Travel Tips for Long-Haul Flights
March 8, 2025
Long-haul and international flights can be exciting, but they also come with their fair share of challenges—think cramped seats, jet lag, and hours of trying to get comfortable at 35,000 feet.
Fortunately, the seasoned travelers at Sunrise Tours have plenty of experience making these journeys smoother. From packing must-haves to in-flight comfort hacks, our staff is sharing their top tips to help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Debbie Robertson (Senior Tour Planner, Tour Director)
"Before traveling, I take Airborne once a day for a week leading up to the trip and make sure to increase my water intake throughout the week. On long overnight flights, I prefer to travel with my shoes off, so I pack an extra pair of "old" socks to wear over my good socks to keep them clean. I also make sure to download movies, shows, and books to my device in advance of the flight to stay entertained."
Caleb Lawson (Vice President)
"I intentionally reduce my sleep the night before by waking up early. I try to stay active during the day, especially at the airport. Prior to the flight I walk the terminal as much as possible. Then, hopefully by the time the flight departs, I am worn out and ready for a long rest."
Kimberly Moyna (Office Manager, Springfield)
"Dress comfortably and wear slip-on shoes in case your feet swell. Move your legs and feet when possible to improve circulation. I bring healthy snacks since airplane food isn’t the best. Set your watch to your destination’s time right away—sleep if it’s nighttime there, and avoid naps upon landing unless it’s night."
Mary O'Leary (Marketing Manager)
"Before a long flight, I make sure to drink plenty of water. Not only is the air on a plane very dry, you also don’t have a ton of access to water, so making sure you’re hydrated ahead of the flight is a must! Once I land at my destination, I do everything I can to stay awake until my normal bedtime to avoid jet lag; that means no naps and no going to bed early. The best way to avoid jet lag is to pretend it doesn’t exist!"
Brent (President)
"I always bring my own favorite headphones with an adapter for the airplane entertainment system, rather than using the ones provided—it makes long flights much more enjoyable. I make sure to get up and stretch, even if it means asking my seatmate to move, because staying comfortable is worth it. And I never turn down in-flight meals or snacks—on a long trip, I’ve been known to eat five full meals between naps!"
Victoria Bearss (Office Manager, Kansas City)
"Wear compression socks to keep your feet from swelling on flights—they improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup. And I always bring an extra jacket or blanket since airplane cabins can get chilly. A neck pillow also makes sleeping more comfortable, especially if you’re not in a window seat!"
Katie Burton (Senior Tour Planner)
"During takeoff, everything has to be stowed under the seat in front of you—especially if you're in economy. But once you're in the air and the seatbelt sign is off, try shifting your belongings back toward your calves. This frees up space to stretch your legs and makes those long hours in the air a bit more comfortable."
A little preparation goes a long way in making long-haul flights more comfortable, and these staff-approved tips can help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Whether you're heading across the pond or venturing to a far-off destination, Sunrise Tours offers a variety of international trips where you can put these travel hacks to the test. From European getaways to bucket-list adventures, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Ready to take off? Browse our international tours and start planning your next adventure!
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