Long-haul flights suck. Especially in economy. You're trapped in a tin can for seemingly endless hours with little space, cramped quarters and there's a 99% chance a screaming baby is nearby. Most of the time you're eating sodium-laden food, trying not to touch any germ-ridden surface and desperately avoiding smelling your neighbour's bare feet. It's a less than enjoyable experience, albeit with a very enjoyable experience on the other end. My last two major trips (India and Thailand included some major long-ass flights /travel days- 48 and 30hrs respectively, to be exact), and I've learned a few things along the way.
Drink. Water.
It might be tempting to indulge in the free bar on international flights, and I would be lying if I said I hadn't occasionally indulged in a glass of wine or two mid-flight from time to time. It's important to remember that flying is super dehydrating, and alcohol only makes it worse. You feel much groggier, get less sleep and it takes much longer to bounce back from jet lag if you haven't been guzzling aqua. I always buy a 1L bottle of water (unless you are going through security again, you will have to dump it if you haven't finished it yet) and accept water anytime the flight attendants offer it.
Try & Sleep
No matter how wired you are, it's always a good idea to at least try and sleep. 20 minutes of sleep is better than none! Try and figure out the best way that you can fall asleep and make it as easy as possible.
Bring a Pillow
To sleep, bringing a travel pillow is key, if only to avoid major neck-aches. It's way more relaxing to have something to rest your head on - but it does take up extra space. To be honest, it's always been worth it for me. I hook it on to my backpack or try and leave room to shove it in my purse. You can also buy the blow up ones, but man blowing that up every time (and it's way less comfy) is #waytoomuchwork.
Block Out Your Senses
You can tell sleeping is important to me, I've dedicated three points to it...I block out my senses most of the time when I sleep, so flying is no exception. You can be flying at every hour of the day, so blinders are key if it's daylight and you are trying to sleep. Or, you know, if that one annoying person on the plane opens their window when everyone has theirs closed? (and why is ALWAYS in my aisle?). Ear plugs are key as well, unless you have fancy noise-cancelling headphones. The less that can disturb you, the easier it will be to sleep. Some people even recommend putting up a blanket or scarf at the window seat to create your own little pod, but I've never tried it (have you? Let me know).
Come Prepared with Entertainment
OK, so if you CAN'T sleep (or you are trying to stay awake past mealtime before you hit the hay), you should always come prepared with plenty of entertainment options. "But Amanda, my seat has in-flight entertainment?". Those things aren't always reliable, but you can be with a fully-charged tablet, phone and/or Kindle. I don't have a kindle, I read old-fashioned books like the fool who enjoys paper and extra pounds in her carry-on. Cards are also great if you are travelling with a buddy.
Adjust your Time-Zone
Honestly, I am just getting good at this one. While you are hopscotching time zones, it can be confusing as to what time you are actually in (a very slow form of time travel, I suppose). My dad always reminded me to set my watch to the end time zone to get adjusted. The quicker you get on their time, the better your jet lag will be. Stop thinking of what time it is at home, just try and get adjusted to where you are. It's all a mental game.
Bring Snacks
This may or might not be because I am always hungry, but snacks are key. You don't get fed a lot on planes (those portions are hella small and one bag of peanuts is not cutting it), and you might get hangry (not good for your travelling companion, or those around you). Protein-rich snacks (trail mix, granola bars/cliff bars or some nuts) will help you stay full and happy(ier) throughout your flight. Everyone around you will thank you.
Bring Your Arsenal (of Toiletries)
Arriving in a country after 18 hours of travel, you feel gross. I don't know anyone who feels fresh even after a two hour flight, so I always carry my toiletries with me for two reasons. One to freshen up, and two in case my luggage is lost - having a toothbrush and toothpaste is crucial to not feeling like a heathen. I pack deodorant (tiny one - 100mL or less, of course), toothbrush & toothpaste, a little tiny bit of makeup, hairbrush, and maybe some lip gloss (got to look good for the customs officers). I also bring some Tylenol, halls and gum if I have a headache, sore throat or my ears hurt from the pressure. You can bring whatever you want as long as it falls within the liquids guidelines. Just remember to freshen up in the washroom...I won't even go into details of the times when I've seen passengers clipping their nails and painting them too. Yay for nailpolish fumes...
There it is! Some of my tips for surviving a long-haul flight. What are yours?