By Oscar Davis

Are you traveling to another country shortly? Dreading sitting on a plane for 7+ hours en route to your destination? Yes, long-haul flights can be such a drag and make even the most seasoned travelers feel impatient and restless. From the cramped seats and dry cabin air to the spotty sleep, looming threat of jet lag, and endless thoughts of “Are we there yet?!”, it’s no surprise these long flights can feel never-ending.

No need to dread your upcoming flight! As the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip (a popular flight price drop website), I have discovered many helpful ways to make any long-haul flight feel more bearable (heck, maybe even enjoyable). All it takes are simple strategies and a mindset shift to use your time in flight wisely and maximize available comfort. Whether you’re traveling abroad for business or leisure, these 10 tips will help make the flight feel much shorter:

Book As Early As Possible So You Can Choose the Right Seat 

Can you imagine sitting squished in the middle seat between two people for 8 hours? No, thank you! Your plane seat can make or break the long-haul flight experience, so it’s important to think of your preferences and book in advance to ensure that the best seats are not taken. Would you rather rest your head against the wall to get some sleep? Pick a window seat. Or, do you want it to be easy to go to the bathroom and stretch your legs without bothering others? An aisle seat is key!

Do whatever you can to avoid selecting a middle seat, even if it means shelling out a bit more money for a comfort or higher-tier seat class. Also, if you’re tall or simply crave more legroom, consider paying extra for an exit row or bulkhead seat. Websites like SeatGuru also offer detailed aircraft seating maps and passenger reviews that will help you avoid poorly designed spots (like seats that don’t recline or are too close to the bathroom).

Again, don’t leave it to chance and book early! This one decision can greatly impact your comfort for the next 7+ hours.

Create the Ultimate Entertainment Playlist

While most international airlines offer a decent selection of movies, games, and other in-flight entertainment, don’t count on it all to work smoothly or match your exact preferences. Think about it… what if your seat’s screen stopped working when you had 6 hours left of your flight? The horror. So take control of the situation by downloading your own movies, TV shows, audiobooks, podcasts, or playlists ahead of time onto your smartphone or laptop. Apps like Netflix and Audible allow offline access so you can stay entertained without relying on Wi-Fi.

A mix of light entertainment and more engaging content will work best for making the in-flight time fly by. For example, start with a fun action movie or comedy special to unwind, then queue up a podcast or audiobook to listen to while resting your eyes (and hopefully drifting off to sleep to pass even more time). I love starting off my long flights by watching several episodes of Parks & Recreation and then listening to a meditation podcast. Having a variety of entertainment on hand that you personally selected will keep boredom at bay and give you options to pick depending on your mood.

Master the Art of Sleep in the Sky

From loud people sitting around you to possible turbulence, sleeping on a plane can be so difficult. However, a long nap is one of the best ways to pass the time in flight! So prepare yourself with the right tools and strategies to drastically improve your odds at catching some Z’s on the plane. For starters, invest in a supportive travel pillow, a quality sleep mask (like the Manta Sleep mask), and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block out cabin chaos.

On top of this, try to align your sleep schedule with your destination ahead of time. This is especially important if you are crossing multiple time zones. Consider natural sleep aids like melatonin (make sure to consult with a doctor) and avoid coffee and other stimulants before boarding. Dress comfortably, recline when possible, and signal to your seatmates that you’re settling in for rest. This is crucial if you are in an aisle seat, because then your seatmates can get up to go to the bathroom before you try to sleep for a few hours.

If you are in a window seat, simply putting on a sleep mask can let others know you don’t want to be disturbed.

Dress for Comfort, Not the Runway

Going off the last point, save the fashion statement for your final destination. Comfort is absolutely key for all long-haul flights. Choose soft, breathable fabrics, stretchy waistbands, and layers you can adjust if there is a shift in cabin temperature. Also wear compression socks to improve circulation and help reduce swelling in your feet and ankles. It would also be wise to wear slip-on shoes or ones that are easy to take off and put back on, as they’ll make passing through security and in-flight relaxation easier.

