I personally love long haul flights. No mobile or cell reception and optional Wi-Fi (if it works) means a rest from the barrage of constant communication whilst being grounded on planet earth. Accompanied with a wonderful drink creates an opportunity to relax or a wonderful platform for creative thinking depending on your stage of life.
Given that they require spending a lot of time in a confined environment, long-distance flights can be uncomfortable. However, you can make a lengthy flight more enjoyable with the right planning and packing. We wanted to share talk the key goods you should think about bringing on your long-haul journey in this post.
Neck Pillow
A neck cushion is among the most crucial tools for a lengthy journey. Using a neck pillow during the trip might assist support your head and neck and make it easier to fall asleep. Depending on your preferences, you can pick from a variety of neck pillows, including memory foam and inflatable models. Do not think neck pillows are simply for sleeping, relieving the pressure on your neck whilst reading or watching a film is a god send for your back and overall feeling on disembarking the flight.
Eye Mask For Sleeping
An essential item for a long-haul flight is an eye mask. An eye mask can help block out light and create a sense of darkness, making it far easier to fall asleep. It can also help reduce eye strain if you plan on watching movies or reading during the flight. The sleep masks readily available in-flight are rather sub-standard and was the genesis of Masters of Mayfair. I found all the sleeping masks that I had bought or been given underwhelming. So I made my own, which I designed from scratch and perfect for my long haul flights.
Earplugs or Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Long haul flights can be noisy, with the constant sound of the plane's engines, people talking, and the occasional crying baby. To block out the noise, you should consider packing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. Earplugs are a simple option and vary in price from relatively inexpensive to the QuietOn white noise producing earplugs. Noise-cancelling headphones are very effective at blocking out noise. If you choose to bring noise-cancelling headphones they too vary in quality so make sure they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. We rather like the Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones which have very good battery life and will last the entire journey door-to-door wherever you may be travelling in the world.
Comfortable Clothing
For a lengthy flight, wearing comfortable attire is paramount. You should dress in comfortable, loose-fitting, non-restrictive attire. Avoid wearing anything that could limit blood flow, such as tight socks or shoes, or wearing tight clothing. We will come to sock choice and gold standards in a minute but one tip for the clothing is to appreciate variations in cabin temperature. From my experience there are variations and ensuring you are prepared for both warm and overly cold cabins is essential. With that in mind merino clothing ticks all the boxes. The natural fibre keeps you warm if the environment is cold but are also breathable and cooling if you are too warm. Since I changed to merino for ‘long-hauling’ I have not looked back. There are some stylish options available and ensure to layer accordingly.
Compression Socks
A blood clotting disease called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur on lengthy flights. Risk can be decreased by wearing compression socks. This is where blood clots form deep in the vein. This can cause pulmonary embolisms which are potentially life threatening. My issue with DVT preventing compression socks for prolonged use has always been the yarns used in traditional compression socks which are generally cheaper and sweat inducing for the feet. This led us to design our luxury compression socks which are ideal for very long periods of time and regulate temperature on foot and the lower leg. They are also designed to subtly be worn with normal clothes and blend into normal attire.
Snacks and water
For your comfort and well-being, it's crucial to stay hydrated and ensure your immune system is boosted whilst on a lengthy trip. Tiredness and the risk to illness is heightened whilst in an aircraft cabin. Packing your own snacks is a good idea to supplement airline food which may not always be to your taste and offer sufficient nutrients. Pick easy-to-eat, clean-up-friendly snacks like almonds, healthier energy bars, or dried fruit. Bringing your own supplements and hydration tablets will maximise immune defence.
Toiletries
Having your own small in-flight bag for essentials is a must. Taking your own toothbrush for cleaning before a mid-flight sleep feels great. You will wake up feeling fresher. Have a small hand sanitizer at the ready is a must. Perfect for before mealtimes. Ensuring you have moisturisers for hand and face coupled with lip balm will again make you feel a little less dishevelled from the dehydrating effects of a long-haul flight. Decant favourites into min travel containers for lightweight easy use.
Entertainment
I personally like to save some form of viewing or listening which I am looking forward to until the flight. Especially if it is a recommended box set, audiobook or podcast which can easily occupy me for half the flight. Just ensure to download at home. Preparation and a little planning is key!
Post-flight onward travel
Lastly ensure you have researched and ideally booked your onward travel from the destination airport. This will give you peace of mind adding relaxation in-flight. I have experienced on a few occasions where local mobile has not worked right away. Screenshots of information you may require has saved me in numerous instances in locations where telecommunications are a little less reliable. Use your home WIFI and think ahead of what you may need to form a little back up plan.
I hope this helps in some way with your next long haul flight. If you manage to relax a little more, sleep a little more comfortably or have some creative thoughts in-flight from being in a better place, please share with a friend or family member who may benefit from this quick read. Travel well, travel safely and please do share your travel moments with us. We really do love it when our customers share and interact with us here at Masters of Mayfair.
