Long-haul flights can be a completely daunting prospect for many travellers, often associated with cramped conditions, limited entertainment options, and a seemingly never-ending journey. However, with a little preparation and creativity, there are ways to make your 12-hour flight not only bearable but enjoyable. Here are six tips to make your long flight go faster.
Plan Your Flight Like Your Day
Treat your flight like a typical day. Structure it into sections: eating, working, relaxing, and sleeping. This way, the hours won’t seem as monotonous. Having a routine can help your body adjust to the changes in time zones, making it easier to combat jet lag when you arrive at your destination. There’s nothing worse than arriving in a new country with a significant time difference and feeling out of sync and tired. Some people even like to get into the routine of the timezone they’re heading to so they can get a headstart.
Dive Into Your Favorite Entertainment
A long flight is the perfect time to catch up on movies, TV shows, or books you’ve been meaning to get into. Download your favourite media onto your device before you leave, or take advantage of the inflight entertainment system. Immersing yourself in a gripping storyline can make the hours fly by!
Try Inflight Wi-Fi
Now, this is where the fun part comes in. Many airlines now offer inflight Wi-Fi, opening up a world of entertainment possibilities. One exciting option for those inclined is online gambling. With the rise of crypto-casinos, as long as you have internet access, you can try your luck at a poker game or spin the roulette wheel. Plus, if you’re heading to one of the best gambling destinations in the world, like Las Vegas, what better way to kick start your trip than to practice your casino skills for the tables?
Online gambling can provide not only entertainment but also an adrenaline rush. Of course, ensure to gamble responsibly, setting a limit for yourself and not exceeding it. Do bear in mind that not all airlines will allow access to gambling sites, and online gambling may not be legal in all jurisdictions. Always check the relevant rules and regulations.
Get Moving
Sitting for prolonged periods isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also pose health risks. Make a point of standing up, stretching, and walking around the cabin every hour or so. Doing simple exercises like leg lifts and ankle rolls can also help improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily
Aeroplane cabins are known for their dry air, which can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, which can exacerbate dehydration. Eating healthy snacks, like fruits and nuts, can also help you feel better during the flight and keep energy levels stable.
Some people also like to take beauty kits with them. In a typical 12-hour day, you would have at least one skincare routine – take that on the plane with you and give yourself a pamper towards the end of the flight. You’ll feel so much better when you land if you can drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water throughout the flight, perhaps an hour or two of sleep, and a pamper towards the end.
Learn Something New
Twelve hours is a long time to sit waiting for your destination to arrive with only the TV in front to keep you entertained. Why not use the flight as an opportunity to learn something new? The only time that would be acceptable is on a do-nothing day on the sofa or in bed surrounded by snacks. On a plane that you can’t escape, you need to find a way to keep your mind interested.
You could download language learning apps or podcasts about a topic you’re interested in or even bring a portable craft kit. Keeping your mind engaged can help make the flight seem shorter. Or, you could spend your time ordering from the free drinks and snacks services that planes now have, wrap yourself up in your (often scratchy) plane blanket, and have that movie marathon as if you were home.
A long flight doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience. By planning your time, staying active and hydrated, indulging in entertainment, and even trying out inflight Wi-Fi for online gaming, you can make your journey much more enjoyable. So next time you’re facing a 12-hour flight, try these tips and see how much faster it goes!
