Being able to make it through a long-haul flight in economy class is similar to finishing a marathon. If passengers want to handle less hassle while in economy seating, they must prepare ahead of time and put their plan into action. The longest flight in the world is from Singapore to New York and that takes a marathon of 19 or so hours.As many know, long-haul flights in economy class are not the most comfortable in the world, and upgrading to Business Class isn't a viable choice for most people; that is why here are fifteen tips for passengers to survive long-haul flights in economy class.

UPDATE: 2023/02/07 12:51 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Hacks For Surviving Long-Haul Economy Flights

Long-haul economy flights can be quite an ordeal for many people. But there are plenty of hacks and tips for making the experience more relaxing. This list was updated with more tips on how to have an enjoyable long-haul economy flight. Don't let the long flight start one's trip out on a bad footing!

UPDATE: 2022/11/12 09:49 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Tips For How To Survive Long-Haul Economy.

Flights to Australia and New Zealand can be more than 15 hours non-stop while flights across the Atlantic are around 8 hours. That is an ordeal that can push many travelers to the limit. This article was expanded to include more tips on how to stay comfortable and survive a long-haul economy flight.

15 Prepare In-Flight Entertainment

Aside from resting, the greatest way to pass the time on a long journey is to engage in some form of entertainment – whether it's reading a book or watching a movie on the plane.

Make sure not to rely solely on the in-flight entertainment system, and instead, passengers should bring their own entertainment with them as it is possible that the in-flight entertainment system in a plane is not working.

If traveling with a Kindle or a tablet, passengers may indulge themselves in downloading books, podcasts, shows, and movies from their home computer before they go. It is also good to make sure that their electronics are fully charged prior to their journey - or bring a battery pack - as many airlines do not have power outlets in the economy cabin.

RELATED: Could Supersonic Flights Really Be Coming Back By 2030?

14 Do Not Forget Hygiene Essentials

This is as much for the benefit of everyone else on the flight. It is better to ensure that passengers will include toiletries in their carry-on bags and that they take the time to clean their teeth, apply deodorant, or even change their clothes. However, please make sure to do it in the bathroom and not anywhere else.

13 Do Not Settle For Less, Pack Extra Snacks

Even on long-haul flights, airline food is not always plentiful, so it is crucial for passengers to eat well in order to maintain their energy levels. There's no need to go overboard; just remember to pack snacks and eat them whenever possible.

12 Prevent Muscle Stiffness And Pain

Minor aches and pains are typical when traveling, especially for long periods of time. In fact, passengers may spend an indefinite amount of time sitting or standing. As moving around or stretching is difficult in confined spaces such as in a plane, it is better to know how to prevent muscle stiffness and pain. Traveling can be made less stressful with a little advance planning.

According to frequent travelers, it is better to stretch more often, such as standing up or moving around the plane. So, it is better to grab the opportunity to stretch whenever possible.

11 Drink More Water, Stay Hydrated

When it comes to humidity, plane air is pretty low. In fact, some studies estimate it is between 10% and 20%, which means it is quite drying, so it is better for passengers to make sure to drink lots of water while on the flight.

Aside from that, water consumption should be limited to 8 ounces per hour, according to the Aerospace Medical Association, as a general guideline. While it is not strictly necessary on short flights, it becomes increasingly vital on longer trips to ensure that passengers are getting enough water.

RELATED: First-Class First-Timer: Unspoken Flight Etiquette To Follow

10 Make Sure To Eat Less Before A Flight

Nothing will be more uncomfortable than traveling on a long-distance international flight while experiencing nausea. Before boarding a long-haul flight, it is recommended to eat something light and non-greasy to keep the passengers awake or if they want to sleep peacefully. In fact, many frequent travelers swear by the benefits of a Jet Lag diet.

9 Dress Comfortably

Passengers should maintain a relaxed and unassuming demeanor going to their respective flights as they are not there to impress anyone. In fact, it is good to pack layers in case it gets cold. Bringing a cardigan or sweatshirt is always useful to have on hand in case it gets cold.

8 Invest To Get A Better Sleep

Starting with a neck pillow, a high-quality eye mask, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones is a good idea. If a passenger chooses a window seat, they will be less likely to be disturbed, but be aware of the DVT risk. If passengers travel in a bulkhead seat, they may find themselves in close proximity to infants.

