Long Haul Flight Tips While Flying Coach: From a Pilot's Wife

To see an updated video all about what's in my cabin bag (SO HELPFUL for long haul flights) head here next: https://youtu.be/bNUWyhBhZtM

Flight attendant input: Walk around but please stay in economy. Most business guests won't want to be disturbed during quiet time. Please don't do stretches or "yoga" in the galley. The galley is a work space, also flight attendants deserve a break on a long haul flight and to eat in peace after the service. Use the space by the doors or between the lavatories not the actual galley.

I live in Japan but I was born in Brasil so I travel many hours ,what I learned is better to stay on the aisle and walk in the plane ,on my first trip to Japan I was 20 so not much of a hassle there but the last trip I was 65 and I walked a lot in the airport too wherever in USA or Europe for transit,now at 71 I am preparing to go to Brasil again to visit friends and family! Love your video thank you for the tips !🙏😊

I live in Australia and from here to anywhere is long haul. Most direct flights to the UK or Europe are 20-24 hours plus depending on how long a stop you have on the way. Nothing makes you feel human on a flight that long. I rarely ever sleep so there’s no point worrying about it. I don’t wear makeup on a flight and usually wear a comfortable pair of stretch jeans and two or three light layers. I walk up and down and usually talk with the air crew for a while rather than sitting down. I always get on the plane with a few magazines, my kindle app loaded with books and a small bag of peanut butter M&Ms

I'm an American, I've been living in Europe for a few years, and I'm married to an EU citizen. Being comfortable is far more important than looking good or fitting in. It doesn't matter if you "look American." Just use common sense, don't wave your money around, and act respectable. Get pretty once you get to your hotel, if you want. The people on the plane, airport, and in public transport don't know you, don't care, and will likely never see you again. I can't stand it when world traveling Americans seem to think they're better than the "standard" American. We're all just people. The vast majority of Europeans couldn't care less about how fashionable you look.

Thank you for mentioning fragrances! My mom has allergy induced asthma and is very sensitive to fragrances - so kind of you to think of others on your flights ❤️

For us "peasants" in steerage, aka economy class, I wear knit pants, a light weight knit shirt, and carry a sweater/hoodie. Light slip on shoes and socks are easiest through TSA. I can't sleep on flights, but soothing music I can listen to and an eye mask get me close to rest.

Yesssss that fragrance statement!!! I was behind someone spraying perfume every couple hours😭 I coughed the whole 14 hour flight

As a pilot I take beef jerky, dates, and nuts as snacks. I drink watered down Gatorade to reduce the salt while getting the electrolytes I need. Avoid fatty food and alcohol. Period. Staying hydrated and getting rest if you can will make you feel your possible best. I completely agree with your statements about doing your rituals that make you feel human.

Definitely agree with all your tips. My wife is a little claustrophobic, so after our first trip to Europe, we decided that if we couldn't afford to fly in at least Premium Economy, then we can't afford to go. Fortunately we have been able to fly in business or first for most of our long haul flights, but I doubt that will continue in the future, so any "Economy" tips are always welcome. Great video!

And take cough drops and a bottle of water. I learned the hard way that you don't want to have a coughing attack on an airplane. I had a mask on but still got the look. I wasn't sick but these days, you never know. Thank you for mentioning perfume. I gag when someone is wearing it.

Haha, we travel so similarly and I was nodding through most of this video. I do the nighttime bathroom routine too and I’ve found I actually fall asleep better. I also prefer the aisle for the reasons you said. And I’m 5’10” so I find I can stretch my legs a bit more easily. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for mentioning the fragrance. I get awful migraines from perfumes, BO is unpleasant but a bad smell is better than a bad migraine

Aisle forever! Husband & I decided on our 2nd trip to Europe (from the West Coast, 10 or 11 hrs) to reserve window & middle. Not sure why, my husband had some idea it would be quieter, but never again. Aisle was taken by a young Giant, definitely the largest person I’ve ever been that close to, and we were both simply squeezed to our left the whole trip. Lovely polite young man with a wife & several small kids in the middle section so he had to have an aisle, and nothing he could do about us. Anyway, now we fly opposite aisles, it’s totally fine :)

I usually take a large water bottle to keep in the pocket so I can drink water anytime I want it. Also, I always wear a sweater and possibly a wrap and use an oversized pillow case to put those in along with a blanket given by airlines. I love to sleep in the window because there is space for the large pillow I have "made" and I am not leaning against anyone else. I do not mind waking someone up is I HAVE to go to the bathroom! I find the aisles much more disturbing by people walking around and bumping me and also the food/drink carts. Also, we usually eat before we board the plane just so we can try to get to sleep before the food service. We take a sleeping pill right away and usually get a good 3-5 hours sleep. I always have eye covers and ear plugs also.

I’m glad I found you. I am planning a trip to Israel from my home in California. So now that i know it can be done with a plan I can relax. TFS 💕

Such wonderful tips! I love the tips about the cabin bag. I usually bring something similar. YES! I am VERY sensitive to fragrance. Being on an airplane near someone with fragrance is miserable for me.

At some point in my life I want to splurge for first class on a long-haul flight. I've done long haul flights in the middle seat in economy going to S. Korea. I tend to wake up often while sleeping and being super disappointed when not much time has passed.

Great tips! I’ve only done a couple long haul flights in my life and thankfully in business class (although biz class in the 90’s can’t hold a candle to what it is now). Can’t imagine a middle economy seat for 8+ hours. Give me a couple unisoms and a Bloody Mary and wake me up when I need my seat upright.

Great tips Jen!! Love the "beat the rush" tip for the end of a flight and the take a walk tip!! Thanks!!