12 Travel Hacks to Help You Survive Your Next Long Flight

We’ve all been there—you’re stuck in the middle of a long-haul flight, realizing you’ve still got six hours to go, the in-flight movies are trash, and no matter how much you twist and turn, sleep just won’t happen. That sinking feeling? Yeah, it’s real.

As much as we all love chasing new adventures and finding cheap airfare deals, those endless flights can feel like torture. The boredom creeps in, your back starts aching, and suddenly the little flight tracker on the seatback screen becomes your new worst enemy.

But here’s the good news: with the right travel hacks and flight comfort tips, you can actually survive (and maybe even enjoy) your next long flight. Instead of counting down the hours in misery, try these simple tricks that’ll make the journey smoother, comfier, and way less stressful.

After spending way too many hours this summer on long-haul flights to Europe (plus a bunch of shorter hops between cities), I’ve picked up a few simple travel hacks that make airports and airplanes so much easier to deal with. Think of them as little game-changers for staying comfy, sane, and even saving a bit of cash while you’re stuck in transit.

To make this list even better, I also chatted with Pamela Garza—an avid globe-trotter and founder of the luxury travel club Tory Ellers. She shared her go-to tips for stress-free flying and smarter ways to navigate airports without feeling like a zombie.

1. Block out your time

Here’s a little long-haul flight hack hardly anyone talks about, but it’s honestly a lifesaver: plan your time in chunks.

Instead of just sitting there hoping the hours magically fly by, I like to map out a loose “flight routine” before I board. Nothing super strict—just a list of things I’d like to do in order, so when boredom hits, I don’t have to think about what’s next.

The trick? Break your flight into mini-blocks:

🍴 Meal times → Let the food service work in your favor—it naturally breaks up the hours.
🎧 Entertainment → Line up movies, podcasts, books, or even some travel-friendly hobbies so you’re never stuck with just the seatback map.

💻 Productivity → Flights are the perfect time to tackle emails, journaling, or even planning your itinerary.
😴 Rest time → On overnight flights, give yourself a proper wind-down moment—eye mask, neck pillow, relaxing music—and actually try to sleep.
🧘 Movement breaks → Even quick stretches in your seat or a short walk to the galley can do wonders for circulation and energy.

When you treat a 10+ hour flight like a mini-day instead of one giant block of boredom, it suddenly feels a lot more manageable—and way more comfortable.

2. Bring a quality sleep mask

A flimsy little sleep mask that squishes your eyelids and still lets light sneak in? Yeah, that’s not gonna cut it when you’re 30,000 feet in the air. If you actually want to block out the chaos of a packed plane—bright cabin lights, people walking around, random TV screens—you need a quality sleep mask. Pair it with some solid earplugs (more on that in a sec), and you’ll feel like you’ve got your own little cocoon in the sky.

Pamela Garza, founder of luxury travel club Tory Ellers, swears by a blackout sleep mask with elevated cushions that gently frame your eyes instead of pressing down on them. Not only is it more comfortable, but it really does shut everything out. As she puts it: “Investing in a really good one will make the flight experience smoother.”

If you’re building your list of long-haul flight essentials, trust me—a proper blackout mask is worth every penny.

3. Invest in (good) earplugs

Airports and airplanes are shockingly loud when you actually pay attention. Engines roaring, people chatting, crying babies, constant announcements—it’s a lot. For years, I somehow survived flights without proper earplugs, and honestly, I don’t know how I did it. The cheap foam ones they hand out on planes? Total joke. They barely block anything and usually start hurting after an hour.

If you really want to make your flight bearable, invest in a quality pair of earplugs designed for long wear. The difference is night and day.

For me, the brand that completely changed the game was Loop Earplugs. They’ve got different options depending on what you need: some block out almost all sound, some lower volume levels without muffling everything, and others filter background noise while still letting you hold a conversation. I usually pair mine with my noise-canceling headphones when I’m desperate for total silence—and let me tell you, it’s the closest thing to peace you’ll find at 30,000 feet.

If you’re building your long-haul flight essentials kit, skip the flimsy freebies and grab a good set of earplugs. It’s a small upgrade that makes a huge difference in how rested (and sane) you feel when you land.

4. Hack your hydration

One of the sneakiest travel struggles? Dehydration on flights. Between the dry cabin air and the fact that you only get water when the drink cart rolls around, it’s way too easy to step off a plane feeling drained and groggy.