Remember that if the "fasten seatbelt" sign is illuminated, wear loose clothing and make sure that the seatbelt is buckled and visible. Otherwise, cabin crew service may prod it if the sign is not illuminated. In addition, a limited intake of alcoholic beverages and caffeine can actually increase the greater chance of sleeping.

7 Just Like In Any Other Automobile, Be Smart In Picking A Seat

The seat is a key factor to consider when booking a ticket because a comfortable seat can help reduce the stress of flying, which is especially significant if the passenger will be traveling for an extended period of time.

The best airline seats are often considered to be those in the first few rows of the plane, exit rows, aisle or window seats, and seats near the front of the plane. An aisle seat in the first row of the plane on a short flight will help any passenger get off the plane as fast as possible when they arrive at their destination.

However, different types of seats will still be more appropriate for different types of passengers based on their individual flying and travel habits and preferences. Making a reservation for the finest airplane seat ahead of time can alleviate a great deal of worry when traveling.

RELATED: Should You Use Airplane Mode? & Other Phone-In-Flight Tips

6 Just Sit Back And Relax!

Flights are the perfect opportunity to put worries aside and simply enjoy the moment. Despite the fact that there is no mobile phone coverage, the crew is there to cater to every passenger’s needs. It is actually the time that passengers can get some reading done, watch a couple of romantic comedies, or read about their destination. Think of the eight, ten, or twelve hours of extra time as a gift, and that long travel will go from being a hassle to being an experience.

5 Wear Earplugs & A Blindfold

Many airlines offer earplugs and a blindfold to their passengers, but one is less likely to be given much of a welcome pack when traveling on the cheap. To help sleep, consider bringing a pair of earplugs to block the noise and potential snoring of people around.

A blindfold will also help one sleep on the airplane. The whole experience is much more enjoyable if one can comfortably sleep through it. Unfortunately, the seats are designed for sitting in and not for sleeping; sleeping in an upright position can be a literal pain in the neck. This can be mitigated by bringing a small travel pillow aboard the aircraft.

4 Bring Your Own Headphones

The airlines offer complimentary headphones, but these are generally of awful quality. Passengers can enjoy much better audio quality when watching onboard movies by bringing their own headphones. Don't be afraid to bring a set of quality noise-canceling headphones.

Airplanes can be noisy - especially the cheaper seats located behind the engines. Good headphones on a long-distance flight will be greatly appreciated, and good headphones stowed away in the checked-in luggage will be sorely missed.

3 Bring A Sweater

Newark airport with planes parked around the main building
Photo by Chris Leipelt on Unsplash
Newark airport with planes parked around the main building

The air conditioning on airplanes can get very chilly. Particularly when one is on a long flight and is trying to sleep, it is important to bring warm clothes. It is always a good idea to wear long pants on a flight, and it is a good idea to bring a sweater on the plane. Remember, people don't normally get hot on an airplane, but they can get cold.

It doesn't matter where one is flying - over tropical rainforests or over the Arctic; the temperature is climate controlled on the plane, so this should be treated as a golden rule. Also, summer and winter have no meaning in an airplane - so regardless of how hot it is when one gets on the plane, that is not relevant to when one is up in the sky.

2 Bring A Charger

Best way to get to Lincoln, Nebraska
Via: Image by ThePixelman from Pixabay 
 Best way to get to Lincoln, Nebraska- via Lincoln airport, or the I-80 or US-77 highways

While many of the older aircraft do not have power outlets in economy class, more and more of the newer ones do. These days it is not guaranteed that one will have a power outlet in economy on a long-haul flight, but there is a good chance one will. Always bring a charging cable along. Even if one's electronics are fully charged, one may run out of power on a 10-hour flight plus time at the airport.

1 Bring Relevant Medicine On The Flight

Flying airplane over building with luggage at airport

While there are regulations and restrictions, people are permitted to bring their medicine on the flight. So if one is on meds, then feel free to bring it on board. If one is afraid of getting a migraine or headache during the flight, then bring ibuprofen or whatever med one normally takes. It is a good idea to check first, though, to see if any meds are not advised while flying or not.