Long flights are often the most dreaded part of traveling. However, after having traveled to over twenty countries I’ve learned flying doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, I’ve found a way to make long flights enjoyable! I recently flew from New York City to London with British Airways {about a 7 hour flight} and wanted to share my five tips to avoid jet lag and ten things you should always pack in your carry on.
5 ways to avoid jet lag:
- Drink lots of water. Skip the soda or other sugary drinks when the flight attendants come through & choose to drink water instead. Luckily, British Airways is great about distributing drinks throughout long flights so you should have no problem staying hydrated. Or you can buy a bottle of water after you get through security. I also LOVE LiquidIV. LiquidIV is a powder you add to your water bottle and it helps your body absorb it better. Essentially it makes 1 water bottle equivalent to 3 water bottles. I drink it almost everyday at home, but drink at least one a day while flying and traveling. Use code ChloeBArnold for a discount! I literally swear by these things!!
- Avoid alcohol & caffeine during your flight. While I do stick to water 99% of the time, I do like to enjoy a glass of wine with my meal {which was actually surprisingly good for airplane food} and I couldn’t say no when the British Airways flight attendants came around with tea & biscuits. But at the very least, keep it to a minimum and drink an extra glass of water for every glass of wine/tea.
- Book a redeye flight & sleep on the flight. I’ve found redeye flights help trick your body into forgetting the timezone. Do yourself a favor and only watch one movie and sleep as long as possible. British Airways had a handful of movies I wanted to watch that are still in theaters {hello La La Land}, but I had to remind myself that I could watch those movies later, but couldn’t get back time wasted in the city when I arrive in.
- Pay for an exit row seat. These seats always have extra leg room and are more comfortable. And usually the upgraded seat is only like $15. Money well spent, I promise.
- Choose the window seat. Window seats guarantee fewer interruptions, should you not want any. There is no chance of your neighbor asking you to move so they can get past you and stand up and the flight attendants won’t have to lean over you to serve your neighbor. Fewer interruptions = better sleep.
10 things you should always pack in your carry on:
- Neck Pillow. I personally love this memory foam one, but my husband prefers this one that can act as a lumbar support or neck pillow.
- Eye Mask. The ultimate ‘do not disturb’ sign. This also helps keep out distractions so you can sleep as long as possible. I like this one with the adjustable band size.
- Ear Plugs. I usually pack multiple pairs, since they are cheap and aren’t reusable.
- Face/Body Moisturizer. Flying is dehydrating, so I always travel with a small face moisturizer and body moisturizer. This moisturizer also has a shine control aspect that I love when traveling. And this travel kit is my go-to for all basic needs.
- Pashmina or Blanket Scarf. Both fashionable and functional. During the winter I bring a black pashmina anywhere I travel and during the summer I travel with a white/creme colored pashmina.
- Hand sanitizer. You never know when you might need to wash your hands, both on your flight or at your final destination. I attach one of these to my bag and one to my husband’s bag.
- Mouthwash or disposable tooth brush. I always feel more put together after having brushed my teeth. I love these.
- Phone/Computer charger. Some airplanes have electric plugs under your seat, but be sure to charge up at the airport just in case. I also love traveling with a portable battery so I can charge multiple items on the go.
- A second outfit. Accidents happen. You never know when you might spill a drink or simply want to change outfits. Pack a full second outfit- top, pants, socks, underwear, bra, etc.
- An empty water bottle. As you’ve probably noticed, flying is dehydrating. And since you can’t get through security with a full water bottle, I recommend bringing an empty stainless-steel water bottle {skip the plastic} so you can continue filling it up as you travel. I personally like this water bottle because the company gives back to charity with each purchase.
I’ve flown on dozens of airlines and must admit, I was fairly impressed with British Airways. It wasn’t our seats, leg room or overall quality of the plane that impressed me {our plane was actually quite old and didn’t have wifi or electric plugs, but the overall quality of the plane was pretty standard compared to other airlines}, but rather it was the quality of their service that impressed me. From check-in and security to the flight and baggage claim. Each British Airways employee was not only helpful, but also joyful during the process- even when I forgot I had liquids in my carry on bag and it had to be searched {yes, I was that person… oops}. I will absolutely choose to fly with British Airways again!
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How do you avoid jet lag?
What items do you always travel with?
I totally agree with everything you listed! I do not fly without a pashmina or blanket scarf, and I love bringing a hydrating mist that I can spray when we arrive so I feel refreshed! xo Bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
I agree with drinking lots of water in order to avoid jet lag. Being in an enclosed tube for so long, under pressure, dehydrates badly your body and that is one of the factors which affects the jet lag. I can always see it on my lips if I don’t put lip balm on. During my latest long haul flight, which was to South America, I had to spend over 12 hours each way in the same plane. My next one booked is to Mexico, which will be even longer and the jet lag even worse.
I totally agree, good tips! Even though I sometimes actually prefer exactly some alcohol to get tired and find sleep.
My ultimate tip for avoiding jet lag is still trying to find airlines, that are usually not really that crowded. So you find easily a whole row of seats to lay and sleep, which is great. SWISS Airline for example is usually often quite empty on flights US Europe…
Love the jet lag tips! I wish I had paid more to choose my seat.
http://moosmusing.com
No wine or coffee on the flight?!?! You’re killing me! lol. Thank you for the tips, I always get terrible jet lag.
Jetlag is something I can never avoid! One thing I have never done from your list is to kick the sugary drinks and caffeine. On my next flight I will stick to water and hopefully this will help me avoid jetlag. I agree 100% with your portable battery tip.
Ah I feel like you’ve gone through my bag and listed everything that I always carry! Coming from Australia most of our flights are over 8hrs! We’ve just taken up your advice to always book exit row seats!
I bring all these essential items when I travel. I want to feel comfortable as much as possible during a flight. I do not use the free toothbrush and toothpaste.
I cannot remember if I have chosen a window seat. I always choose the aisle seat so I can go to the toilet easily.
This is a spot on list of practical tips, which everyone should follow.I personally haven’t been on a long flight till now which could cause jet lag, so I have no experience in that.But when ever I do take long flight in the near future, I am sure as hell going to follow your suggestions.
These are some great tips, especially if its your first time on a long distance flight. I agree with most on the list but I must admit that I have a hard time avoiding the coffee, even on flights. I flew with British Airlines a couple of months ago when i visited New York and they are a pretty solid company, good seats and polite staff.
Great tips, Chloe – I definitely agree with avoiding caffeine and alcohol (I usually go for orange juice or water instead), and picking an evening flight. My most recent flight to Hong Kong was 11 hours and we left at 9 p.m – I didn’t manage to sleep too well, but I had my eyes closed for the majority of our journey, so my jet lag wasn’t *that* bad. And yes to brushing your teeth! It definitely helps with falling asleep, since it’s part of our daily routine before going to bed.
This is such a great post! I’m planning to travel to London on British Airways in the fall (I love that Airline!!)
Hope you had an amazing trip
Lyndi xo
http://www.stylecalling.com
Practical and wonderful tips. The presentation is extremely beautiful.
So many great tips here! I will keep these in mind next time I fly!
These are such great tips! Jet lag is THE WORST and I have it bad every time I fly anywhere international!!
Such great tips! I always seem to get sick when I get to a new place for at least a day, I should definitely try your tips!
Chloe, these are such great tips!! I had a 24 hour flight to Japan once and definitely could have used these. Next time!
xo
Katie Ann
http://www.the-holly-tree.com