Thanks to the miracle of human flight, we can now fly from Texas to Japan in just under 14 hours. This means you’ll spend nearly an entire day off the ground, cruising through the clouds, only to land with terrible jet lag. Note that surviving a long flight is not easy. If you think you’ll sleep through the whole flight, think again. Long-haul flights require a lot more preparation than short flights, especially if you’re going overseas. Preparation is the key to enjoying a comfortable flying experience and ensuring that you arrive at your destination with everything you need.

Below are a few ways you can prepare to occupy yourself and endure the long flight.

Preparation before flying

Either you plan to move to another country or you’re just visiting, you must think about what you will do and where you will stay once you arrive. Let’s say you’re visiting for the first time or moving with your family to Texas. Looking for accommodation should be among the first things on your list. Whether you’re looking for studio apartments for rent in Austin or cheap houses in Dallas, make sure you choose the right one for you and your family.

Additionally, buying tickets as early as possible will not only give you peace of mind but also increases the likelihood that enough seats remain open for you to pick where you want to sit. Make sure you choose a good seat to enjoy your long-haul flight comfortably. With some airlines, you might have to wait until one or two days before departure to reserve a preferred seat. However, the best advice is to get online as soon as check-in opens so you can handpick the exact seat you want.

Bring your own snacks

One of the few good things about long-haul flights is how well you’re fed. You’ll probably have two full meals and a mid-flight snack to satisfy your cravings. However, you must also think about the time when the lights are out and there are no flight attendants at reach. Make sure to take healthy meal replacement shakes so you’ll have a complete, nutritious meal even when traveling for many hours. These are also perfect for when you land at your destination, and hunger strikes in.

Bringing healthy snacks is necessary to break up the monotony of the flight, and help stave off any unexpected hunger in between airline meals. If you’re the type that craves snacks, bring your own munchies and a bottle of water. Protein bars, nuts, or beef jerky are easy to carry and will satisfy your cravings. Note that your flight hydration should begin at home. Once you’re on the plane, make sure to drink at least 2-3 liters, as you’re more likely to be dehydrated and suffer from low energy, headaches, lethargy, and dizziness.

Prepare for comfort

Firstly, you need to find comfortable clothes to wear on long flights. Sitting still and being blasted by a powerful aircon system can get a little chilly, so wearing layers is ideal to adjust your temperature as you fly. Additionally, don’t forget to take a blanket and pillow so your flight is much more comfortable. Things like sanitary wipes, an eye mask, and earplugs are essential if you want to get some rest while in the air.

Take a travel toothpaste and toothbrush, if you’re that kind of person that needs to brush their teeth after every meal. Although it won’t be easy brushing your teeth in a tiny airplane bathroom, it’s still better than having a mossy mouth. Remember, the TSA association limits liquids, aerosols, and gels to 3.4oz (100.55ml) per container. If you don’t want to bother measuring, take chewing gum instead as it will refresh your breath. In addition, chewing gum when the plane takes off and lands will help your ears pop due to rapid change in pressure.

Prepare entertainment

Since you won’t be sleeping all the time while on the flight, you should prepare a few things to keep you entertained and busy before you land. Decide what in-flight electronic entertainment you’ll use, just be aware that there are weight restrictions. For example, an eReader or a tablet are some of the handy items that are convenient to take with you. A tablet or iPad is perfect if you have kids. Although it can be unaffordable for some, Shop Abunda offers iPad finance for you to be able to choose the best model that fits you or your kids.

If you don’t like using electronics while traveling, you can always bring some reading material. Newspapers, magazines, or novels are some of the few things that will keep you entertained and contribute to an enjoyable flight. If you’re traveling with a companion, you can take a few games like puzzles, board games, and such. In case you decide to bring your electronics, don’t forget to charge all of them before your flight.

Final thoughts

Since long-haul flights can also affect your health, make sure you take the necessary precautions. There’s a small risk of developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis) on flights longer than four hours, so staying active will help prevent this from happening. Hydrate, avoid alcohol, walk around the plane if possible, or wear compression stockings to keep your legs from swelling. Take appropriate medication if necessary, and enjoy your flight to your new destination. Follow the steps to support your health when traveling to make you feel less bloated, fresher, and have more energy once you land.