15 Tips – How I Make Long Haul Flights Comfortable

How do you cope with the flights?

That’s the question I get asked most often when I share that we are heading back to France. (Read how we deal with the other question we are regularly asked).

Now, the question about coping with long haul flights is perfectly fair given we live in Melbourne. If we stop just once, in Dubai for example, and the connections are relatively short, the whole trip to France takes around 24 hours. Add in a longer stop or a second stop and we can easily find ourselves taking close to 30 hours to make the journey.

Either way, I have to admit it is a commitment, particularly so if you aim to travel to France twice a year like we aspire to.

But because we are committed, we’ve found all sorts of tricks and tips to help us survive the flights.
You can read our advice on surviving a long haul flight here.

In this post, I thought I’d share my must have carry on items. These little bits and pieces don’t take up much room at all but they certainly help to make long haul flights comfortable. Or at least more comfortable

1. Baby wipes. For wiping hands. For cleaning up spills. For cleansing tray tables. For freshening up in general. I never travel without them.
2. Headphones. For listening to films or music. Obviously. Scott also uses them for blocking out noise when he wants to sleep.
3. Ear plugs. I prefer the squishy type for noise reduction over headphones.
4. Eye mask. I like the shaped variety so I can still open my eyes. I find them far less claustrophobic than other types of eye masks.
5. Rescue Remedy. For times when turbulence or the flight itself becomes overwhelming.
6. Travel sized hand cream. Flying equals drying.
7. Scented sprays. To make the space a little more pleasant.
8. Nasal decongestant spray. Because there is nothing worse than blocked sinuses that far above the earth.
9. Doterra On Guard essential oil blend. It smells great and I’m convinced it wards off the germs. A drop or two rubbed into your neck is all you need.
10. Doterra On Guard Throat lozenges. As above. They are perfect for scratchy flying throats.
11. A cot pillow and blanket. For sleeping. Bringing your own is more pleasant than using the ones supplied by the airline.
12. Toothbrush and travel toothpaste. For clean teeth.
13. iPad, iPod or laptop. For alternative entertainment.
14. Lip gloss or similar. For dry lips.
15. My favourite tea bags. Just because.

Do you have a favourite product or item that make flying more comfortable for you? If so, I’d love for you to share it in the comments below.

And until next time – au revoir.

Please note – This is an unsolicited post and no compensation of any kind has been received from the brands named in this post. They are just the products I like. You might find alternatives work equally well for you.