The pandemic has changed international travel, at least for now. Fewer flights mean more long haul routes. And there’s full planes and flight delays to look forward to. So here’s some down and dirty, ‘no holes barred’ tips on how to survive long flights and post pandemic airline chaos. If you want to know how to make otherwise agonising long haul flights in economy bearable, this 5 minute read is for you. If you hate flying like me, a pandemic doesn’t help. So we also cover how to survive long flights with anxiety. Some tips are funny and unusual. Some more serious. All of of them useful for your next long haul flight, as the world starts travelling again.

How to survive long flights in 2023: TL;DR

The uncommon an the common sense tips for how to survive long flights post pandemic:

1. Put some space between you and your seat buddy. Because, germs.
2. Adjust your clock to your landing zone immediately you get on board.
3. Get some sedatives or sleeping tabs.
4. Pick your preferred seat based on your bladder.
5. Take some of your own food because we haven’t met an airline yet with a decent meal.
6. Pack a travel survival kit. Post Covid flying has been a nightmare.
7. Use a inflatable neck pillow.
8. Pop on your noise-cancelling headphones
9. Wear comfortable clothing
10. Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine.
11. Meet some fellow tormented travellers.
12. Use a sleep mask and earplugs.
13. Use an app for meditation or yoga to relax and de-stress during your flight.
14. Bring your own entertainment.

Let’s look at how the pandemic has changed international travel. And how these tips help you to survive long flights with post pandemic travel.

How the pandemic has changed International travel

Here, we’re all about survival. And surviving long flights post pandemic is no laughing matter. But how has covid made flying bad enough you now need to prep for that long haul flight? Well….

There are fewer international flights available since Covid. Global ‘seat capacity’ (airline seats available to book) were still down 12% at the end of 2022.

With fewer flights, it harder to get to some destinations. You have to take the round about way of travel. The much longer, multi-stop travel route is back baby.

What’s more, international flights are on average now 90% full (as of end 2022), as airlines take their pretty time bringing planes back to our skies.

Forget that just a year ago we were all required to stay 1.5m from every other human on earth by law. We’re now required to sit in a strangers lap to fly high, post pandemic.

And last but not least, don’t expect to arrive on time. If at all. Global flight delays and cancellations have been chronic since 2020.

The upshot is you have to be prepared. For more indirect routes, delays, and crowded planes.

Ahhh, the misery of having to survive a long haul flight.

Well it’s time to suck it up and put some survival skills to the test with these 14 tips.

6 tips to survive a long haul flight in economy that you won’t find elsewhere

Fly business! Just kidding. Who can afford anything but cattle since covid, right? So when business is out of the question, here’s some fun tips on how to on how to survive long flights that you just won’t find elsewhere:

1. Put some space between you and your seat buddy.

Space = comfort on planes. And economy fights lack both. So to survive long flights, find empty planes!

If you’re resigned to a long flight, you may as well look for flights with multiple layovers: These are more likely to have empty seats, as most travellers prefer direct flights.

Also, keep an eye out for flights on off-peak travel days: Flights on weekdays, or during off-peak travel times, have more empty seats than flights on weekends or during peak travel times.

Sometimes, changing your travel dates by a day or two can make a big difference in the number of empty seats on a flight.

More space also equals less chance of catching something viral. Like a stomach bug or covid. If you have a weak immune system and you’re worried about this, don’t forget to pack your mask and hand sanny!

2. Adjust your clock to your landing zone immediately you get on board.

Adjusting your clock to your landing zone as soon as you get on board is a great way to help your body adjust to the new time zone. This will help you avoid jet lag and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the right times.

3. Get some sedatives. Seriously.

The chance of you getting natural sleep on a long flight are near zero.

When it comes to getting some rest on a long haul flight, natural sleep seems impossible. So we always pack some sedatives. Ones the Dr has prescribed of course!

It’s important to note that sedatives should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor and it’s also important to be aware of any potential side effects.

4. Ohhh god we know it’s tempting, but don’t drink too much. Or anything really if you’re planning on taking a sleeping tab.

While it may be tempting to indulge in a few drinks on a long flight, it’s important to remember that alcohol and sedatives don’t mix. In fact, alcohol can actually make it harder to sleep and can lead to dehydration. So, if you’re planning on taking a sedative, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.

Drinking + sedatives is a recipe for disaster. You need to be able to wake up at the end of the flight to GET OFF THE DAMN PLANE!

5. Pick your preferred seat based on your bladder.

When choosing a seat, it’s important to consider your own needs. If you have a weak bladder, an aisle seat is a must. This will make it easier for you to get up and use the restroom as needed. On the other hand, if you’re looking to sleep during the flight, a window seat will provide you with more privacy and the ability to block out light.

6. Pack a travel survival kit.

Travel has changed since the pandemic. There’s fewer flights and different flight routes. The chance of you ending up on a long haul flight to get where you’re going is higher.

So pack a travel kit.

This travel survival kit has everything you need to survive long flights in a post pandemic world.

11 tips to survive a long haul flight (trapped in a metal test tube in the sky)

2. Take some of your own food. Because we haven’t met an airline yet with a decent meal.

It’s always a good idea to bring some of your own food on a long haul flight. Airline food can vary from poor to downright disgusting. It’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting.

By bringing your own food, you’ll have more control over what you’re eating and can ensure that you have something that you’ll enjoy. Pack some healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and granola bars to keep hunger at bay during the flight.

3. Use an inflatable neck pillow.

You know, one of those horse-shoe shaped ones you see hanging off peoples carry-on. There’s a reason everyone has them!

If you don’t want your head rolling around and your mouth flopping open while you sleep, get an inflatable pillow.

