Tips to Make Long Flights and Layovers More Enjoyable

Dress Comfortably

This is my number one recommendation! While it feels great to look stylish, if you have a long flight ahead, comfort should be your priority. Of course, you can balance both—just maybe ditch the heels and opt for cute sneakers or cozy travel slippers. They’ll make airport security easier and keep your feet comfortable during long flights.

I always choose stretchy, comfortable pants like yoga pants—they’re lightweight, easy to pack, and take up minimal space in my bag. Plus, they stretch with my body, allowing me to sit however I want without feeling restricted, which is especially helpful when dealing with in-flight bloating (which, let’s be honest, happens to most of us).

For the top, I go with a soft, breathable shirt paired with a cozy sweatshirt or sweater. I also bring a beanie because I always get cold on flights, especially long ones. On my last flight, I made the mistake of wearing ankle-length pants and short socks, leaving a portion of my legs exposed—and I was freezing. Learn from my mistake! Longer socks or full-length pants will prevent you from being uncomfortably cold.

Remember, if you’re going to be stuck in a cramped space for 14 hours, comfort is key. But dressing comfortably doesn’t mean you can’t look cute—I like to elevate my outfit with some simple makeup and jewelry to keep that extra boost of confidence.

Don't Spend Your Entire Layover Sitting

If you have a long layover before another long flight, try not to sit the entire time. I know travel days can be exhausting, but layovers are a great opportunity to stretch and move, especially before being stuck in a seat for hours.

Before heading to the airport, I usually do some kind of workout—whether it’s a long walk, a treadmill session, weight lifting, or just some jump rope and crunches. This helps prevent that restless, stiff feeling during the flight.

During layovers, feel free to grab food and relax, but also take some time to move around. Walk laps around the terminal, do some light stretching near your gate, or even bring a small jump rope to get your blood flowing. Trust me, getting your body moving will make a huge difference in how you feel during your next flight.

Bring Snacks

Having snacks you enjoy can make a long flight so much better. While airlines offer meals at scheduled times, the options are usually limited, so stopping by an airport shop before your flight is a great idea.

Personally, I don’t always bring snacks because I tend to feel bloated on long flights and eat less because of it. But for many people, a little treat can help lift their spirits during a tiring journey.

Drink Water!

Staying hydrated is so important when traveling for long hours. Ask for water on the plane, use airport drinking fountains, and consider bringing a reusable water bottle to refill between flights.

When I first started long-distance traveling, I made the mistake of not drinking enough water. By the time I landed, I was exhausted and dealing with massive headaches from dehydration. Your body goes through a lot of stress while traveling—mentally and physically—so fuel it properly.

Bring an Eye Mask and Neck Pillow

This is one tip I always regret skipping!

Long flights mean you’re going to get sleepy, but getting actual rest is tough if lights from the plane or nearby screens keep flashing in your peripherals. An eye mask can block out unwanted light, and pairing it with noise-canceling headphones can help you get some much-needed shut-eye.

On my recent 14-hour flight to Australia, I was exhausted but freezing because I didn’t wear enough warm clothing. The provided blanket wasn’t enough, and I also forgot to bring an eye mask. My solution? I draped the blanket over my head to block out the light and keep warm—but it barely helped, and I looked ridiculous. 😂 Lesson learned: bring an eye mask!

A neck pillow is another essential. Plane headrests often push my head forward in the most uncomfortable way, and I can never seem to adjust them properly. A supportive neck pillow will help you relax and get comfortable, especially if you’re stuck in a middle seat without anything to lean on.

Get Up and Move

You don’t have to stay in your seat the entire flight!

As long as the seatbelt sign is off, get up, stretch your legs, or use the restroom. Don’t let social anxiety stop you from being comfortable—I’ve been guilty of this in the past, sitting through whole flights without moving just because I was too shy to ask my seat neighbor to let me out. Don’t do that to yourself! No one will mind if you get up occasionally.

Self-Care in the Air

A little self-care mid-flight can help you feel refreshed!

Just be mindful of your surroundings—no one wants to watch you brush your hair onto their tray table or clip your nails mid-flight (please, don’t be that person).

Instead, freshen up by brushing your teeth, washing your face, or applying a hydrating sheet mask. The dry cabin air can be rough on your skin, so a little extra care goes a long way.

Speak Up If Something Bothers You

If something is bothering you—like a seat neighbor kicking your chair or a child bouncing up and down in front of you—don’t be afraid to politely speak up. The flight crew is there to help make your experience more comfortable, so use that resource if needed.

Keep Yourself Entertained

If you struggle to sleep on flights (like me), plan ahead for entertainment. Don’t just wing it!

Here are some great options to keep yourself occupied:

✅ Bring a book – But make sure it’s one you actually want to read. A boring book will just make the flight feel longer.

✅ Use your laptop – Write a blog post, journal, play a video game, or watch movies. Fun fact: I’m writing this very post from my window seat on a two-hour flight from Brisbane to Cairns!

✅ Pack a gaming device – A Nintendo Switch is a great option, and if you have extra controllers, you might even make a friend on the flight!

✅ Get creative – Bring a sketchbook, adult coloring book, or even knitting supplies if that’s your thing. I’ve found myself doodling on napkins during flights just to pass the time.

Always bring multiple entertainment options just in case—having a backup plan prevents boredom if one activity doesn’t hold your interest.

Don’t Forget a Portable Charger!

This one is so important.

Keeping your phone charged is crucial, especially if you need it for connecting flights or accessing your digital boarding pass. There’s nothing worse than landing and realizing your phone is dead when you need it the most.

If your phone dies mid-flight and you don’t have wired headphones, you might be stuck listening to engine noise and crying babies for the rest of the trip—not ideal! So bring a portable charger and any necessary charging cables.

Final Thoughts: Take Care of Yourself!

The key to making air travel less stressful? Stay hydrated, move when you can, dress comfortably, and keep your mind occupied.

Long flights don’t have to be miserable—set yourself up for success, and you’ll arrive feeling so much better. ✈️💙