My Top Tips For Travelling Long Haul Flights in Economy
After 15 years as cabin crew, around 4 or 5 times a year I would have to do what’s called “dead head” that means to travel on a flight as a passenger would. Usually to operate an ad hoc or delayed flight or perhaps the first inbound flight of a season or a new flight route.
Oh and of course when making use of freebie staff travel perks of free flights, jetting off in economy was the downside! ( yes third world problems!)
The best tips for travelling long flights in economy, are to break the flight up into a clever plan and look at in a different way! Let me explain.
Think of it as having 10 hours to yourself, no interruptions, emails, phone calls etc!! (unless your airline has good value and strong wifi!)
Pre Flight
The plan Should start the day before! So pre flight drink plenty of water, way more than normal. You don’t want to drink gallons of water on the flight and be back and too to the toilet, especially if you're stuck in a window seat.
Get organised, as well as getting all of your bits and pieces together, luggage, travel documents, download your favourite podcasts, books, some movies, just in case the inflight entertainment doesn’t work (it happened a lot with my old airline!)
Maybe take out a free audible trail, download some audio books, these are great for waiting around in queues and gate areas and the trial is really easy to cancel.
Take a look at this post I wrote about this freebie audible books trial
Nap/sleeping time onboard should depend on the time zone of the destination- you need to start getting aligned with the destinations time zone to maximise your trip and minimise the effects of jet lag! So adjust your watch prior to take off and lets go...
Then break the flight into sections
Meal time
Move around, maybe 15 minute walks (don’t do this during first 3 hours, that’s when meals and drinks services and clearing in is usually happening.)
Reading time
Listen to a Podcast
Listen to Music
Read your favourite Magazine (don't touch it until the flight)
Stretch time, ( Polite ex flight attendant request, Please do not go for a full on yoga session in the aircraft galley)
Catch a Documentary
Snack Time
Holiday Planning, finalise those last minute trip plans
Last hour- freshen up time- Maybe use a face mask? - remember after a second meal service before landing will be rush hour at the toilets (well that what I used to call it as crew)
TOP TIP Feeling a bit bloated on the flight? Have a peppermint tea, take one with you, Or take a walk up to business class when its quiet and ask the crew. Most probably won't mind!
Here are some inflight essentials I would highly recommend For Travelling Long Haul Flights in Economy
Kiehl's Cactus Spray!
My absolute number one recommendation, when I was crew after a few hours onboard I would usually feel groggy, tired, dry and to be honest a little dirty! This spray made me feel super fresh and clean and was perfect for a long haul flight! This cooling mist is like an instant pick-me-up, refreshing and energizing skin with a blend of natural botanicals and essential oils.
A little spritz of this during a flight here and there really refreshed me onboard busy economy long haul flights.
HOW IT WORKS
Cactus flower helps skin retain hydration as it nourishes with amino acids, B vitamins, and essential minerals. A blend of geranium, lavender, and rosemary essential oils provide detoxifying and protective properties as Tibetan ginseng encourages skin to take in more oxygen, waking us up with a refreshingly cool sensation. Bottom line? Naps and espresso shots no longer necessary.
Mini Portable 3.5mm Jack
The number one Gadget I would recommend Travelling Long Haul Flights in Economy
is this bluetooth device to enable you to use your own wireless headphones, so you don't have to use the airlines cheap headphones onboard that they dish out in economy!
This is so simple to set up and works really well, the sound is good but i'm only using cheap headphones, i think this is a realy good device
Travel Blanket and Pillow -2 in 1 Airplane Blanket with Soft Bag
This is really useful for the night flight red eye sector Long Haul Flight in Economy
Post Flight
So how about Post Travelling Long Haul Flights in Economy?
Have an epsom salt bath, this will really hydrate the body as its been at over 30000ft for hours and hours in an environment that’s dryer than the Sahara dessert!
Epsom Salts have amazing therapeutic quality, an Epsom salt bath can help to relieve muscle aches and pains, relieve aching feet, cleanse pores, flush out toxins, detoxify the skin.
Perfect after Travelling Long Haul Flights in Economy!
Of course drink plenty of water in fact overload and have an early night according to your local time zone.
Let me know if you have any tips for travelling long haul flights in economy in the comments below I would love to hear them!
Paul
Travel and flight expert Paul has spent over 15 years giving first class service with a London based airline. This travel and flight expert has been crossing the Atlantic sometimes 10 times a month!
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