14 Mistakes Americans Keep Making on Long-Haul Flights—and How to Avoid Them
Long-haul flights can be exhausting, but a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smoother journey. Many travelers make simple mistakes that can turn a lengthy flight into a nightmare of discomfort and frustration.
From poor packing choices to ignoring health tips, these common missteps are easy to fix with the right strategies. Here’s how to sidestep these errors and make your next long-haul flight as stress-free as possible.
Skipping Hydration
Airplane cabins have incredibly low humidity levels, which can dehydrate you quickly. Many passengers forget to drink enough water during the flight, opting instead for coffee, tea, or alcohol.
This only worsens dehydration. To avoid this, bring a refillable water bottle and sip consistently throughout the flight. Your body will thank you, especially after landing.
Overpacking Carry-On Bags
Cramming your carry-on with unnecessary items can backfire. Heavy bags are hard to lift into overhead bins, and digging through them mid-flight can be frustrating.
Stick to essentials like travel documents, electronics, a good book, and a change of clothes. A lighter, well-organized bag makes your trip more comfortable and less stressful.
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Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes
Tight jeans or stiff shoes might look great, but they’ll feel unbearable after hours in a cramped seat. Many travelers underestimate the importance of dressing for comfort.
Choose loose, breathable layers that allow you to move freely and keep you cozy in the varying temperatures of an airplane cabin.
Ignoring Seat Selection
Not choosing a seat in advance can leave you stuck in an undesirable spot—think middle seats or near the bathrooms. Pay a little extra if needed to select a seat that suits your preferences.
A window seat for sleeping or an aisle seat for easy access can make a world of difference.
Neglecting to Stretch
Sitting still for hours increases the risk of blood clots and leaves you feeling stiff. Too many passengers remain glued to their seats, missing the chance to stretch.
Stand up, walk around the cabin, or do in-seat exercises every couple of hours. Even small movements help improve circulation.
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Eating Heavy Meals Before the Flight
A big, greasy meal before takeoff might seem tempting, but it can lead to discomfort or bloating during the flight. Instead, opt for light, nutritious snacks that are easy to digest.
Your stomach will feel much better in the air, especially during long-haul journeys.
Not Bringing Noise-Canceling Headphones
Planes are noisy, and relying on standard earbuds or airline-provided headphones isn’t always ideal. Forgetting to pack noise-canceling headphones can mean struggling to enjoy your music or movies.
Invest in a quality pair to block out background noise and enjoy a more peaceful flight.
Forgetting to Set Your Watch to Destination Time
Many travelers keep their watch or phone on their home time zone, which can make adjusting to the destination harder. Reset your devices to the destination’s time zone as soon as you board.
This simple trick helps you mentally prepare and start syncing your body clock early.
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Skipping Sleep Preparation
Sleeping on a plane isn’t always easy, and failing to bring the right tools makes it even harder. Neck pillows, eye masks, and earplugs are essential for catching some rest.
Skip them, and you could arrive at your destination feeling groggy and irritable.
Not Packing Entertainment
Even with in-flight movies and Wi-Fi, boredom can creep in. Passengers often forget to bring backup entertainment like downloaded shows, books, or podcasts.
Long flights are the perfect time to catch up on reading or finally watch that movie you’ve been postponing.
Wearing Contact Lenses the Whole Flight
Contact lenses can dry out your eyes quickly in the low-humidity airplane cabin. Many travelers leave them in for the entire flight, causing discomfort.
Bring a pair of glasses and switch to them for the duration of the journey. Your eyes will feel much more comfortable.
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Ignoring Skincare
Dry skin is a common complaint on long flights. Many passengers forget to pack moisturizer or lip balm, leaving their skin parched.
A small travel-size lotion and hydrating mist can keep your skin feeling fresh, even on the longest journeys.
Forgetting to Bring Snacks
Relying solely on airline food can be a mistake, especially if you don’t like the meal options or have dietary restrictions. Pack healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or protein bars to keep hunger at bay.
You’ll appreciate having something familiar and convenient to munch on.
Neglecting to Research Layovers
If your long-haul journey includes a layover, failing to plan for it can lead to unnecessary stress. Know your connecting gate in advance, research the airport amenities, and have a plan for stretching or grabbing a meal.
A little preparation ensures you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed during the transition.
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