How to Survive a Long Airplane Flight

If you're flying more than eight hours to get to your destination, it's difficult to stay content if you first don't plan ways to survive the trip. Here are some suggestions for coping when you have to spend an entire day in flight.

Read Interesting Magazines and Books

When selecting reading material for your flight, be sure to only include those books and magazines that you know will hold your interest. Although many travelers tuck a novel in their carry-on bag, most people find magazines are easier to read on a long flight. Instead of depending on airline publications, visit a major bookstore, such as Barnes and Noble or Borders where you can select specialty magazines that will hold you attention for at least 30 minutes.

Take Walks

About every 2 hours get out of your seat (if permitted) and walk the aisles. Just by getting a little exercise, you may be more able to sleep on the plane when the skies grow dark. Walking is also good as it reduces the odds of getting a backache or sore shoulders due to prolonged sitting. It's also important to walk for circulation, And, of course, try to select an aisle seat as this makes it much easier to leave your seat.

Bring Your Laptop

A long flight is a good opportunity to work on projects with little interruption. However, make sure your laptop batteries are strong weeks before you board, as you may have to send off for new ones. If you don't have a project to work on, use your laptop to just relax, use computer programs, or play games. Also, check and see if your airline offers internet access.

Drink Water

When drinks are offered, choose water, rather than sodas. It's important not to get dehydrated on a flight. Drink about one liter for an average five-hour flight. And if you forget to take a walk, you'll be sure take more strolls down the aisle to the rest room if you down that much water.

Bring Your Own Snacks

Rather than depend on the airlines for snacks, bring your own as you can control the amounts of sugar, salt and far better than if you just ate what you're offered. It's also a good idea to bring your own sack lunch onboard, rather than rushing about picking something up between layovers at airports.

Bring Crafts to Keep You Busy

If you love to knit crochet, or cross-stitch, select simple projects for your flight. Although knitting needles are permitted on planes, choose circular needles, as they're less cumbersome, and less likely to either break or get in another passenger's way. I learned the hard way about bringing long knitting needles as they broke once when I had to cram my bag under my seat. For cross-stitching, select simple projects (such as stitching a bookmark). Fortunately, the ban on embroidery scissors is now lifted so you don't have to substitute scissors with a dental floss cutter. If you want to crochet, work on small items such as socks or individual granny squares (rather than a huge afghan that takes up too much room.) For any questions regarding what you can or can't bring on a plane, check with the TSA list of allowed and prohibited items.

Sleep on the Plane

Try to get as much rest as possible, especially if you're crossing several time zones. Ask a flight attendant for a blanket and pillow, and if light bothers you, bring a mask. Avoid drinking coffee or soda, as the caffeine will keep you awake. You need to be as rested as possible when your plane lands and you find that you've lost hours of sleeping time.

Look for Alternative Flights

If you feel you just can't tolerate more than 8 hours in the air, find another fight. I almost booked an 11-hour flight to Alaska, but then realized that by buying some frequent flier miles, I was able to cut the trip by more almost half, by opting for a nonstop flight from Atlanta to Anchorage. It may have cost me about $100 more, but I considered it a good investment, as I'll be able to enjoy my trip more when I land in Alaska to see my relatives this summer.