The cramped seat. The way-too-firm pillow. The guy sitting next to you who is somehow both snoring and holding a crying baby. These are just some of the many annoyances, both major and minor, we're all subjected to on airplanes. And long-distance flights are even worse — imagine putting up with all that over the course of a number of hours. Truly, a nightmare.
But like it so often is, the internet is here for us. An AskReddit thread popped up recently asking for tips and tricks for flying a long distance. Using Reddit's enormous, collective hive-mind, we've collected the long-distance flight hacks from tons and tons of various people who travel all over the world.
These long-distance flight hacks are sure to make your next journey overseas that much more enjoyable. (There's still nothing we can do about the snoring guy, though. Sorry.)
You gotta get those free hotel rooms, my man.
Check if your airline offers free hotel room for layovers greater than 8.5 hours. Was nice just to get a good kip and a shower without being stuck on airport floor. - Retired_MonkGet your mind-time right.
For me, I start trying to adjust to my new time zone about 24 hours before I take off. I will take some melatonin and try to sleep and wake up at the time I would at my destination. I have flown across both oceans and this technique has worked for me so that I'm not overly jet-lagged when I arrive. Coming home I never bother to do this and it takes me three days to recover. - drblah1Not enough people go to Iceland.
If you're going from North America to Europe or Europe to North America, try flying Iceland Air with a stopover in Iceland. Especially if it’s vacation. It’s often way cheaper regardless. But the main reason is you can do some crazy layover trick — like spend days without any extra cost, with all sorts of discounts on hotels and entertainment built in, then resume your trip. It’s like a bonus mini thrifty vacation in a really neat place. - billbapapaYour socks should be so tight they cut off circulation.
Compression socks and slip on shoes. If you take them off at your seat, put them on when walking around the cabin. Planes are nasty. - jbhaus2477Doesn't take up much bag space, either.
Pack jerky. It's high in protein and fills you up. - Houn_3No baby cry will pierce them.
Getting Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones/earphones have been miraculous for me. I used to carry a Bose QC35, have been using the Sony WH-1000X M2s for awhile now. Works like a charm, helps me go to sleep so much easier. - skadoodleaOh, going to Hawaii is a way better idea than Iceland.
If you're traveling across the Pacific, find a flight that lays over in Hawaii. It's generally cheaper and the sun + cocktails recharges you for the next flight. - rangeDSPHere I am, stuck in the middle with you.
If you’re flying solo in economy on a wide body jet, pick a middle aisle seat. Odds are, the other two or three people in your row know each other so they won’t bother you when they have to go to the lavatory. - WholeGrainMustardStay hydrated, my dudes.
Drink water, lots of water! The humidity in a Boeing 777 is around four percent. Get off a long flight your skin will be dry, you'll pee syrup and feel like crap if you don't drink plenty. If you're against drinking (for some reason), try booking a flight on the Boeing 787, the way the pressurization and air conditioning systems work on that aircraft make much more humid air. The difference after a long flight is noticeable. - SaltyspaceballsYour grandpa probably gave you a few individually-wrapped Werthers that should work.
via: Wikimedia
Hard candy makes you salivate and feel hydrated without you actually needing to drink and consequently saving on bathroom trips. - [account deleted]I love the idea of being jealous of your neighbor's wipes.
Take some alcohol wipes to clean you chair arms and tray table (and don't forget the tray latch, likely the dirtiest part of the plane). Take a few extra to offer jealous neighbors.How cute!
I take a beat-up teddy bear. Works great as a neck pillow or arm rest pad. Amuses TSA and crying babies. He belonged to my husband so Mr. Whiskers Monkey is a bit of comfort too. - MaggiemaydayPerspective is everything.
My mantra: "I'm literally going to the other side of planet earth in one day. It's a goddamn modern miracle. This far outweighs any minor inconveniences like legroom or sh*tty food." - [account deleted]Must be nice.
The answer is Business Class. Being able to recline to horizontal is the ultimate game changer. Also nicer bathrooms being shared by fewer people. And better service. - wasted_viaticumBeat them at their own water-stealing game.
Bring your own empty water bottle. You can fill it after security and not have to spend a ton. - jbhaus2477You are closer to space, which is very cold.
Even if it’s hot outside, have a comfy jumper ready because it’s always freezing on planes. - beeeelm A zip hoodie does double duty on long flights too because you can pull the hood down over your eyes to sleep. - froggerslogger*extremely The Lion King voice* Be prepaaaaared.
Pack 48 hours worth of supplies (anything you'll need in the first 48 hours of your trip) in your carry-on luggage. That way, if your hold bag goes missing, you won't be stuck. - CiderDrinkerWhat's up, doc?
Tell your doctor you get horrible travel anxiety and ask for Valium. Take two (or three) and sleep the entire flight. - bruisermcstinkfingerThat Watchmen finale will have to wait.
Purposely stock up on series and movies before your flight by not watching stuff. - Kharr2A college student's dream.
Most, if not all, airlines will provide free hot water which is perfect for cup ramen. I always bring my own ramen because it is hot, I might not like the airplane food, and it’s easy to make. - ansaiegoYour phone will change automatically.
Set your watch to the future time zone before you get on the plane. It's very small but gets your head in the right mindset. - RJS2404