Time-consuming international flights with long layovers can be daunting for a solo traveller. Yep, travel can be boring sometimes and with no-one to travel with, even more boring! So we as solo travellers need to be prepared for such occasions. This is how I get by on long haul flights to make the journey a little less painful. Your solo flying survival guide…
Don’t Get to the Airport TOO Early
They say to arrive 3 hours before an international flight but unless it’s a peak time to fly (like Christmas) or an extremely busy airport then I say 2 hours before is ample. Then you won’t be waiting 2 hours in departures before you even board the plane.
Arrive to the Airport awake!
By this I mean get a good nights sleep the night before. If I have a big flight I like to be alert and on my game, as it will be down to me to make my flight. When you’re tired it’s so easy miss the flight call, or a gate change, etc.
Book the Right Seat
I always like to book an aisle seat now, after I got stuck by the window one time desperate for the bathroom whilst the people next to me were sleeping (another story). I also like to sit by the wing, I’m sure I read once that there’s less turbulence there. Also if you do have a short connection, book as close to the front as possible so you’re the first to get off the plane once landed. It really can make a difference having and extra 5-10 minutes to make your next flight.
More on booking flights: Easy Travel Hacks to Save Money
Where the Right Clothing
I find leggings over jeans is best as the button doesn’t dig into you, also loose clothing is good. Plus remember to wear layers as the temperature can go up and down when flying and it can get cold on the plane. Also, if you’re flying somewhere cold then make sure you have warm clothing with you for when you leave the airport! Same goes for arriving somewhere hot- make sure you are wearing airy and loose clothes or you have something to change into.
Pack Your Bag Right
Make sure you have easy reach to the things you want to take out your bag for the flight. It will save you having to get up and rummage through the overhead lockers during the flight. Also pack a few clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage in case your checked bag gets lost (enough to keeping you going for a couple of days).
Do Your Seat Exercises
To avoid feet swelling by keeping them moving (circling the feet and by doing simple leg raises). It really does help! Walking around and keeping hydrated (no alcohol I’m afraid) is a must if you want to feel somewhat human after landing! This makes me sound really boring but you will feel so much better after landing!
Bring Snacks and an Empty Water Bottle
Buying water and snacks at the airport as you may well be aware is incredibly expensive! It’s much better to buy the treats you want beforehand and fill up your water bottle once through customs. Too many snacks is better than none (personal opinion!).
Bring Entertainment
This goes without saying really. Music, movies, a reading book, a journal to write in or a puzzle book are great things to keep you occupied on long flights. Save yourself the boredom.
Adjust to the Time Difference
The plane will usually lower the lights at around the local evening time of the destination you’re headed to. You may feel super awake but try and sleep when you know it’s they’re night time so you will be in a better rhythm when you arrive.
Hope found this solo flying survival guide helpful. Remember to share this post to anyone you think it will help!
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22 Comments
Thanks for the seat exercise suggestions. Definitely gonna do those on our next flight. What entertainment do you usually bring with you?
They really do help! I always bring a book and music for long journeys 😛
I agree, entertainment is a big one. Some airlines offer free Wifi now, so you can stream anything on the plane. But if not, better to be prepared 🙂 On the other hand, I´ve met some great people over the years, sitting next to me on planes and trains and buses. Especially when travelling solo I like to say hi to the person in the next seat – you´ll spend a good portion of a day of your life next to somebody, may as well give it a shot for some nicer interaction than just waking them up when you need to go to the bathroom 🙂
I like what you said about having a conversation with whos next to you. Problem is I always seem to end up with the creepy weirdo haha!
I must admit that I prefer flying alone. I am one of those that can fall asleep instantly on a flight, and I hate the fear of being boring company if I do when travelling with someone. As I mostly sleep, I always choose window seat, not to be that person you cannot pass 🙂
Wow I’m jealous! I always see people just falling asleep 5 mins into the flight and wondered how they did it! Well done 🙂
This is so relevant, I’m about to fly Brisbane to Honolulu and am getting ready for a rough night of hopefully some sleep! Thanks for the tips – I also have converted to an aisle seat preference, it’s so much easier to get up and wee when you are there! I hate feeling like I’m inconveniencing the others.
I’m with you- if its over 3 hours flight then in sitting in the aisle haha! Good luck with your flight it’s gonna be a long one!
I don’t know if I could ever bring myself to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours early. I’m too paranoid! I have to figure out how to be more productive when I’m in transit—being offline for so long always seems like a great opportunity to get some writing or photo editing done, but I can never bring myself to bring out my laptop!
yeh its hard when your travelling to try and be productive as it really does take it out of you! I think the best way is to try and adjust to the time zone well and get plenty of sleep so you are fresh for the next day 🙂
I laughed at the “be awake” one. I think I’m always half asleep at airports hoping I’ll fall asleep easier on the flight… but then at times I’ll zone out for the boarding call… and that’s the worst.
I felt I had to put it in there as one time I was half in dream land and suddenly realised my plane was boarding!
This is great advice! I fly solo for the first time in December! I’m quite nervous but excited at the same time. Also I definitely agree about the empty water bottle tip. So expensive inside the airport hehe.
I buy all my snacks before too! Just saves so much 🙂 Good luck for your flight!
Lovely post! Will come handy to people who travel solo 🙂 I mostly travel with family though but few tips apply to family travelers like us too 🙂
Hope you found it helpful 🙂
All tried and true tips! I definitely need to start bringing my own water bottle.
yes! It saves a lot! Plus better fr environment too 🙂
I honestly prefer flying alone! I bring a book, some entertainment and find the time away from distractions to be so amazing. I actually look forward to flights alone as I have the chance to get in some “me time”!
Yeh very true! You dont have anyone interrupting you when ya watching your movie hehe
Really good tips to fly solo. It’s so hard to keep a track of everything when you are flying solo that making a mental checklist of these things is so important.
Hope you found it helpful 😛