As international borders have opened and international travel is picking up pace again, those who can afford a holiday or two have been booking flights to their dream destinations far, far away.

If you’re one of those who are planning on taking a long-haul flight in the future, knowing how to stay comfortable during the actual flight is extremely important.

After all, no one wants to feel the effects of a flight longer than 15 hours, so it’s best if you prepare yourself beforehand with some essential tips.



To find out the best ways to make any flight bearable and even enjoyable, the In-flight Service Manager of Air New Zealand, Debbie Ridgway, offered insider advice on how to stay relaxed while travelling.

Here’s what she shared.


Before the long-haul flight, she suggests taking a nap and exercising first.

Debbie said that napping could ‘refresh’ your mind.

‘I like to sleep when I can prior to flying, so if I’m even the slightest bit tired during the day, I’ll try and get a nap in to refresh myself. The much-needed downtime can be useful,’ she said.



In addition to that, you should also get some exercise in, too, whether it is a gym session or a quick walk around the block.

‘It could be a simple stroll down the block or spending time in my garden. I find that if I’m going to be in a smaller space for a long period of time, the fresh air [beforehand] helps with my mental health and keeps me grounded!’ She explained.


Next, Debbie said to choose appropriate clothing for the flight.

‘Dress in light and loose-fitting clothing – something that you can move around in comfortably,’ she stated.

This is important because you don’t want to be stuck in a small space for so long, wearing uncomfortable garments that don’t let you move freely.

Packing the right gear can make a huge difference to your comfort level, both during and post-flight. Some of the items you should bring along are a good travel pillow and a book. It might also be good to pack a light jacket to ensure you’re staying warm inside the (sometimes) chilly plane cabin.



She also suggests stretching your body any chance you get.

‘Once the seatbelt sign is off, feel free to get up and move about to stretch your legs, as you don’t want to be sitting still for prolonged periods. You could even grab a pair of travel socks to promote circulation in your legs while you’re sitting,’ she proclaimed.


Another important tip Debbie shared is to keep your water intake up.

‘Hydration is key – during the day, I try to drink 4 litres of water before a night flight and then another 2 litres on board. Your body definitely needs it to stay hydrated, and it helps with any tiredness,’ she admitted.

Now comes the important question: How do you get some sleep during a flight?



Now, it is easier said than done to try and fall asleep when you're hurtling through the air in a steel tube with numerous other passengers milling about, but Debbie has some tips – namely, to approach it like a typical bedtime routine.

‘To ensure you have a better sleep on a flight, I would recommend avoiding using your electronic devices too much before trying to get to sleep, as blue light suppresses the body’s production of melatonin (which is the hormone that makes us feel drowsy),’ Debbie explained.

The service manager also insists that travellers switch off their electronic devices at least 30 minutes to an hour before they intend to sleep.

‘Instead of getting your entertainment from your electronic devices, why not crack open your favourite novel or jot down a list of things to do on your holiday?’ She suggested.

Finally, she recommends that travellers ‘try replicating their normal sleeping routine as best as they can’.

‘For example, using a face mist to hydrate, doing their skincare routine, and brushing their teeth,’ she stated.



But what other details should you keep in mind?

Debbie stated that travellers on long-haul flights should keep in mind that the cabin crew are there to make sure everything runs smoothly and to make you feel as at ease as possible.

‘You can ask us to provide you with toiletries such as toothbrushes and toothpaste if you need them,’ she claimed.

Additionally, if you find yourself thirsty during the flight, Debbie said you could always just ask the crew to refill your water bottle for you.

‘We can fill it up for you at the drinking water taps located around the aircraft. Keep in mind, the tap water in our aircraft toilets is not for consumption,’ she shared.
Have you ever taken a long-haul flight? Do you have any more tips and tricks that you found useful during your journey? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear what you have to say!