My go-to solution: pack a reusable water bottle and a few electrolyte packets. These little powders aren’t just for athletes—they’re perfect for flying because they actually help restore your electrolyte levels, keep you hydrated, and even give plain water a little flavor boost. Suddenly, drinking enough water at 30,000 feet doesn’t feel like such a chore.

Pro tip: fill your water bottle right before boarding (most airports now have filtered refill stations) and don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendants for extra refills mid-flight—they’re used to it. A couple of sips every hour is way better than chugging a tiny cup once in a while.

If you’re building your carry-on essentials for long-haul flights, trust me—hydration packs and a solid travel water bottle are absolute game changers. You’ll feel more refreshed, less sluggish, and way more human when you land.

5. Do a mini skincare routine

Pamela Garza put it best: “As an avid skincare and beauty lover, packing a little pouch with makeup remover, an eye mask, lip balm, face oil, and hand cream is an absolute must.” Honestly, she’s right—having even a mini version of your usual routine makes a long-haul flight feel a little less chaotic and a lot more comforting.

The trick? Go for travel-size beauty essentials and pick products that multitask. Think: a face moisturizer that doubles as hand cream, a lip tint that works as blush, or even cleansing wipes that remove makeup and refresh your skin. That way, you get the glow without stuffing your personal item full of bottles.

And if you’re a contact lens wearer, here’s a pro move: wear your glasses on the plane and keep a fresh pair of lenses (plus solution) in your bag. Pop them in right before landing, and you’ll instantly feel more awake, polished, and ready to explore—no red, tired eyes in your arrival photos.

When you’re curating your carry-on essentials, don’t underestimate the power of a little in-flight skincare kit. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about stepping off that plane feeling refreshed instead of wrecked.

6. Bring a massage ball

Let’s be real—airplane seats aren’t built for comfort. Between the lack of legroom and hours of sitting still, it’s tough to get any kind of movement in, let alone a decent stretch. Sure, a resistance band or travel-sized massager sounds dreamy, but realistically, they’re not exactly carry-on friendly.

So what’s the underrated tool you probably haven’t thought about packing? A mini massage ball.

Pamela Garza swears by it: “That little ball serves as a massager for your back, and the older you get, the more you’ll reach for it.” And she’s right—it’s small, lightweight, and surprisingly effective. You can roll it against your lower back to ease tension, or place it under your feet to stretch your ankles, work out cramps, and boost blood flow in your legs.

If you’re putting together your long-haul flight essentials kit, a mini massage ball deserves a spot. It’s one of those tiny travel hacks that makes a huge difference in how your body feels when you finally step off the plane.

7. Pack a full change of clothes in your carry-on

One of Pamela Garza’s smartest travel tips? Always pack (and wear) layers on the plane—plus bring a full change of clothes in your carry-on. Airplane temps can be all over the place—freezing one hour, stuffy the next—so layering is the only way to stay comfortable.

Garza’s go-to flying uniform is a mix of cozy and practical: “You’ll find me wearing a long sleeve, a sweater, a scarf that works as an extra blanket, and a little jacket that doubles as a pillow.” Genius, right? Not only does this make the flight more comfortable, but you’ve also got backup pieces you can adjust throughout the trip.

And here’s the bonus: in the rare but brutal event that your checked bag goes missing, having a fresh change of clothes in your carry-on is a total lifesaver. You’ll at least have something clean and comfortable to get you through until your luggage shows up.

So if you’re making a list of carry-on travel essentials for long flights, add this one to the top: dress in layers, and always stash an extra outfit. Your future self will thank you.

8. Have a belt bag on hand

One of Garza’s golden rules for long flights: don’t shove everything into the overhead bin and hope for the best. Instead, keep your in-flight essentials somewhere you can grab them without disturbing your seatmates. “I don’t want to bother my seatmates getting in and out to grab the things I need,” she explained. “Preparation is key! And don’t forget about your snacks, too.”

Personally, I like to carry a small sling bag or belt bag in addition to my personal item. It’s perfect for keeping things like lip balm, earbuds, hand sanitizer, or even a snack bar within arm’s reach—especially if you’re stuck at the window seat. No awkward climbing over strangers every time you need something.

Just a heads up: some airlines are strict about only allowing one personal item. In that case, pack the sling or crossbody inside your larger bag, then pull it out once you’re settled in your seat. Easy fix.

