So, you’ve done the quick flights: the 2-hour hop to a nearby city, maybe even a 5-hour journey to another state or country. But now, you’re staring down the barrel of something that feels entirely different — a 12-hour flight.

It’s exciting because it likely means you’re off on an incredible adventure, but at the same time, the thought of being on a plane for half a day can feel daunting. What do you pack? How do you stay comfortable? How do you avoid getting bored?

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to prepare for your first long-haul flight and make it as smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible.

1. Choosing the Right Seat: Where Should I Sit?

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for a long flight is where to sit. If you’ve only flown short flights, you might not have thought much about seat selection before. But for a 12-hour flight, your seat can make a big difference in your comfort.

Window vs. Aisle

Window seat: If you like having control over when to sleep and prefer fewer disruptions, the window seat is a good choice. You can lean against the side of the plane to sleep and don’t have to move every time someone in your row needs to get up. However, you’ll need to be comfortable with the fact that you won’t be able to get up as easily yourself.

Aisle seat: If you know you’ll want to stretch your legs frequently or use the bathroom often, go for the aisle seat. You’ll have more freedom to move around without disturbing anyone. But, you might get bumped by other passengers or the flight attendants when they walk by.

Extra Legroom?

For a long flight, it’s worth considering paying for extra legroom if it’s within your budget. Many airlines offer seats with more space near the front of the plane or by the emergency exits. If you’re tall or just want to stretch out more, the extra investment can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are for those 12 hours.

Personal Tip: On my first long-haul flight, I went with the window seat because I thought I’d be able to sleep better. It worked great, but I quickly realized that if you’re prone to needing bathroom breaks, the aisle seat might be more practical.

2. What to Pack in Your Carry-On: Essentials for Long-Haul Comfort

Packing the right things for your carry-on is essential. Since you’ll be in the air for a long stretch, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable, entertained, and refreshed.

Carry-On Must-Haves:

Travel pillow and blanket: Airplane seats are not designed for sleep, so you’ll want to bring along a supportive travel pillow and blanket. Many long-haul flights provide blankets, but they’re not always the coziest, so consider bringing your own lightweight blanket or shawl.

Noise-canceling headphones: Planes can be noisy, and having a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference, whether you’re watching a movie or trying to sleep.

Eye mask and earplugs: Block out the light and noise with an eye mask and earplugs. Even if the lights are dimmed on a night flight, the glow from screens and reading lights can still be distracting.

Snacks: Airplane food isn’t always the best, and there’s often a long stretch between meal services. Pack a few healthy snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep you satisfied.

Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially on long flights. Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up before you board. The tiny cups the flight attendants offer won’t cut it for 12 hours.

Toiletries: Pack travel-sized essentials like toothpaste, a toothbrush, face wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and moisturizer. Planes are notoriously dry, so you’ll want to keep your skin hydrated and freshen up before landing.

Change of clothes: You don’t need to bring a full wardrobe, but a clean shirt, underwear, and socks can go a long way in making you feel refreshed after a long flight.

3. What to Wear: Dress for Comfort

One of the best pieces of advice I can give for a long flight is to dress comfortably. You’ll be sitting in a small seat for hours on end, so wearing something restrictive or uncomfortable is going to make the flight feel even longer.

Ideal Long-Haul Flight Attire:

Loose, breathable clothing: Think soft fabrics and layers. Airplane cabins can fluctuate in temperature, so layering is key. A lightweight T-shirt with a hoodie or sweater on top works well.

Comfortable pants: Skip the tight jeans or formal trousers. Opt for something with a bit of stretch, like leggings, joggers, or relaxed-fit pants. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the extra comfort when you’re trying to get cozy in your seat.

Slip-on shoes: Shoes that are easy to take on and off make going through security and getting comfortable in your seat much easier. Slip-on sneakers or comfortable flats are perfect for this. Don’t forget to wear (or pack) socks, as planes can get chilly.

4. Entertainment: How to Stay Busy for 12 Hours

One of the biggest concerns for long-haul flights is boredom. How do you pass the time when you’re stuck in a seat for half a day? The good news is that most long-distance flights have plenty of in-flight entertainment options, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case.

