The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Lessons Learned from YYZ-NRT-BKK
/Long Flight Survival Tips
Pre-Flight Preparation
Currency Exchange - Exchanging currency at the airport is a big NO. You will end up paying more fees and charges. Change a little bit of currency at your home country to survive the first couple days. Exchange for the rest at your destination country.
Strategic Seat Booking – If you are a couple, book 2 seats in a row where no one else will be sitting with you and you will have both the aisle and the window seat. For solo travelers, I recommend the aisle seat if your flight is over 6 hours, so you can easily get up and walk every 2 hours.
Smart Packing - Packing light with comfortable clothing and essentials is crucial for a pleasant journey.
Light Carry-On Only - We check a small luggage which is shared by both of us. Our carry-on is also small enough to be considered a personal item. Traveling with a light carry-on or personal item bag can streamline your journey through security and make navigating the airport easier.
Online Check-In - Checking in online 24 hours before your flight is a great way to save time at the airport. You will have dedicated lines with lesser volumes to get your boarding pass and luggage tags and drop off your luggage and head to the gate directly.
Early Arrival - Arriving at the airport early allows you to relax and explore the airport or lounges, reducing stress and improving your overall travel experience. We arrive 3 to 4 hours early. Even if we are stuck in traffic for an hour, we still won’t miss the flight.
Airport Lounges - If you have access to airport lounges, consider using them for relaxation, complimentary food and drinks, and a more comfortable environment.
Trip Tracking App & Flight Apps – Always use a trip-tracking app like Kayak or TripIt. These apps show your trip visually to give you a better understanding of your trip. Also, if you double booked the same night twice and or missed one night, you will be able to visualize it.
I was out one night in Bangkok and these apps saved my trip by showing me my mistake. On a long trip, missing one night could ruin your entire month-long trip like a chain reaction.
In-Flight Comfort
Movement and Hydration - Getting up and walking around regularly, along with staying hydrated, are essential for preventing discomfort and promoting circulation. This is the reason I recommended booking an aisle seat earlier.
Skin Care - Using a hand cream and lip balm can combat the drying effects of airplane air.
Noise Reduction - Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can create a more peaceful environment for relaxation or sleep.
In-Flight Entertainment - Take advantage of the in-flight entertainment options. Purchase a Bluetooth adapter for airplanes to connect your earbuds to the in-flight entertainment system.
I discuss these tips and more on this video here. Strategic planning and packing light and carrying essentials can make or break your long flight and the entire trip. Check out my Travel Hacks Video Playlist for more videos before your next trip.
