In my years of traveling I’ve spent a lot of time on long haul flights. I somehow managed to live on other continents but still travel back to the United States regularly which meant lots of time on airplanes. Spending 5 to 20 hours on a flight(s) is a very different experience than hoping on a flight to go somewhere quickly. This means you have to plan and work harder to stay healthy during these long haul flights.
My Experience With Long Haul Flights
I’ve flown from the US to Australia and US to New Zealand and US to Europe dozens of times now. At first I was completely unprepared to be on a plane for such a long length of time. Prior to studying abroad in Europe by only airplane experience was a short 3 hour ride to California.
I’ve lost count of the long haul flights I’ve taken at this point but I do have a very tried method of getting through these long flights.
One thing I’ve learned about long haul flights is that you absolutely have to be prepared for them. It’s such a better experience if you know what to expect and are ready to make the experience easier on yourself.
Tips For Staying Healthy On A Long Haul Flight
Here are my favorite tips to stay healthy on long haul flights:
- Drink lots of water! This is especially important on the long flights. It’s so easy to get dehydrated. Dehydration plus not moving increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, aka blood clots in your veins. Drink plenty the night before, at the airport, and on the plane.
- Walk! Walk as much as you can. Walk at the airport and skip those travelators. Walk up and down the aisles every hour or so on the plane during a long flight. Walk while you can because you will be sitting on the plane plenty.
- Stretch! Stretch whenever you get up to get your blood flowing and stop cramps and prevent pain.
- Bring tools for comfort. On a long flight you need things like a neck pillow, headphones, eye mask, and ear plugs. Nothing is worse than spending 15 hours on a plane uncomfortable and unable to sleep or tune out the other people.
- Take some healthy snacks. Pack some trail mix or some granola bars in your carry on if you can.
- Pick healthy food choices at the airport. It’s tempting to pick junk at the airport but choosing healthier options will make you feel better and make the flight easier. Try to grab whole foods or something simple like a turkey sandwich and apple and skip the fast food. It might take more work to put together that kind of meal but it’s worth it.
- Wear comfortable clothes. You don’t have to look like a complete slacker but you need to be comfortable. It makes a huge difference!
Those are my tips for staying healthy on a long haul flight. If you come prepared the trip will be a lot easier and more comfortable for you, which is key when you are going to be on a plane for ten hours or more.
Photo by Swaminathan
What are your tips for traveling healthy?
Sanitizing wipes and LOTS of them…planes are gross and dirty – I always clean my little area before sitting down. Ugh I shudder just thinking about it!
That’s a good idea to clean the area around you but don’t use them as substitutes for a shower. They’ll dry out your skin so badly! The air on a plane is so dry!
It is super dry. That’s why you need to drink tons of water! Moisturizer wouldn’t hurt either.
Yeah I usually have those or the gel stuff. Airports and airplanes are dirty and germy just because the sheer number of people touching things. I have caught quite a few colds when traveling so it’s definitely a good idea!
The longest trip I’ve ever taken is the one from Oregon to Florida (and back again), but eating well at the airport (or even before you go) is essential. The first time I flew I grabbed a bagel and some sugar-heavy Starbucks drink and felt like shit for 9 hours. It’s so easy to think “I am at an airport! I will treat myself!” when really, that’s the last thing one should do. Now I eat before I leave, if I can, and make sure I wear clothes that can also double as blankets/a pillow (like an oversized sweatshirt or a sweater poncho).
Have a great trip!
Exactly! I do the clothes as a blanket/pillow thing too. It works well especially on a long flight when you want to sleep and it’s freeeezing!
Thanks! :)
When i flew last month i was only bringing a carry on so to conserve space, i wore a tank top, tshirt, hoodie, jacket, and i think one other layer LOL. i used myself as a walking suitcase! Have a good trip!
Nice! I’ve done that before on a shorter trip. It worked well because I was bringing so much stuff with me!
It is good to drink lots of water when traveling.. yup i have to agree, you must pack your snacks so that you’ll avoid buying chips and ice cream.. Me, i go for nuts and raisins. you should also waer comfortable clothes.
Hey Mary,
My name is Becca and I found your blog looking to fuel my motivation with reading of others success. Your blog really hit a cord with me for two reasons, I am on a weight loss journey myself, so far I have lost 133lbs but I have another 32lbs at the very least to go. As well I’m dating a man who lives in Britain whilst I live in Canada, although I have the good fortune to be a dual citizen (no visa nightmare), I hadn’t actually visited the UK before we met. I wanted to say keep on keeping on, your writing is fun to read, encouraging (even when you don’t feel encouraged) and meaningful. Hope your jet lag isn’t too brutal – Becca
That’s great Becca! Thanks for letting me know. Lucky you with your dual citizenship though! I might be a tiny bit jealous of that. ;) Thanks for reading!
Great trip tips! One of the first times I took the trip overseas I didn’t drink enough water and 10 hours in, I didn’t know if I was alive or dead because I was so dehydrated.
Have a great trip!
Loving your blogs Mary- you are so
charismatic and cute :)
Sorry to hear you have had some NZ
stresses lately – what great timing you are
heading stateside for work and fun!
Wishing you a lovely time back home.
No doubt your hubby and pup will miss you lots!!
Travelling- hmm, I never drink hot drinks
offered on plane ( tea, water) or ice as I read that
the water can be full of bacteria ( and not always
have reached a boiling point).I live traveling with
my green teas though, so when I can I try and plan
to get hot water after security for my tea and take it
on board with me( I will buy something else from
the cafe like a bottle of water so I am not being too
cheap!)
I have become better about packing food and snacks for trips
as I find airlines are getting so cheap these days!
I never wear my contact lenses when flying,
and try like you to stay hydrated and get up and
stretch near washrooms on long hauls .
Safe travels , still love your blog. You are
awesome as always Mary!!!
Thanks M! My stresses lately weren’t NZ related. Actually I’ve made my peace with NZ and am pretty happy there. Yes it’s expensive and no I don’t want to live there long term, but I’m liking it well enough. Hubby and puppy make it pretty nice. :)
Oh good mention of contacts. I always wear my glasses on planes. I wore contacts once and it was awful!!
Ps meant love your vlogs !
( but blogs too , ha!)
Always find it hard to pack myself – good job :)
Thats some great advice. If you take children it’s useful to take some magazines and small toys for them during the flight to keep them occupied too. Walking up and down the aisle and excersizing in your chair is a good way to help circulation.