A 10-hour flight is never going to be fun. But with a bit of preparation, it doesn't have to be miserable either. Here's what actually makes a difference.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

Space is limited, so be selective. The best packing app helps you remember what matters—here are the items that earn their spot:

Neck pillow. A decent one makes sleeping possible. Inflatable versions pack smaller.
Eye mask. Blocks cabin light when you're trying to sleep while everyone else watches movies.
Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Essential for tuning out engine noise, crying babies, and chatty neighbors.
Compression socks. They help with circulation and reduce swelling on long flights. Not glamorous, but effective.
Moisturizer and lip balm. Cabin air is dry. Your skin will thank you.
A small toiletry kit. Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes. Freshening up mid-flight makes the last few hours more bearable.

For entertainment: a tablet or e-reader loaded with content, a portable charger, and good headphones. Don't rely entirely on the seatback screen. Selection varies and sometimes they're broken.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

Where you sit matters more than you might think.

Extra legroom is worth it. If you can afford the upgrade, do it. Your legs will be grateful, especially on flights over 8 hours.

Avoid seats near the toilets. They're noisy, smelly, and you'll have people standing next to you the entire flight.

Window or aisle? Window if you want to sleep undisturbed against the wall. Aisle if you need to stretch your legs or use the bathroom frequently. Middle seats have no upside.

Look for empty seats after boarding. Once the doors close, if you spot a better seat, ask a flight attendant if you can move. They usually say yes if it's the same cabin class.

Stay Hydrated

Cabin air humidity hovers around 10-20%, which is drier than most deserts. You'll dehydrate faster than you realize.

Drink water throughout the flight, not just when they come around with the cart. Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it before boarding. Limit alcohol and caffeine, as both make dehydration worse.

Move Around

Sitting still for 10 hours isn't great for your body. Get up and walk the aisle every couple of hours. Even simple stretches in your seat help:

Rotate your ankles in circles
Lift your knees toward your chest
Roll your shoulders forward and back

It's not just about comfort. Moving helps prevent deep vein thrombosis, which is a real risk on long flights.

Try to Sleep

Sleeping on a plane is hard, but it's worth the effort on overnight flights. A few things that help:

Create a routine. Brush your teeth, put on your eye mask, get settled. Your body responds to familiar cues.
Skip the coffee and wine. Both interfere with sleep quality.
Bring a layer. Planes get cold. A sweater or shawl you can wrap around yourself beats the thin airline blanket.

Entertainment

Boredom is the enemy on long flights. Plan ahead:

Download movies, shows, or podcasts before you leave. Don't count on wifi.
Bring a book or load up your e-reader
A few episodes of something you've been meaning to watch can make hours disappear

Food

Airline food is what it is. A few ways to make it better:

If you can pre-select your meal, do it. Special meals (vegetarian, low-sodium) are often fresher and served first.
Bring your own snacks. Protein bars, nuts, dried fruit: things that don't spoil and give you energy without the sugar crash.
Eat lightly. Heavy meals make you sluggish and uncomfortable in a cramped seat.

Stay Healthy

Planes are petri dishes. A few precautions go a long way:

Wipe down your tray table, armrests, and seatbelt buckle. Those surfaces don't get cleaned between flights.
Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
Keep the air vent above you open. It helps circulate air away from your face.

The Right Mindset

Long flights are part of the deal when you travel far. Accept that you're going to be uncomfortable for a while, and focus on what's waiting at the other end.

Bring what you need to stay comfortable, stay hydrated, move when you can, and the hours will pass. You'll step off the plane ready for whatever comes next.

How to Survive a Long Flight