Looking for ways to make your next flight more comfortable? These easy travel hacks work for both short-haul and long-haul journeys, helping you stay relaxed, hydrated and well-rested in the air.
Contents
- Making Flying More Comfortable
- ✈️ Short-Haul Comfort Hacks
- 🌍 Long-Haul Flight Comfort Hacks
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Flight Hacks
- ✨ Extra Tips
- Your Best Hacks for Comfortable Flights?
Making Flying More Comfortable
Let me tell you something you might find surprising about a travel blogger – I don’t actually like flying. I find plane journeys tiring, uncomfortable, boring, dehydrating and a little bit scary! But I’ve learnt a few tricks over the years to make those long journeys more comfortable – sometimes even enjoyable.
Flying doesn’t have to be the most exhausting part of your trip. With a little preparation, you can actually arrive (fairly) refreshed and ready to go – whether you’re hopping across Europe or flying long-haul to the other side of the world. These are my tried-and-tested comfort hacks for short and long flights, including how to keep kids happier in the air.
✈️ Short-Haul Comfort Hacks
- Download Your Inflight Entertainment Before You Fly – Netflix, podcasts, audiobooks – whatever floats your boat. My husband always forgets and ends up looking longingly at my phone mid-flight! I always load up a few favourites before we leave so I can settle into my little bubble of distraction on-board. And of course, don’t forget to fully charge your devices!
2. Hydration is Key – Drinking plenty of water helps to prevent that groggy feeling when flying. Before landing, ask the crew to fill up your water bottle so you’re set for transfer.
3. Avoid Alcohol – Ok, I admit – I rarely abide with this rule because I find a gin and tonic calms my nerves! But if you can avoid alcohol – you will feel fresher when you land – honest!
4. Bring a Sweet for Take-Off and Landing – helps with ears, especially for kids. I also find that wearing earplugs prevents uncomfortable pressure too.
5. Take a Snuggly Hoodie – cabins often get chilly.
6. Keep a Mini Essentials Kit – lip balm, moisturising face mist, sanitiser, tissues – the little things that help you feel fresh.
7. Bring Your Own Healthy Snacks – plane food isn’t always kind to your stomach. Always check your airline’s rules first.
8. Pick Off-Peak Flights – midweek or early mornings are often quieter, meaning more space and less noise.
9. Go to the Loo Before Landing – it saves queuing later and gives you a head start at passport control.
🌍 Long-Haul Flight Comfort Hacks
10. Dress in Soft Comfy Layers – cabins swing between freezing and boiling. Remember cosy socks!
11. Wear Shoes That Are Easy to Slip Off – for both comfort and ease through security.
12. Block Out the World – ear plugs + silky eye mask = actual rest. When I wear an eye mask it makes a huge difference to help me sleep. Earplugs block out those noisy passengers!
13. Bring a Comfy Blanket and Good Headphones – The blankets provided in economy are thin and itchy. Take a lightweight, comfortable travel blanket, and decent headphones.
14. Keep Your Circulation Flowing – It’s actually very important to prevent the risk of DVT. Wear compression socks, take little walks and stretch your feet and ankles regularly.
15. Choose Seats Wisely – I’m quite tetchy in small spaces and have had terrible experiences with strangers on flights. I once had a man rest his head on my shoulder whenever he fell asleep! For couples, many long-haul carriers have 2-seater options at the back of economy. To find the best seats, check seat maps on SeatGuru.
16. Upgrade if You Can – especially on night flights or your return journey. Using Avios or last-minute desk upgrades can be far cheaper than paying upfront.
17. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate – water is your best friend (even if the wine is tempting).
18. Pack Your Own Pillow – especially handy if you’re a side sleeper. We are both side sleepers and have bought inflatable pillows that enable you to lean forward to rest. Choose something that feels soft on the skin. And remember that the headrest on your seat can be adjusted for comfort -they are flexible.
19. Create an In-Flight Goodies Bag – Keep chargers, headphones, glasses in a zip bag – (a sunglasses case keeps cables tidy). Add mini toiletries like your travel toothbrush, sanitisers, moisturiser, tissues, lip balm and eye mask so everything’s within easy reach.
20. Pre-Order a Special Meal – Pre-ordering a meal guarantees your selection choice and are often served first.
21. Bring Your Own Snacks – plane food can be pretty grim – a handful of healthy food makes all the difference. Check airline rules before packing.
22. Buckle Your Seat Belt Over Your Blanket – saves being woken by crew during turbulence.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Flight Hacks
23. Entertainment for Kids – This is not the time for screen limits! Load up their favourites, plus colouring, games, sticker books and snacks.
24. Bring Comfort Items From Home – They will sleep better with familiar smells and textures. Take their favourite blanket, soft toy, or pillow for reassurance.
25. Choose Bulkhead Seats – these are seats that are located behind a dividing wall. This means there is no one in front of you so your little ones can stretch out more easily – especially if you take inflatable footrests.
26. Night Flights are Best With Children – they’re far more likely to sleep.
✨ Extra Tips
27. Beat Jetlag – The Timeshifter app helped me on our trip to Mexico (the first shift is free).
28. Be Relaxed Pre-Flight – Whatever works for you: a long walk, a massage, or essential oils.
29. Check-In Early – avoid the stress of racing through the airport.
30. Be Kind to Your Cabin Crew – a smile and patience go a long way; they’ll often go the extra mile for nice passengers.
Your Best Hacks for Comfortable Flights?
A little planning can completely change how comfortable a flight feels. Whether you’re on a quick city break or a long-haul adventure, these hacks will make the journey smoother – and you’ll thank yourself when you land.
📌 Pin this list so you’ll have it handy before your next trip!
What are your best hacks for comfortable flights? Share them in the comments!
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