pillow and an eye mask.
- Check airport liquid rules and airline power-bank restrictions.
- Bring suitable snacks and a reusable water bottle, where permitted.
- Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear.
- Drink water and move regularly during the flight.
- Check the local time at your destination.
- Plan a manageable first day after landing.
Following these long haul flight tips can help you feel more organised and better prepared for the journey ahead.
Long Haul Flight Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I find affordable long-haul flights from the UK?
When looking for cheap long-haul flights, consider other airlines, alternative dates to fly and nearby airports. Booking early and travelling during off-peak holiday periods can also help you secure better fares. Before selecting a ticket, check the baggage allowance, stopover time and overall travel duration. Check out World Flight Vibes for options.
2. Is it better to book a direct or connecting long-haul flight?
The direct flight is typically easier as it saves time and the need to change planes. You should also take into account the layover time, airport transfers and potential for missed connections with connecting flights, which may be cheaper or have more routes. Before booking, determine if your flights are booked together or as individual tickets.
3. How far in advance should I book a long-haul flight from the UK?
No guaranteed best booking window for all routes. The prices vary according to destination, travel dates, and airline demand and season. Do some research before you book a flight, especially if you’re traveling during school breaks or peak travel times. Keep an eye on the pricing and make sure to check the different dates before booking.
4. What documents do I need for an international long-haul flight?
A valid passport is usually required and a visa or electronic travel authorisation is generally required depending on the country and nationality of the traveller. Additional supporting documents may be required at some destinations as well as proof of onward travel. Make sure you have the most up-to-date entry requirements and passport validity information for your destination and any countries you will be transiting through before you leave.
5. Can World Flight Vibes help me book a long-haul flight?
Yes. On world flight vibes, visitors can search for flights online and reach out to the travel consultants for help in booking a flight. You can compare flight options, look at fares and get assistance from the team to plan your trip. Go to World Flight Vibes or call 0208 125 3000 to discuss your booking.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Next Long-Haul Flight Easier
Long journeys don’t have to be exhausting. There are a few simple habits and tips, and the right preparation, comfortable clothing and a well-packed hand-luggage bag that can help make your time in the air more manageable.
The best long haul flight tips are the ones that are easy to follow: plan ahead, select an appropriate seat, drink water, get up and move around periodically, and allow time to acclimatize after landing.
These are some useful ideas for surviving long-haul flights, which can make you feel more comfortable, organised and prepared when you arrive.
If you’re travelling for business, visiting family or on holiday, follow these steps to get ready for your next trip and make the journey smoother from the UK to your destination.
Before booking, shop around and check out the newest flight deals from World Flight Vibes.
Sources and Further Readings
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