Spending hours in the air, in a confined space, can seem daunting. But proper planning can transform your journey into an enjoyable experience rather than a tiring one. We've compiled some tips to make this seemingly daunting journey bearable and as comfortable as possible. Plus, there are extra tips for connecting flights.
Let's not forget to add that Bilet.com is waiting for you to buy flight tickets, whether they're direct or indirect, long or short. With its easy-to-use interface and affordable flight deals, you can compare prices and start your adventure.
If the tickets are ready, let's get started...
1. The Golden Value of Seat Selection
Seat selection is one of the most critical aspects of long-haul flights. Getting the wrong seat can make your journey much more tiring than it already is.- Window seat : You can lean back comfortably without being prodded while you sleep, and you can also enjoy the view. However, if you want to stretch out in the aisle on long journeys, getting in and out can be a bit difficult.
- Aisle seat : Ideal for those who get up and walk frequently or need to go to the toilet.
- Emergency exit rows : Legroom is generous, providing great comfort for tall passengers.
- On connecting flights : It makes sense to get a window seat on a short flight and an aisle seat on a long flight.
2. Dress Lightly and Comfortably Before Flight
If you want to be comfortable on a plane, choosing your clothing is crucial. The temperature in the cabin can fluctuate constantly. Dressing in layers helps you adapt to both cold and heat. Therefore, it's best to dress in layers. It's also a good idea to have a light jacket, cardigan, or sweatshirt handy to keep warm.Skinny jeans, tight skirts, or high heels can feel like torture for long hours. Instead, choose flexible, comfortable clothing. While many people generally choose not to wear shoes on flights, you should still make sure your shoes aren't too tight; sneakers are ideal.
3. Choose Your Time and Airport Wisely for Connecting Flights
Single flights are rare over long distances. Planning is crucial when making transfers.- The ideal layover time is 4-5 hours. Even just 1 hour of sleep is beneficial, and it'll save you time if there's a delay.
- Research the facilities (lounge, shower, rest area) of the airport where you will be waiting in advance.
4. Be Careful About Self-Transfer
When purchasing your ticket, be sure to check for the "self-transfer" feature. If it says "self-transfer," you'll need to collect your luggage and re-check in during the transfer. Chasing after your luggage while you're tired creates stress. Furthermore, if your transfer time is short, it can be difficult to catch your next flight. In short, it's a complete mess.We recommend that you avoid self-transfer or keep your transfer time extended.
5. Take a Small Survival Kit with You
Packing small items you'll need on the plane will make your trip much more comfortable. Below, we've listed the most likely items you'll need, but it's best to add or remove items based on your personal needs.Must-haves:
- neck pillow
- Eye patch
- Earplug
- Snacks (gum, nuts, energy bars, etc.)
- Empty water bottle (to refill after security)
- Earphones
- Essential medications such as painkillers etc.
6. Pay Attention to Blood Circulation
Sitting for long periods of time slows blood circulation and can increase the risk of clots.
- Below-the-knee compression stockings support circulation and reduce leg swelling.
- If you have a layover, it's also a good idea to take it off at the airport and give your legs a break. If you're lucky, choosing a connecting flight is a good idea.
7. Move and Stretch
Leaving the body inactive increases fatigue.
- Get up and walk down the hallway every 2–3 hours.
- While sitting on the chair, turn your ankles and stretch your leg muscles.
- Do gentle shoulder and neck stretches.
8. Drink Water, But Watch Out for Caffeine and Alcohol
Dry air in the cabin dehydrates the body faster than usual.- Drink plenty of water throughout the flight.
- Limit coffee and alcohol, as they dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep patterns.
- Herbal teas are a good alternative.
9. Prepare Fun and Diverting Activities
The in-flight entertainment system may not always meet expectations.- Airplane content may not appeal to everyone. We recommend downloading your favorite series and movies to your tablet or phone.
- Save your favorite music playlists offline.
- Use comfortable headphones; they will provide long-lasting comfort. External headphones can make it difficult to sleep; in-ear/AirPods-style headphones are more comfortable options.
10. Plan Your Meal Options Ahead
Airlines generally offer standard menus, but you can request special requests in advance.- Select vegetarian, gluten-free or low sodium options at check-in.
- Take some small snacks with you; a pastry, a sandwich, or a cake you made at home in a bowl and take them with you; you can thank us later.
11. Extra Advice for Contact Lens Wearers
This section is for those with glasses. If your vision is good, you can skip it; glasses wearers can go here. The dry air in the cabin can dry out your contact lenses. We're sure you'll also want to sleep. Putting in and taking out your lenses can be challenging, as you'll need to read signs and signals on the plane and at the airport.Ultimately, it's recommended that you bring glasses. If you can't live without them, make sure you have a lens case, enough lens lotion, and eye drops. You can also throw your glasses in your bag, just in case.
12. Phone and Charging Issue
Not every plane has a USB or Type-C charging port. Bring a cable compatible with your phone's charging port, as there are no Type-C ports on planes. Power banks aren't allowed on planes, so this is important to avoid charging issues.How Do I Find My Flight Tickets?
I think the most exciting part before embarking on a long journey is the ticket search. Some people find this stage tiring, but I secretly enjoy it. Every ticket I look at conjures up a new route, a new adventure. That's where Bilet.com becomes my greatest asset.Why? Because I can see all my options on one screen, without having to browse airline websites individually. Comparing prices and seeing flight times in one list is a huge time-saver. Filters also allow me to eliminate flights that don't meet my criteria and directly select the ones that are most useful to me.
How Do I Do It?
- I write the departure and arrival cities
Once I know where I'm going, the first thing I do is enter these two pieces of information. Sometimes I add nearby airports as departure points in addition to my home city; sometimes even this small detail can yield much more affordable prices.
- I choose my dates
Travel dates make a big difference in ticket prices. If I have a flexible schedule, I find more suitable days with options like "±3 days." This way, I can sometimes save hundreds of lira just by one day.
- I use filters
One of my favorite features of Bilet.com is the ability to filter by price, number of layovers, flight duration, airline, and even departure time. For example, if I don't like long layovers, I choose single-stop or direct flights. If I don't want to get up too early in the morning, I prefer afternoon or evening flights.
- I choose the most suitable ticket
After all this filtering and comparing, I choose the ticket that fits both my budget and my schedule. The purchasing process is also quite easy: I pay in a few steps and receive the ticket in my email.
Epilogue: The Adventure Begins!
Have you bought your ticket? That's when everything becomes real. The moment you step on the plane, new cities, different flavors, and unforgettable memories await you.My advice is to visit Bilet.com and choose your ticket now for your next long flight. Pack your bags, grab your headphones, and set your flight on the wing. Because every flight is the first sentence of a new story.