The best part? This kind of bag isn’t just useful in the air—it’s also super practical once you land. You can use it as your day bag for travel, keeping your passport, phone, and cash safe without lugging around a bulky backpack or tote every time you step out of the hotel.

If you’re building a list of carry-on packing essentials, a small sling or crossbody definitely deserves a spot. It makes both flying and exploring your destination way more convenient.

9. Focus on movement on and off the plane

One of the simplest but most overlooked long-haul flight health tips? Move. As often as you can. Sitting for hours at 30,000 feet isn’t exactly what our bodies were designed for, so the more you can sneak in a little movement, the better.

Once the seatbelt sign switches off, take advantage of it—walk the aisle a couple of times, stand near the galley for a quick stretch, or roll your shoulders to release tension. Even a few minutes helps.

I also recommend doing a little prep before your trip: look up a handful of seated exercises for flying and screenshot them. That way, you’ve got a mini-reference for moves you can do without leaving your seat—things like ankle circles, calf raises, or gentle neck stretches. They keep your blood flowing and help fight that stiff, “I’ve been folded into a pretzel” feeling.

Garza also suggests sneaking in movement before you even board. If you’ve got time at the airport or during a layover, take a brisk walk around the terminal instead of sitting at the gate the entire time. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how limber and comfortable you’ll feel once you’re stuck in the seat again.

If you’re curating your wellness hacks for long flights, this one’s a non-negotiable: move, stretch, repeat. Your body will thank you when you land.

10. Wear compression socks

I’ll be honest—anything boldly labeled as “travel clothing” usually makes me cringe. Most of it isn’t exactly stylish. But when it comes to surviving a long-haul flight, functionality wins every time. And one “not-so-glam” item you should absolutely pack? Compression socks.

These aren’t just for your grandma—compression socks are designed to gently squeeze your legs, which helps keep blood circulation flowing when you’re stuck sitting for hours. That means less swelling, fewer aches, and a much lower risk of dealing with that heavy, uncomfortable feeling in your legs when you land.

The trick is to slip them on right before boarding. They’re not the coolest thing in your carry-on, but trust me—your body will be thanking you by the time you reach your destination. Pair them with some comfy shoes and layered travel clothes, and you’ve got the ultimate setup for long-haul flight comfort.

11. Download your go-to meditations and calming playlists

I’ll be real with you—sometimes it’s not just the turbulence that gets to me. Even the sheer length of a long-haul flight can be enough to trigger that sweaty, anxious feeling. And yeah, I know air travel is one of the safest ways to get around, but in the moment? Logic doesn’t always win.

What does help: having a stash of guided meditation tracks and calming playlists ready to go. The second I feel my nerves spike, I’ll pop in my earbuds and zone out to something soothing. It makes a huge difference in keeping me grounded (literally and figuratively).

If anxiety isn’t your thing but sleep is? Same strategy works. Download a few chill sleep podcasts or relaxing playlists before your trip—they’re perfect for drowning out cabin noise and making it easier to drift off, even in those not-so-comfy plane seats.

Pro tip: make sure everything is downloaded ahead of time so you’re not stuck relying on in-flight Wi-Fi (because let’s be honest, it rarely works well enough for streaming). Load up enough audio to last the whole flight so you’ve always got something to fall back on if nerves or boredom strike.

When it comes to flight anxiety hacks, this one’s a game-changer—it’s like carrying a personal calm button in your pocket.

12. Pack your own snacks

This is one of those travel hacks your future self will thank you for—big time. Packing your own snacks might take a little extra planning (and yeah, some space in your carry-on), but it’s an absolute game-changer on long flights.

No shade to airplane meals, but let’s be honest: they’re rarely delicious, often super salty, and more likely to leave you feeling bloated than satisfied. Having your own stash of healthy travel snacks means you’re in control of what you eat—and you’ll actually feel better when you land.

I like to bring a balance:
🥒 Healthy bites → think fresh fruit, cut-up veggies, protein bars, or trail mix.
🍫 Fun treats → a little chocolate, cookies, or your go-to comfort snack.

Not only does this keep your energy steady, but it also saves you from being completely dependent on whenever the flight attendants roll through with food service.

Pro tip: just be mindful of customs restrictions. Finish (or toss) anything fresh—like fruit or veggies—before you land, since most countries won’t let you bring those through.

Bottom line? If you’re putting together your list of long-haul flight essentials, snacks are non-negotiable. You’ll land less hangry, less bloated, and way happier.