{"id":882154,"date":"2025-05-13T14:10:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T13:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=882154"},"modified":"2025-09-30T10:51:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T09:51:34","slug":"tips-for-long-haul-flights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/tips-for-long-haul-flights\/","title":{"rendered":"19 tips for long haul flights, by Travel Expert Tod Covich"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With nearly 1,400 flights under his belt, Travel Director Tod Covich is no stranger to life at 35,000 feet. Before joining Trafalgar in 2019, he spent 25 years in the aviation industry, including a stint as cabin crew that took him around the world. Our Croatia<\/a>-based Travel Director has even taken the longest flight in the world \u2013 18 hours from Singapore to New York. Plus Tod travels to Australia during European winters to visit family and celebrate Christmas. He\u2019s learnt every trick in the book and has plenty of tips for long haul flights with your mind (and body) intact! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From seat selection advice to keeping boredom at bay, Tod shares his best tips for long haul flights to help your air travel feel manageable \u2013 and maybe even enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read next: 17 airport tips and tricks every traveler should know<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is considered a long haul flight?\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Long haul journeys are generally considered as flights that take more than 6 or 7 hours, while short haul flights are less than 3 hours and medium haul flights are between 3-6 hours. Long haul flights are a lot of time spent on one plane \u2013\u00a0so take note of Tod’s tips to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Before the flight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Trafalgar Travel Director Tod used to work as an airline cabin crew member, and worked in aviation for 25 years.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Choose your seat wisely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of my top tips for long haul flights is about seat selection. I like to sit towards the back where there could be a chance of spare seat or the last row where no one will be pulling on your seat from behind.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When travelling alone, I go for the aisle in the centre 3 or 4 (depending on the aircraft) as it’s likely the people next to you are together and will access the other aisle. If you choose an aisle on the window side you will always have someone who needs to access to the aisle which isn’t a good idea if your plan is to sleep. A window seat can be good if you want to rest your head, while an aisle seat is better if you want to be able to get up easier \u2013 unless you know the people next to you, an aisle seat can be awkward!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, I’m very much studying where I could get a spare seat, or if I can afford to go in premium or business. Check out the cost for an exit row \u2013 it might be worth the investment. Many airlines have premium economy now with extra legroom, which is another option to make the journey more comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to wear on a long haul flight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I’m still someone who likes to dress up and look decent at the airport, but you have to be comfortable on the flight. So definitely, no jeans, no belts, no high heels, no tight shoes. I always pack a hoodie with a zip and loose trackie pants to change in to for during the flight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if it’s hot at my origin or destination, people forget that aircrafts are usually cold \u2013 especially since you’re mostly sitting. A hoodie is comfortable, keeps the back of your neck warm and it’s cold you can put the hood on. If people don’t like wearing hoodies, a light scarf like a pashmina is good. It gives you a barrier from the air conditioning and you can cover your head to sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layering is the key. I always wear long-sleeved T-shirts as I don’t like my elbows touching the person next to me. And pack a little pair of slippers \u2013 those free ones you get from hotels. You don’t want to go the toilet in your socks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to pack for a long haul flight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Carrying too much hand luggage or dressing in clothes that are not comfortable is one of my underrated tips for long haul flights, and something people often get wrong. Make sure you have the essentials \u2013 I have a little pack I keep in my seat pocket with my airpods, cord to keep my phone charged, ear plugs and eye mask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I always suggest packing one set of clothes for your first day, just in case your bags are delayed. You just need the basics \u2013 underwear, t-shirt, and you can re-wear jeans etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Long-haul flight essentials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n