A 10-hour flight rewards preparation. This is the checklist our specialists share with first-time long-haul travellers — nothing exotic, just the things that consistently matter.
Before you book
- Check the aircraft. A newer wide-body (A350, 787) usually means better air, quieter cabin, working power.
- Mind the layover length. 90 minutes is tight for an international connection; 2–3 hours is comfortable insurance.
- Ask about seat pitch. The same cabin class differs 2–4 inches between carriers — worth asking when fares are close.
Pack in your personal item
- Noise-cancelling headphones or foam earplugs
- Eye mask and a large empty water bottle (fill after security)
- Compression socks — the cheapest jet-lag and swelling insurance there is
- Lip balm, moisturiser and a toothbrush; cabin air sits at desert humidity
- A full change of underclothes in case checked baggage is delayed
- Power bank and a universal adapter
- Medications in original packaging, in the cabin, never checked
In the air
- Set your watch to destination time at takeoff and eat/sleep on that schedule
- Walk the aisle every 2–3 hours
- Skip the second coffee and the third glass of wine — both fight your sleep window
- Save the best film for the last two hours; the middle of the flight is for sleeping
Booking a long-haul trip and want a seat-friendly routing? Ask our desk to compare layover lengths and aircraft when quoting: +1 877 684 4280.