If you’ve ever woken up on a flight with drool down your chin and a kink in your neck so bad you think you’ll never straighten it again, you’ll understand why this is one of the first items in our travel kit, to survive long flights.

4. Pop on your noise-cancelling headphones:

Next, let’s talk about noise. Bring earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones, and use them liberally. You never know when the person sitting next to you will start snoring like a chainsaw, or when the kid behind you will start wailing like a siren. These will also come in handy when the person next to you starts talking your ear off about their entire life story.

Seriously, you’ll want to block out any noise from your fellow passengers to get some rest.

5. Wear comfortable clothing:

It’s not that kind of runway we’re talking about here. Flying ain’t no fashion show. Instead of getting dressed up to the nines, wear comfortable clothing. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person struggling to sleep in a short skirt of hella skinny jeans. Leave the fashion statements for when you land.

Avoiding tight clothing and shoes will help your chance of getting sleep to better survive a long haul flight.

6. Stay hydrated.

With water. You know, H2O. Not by quaffing champagne or craft beer.

It’s boring and so last decade, but staying hydrated is crucial to survive a long haul flight.

I know it means you have to pee more, but this actually helps with tips 7 and 10! It’s a win, win!

7. Meet some fellow tormented travellers.

Sitting in one spot for hours on end is bad for your circulation, so make sure you get up and walk around every hour or so.

Sitting endlessly like sardines in a can is bad for your circulation, and your butt will thank you for it. So, make sure you get up and walk around every hour or so.

Not only will it help your body, but it will also give you an excuse to stretch your legs, and go to the toilet. Which you’ll need to do after tip 6!

8. Pack a sleep mask and ear plugs.

A sleep mask can help block out any light, making it easier for you to get some rest.

But, what if you can’t sleep? Well, there’s a few ways to combat that. For starters, pack a sleep mask, it can help block out any light, making it easier for you to get some rest. If you’re really struggling, you can also use an app for meditation or yoga to help you relax and de-stress during your flight.

9. Use an app for meditation or hypnosis.

These apps can help you relax and de-stress during your flight. They have breathing exercises and the deep hypnosis tracks can lull you off to sleep in the most anxiety inducing circumstances.

I use Aura, but there are plenty of other cool apps to help you stay sane on your next long haul flight, both paid and unpaid.

10. Book the right seat for your bladder.

If you pee a lot (for all the women out there I’m speaking to you) when booking your seat, make sure to book an aisle seat. This will give you more room to move around and stretch your legs during the flight. It also makes it easier for you to get up and walk around, or even escape to the bathroom when nature calls.

11. Don’t forget to entertain yourself.

Now, let’s talk about entertainment. Long haul flights can be incredibly boring, but you can always bring your own entertainment. Pack a book, a magazine, portable gaming console or iPad. Just don’t forget to pre-load it with your favourite games, movies and TV shows!

If all else fails, you can use the in-flight entertainment system that most airlines offer these days, with an array of movies, TV shows, and games to keep you entertained for a few hours.

How to survive long flights with anxiety

Like many Aussies, I’m well travelled. I’ve lived overseas for 8 years, on and off. But in all of my travels, at some point something switched in my brain. And overnight, I developed a horrible fear of flying.

This doesn’t stop me getting on planes however.

It’s a big wide world out there and I’ll be damned if I’m not going to keep exploring it. It just means I have to prepare for flights differently. And I have an even more shit time onboard than the rest of y’all.

So here’s what I do to survive long flights since becoming irrationally scared of flying:

1. Prepare mentally: I know a fear of flying is not rational. I live there. But i still find it comforting before a flight, try to remind myself about the safety and mechanics of flying. And the real statistics about the risks of, well… dying from flying! This can help reduce fear by giving you a better understanding of what is happening during the flight.
2. Distract yourself: Pack some entertainment in your travel survival kit. Books, travel games, or an iPad can help distract you from what’s happening around you. Focusing on something other than your fear can help take your mind off your anxiety.
3. Practice relaxation techniques: Try breathing exercises, meditation, or hypnosis on board, to help calm your nerves. I listen to some mindfulness and meditation apps. Especially during takeoff and landing, when your fear may be at its highest. I use Aura. I don’t know where I’d be without it.
4. Talk to your doctor: If your fear of flying is severe, you may want to talk to your doctor about prescribing anti-anxiety medication to help survive a long haul flight. I find the best way to pass the time on a plane is to sleep through it. So I alway carry some tabs and pop one as I board the plane.
5. Get a window seat: Having a window seat can make you feel more secure and provide a sense of stability. You can look out the window and observe what is happening outside the plane.
6. Tell the flight attendants: Don’t hesitate to talk to the flight attendants, they are there to help you, and they can provide you with additional support and assistance during the flight.
7. Fly with a friend or family member: their support can help get you through an anxiety attack on board, if you’re unfortunate enough to meet with one.

Fear of flying is a common problem. It’s irrational and when it gets severe (like in turbulence) it feels like you might die right their in your seat. But with the right tools and techniques, you can manage your fear, safely survive a long haul flight and keep racking up those travel miles.

Because the world is too amazing (and free flight miles rock)!

Conclusion

As an Aussie, I’ve learned how to survive long flights from hell, and with a horrid fear of flying. It’s all about the right prep, habits on board, and mindset. You really can turn a dreaded flight into a passable experience. Just don’t forget to pack the sedatives! In a post pandemic world with longer flights, more delays and cramped planes, you’ll need more than that. Pack a travel kit. With your inflatable neck pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, masks galore and hand sanny. So hopefully you’re now full bottle on how to survive long flights. Because in a post pandemic world we’re going to have to live through a few of them.