Your Ultimate Newsletter for Conquering Long Haul Flights

Pilot-Tested at 35,000 Feet. Passenger-Proven. Your Real Long-Haul Survival Playbook Tested

Welcome Aboard, Fellow Travelers!

Whether you're embarking on a 14-hour journey to Tokyo or settling in for the ultra long-haul marathon to Sydney (some flights now stretch beyond 18 hours!), these aerial endurance tests don't have to break you. With airlines like Qantas planning 20-hour direct routes from Sydney to London and New York in 2027, mastering long-haul survival has never been more crucial.

This week, I am sharing battle-tested strategies from frequent flyers, flight attendants, pilots and travel experts to help you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready for adventure.

As one seasoned traveler puts it: "Instead of approaching it as a long stretch of time in a confined space without escape, think about how it's a long stretch of uninterrupted time with no responsibilities and where you can't be contacted. It's so rare you get that."

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The Pre-Flight Power Hour

Strategic Seat Selection Choose your battlefield wisely. Aisle seats offer freedom of movement, while window seats provide a wall to lean against for sleeping. Exit row seats provide extra legroom but often don't recline and can be colder. Avoid seats near galleys and bathrooms unless you enjoy constant foot traffic, and steer clear of the last row which typically doesn't recline.

Pro tip: Use SeatGuru to identify the best seats on your specific aircraft, and consider paying for seat upgrades - the comfort difference over 15+ hours is worth every penny.

Pack Your Survival Kit Your carry-on should include noise-canceling headphones, a quality eye mask (preferably one marked "Do Not Disturb" to signal crew during meal service), compression socks, lip balm, moisturizer, lubricating eye drops, small nasal spray, and a refillable water bottle. Don't forget entertainment downloads since WiFi can be spotty or expensive at 35,000 feet. Pack a change of clothes and toothbrush in your carry-on - you'll feel infinitely fresher during the journey.

Advanced packers also bring: a small blanket or large scarf (airline blankets can be thin), slippers or thick socks for comfort, hand sanitizer, basic medications, and a portable phone charger with extra-long cable to reach distant outlets.

Dress for Success Layers are your friend, and hoodies are particularly genius. As one frequent international traveler notes: "A hoodie is cozy, warm, covers the ears (less noise) and eyes (less light for sleep), and creates a private cocoon environment." Choose breathable fabrics and slip-on shoes for easy security checks and circulation breaks. Compression socks are non-negotiable for preventing swollen feet during hours of inactivity.