Essentials for Long Flights

9 Essentials for Long Flights

No one is raising their hands to be on a long haul flight which is typically 5 hours or more in length. But everyone admires Instagram pictures in the rice fields of Bali and the Red Sand Dunes of Dubai. Then you realize an ultra long haul flight is 15 hours or more you began to wonder, how do you survive a 15 hour flight?

If you’re looking for tips on how to survive a long flights you’ve come to the right place! I’ve taken several long haul flights and I’ve come up with a strategy on how to have the most enjoyable long haul flights and reduce jet lag. I’ve created a list of 9 Essentials for Long Flights! Let’s get into it!

Jet lag can make you feel groggy and disoriented as your body is trying to adjust to the new time settings. When traveling east you’ll find yourself staying up late, unable to sleep, and sluggish in the morning. Travel westward and you experience the reverse, bounding out of bed earlier than you want and exhausted after dinner.
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Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent or minimize jet lag.

Start by picking the right seat. You can use sites like SeatGuru to let you know more about the specific aircraft your flying on and what is considered the best and worst seats in the house. You can upgrade you seat for more leg room, window seating to minimize disruptions, and so forth.

2. Dress in comfortable clothing. Flights go from hot to cold and back again in various cycles. I normally travel in comfortable smart layers. I always carry a cardigan or sweater even when it’s 80+ degrees outside. And if I’m not wearing socks, I store a pair in my carry on.

3. Stay hydrated and avoid carbonation. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin from drying and minimize your headaches. Drink 8 oz or half a water bottle for every hour you’re flying. Drinking alcohol and soda will have a reverse effect and isn’t the best idea. Neither of these is a friend to sleep, and air travel affects how your body reacts to these substances. Limit alcohol to one drink at the most, or avoid it altogether.

4. Bring balanced snacks. I normally pack granola bars, crackers, nuts, and peanut M&Ms. Depending on your destination and the time you’re flight land you maybe landing in unknown territories. Landing at and airport extremely early or late increases the chance of restaurants being closed and options severely limited.

5. Sanitized everything with wipes. Have you seen the video of Naomi Campbell’s routine before she jets off from city to city in first class? She wipes everything from the seat belt to the TV screen. And you know what I don’t blame her; you’re seating area on your flight has hella germs. So think like Naomi. Like Naomi in Economy.

6. Don’t watch movies. Skip out in flicks if you want to catch some sleep. If you are aiming to get some good rest on your flight I’d skip out on the movies and read a book or listen to a podcast with an auto sleep setting.

7. Bring a neck pillow. Bruh. Your neck will need support at some point during a 6+ hour flight. Like seriously. I would do a little research and purchase one in advance so you don’t waste money buying one that could very well suck from the airport.

8. Bring medicine + personal kit. I would pack hand sanitizer, Tylenol, melatonin (I would avoid sleeping pills. With all the differences in humidity, environment, they may make you groggier than expected), in my personal kit I always pack an extra pair of underwear, panty liners + tampons/pads, travel toothbrush and toothpaste. This will help you remain comfortable throughout your flight and you will be prepared for any emergencies that may arise.

So do you have a carry on kit for long flights? If so what’s in you kit and how far in advance do you normally prepare it? I asked my Insta Brunch Babes what’s the longest flight they’ve ever taken and how they survived! The flight lengths ranged from 6 hours to island hop in Jamaica all the way to a 15 hour direct flight to Dubai. Below is a complied list of #blackgirl approved essentials for long flights: