22 Tips for a Stress-Free Solo Long Haul Flight

Do you dread the thought of taking a solo long haul flight? Just the thought of a long flight is exhausting, but with the right preparation, it can transform from a stressful necessity into a comfortable part of your travel experience. Follow these tips for a solo long haul flight and be prepared for those never-ending hours in the air. Being stress-free is key to arriving at your destination refreshed and ready.

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In this post, I’ll share my secrets for a stress-free long-haul flight alone—covering everything from packing smart and staying entertained to keeping your mind and body in good shape throughout the journey. Buckle up, and get ready to make solo flying a breeze!

Preparing For A Long Haul Flight

The secret behind having a successful solo long haul flight begins before leaving home. There are things you can do in advance which will help to make a long flight more bearable and less lonely.

Adjust Your Sleep Pattern

Chances are that if you’re taking a long flight, you will be changing time zones. This often results in jet lag, however, adjusting your sleep pattern ahead of time can ease some of this.

A few days before your flight, begin adjusting your sleep patterns to match the time of your destination. This isn’t always easy to do if you’re working, but you can still change certain things you do. Eat your meals at the same time you would in the new time zone. By doing this your tummy will be adjusted once you land. Sleep as much as you can during the time that you would be sleeping at your destination. These are a couple of things you can do to help eliminate jet lag and prepare you for the long flight ahead.

Walk and Stretch the Day Before Departure

During long flights, it’s common for our muscles and joints to stiffen up. To help combat this, it’s wise to take a long walk and get some stretching in the day before you board the flight. Trust me, your muscles will thank you for it.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

Not everyone has the luxury of flying first class or even premium economy, but their are ways to be comfortable on a long flight even if you’re in economy class.

Paying for a seat when taking a long haul flight is more than worth it! Choose it wisely! For those who have no problem sleeping on a plane, you will likely want to choose a window seat. Window seats are by far the most comfortable for sleeping. If you tend to frequently use the restroom or like to wonder around, then please choose an aisle seat. This way you won’t be bothering your sleeping neighbors. Choosing a seat at the exit is ideal for those needing more leg room.

JUST ONE TIP: Not many like to sit at the back of the plane, which will give you more of a chance to have an entire row to yourself.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

It’s extremely important to wear proper clothing when flying long distances. There’s nothing worse than having your jeans jab into your stomach for 8 hours. Layer up with loose clothing so that you are comfortable and can move around easily.

This goes for footwear as well. The last thing you’ll want is to have to put on a pair of high heels when nature calls. Better yet, pack a pair of slippers to slip on while you’re on the plane.

Charge Your Devices

It is true that most airlines have charging ports on the planes, but not all of them do. It’s wise to ensure that all of your electronic devices are charged and ready to go. This is especially true when taking a long haul flight alone, as you’ll rely on your electronics to keep you entertained throughout the flight.

Download Movies and Podcasts

Not all flights have televisions available. If they do, they might not have movies or shows that you’re interested in. Download some of your favourite movies and podcasts before heading to the airport. This will keep you entertained throughout the flight.

JUST ONE TIP: Download some spa music to listen to while you’re falling asleep.

Eat Light On The Day of The Flight

It’s important not to over-indulge on the day of the flight. It’s the worst feeling ever to feel bloated during a long flight. Eat foods that are high in protein and fiber, and low in fat and salt to avoid the blah feeling.

Packing For A Long Haul Flight

When packing for a long haul flight, there are certain essentials you need that will keep you comfortable throughout the flight.

Bring a Scarf or Blanket

We all know that it gets cold on a plane. Not all airlines hand out blankets, so it’s recommended to bring a blanket or shawl to keep you cozy while you sleep.

JUST ONE TIP: Buckle the seatbelt over the blanket so the flight attendant doesn’t wake you to check to see if you’re wearing your seatbelt.

Pack An Eye Mask

It’s tough to fall asleep if the person beside you has the light on. Pack an eye mask which will help to cut down on the glare.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones will cut out the noise so that you’ll fall asleep easier. They also work as a deterrent if you don’t feel like chatting with your neighbor.

Pack a Travel Pillow

A travel pillow will help to give you a much more comfortable sleep. It is also ideal to provide lumbar support, as your back tends to get sore during long flights.

Bring Compression Socks

Blood clots is a serious problem that often arises during long haul flights. It’s important to do everything possible to avoid them. Compression socks should be worn if your flight is more than five hours. For travellers who tend to get swollen feet, compression socks should always be worn.

Bring Snacks

Food is one of the items that has been either cut or reduced by many airlines. And let’s face it….the airlines that still serve food, well…it’s not the greatest.

It’s a good idea to pack your own snacks, so you can eat what you want, when you want. Again, the best snacks are full of protein and fibre, such as:

JUST ONE TIP: Avoid bringing foods that will stink up the cabin (ie. tuna). It’s also important to keep in mind that other travellers on the plane might have nut allergies

Toiletries to Freshen Up

Pack travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and cleansing cream in your carry-on. When arriving to your destination, these small items will help you feel refreshed and ready to go!

Pack a Change of Clothes

There’s nothing that makes you feel more grubby than wearing the same clothes for 24 hours. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on so that when you land, you’re ready to hit the streets running.

Tips For A Successful Long Haul Flight Alone

Following the above tips will have you well on your way to having a more enjoyable long flight, however, you’re not done yet. There are important tips to follow once you have boarded your flight:

Practice Deep Breathing

Many travellers, including frequent flyers, get anxious during take-off or landing. This is the time to practice deep breathing techniques. I find this extremely useful during take-off as I’m terrified at this point in the trip. Close your eyes, breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will help you to relax so that you can enjoy the rest of your flight.

Get Up and Exercise

As mentioned earlier, developing blood clots during a long haul flight is real and potentially dangerous. In order to keep the blood flowing and not pooling at your ankles, it’s recommended to get up and move around every hour.

Stretch

While you’re up, take a couple of minutes to do some light stretching. This will keep your joints and muscles from seizing up during a long flight. If you’re sitting at a window seat, stretching can also be done without leaving your seat.

Make Friends So You’re Not Alone

Making friends with the travellers sitting around you is an easy way to keep solo travellers occupied while on a long haul flight. I admit that I’m a bit of a chatty Cathy, so I always engage with the people in my row. This helps to pass the time. Having said this, not all travellers like to chat, so feel them out before talking their ear off.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is extremely important especially when taking a long haul flight alone. The last thing you want is to become dehydrated when you don’t have a travel partner to help you out. Avoid alcohol and coffee and stick to drinking water.

Take a Sleeping Pill

Melatonin is a great, natural sleep aid. Even if you don’t typically use sleeping pills, taking a melatonin an hour or two before sleep time, will help relax you which makes for a better night sleep.

Quiet Time Before Sleep

Lastly, engage in some quite time for an hour before sleep time. This is the perfect time for deep breathing and listening to spa music that you downloaded before leaving home.

Tips For Solo Long Haul Flight: In Conclusion

In conclusion, taking a long-haul flight as a solo traveller can be a scary thought. However when prepared it provides the opportunity to disconnect, indulge in self-care and engage in some activities that you love.

From selecting the perfect seat and packing thoughtfully, to staying hydrated and stretching to maintain comfort, these solo long haul tips will set the tone for your arrival.

Safe travels! 🙂

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