Move Regularly and Stretch

Do you get fidgety when you sit in one spot for over an hour? Sitting in one place for hours is both uncomfortable and unhealthy, so make it a point to get up every hour or two for a short walk down the aisle if you are awake. While seated, roll your neck, rotate your ankles, shrug your shoulders, and flex your calves.

These small movements and simple stretches will boost circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Even just standing up and reaching for the overhead bin or pacing while brushing your teeth can make a difference.

Stay Hydrated and Steer Clear of Alcohol and Caffeine

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry and can cause dehydration, which is one of the biggest culprits behind fatigue and headaches in flight. Throughout the journey, drink water consistently (1 cup an hour is key). You can even bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up before boarding or during service rounds. While it may be tempting, avoid too much coffee, tea, or alcohol because these act as diuretics and can make dehydration worse. Staying hydrated will also help with energy levels, digestion, and even reduce the effects of jet lag once you land.

Break the Flight into Chunks

Are you dreading an upcoming 10-hour flight? Is it even longer? Instead of staring down the barrel of this long-haul flight, mentally divide it into manageable sections. For example, you can spend 2 hours watching a movie, then take your time eating a meal, take an hour-long nap, read a few chapters of your book, do some stretches, etc. This approach will turn an overwhelming block of flight time into a series of achievable tasks. It will give the journey structure and keep your mind engaged, which can make the hours feel shorter and more purposeful.

Keep Your Brain Busy

Keeping your brain busy and active is a must for passing the flight time if you’re not sleeping or watching a movie/show. Do this by bringing along crossword puzzles, Sudoku, a travel journal, or even a sketchpad. Apps like Peak or Lumosity also offer games that stimulate the mind and don’t require W-Fi. I love spending an hour or two playing Solitaire on my smartphone. Also, you can use the long flight time to finally get through work documents, outline a creative project, or start that book you’ve been meaning to write.

Pack Your Snacks and a “Comfort Kit”

Airline meals can sometimes be inconsistent and not super appetizing, and cabin service isn’t always timely. Hunger can make a flight feel even longer, so bring along wholesome snacks you enjoy. Trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit, or even a small sandwich will keep your energy steady and keep you from being stuck with food you dislike. In addition to snacks, pack a “comfort kit” with lip balm, hand lotion, face wipes, a toothbrush, mints, and a small moisturizer. These little items will help you feel refreshed and more human both during and after the long flight.

Adjust Your Mindset Before Boarding

All of the above strategies are super helpful, but your mindset is THE most important tool to get through a long flight. It’s all about perspective. Instead of looking at the journey with anxiety and stress, try to reframe it as valuable downtime. You can think of it as a rare, much-needed chance to truly disconnect, think, rest, or catch up on personal things without distractions. Mindfulness or gratitude exercises, journaling your thoughts, or simply closing your eyes and visualizing your arrival (who you’ll see, what you’ll do, etc.) can help you shift your mindset.

While a positive mental approach won’t shorten the flight, it can absolutely change the whole travel experience.

Your Long-Haul Flight Can Feel Oh, So Much Shorter!

Yes, long flights of seven hours or more will never be a complete breeze. However, they shouldn’t feel never-ending and miserable! With the right planning, tools, and shift in perspective, you can transform the whole flight experience from an ordeal into an opportunity. This can be an amazing chance to rest, to learn, or to simply disconnect for a while. So try out even a few of these strategies for your upcoming flight. Your body and brain (and sanity!) will thank you when you land.

Jeremy Greenburg is the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip, an online platform that instantly compares top travel sites and alerts you the moment flight prices drop. In his role, Greenburg educates others on travel trends, travel tech innovation, and real-time data systems. Your smart travel companion, SlickTrip, helps you never miss out on the best deals on flights. Airline ticket prices can change multiple times a day, but with real-time price alerts, you’ll always stay ahead. Explore flexible flight combinations, spot the cheapest travel dates with color-coded calendars, and view detailed seat maps to pick the best spot on the plane.

https://slicktrip.com

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