Flying is exciting… until it isn’t. Between tiny seats, turbulence, crying babies, and talkative seatmates, even the most enthusiastic traveller can start to feel trapped at 30,000 feet. But a long flight doesn’t have to be a miserable endurance test.
With a little planning, the right gear, and a few clever strategies, you can turn your next flight from stressful to surprisingly enjoyable. Whether you’re headed on a quick city break or a long‑haul adventure, here are 11 ways to make your flight more comfortable and bearable.
Pack a Good Book for Escape
There’s nothing like losing yourself in a good story while the hours slip by unnoticed. Long flights are perfect for catching up on that novel you’ve been meaning to read, diving into a thrilling mystery, or indulging in a feel‑good romance.
Keep your book or e‑reader in your carry‑on luggage, just in case your checked bag goes missing. A great story is a quiet, portable distraction that makes the flight feel shorter—and your seatmates will appreciate the peaceful entertainment or check out online bookshops or Amazon’s Kindle store.
2. Load Up on Portable Entertainment
If reading isn’t your thing, digital entertainment is your best friend. Load your tablet, phone, or laptop with movies, podcasts, playlists, and games before you leave.
Many travellers swear by Spotify playlists, offline Netflix downloads, or Nintendo Switch games to make hours disappear. Just don’t forget noise‑cancelling headphones or earbuds—no one wants to hear your playlist, and you’ll appreciate the peace when the cabin gets noisy.
3. Move Around (Your Body Will Thank You)
It’s tempting to stay curled in your seat for the entire flight, especially if you finally get comfortable—but long periods of sitting can cause stiffness, swelling, and even health risks.
Every hour or two, stand up, stretch, or take a short walk to the lavatory and back. Even small movements, like ankle circles or seated stretches, can improve blood flow and keep your body from feeling like a brick by the time you land.
4. Enjoy a Friendly Chat (If the Vibe Feels Right)
Airplanes are a weird social bubble—sometimes you sit next to a quiet reader, and other times you might meet someone with the most interesting travel story.
If your seatmate seems friendly and open, spark a conversation. You could make a new friend, learn local tips, or just pass the time pleasantly. Of course, read the room: if they’ve got headphones in or a book up, it’s polite to let them be.
5. Try Meditation or Deep Breathing
Travel anxiety, turbulence, or just the stress of air travel can weigh you down. A few minutes of mindfulness or deep breathing can make a world of difference.
Close your eyes, inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale through your mouth. Apps like Calm or Headspace even have guided meditations designed for flights. By calming your mind, the journey feels smoother—and time moves faster.
6. Pack Your Own Snacks and Stay Hydrated
Airline snacks are… fine. But on long flights, your stomach will thank you for packing your own. Bring granola bars, trail mix, fruit, or crackers, and drink water frequently. Flights can be dehydrating, so fill a reusable water bottle after security or grab one at the gate. Staying hydrated keeps your energy up and helps combat jet lag.
7. Bring a Travel Pillow and Lightweight Blanket
Comfort is everything on a long flight. A neck pillow and soft blanket or wrap can turn a cramped seat into a cosy little cocoon.
Many airports sell travel pillows, but the best ones are memory foam or inflatable—compact yet supportive. Even if the airline provides a blanket, having your own ensures cleanliness and comfort, especially on red‑eye or overnight flights.
8. Make Use of In‑Flight Entertainment
Most airlines now have seat‑back screens or streaming apps with movies, music, and games. It’s the perfect chance to catch up on films you missed in cinemas or enjoy a guilty‑pleasure rom‑com mid‑air.
Pro tip: Bring your own wired headphones or adapter, as not every airline provides decent earbuds. In‑flight entertainment can make hours melt away—ideal for overnight or international journeys.
9. Turn Flight Time Into Productive Time
If you’ve got work to do or emails to clear, a flight can be prime focus time. Many planes now offer Wi‑Fi, but even without it, you can draft documents, plan projects, or sort photos offline. Just be mindful of your neighbours—dim your screen if others are sleeping, and avoid sprawling papers into their space.
10. Dream About (or Plan) Your Next Vacation
There’s something soothing about planning your next adventure mid‑air. Whether you’re scrolling Pinterest for beach resorts, making a to‑do list for your current destination, or mapping out your next big trip, this downtime is perfect for dreaming and planning.
You’ll land excited and inspired, already thinking about your next stamp in the passport.
11. Sleep Through the Flight
Sometimes the best way to make a flight bearable is to simply sleep through it. Bring a neck pillow, sleep mask, and maybe a light scarf or hoodie to block out noise and light. If you can nap for even a couple of hours, the flight will feel much shorter—and you’ll arrive refreshed instead of exhausted.
Final Thoughts
Flying doesn’t have to feel like a test of patience. With a little preparation, smart packing, and the right mindset, your next flight can be comfortable, productive, and maybe even enjoyable.
Pack your entertainment, stay hydrated, and give yourself permission to relax—the journey is part of the adventure.
Next time you board, use a few of these 11 tips, and you might just find that time in the sky flies by faster than you expect.
Related articles you might like
- Top Travel Hacks for Stress-Free Flying – Save time, money, and energy on every trip
- The Best Carry-On Essentials for Long Flights – What to pack to stay comfortable in the sky
- How to Beat Jet Lag Fast – Arrive refreshed and ready to explore
