Long flights aren’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun. Cramped seats, recycled air, and meals that somehow always taste like “mystery pasta”? Definitely not the highlight of your Euro trip or that bucket-list adventure to Thailand.

But here’s the good news: with a little prep, your flight doesn’t have to feel like 12 hours of slow torture. In fact, you can land at your destination feeling refreshed, calm, and actually excited to explore — instead of zombified.

Over the years, The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide team team has tried and tested plenty of tricks to make long-haul flights a whole lot easier. These our top 10 long flight survival tips to not only survive a long-haul flight, but actually enjoy it!

10 Simple Ways to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) a Long-Haul Flight

 

1. Dress Comfy (But Make It Cute)

Gone are the days of flying in cocktail dresses and heels (thank God). Comfort is queen when you’re sitting on a plane for hours — but comfy doesn’t have to mean sloppy.

Swap stiff jeans for soft fabrics, elastic waistbands, and layers you can peel off or pile on when the cabin temperature inevitably swings from Arctic blast to sauna.

Personally, we love wearing some sort of soft cotton black dress with a light sweater or a shawl or sarong to wrap around ourselves — simple, chic, and cozy.

2. Noise-Cancelling Headphones = Lifesaver

Crying baby three rows back? Snoring seatmate? Doesn’t matter. With noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds, you can shut out the chaos and sink into your own little world.

These Baseus Wireless Earbuds feel very comfy in your ears, and they display how much battery is left so you’re not stranded without music during a 10-hour flight!

 

3. Bring Your Own Water Bottle

Flight attendants will hand you water in cups the size of a shot glass — not ideal when you’re trying to stay hydrated at 30,000 feet. Pack a refillable bottle and top it up after security.

I swear by this collapsible bottle. Saves space and keeps you from chugging endless single-use plastic cups.

4. Get to the Airport Early

Travel stress starts before you even board if you cut it too close. Give yourself plenty of time — especially for international flights.

Case in point: Emilia once nearly missed her flight to Spain because traffic was backed up for hours… turns out Joe Biden was flying out of Mexico City the same evening. Lesson learned.

5. Pack (Healthy-ish) Snacks

Plane food is hit-or-miss, and meal service can feel lightyears apart. Pack your own snacks so you’re not hangry halfway through.

Think nuts, granola bars, or something with a little protein. Bonus points if it helps balance out the sugar-loaded “treats” airlines hand out.

6. Refresh with Face Mist

Cabin air = desert-level dry. A quick spritz of rose water or a hydrating mist will wake up your skin and make you feel human again mid-flight. It’s the cheapest, easiest in-flight beauty hack you’ll ever pack. The Mario Badescu Facial Spray. with Aloe is our all-time fave.

7. Upgrade to an Inflatable Neck Pillow

Regular neck pillows are bulky and kind of gross (dragging across airport floors? No thanks). Instead, grab an inflatable one that takes up zero space in your bag. This inflatable pillow is our go to!

8. Outsmart Jet Lag

Jet lag is inevitable on long-haul flights, but you can hack it. Adjust your sleep schedule on the plane to match your arrival time.

• Landing in the morning? Sleep on the flight.
• Landing at night? Stay awake so you crash at a “normal” local bedtime.

Pro tip: download the Timeshifter app to customize your sleep plan.

9. Load Up on Podcasts + Audiobooks

Sure, you could watch four movies back-to-back… but flights are also the perfect time to feed your brain. You can start with out very own podcast, True Crime Travelers, where we cover cases of missing travelers abroad...but from the traveler's perspective. It's a podcast created not to scare you...but to prepare you! 

Other podcasts we enjoy are: 
- Crime Junkie
- Travel with Rick Steves
- Women Who Travel
- The Atlas Obscura Podcast

10. Journal Your Thoughts

There’s something magical about being completely disconnected mid-air. I always find myself inspired — making plans, dreaming big, or reflecting on my trip.

Pack your journal and jot down your thoughts. Ask yourself:

• What are you most excited about at your destination?
• What’s one thing this trip is teaching you?

By the time you land, you’ll not only have memories but also the beginnings of your own travel story.

 

See? Long flights don’t have to be a dreaded part of your journey. With a few simple tips, and a little self-care, you can turn hours in the air into a surprisingly enjoyable part of your adventure. Pack smart, plan ahead, and embrace the journey — your next unforgettable adventure starts at 30,000 feet.