If you haven’t taken a long-haul flight ever then the experience of your first long-haul flight could prove to be quite intimidating. The entire package – the pricing, interminable hours, sketchy choice of seats, wondering how well or not you will be fed, boredom and other related things could be physically and financially demanding.

To help you stay comfortable and have a great flying experience here are 7 must-do before you take a long-haul flight.

1. Do not judge the book by its cover or in this case pricing

Once you begin searching for long-haul flights the numbers involved might start scaring you. However, if you calculate a long-haul flight by hours and not the entire experience it might seem fair enough. What would you prefer for a long flight?

• A decent flight with good entertainment, good food and great service for a higher cost

                                                                               OR

• A cramped flight with okay food and bad entertainment and service at a comparatively cheaper price

The choice is yours. Take stock of your options by weighing the price and amenities and thinking of it as a by-the-hour experience.

2. Choose your airline wisely

Airlines are not created equal and this fact can be actually realized on a long-haul flight. There are mainly three things that you need to think about

• Comfort
• Food
• Entertainment

When it comes to food for long flights, most airlines do offer a variety of food and if you are a picky eater you should check the airline website to know more about it. Also, plan to pack some food for the flight so you have something to munch on.

Now that you have your food sorted, it’s about how will you pass your time on a long flight? Check out the in-flight entertainment options that are again available on the airline website and also carry a few books or your playlist or games that you could enjoy when you feel a little caught up.

And for comfort – choose your aircraft wisely with respect to the seating set up, setback seats, overhead screens. Take seat considerations like reclining seats with no foot area obstruction, window seat, fewer passengers and other such features to make your journey comfortable.

3. Try to get an upgrade

Try your best to get an upgrade during and after you book your flight. Use your frequent flier miles or by hook or crook, get an upgrade and you will be thankful for the entire flight.

4. Pack light

Any check-in baggage with you would mean less legroom and cramped spaces, that too for the entire flight hours. You wouldn’t want that right.

5. Carry your gear

Even if you rarely carry your gear around, make long-hauls flights an exception. Bring it all, pillow, cover-up, eye mask, noise cancellation headphones, wear comfortable clothes and shoes and enjoy your long flight.

6. Come rested

If you think long-haul flight would give you a perfect opportunity to catch on some sleep you might be mistaken. You might be able to catch a wink here and a nap there but sleeping all the way or even most of it is out of the question. So it’s better to board relatively rested.

7. Healthwise

• Stay hydrated
• Do flex and move your muscles regularly
• Avoid alcohol the night before you fly
• Avoid diuretics
• Get an aisle set so you can get up and walk whenever possible

Whatever you do, it doesn’t change the fact that you are stuck in a metal can for long hours and these tips here would only help you enjoy it better because let’s face it, what other option do you have than making it a happy experience so relax.

Have a safe and comfortable flight!

                                                                                                                                         Written By:- Pallavi Jaisinghani