Long international flights, exceeding 6 hours in duration, are a big deal for several people. For expats like me, long international flights are common place. I live 9,000 miles away from my home country, India. For many expats, traveling back home to visit friends, family and to connect with their roots is like pilgrimage. Going home to my parents is an annual voyage that I look forward to.

What I do not look forward to is a 24 hour long flight and everything that accompanies it. Yes, I am talking about multiple flight changes, the long layovers, babies crying on airplanes non-stop and sleeplessness.

All of this is bound to happen on long international flights and you can’t do much about this. What you can do is manage these hurdles so you don’t lose your mind.

I do these 14 things to survive & thrive on long international flights. These steps work like magic for me & I stick to them like it’s a ritual. I really hope these steps help you too.

1) Pack Light – Don’t Carry Many Bags like a Maniac

If you are one of those who carries more than 3 bags to check-in. If you have a bag dedicated to shoes. If you have packed more clothes than the numbers of days in your vacation. Then I am talking to you! Travel lite, you will thank yourself.

All airlines have a weight limit per bag that you are allowed. Don’t be that person who holds up the check-in line because you have a serious packing obsession.

I always carry 2 bags to check-in, maximum. For carry on luggage, I take one laptop-style backpack & and a purse that has my important documents handy.

Packing Rule of Thumb: Count the number of days & nights that you are going away for. Plan your clothing for these days & then carry two extra pairs of clothing. A pair of shoes & medical essentials. Avoid excess baggage fee.

You want to save room for souvenirs don’t you?

Do not burden yourself with carrying heavy bags amid all the airport confusion on the day of travel. Have a hassle free travel on long international flights. Travel like a pro.

2) Check-in online

Check-in to your international flight at least 48 hours in advance. You can do this via airline’s mobile app or call the airline’s customer care.

One of the airlines I flew recently had a separate check-in line for people who did not check-in in advance. That line was brutally long. Online check-in of your international flight helps you check off one the to-do’s of long international travel.

Stock photo of check-in on mobile app

3) Keep your passport & boarding pass handy.

ALWAYS. I have to stress this enough. Have your passport & boarding pass near you at all times. I carry my passport & boarding pass in my purse.

You have to remember to keep Passport, Money & Medical Essentials on you at all times. Everything else you can buy later. It is okay if you forget your favorite shirt.

4) Prepare for Airport Security – Oh What Fun!

Who loves airport security? The answer is not surprising. Airport security can be a stressful process for many travelers. The bags you will carry on long international flights tend to be heavier that the ones on domestic flight. Make sure to relax, get your passport & boarding pass out & prepare to go through security.

Stock image of airport security

5) Grab a Bite Before your Flight

I trust the airlines to feed me. But I don’t trust them to feed me when I am hungry. So having a lite meal before a long international flight is recommended.

6) Get Water

Buy bottled water after you are through security before you board your flight. Airlines take time to get their drinks cart out and you don’t want to rely on that for your water.

7) Be at the boarding gate an hour before flight time

My good friend once missed his international flight because he got chatty with someone at a different boarding gate. It happens!

Most international flights start boarding 1 hour before departure time.

I know that airlines start with boarding those who need assistance & then first class, business class etc. but they go fast . And sometimes the boarding gate mic doesn’t work, so keep your eyes & ears open.

Stock image of airport boarding gate

8) Settle in, Have your Essential Bag on You

When you finally get seated, make sure you keep essential items with you. Remove these essential items from your carry on bag before you place the bag in the overhead bin. Don’t I sound like the airline crew?

To me. essential items include – tooth paste, tooth brush, prescription medication, eye mask, ear plugs, passport & money.

9) Invest in Eye Mask & Ear Plugs

Remember I said crying babies on the airplane? It is not a joke when it comes to long international flights. Get ear plugs or noise cancellation headphones to cut out the noise on your flight. And get yourself an eye mask for good sleep – these steps help with smooth travel.

10) Stretch!

Stretch often. My back stiffens up if I just sit there for 12 hours. I walk around and stretch every hour on the flight. It is okay. Let people look at you strangely – take care of yourself.

11) Entertain Yourself

Watch TV or read a book or play mobile games or simply sleep. Switch between these options to avoid getting bored on your long international flight.

12) Take Time to Relax & Refresh in Your Layover

Layovers are a good time to brush your teeth & freshen up. It makes a huge difference and prepares you for the next leg of your long international flight.

Stock image of airport

13) Prepare for Border Control & Customs.

Another fun thing to tackle after a 24 hour long flight, yay!

Make sure you bring out your essential documents and fill out the customs forms in advance if you can. Airlines give out necessary customs form an hour before landing.

14) Grab Your Bags at the Baggage Terminal

Grab your bags and not anyone else’s. Long international flights can do a number on your cognitive abilities.

Stock image of baggage sign

And You are Done. Go home & Beat Jet Lag – that’s another problem I will tackle in my future posts.

Browse my Wander Guides for curated travel guides to destinations across the world. Contact me with questions.

Seek your adventure – Alisha out.