How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

The 15 hour flight from Toronto to Hong Kong was (surprisingly) not that bad. The 8 hours from Hong Kong to Bali, however, were awful. I don’t know if it was because we’d been traveling for three days, overdid it in Hong Kong, or whether the jet lag was finally catching up to us, but we were all acutely miserable on that travel day. Honestly, it was all we could do to support each other and be gentle when at least one of us wanted to lash out instead – sorry, guys.

Whew.

When we travel, those days WILL happen. It’s not all margaritas on the beach, folks. On the plus side, it’s easier to grit your teeth and bear it when you know that the beach is waiting at the end of the flight. ;)

For now, here are my best tips for surviving long-haul flights:

• Bring plastic massage balls. I know this is weird, but it’s an absolute lifesaver for me. If you have two of these, it’s easy to target pressure points in your back and hips, relieving much of the pain from sitting in those insanely uncomfortable economy class seats.
• Get a scent-free joint cream. Note – if you don’t want your seat-mates to plot your murder, make triple sure it is *actually* scent free.
• Bring a Kindle. They’re easy on the eyes and a good book can get you through hours of flight time.
• Download your favourite offline game to your phone or computer.
• Bring an eye mask. I know it’s extra, but you can afford to be extra on a 15 hour flight.
• Wear compression socks if you need them.
• Three words. Sound. Cancelling. Headphones. They’re bomb.
• Get up, stretch, go to the back of the plane where there’s usually space and do some toe-touches. No shame.
• DON’T “do the camel.” I’m guilty of this because I hate airplane bathrooms, but hydration is key. Embrace the need to pee. ;P
• Be kind to your seat-mates. Share your snacks, respect their space, don’t hog the armrest. You’re all in the same boat (actually, plane) here.
• Do drugs. That is, get on those sleeping meds. I know sleeping on flights sucks, but it does help with jet lag.
• Bring your favourite snacks. Obviously.
• Please either wear socks or keep your shoes on. And *always* put your shoes on when you go to the bathroom. People who go barefoot into airplane bathrooms scare me.
• Don’t wear perfume, and check with your seat mates before opening any snacks that could spark an allergic reaction.
• Keep your deodorant, toothbrush, and mints close at hand, depending on how long the flight is.
• If you hate travel pillows like I do, here’s a weird hack: bring a soft scarf, sweater, or flexible yoga-style hairband and tie it around the headrest to support your forehead. You may look a little ridiculous, but you won’t wake suddenly when your head pitches forward or bounces off the shoulder of the person next to you.

What would you add to the list?