Keeping Yourself Entertained:

In-flight entertainment: Most airlines offer a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games. Check the airline’s website ahead of time to see what will be available on your flight. It can be fun to plan which movies or shows you want to watch beforehand.

Download your own content: Wi-Fi on planes isn’t always reliable, so make sure to download a few movies, TV episodes, podcasts, or audiobooks before your flight. You never know when the in-flight system might not have what you want or isn’t working.

Books or e-readers: If you love to read, a long flight is the perfect time to dive into a good book. Bring a paperback or load up your e-reader with multiple options.

Games or puzzles: If you enjoy puzzles or brain games, download a few onto your phone or tablet. There’s nothing like a good crossword puzzle to pass the time!

5. Managing Sleep: How Do I Get Some Rest?

One of the biggest challenges of long flights is figuring out how to sleep. Even if you’re someone who can nap on a short flight, sleeping for a longer period in an upright seat can be tough.

Tips for Sleeping on a Long-Haul Flight:

Bring a travel pillow: A supportive neck pillow can make a huge difference when trying to sleep. There are tons of options out there, from memory foam to inflatable ones, so find one that works for you.

Use a blanket or shawl: Airplane cabins can get cold, especially during overnight flights. Having a cozy blanket or shawl can help you stay warm and comfortable while you doze off.

Take a sleep aid (if needed): If you have trouble sleeping on planes, you might consider bringing a mild sleep aid or melatonin. Just make sure to try it at home before using it on your flight to ensure it doesn’t make you feel groggy.

Block out light and noise: An eye mask and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help create a more peaceful environment, especially if other passengers are moving around or there’s light from the screens.

Pro Tip: I’ve found that setting myself up with a good travel pillow and my favorite hoodie helps me create a “mini cocoon” for sleeping. It’s not the same as a bed, but it definitely helps me get some rest!

6. Staying Hydrated and Healthy: Avoiding Travel Fatigue

Staying healthy on a long flight is key to arriving at your destination feeling refreshed rather than exhausted. The dry air in airplanes can dehydrate you, and sitting for long periods can take a toll on your body.

Health Tips for Long Flights:

Drink plenty of water: Airplane cabins are incredibly dry, which can dehydrate you quickly. Make it a point to drink water regularly throughout the flight. If you have your own bottle, you can refill it whenever needed.

Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol: While it might be tempting to have a coffee or cocktail, both can dehydrate you. Stick to water or juice for the majority of the flight, and save the caffeine or alcohol for when you’re closer to your destination.

Stretch and move: Sitting for 12 hours isn’t great for your circulation, so make sure to stand up, stretch, and move around the cabin every few hours. Even just walking up and down the aisle can help.

Personal Tip: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, be cautious about drinking too much coffee before a long flight. Rather than keeping you alert, it might make you jittery and uncomfortable. Consider water and herbal tea for long trips.

7. Preparing for Jet Lag: How Do I Adjust to a New Time Zone?

If your 12-hour flight is taking you to a new time zone, you’ll want to think about how to minimize jet lag. Long flights can mess with your internal clock, especially if you’re crossing several time zones.

Tips for Avoiding Jet Lag:

Adjust your sleep schedule ahead of time: In the days leading up to your trip, try gradually adjusting your bedtime and wake-up time to match your destination’s time zone.

Get on the new schedule: As soon as you board the plane, start thinking in terms of your destination’s time. Try to sleep or stay awake based on what time it is where you’re headed, rather than what time it is where you are.

Stay active and get sunlight: Once you arrive at your destination, try to stay active and spend time in natural sunlight. This can help reset your internal clock and get you adjusted to the new time zone more quickly.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey

A 12-hour flight may seem intimidating at first, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable experience. From packing the right gear to choosing your seat wisely and keeping yourself entertained, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the journey.

Just remember, the flight is part of the adventure! Whether you’re crossing oceans or continents, take time to appreciate the unique experience of long-haul travel. Before you know it, you’ll be landing in an exciting new destination, ready to start your next adventure.

Safe travels, and enjoy the ride!