Long haul flights have a reputation for being the least glamorous part of any trip, hours stuck in one seat, dry cabin air, and that slow creep of boredom somewhere around hour six. But knowing what to do on a long haul flight (and how to prepare for one) makes a huge difference to how you feel when you land.
Whether you’re flying to Australia, the Caribbean, or anywhere that keeps you airborne for 10+ hours, a bit of planning turns a gruelling flight into a genuinely enjoyable start to your holiday. Here’s everything you need, from long haul flight essentials to pack, to what to wear, to the best ways to fill the hours.
What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight
Comfort should always come before style here. Choose soft, stretchy clothing, leggings, joggers, or loose trousers, and avoid tight waistbands or jeans, which get uncomfortable after a few hours.
Layer up. Cabin temperature swings from stuffy to freezing without warning, so a t-shirt, jumper, and light jacket give you options. Pack:
- Compression socks – these genuinely help circulation and reduce ankle swelling on long flights
- A pair of slip-on shoes or slippers you can easily remove
- A light scarf or pashmina, which doubles as an extra blanket
- Layers you can add or remove rather than one heavy outfit
If you’re flying premium or business, the same rules still apply, even lie-flat seats benefit from comfortable, breathable fabrics.
Long Haul Flight Essentials to Pack
A well-packed carry-on is the difference between arriving refreshed and arriving wrecked. Keep these long haul flight essentials within easy reach:
- Reusable water bottle – cabin air is extremely dry, and dehydration worsens jet lag
- Eye mask and earplugs – noise-cancelling headphones work too, though some find them uncomfortable for sleeping
- Neck pillow – a proper supportive one makes a real difference over 10+ hours
- Lip balm and moisturiser – skin dries out fast at altitude
- Toothbrush and toothpaste – for a mid-flight or pre-landing freshen-up
- Hand sanitiser and wipes
- A spare pair of socks and underwear – a small comfort that makes a surprising difference on overnight flights
- Portable charger – cabin USB ports don’t always work
Download everything you might want to watch, read, or listen to before you fly. Wi-Fi is inconsistent at best, and having shows, podcasts, audiobooks, and games ready to go offline saves a lot of frustration.
How to Choose the Best Seat on a Long Haul Flight
Where you sit matters more than most people realise. A window seat is best if you plan to sleep, since you won’t be disturbed by anyone climbing past you. Prefer the aisle if you want easy access to the loo or like to stretch your legs regularly.
Exit row seats offer extra legroom but often sell out fast and can sit near toilets or bassinets. It’s worth checking your specific seat layout on a site like SeatGuru before you fly.
What to Do on a Long Flight: Entertainment Ideas
This is the big question everyone asks, how do you actually fill 10, 15, or even 17 hours? Here are the best ways to make the time pass.
Watch and listen
- Work through the inflight entertainment system – most long haul carriers offer a solid range of recent films and full box sets
- Download podcasts and audiobooks in advance, especially useful once your eyes get tired of reading
- Load a playlist for takeoff, landing, and downtime in between
Read and create
- Bring a book, e-reader, or a few magazines – good for the first few hours before you’re ready to rest
- Try journalling, sketching, or writing letters – genuinely satisfying ways to pass time without a screen
- A puzzle book (crosswords, sudoku, word searches) keeps your brain engaged in short bursts
Get productive
- Long, distraction-free hours are ideal for catching up on work, writing, or planning
- Sort through photos on your phone, or edit holiday footage from earlier in the trip
- Look up a few local phrases for your destination, apps like Duolingo make this easy
Socialise and unwind
- Chat to your seat neighbour – you’ll be surprised who you end up sitting next to
- Play cards, travel-sized board games, or simple games like hangman if you’re travelling with others
- Try a short meditation or breathing exercise if you’re a nervous flyer
Staying Comfortable: Health & Movement
Sitting still for hours isn’t just boring, it’s not great for your circulation either. Get up and walk the aisle every couple of hours, and do simple stretches or ankle rotations in your seat in between.
Drink water regularly and go easy on alcohol and caffeine, both of which dehydrate you further and disrupt sleep. If you’re prone to swelling or discomfort, compression socks are worth packing.
Beating Jet Lag Before You Land
Start adjusting your body clock a day or two before departure if you can. Once in the air, try to sleep or stay awake according to what time it is at your destination, rather than where you’ve come from.
About an hour before landing, freshen up, brush your teeth, wash your face, change your top if it’s been an overnight flight. It makes arriving at immigration feel far more manageable.
Before you fly, it’s also worth checking the latest UK foreign travel advice for your destination, it covers entry requirements, health recommendations, and any local safety updates that could affect your trip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking your seat area – keep essentials in an easily accessible bag rather than digging through your case mid-flight
- Skipping water in favour of alcohol – it feels indulgent in the moment but makes jet lag worse
- Wearing new shoes or tight clothing – your feet and ankles swell in the air
- Not downloading entertainment in advance – don’t rely on the Wi-Fi
- Ignoring movement entirely – even short walks reduce stiffness and circulation issues
The Takeaway
A long haul flight doesn’t have to be something you just endure. With the right long haul flight essentials packed, comfortable layers on your body, and a mix of entertainment and movement planned in, those long hours in the air become part of the adventure rather than a hurdle before it.
At Vibes Group UK, we believe the travel experience starts long before you arrive at your destination. From choosing the right flights to planning unforgettable holidays, the journey should feel just as exciting as the adventure waiting at the other end. Prepare well, and you’ll land ready to explore, relax, and enjoy every moment from the second you step off the plane.
FAQs about What to do on a long-haul flight
How do I survive a long-haul flight in economy?
Focus on comfort basics: loose clothing, compression socks, a proper neck pillow, and regular hydration. Get up and move every couple of hours, and pace your entertainment so you’re not bored in the first two hours and out of ideas by hour ten.
What should I pack in my carry-on for a long flight?
A reusable water bottle, eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, a portable charger, and a change of socks and underwear are the essentials most seasoned long-haul flyers swear by.
Is it better to sleep or stay awake on a long haul flight?
It depends on your destination’s time zone. Try to sleep when it would be night-time where you’re headed and stay awake (using entertainment to help) when it would be daytime there, this reduces jet lag on arrival.
What’s the best seat for sleeping on a long flight?
A window seat is generally best for sleep, since you have something to lean on and won’t be disturbed by fellow passengers needing to get past you.
What is the best way to sleep on a long-haul flight?
Try to sleep based on your destination’s time zone, use an eye mask and neck pillow, and avoid screens before resting to help your body relax.
