GON Reader Question
Hello Maria,
I've enjoyed your newsletter for many years, with your wonderful, practical, down-to-earth ideas.
I'm planning on a flight to London with my daughter in a few weeks, and it's nonstop on the plane for 11 hours! Do you have any hints for surviving such a long, nonstop flight?
-- Pat, Los Angeles, California
Maria Responds
Hi Pat,
I’m so excited for you and your daughter! A trip to London sounds absolutely amazing. My daughter, Amanda, was just there last year on a study abroad trip, and so far, it’s one of her favorite places in the world to visit. You’re in for such a wonderful adventure together.
I've been on some very long flights throughout my lifetime. With the right preparation, you can definitely make it much more comfortable.
In addition, my sister and her family often travel to the Philippines—another incredibly long
flight—so I’ve heard plenty of stories about how to make those long-haul trips more bearable.
Here are my best tips to help you survive—and enjoy—the journey:
1. Move Around When You Can – Sitting for that long can be tough on your body, so make sure to get up and stretch your legs often. I cannot stress this enough. Years ago, my sister didn't move around much during a long flight, and ended up with severe leg swelling because of that. She learned her lesson the hard way.
Walk up and down the aisle when it’s safe, and do some simple stretches in your seat to keep circulation flowing.
Don’t forget to
use the bathroom every few hours—even if you don’t feel like you need to, it’s a good excuse to get up and move.
2. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart – The air in planes is incredibly dry, so drink plenty of water. It’s tempting to sip on coffee or wine, but those can be dehydrating.
Also, once I’m through airport security, I always pick up some filling snacks (like unsalted nuts) and hydrating snacks (like fruit...I usually bring raspberries and green grapes) to bring on the plane. Airplane food isn’t always the most satisfying, so having a few go-to options makes a
big difference.
Try to avoid salty and/or greasy foods before and during the flight. Salty foods can make dehydration worse and greasy foods may leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
3. Dress in Layers – Airplane temperatures can be unpredictable—one minute it’s freezing, the next it’s too warm. A comfy outfit with layers (like a cozy cardigan or light jacket) is a must. Compression socks can also help with circulation and keep your feet from swelling. 4. Plan Out Your Time – I like to make myself a little schedule of what
I’m going to do on the plane. For me, it varies what I’m doing, gives me some goals, and makes the flight feel faster. For example:
Hour 1: Read about my destination
Hour 2:
Listen to an audiobook
Hour 3: Do some writing for work
Hour 4: Watch a movie (or crochet)
…and so on!
Checking off each activity as I complete it gives me a sense of progress. Of course, be flexible—you’ll want to chat with your daughter, maybe grab some shut-eye, or just relax.
5. Bring Entertainment – An 11-hour flight is a great time to catch up on books, movies, podcasts, or even a travel journal. Download everything ahead of time in case the in-flight entertainment isn’t great. Don't forget about headphones (I always bring my bluetooth-ready AirPods plus the type I can plug in, noise-cancelling earplugs, chargers for my devices, and a fully-charged portable travel charger.) 6. Freshen Up – A little refresh can make a world of
difference when you’re stuck in one place for so long. I bring facial wipes, moisturizer, lip balm and moisturizing lipstick, and a toothbrush/small toothpaste in my carry-on to freshen up mid-flight. I also bring along some makeup touch-up items to feel a little more put together before landing.
7. Try to Sleep – If
you can, get some rest. A travel pillow, eye mask, and lightweight blanket can make it easier. Even a short nap can help you feel better when you land. You and
your daughter are going to have such a fantastic time in London, and I can’t wait to hear about your trip. Wishing you safe, comfortable and memory-filled travels.
