Flying is exciting⊠until it isnât. 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 doesnât 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 youâre headed on a quick city break or a longâhaul adventure, here are 11 ways to make your flight more comfortable and bearable.
Pack a Good Book for Escape
Thereâs nothing like losing yourself in a good story while the hours slip by unnoticed. Long flights are perfect for catching up on that novel youâve been meaning to read, diving into a thrilling mystery, or indulging in a feelâgood romance.
Keep your book or eâreader in your carryâon luggage, just in case your checked bag goes missing. A great story is a quiet, portable distraction that makes the flight feel shorterâand 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 isnât 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 donât forget noiseâcancelling headphones or earbudsâno one wants to hear your playlist, and youâll appreciate the peace when the cabin gets noisy.
3. Move Around (Your Body Will Thank You)
Itâs tempting to stay curled in your seat for the entire flight, especially if you finally get comfortableâbut 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 bubbleâsometimes 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 theyâve got headphones in or a book up, itâs 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 smootherâand 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 inflatableâcompact yet supportive. Even if the airline provides a blanket, having your own ensures cleanliness and comfort, especially on redâeye or overnight flights.
8. Make Use of InâFlight Entertainment
Most airlines now have seatâback screens or streaming apps with movies, music, and games. Itâs the perfect chance to catch up on films you missed in cinemas or enjoy a guiltyâpleasure româcom midâair.
Pro tip: Bring your own wired headphones or adapter, as not every airline provides decent earbuds. Inâflight entertainment can make hours melt awayâideal for overnight or international journeys.
9. Turn Flight Time Into Productive Time
If youâve got work to do or emails to clear, a flight can be prime focus time. Many planes now offer WiâFi, but even without it, you can draft documents, plan projects, or sort photos offline. Just be mindful of your neighboursâdim your screen if others are sleeping, and avoid sprawling papers into their space.

10. Dream About (or Plan) Your Next Vacation
Thereâs something soothing about planning your next adventure midâair. Whether youâre scrolling Pinterest for beach resorts, making a toâdo list for your current destination, or mapping out your next big trip, this downtime is perfect for dreaming and planning.
Youâll 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 shorterâand youâll arrive refreshed instead of exhausted.
Final Thoughts
Flying doesnât 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 relaxâthe 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 â Save time, money, and energy on every trip
- The Best Carry-On Essentials for Long Flights â What to pack to stay comfortable in the sky
- How to Beat Jet Lag Fast â Arrive refreshed and ready to explore