How to prepare for a long flight (12+ hours)

For many, a trip to Asia or Africa from America will be their first long flight (12+ hours). It sometimes feels like running a marathon for the first time – it can be both mentally and physical exhausting. As someone who has done a couple dozen of these, I will give you the best advice I know to make it as easy as possible. But no matter what happens, it will be a memorable one too.

Table of Contents

What to Know and Do Before Your Flight
What to Do During Your Flight
You Are Not Finished Once You Land
Conclusion

1. What to know and do before your long flight

Peace Corps will make all your travel arrangements. You will take a domestic flight to your staging city where you will meet up with the rest of your cohort. Then you will all travel to your host country together. And if your destination is in either Asia or Africa, it will probably have a long flight (12+ hours). The more you know about the flight (and connections), the more you will be able to enjoy it.

**Cohort Nepal 206 in Los Angeles for staging.**

Know Your Connections

Once you have your flight details, a little searching on the internet can give you a ton of information about not only the flights but any layovers you’ll have. The more information you have, the more you can be prepared to enjoy the trip.

Flight Food and Comfort

Most long flights seem to be feeding you throughout the trip. If you want to find out what kind of food will be available on your flight, check out AirlineMeals.net. Protein can put extra strain on your digestive system, so best to avoid meat. If you can, ask for vegetarian meals. On my last flight, because I had asked for vegetarian meals, I was always served first.

When you check in for your international flight, even if you have an assigned seat, you can still make a seat change. If you never find yourself sleeping, even on longer flights then ask for an aisle seat. An aisle seat will make it easier too if you go to the toilet often.

If the gate can’t change your seat, ask the flight attendant before take-off if there are any aisle seats available. They will want you to wait until the flight is off the ground, but usually, before they serve the first drinks, you can change your seat.

I find that it is also easier to stretch out my legs when I am in an aisle seat. Just be sure not to trip anyone walking down the aisle, especially the flight attendants.

What is available at your transit airport?

Layovers are just part of the package when traveling to Asia and Africa. You will probably have at least 4-8 hours of waiting time before your next flight to your host country. Some volunteers use the time to get some sleep, but others will still be too excited to sit still for long. By knowing more about your airport and what it has to offer, you will be able to spend that time well.

The best part is that Peace Corps will give you a generous stipend to use during your flights. So, live a little during your layover. Does your airport have showers? Can you pay to use the transit lounges? For those really long layovers, are there places to sleep in a bed? Spend some money on some good food at one of the restaurants or buy some too expensive snacks. Peace Corps gave you the money to spend, so spend it.

Physically prepare for the long flight

You wouldn’t show up at a marathon without at least some physical preparation, would you? Well, a long flight is like a marathon. With a little physical preparation beforehand, you’ll enjoy the trip much better.

Jet Lag is real, so prepare for it

You can do a few things to lessen the impact of jet lag that everyone experiences on long flights. Because you are crossing so many time zones, it will take longer to get over jet lag. The saying goes “East is a beast, West is best.” So, it will take longer to recover from jet lag when you travel west to Asia than it will be going east to Africa.

Most volunteers are full of nervous energy that will probably last until you land in your host country. But poor sleep several days before the flight will not help with your jet lag. Quality sleep keeps you healthy. Flying exhausted will lower your natural immune system which isn’t good on a crowded flight either.

Here are a few tips to help you recover faster from jet lag once you reach your host country:

Get plenty of sleep before you go to staging.
If you are flying east, try going to sleep an hour earlier every night for a few days before you leave. If you are flying west, do the same but an hour later every night for a few days.
If you traveled east, wear sunglasses in the morning and avoid bright light. But get as much sunlight as possible later in the day your first week at PST (pre-service training). And if you traveled west, avoid sunlight in the late afternoon or early evening.
If your watch will allow it (some don’t), set it for the time in your host country. Or set up a clock on your smartphone so you can try to keep to the new schedule for your sleep.
Drink lots of water before, during, and after your flight. Jet lag symptoms are worse if you are dehydrated. And stay away from alcohol and caffeine the first week for the same reason.
Last, try to sleep on the plane when it is nighttime in your host country. Eye masks and earplugs can help.

If you have trouble staying awake on the plane, try getting up and stretching your legs, or just standing up at your seat. And once you get to your host country, try to get in some exercise like an early morning walk or run.

2. What to do during your long flight

**Getting ready to board our 18-hour flight from LA to Singapore**

What travel clothing should you wear?

Loose clothes will allow you to move in many different positions. Soft, loose, and comfortable clothing will also help you sleep better on the flight too. Flights can be cold, so think layers and bring a sweater or fleece. Because you might be traveling up to 48 hours, maybe bring a spare shirt to change into.

You want to be able to take your shoes on and off during the flight without too much trouble. Avoid shoes that must be tied. Slip-ons work well, as well as open-toed sandals (so you can wear warm socks). You have probably already thought of this to make it easier to get through the TSA security checks.

Become fast friends with the crew

Most passengers ignore the flight staff until they need something. Be different! Engage with them often and with a smile or even a laugh. They will appreciate the gesture and you might need some “extra” help later in the flight. I try to compliment them on the food and the service. It will make your flight and theirs just a little bit more enjoyable.

Move around as much as you can or are allowed

I’m always surprised at how many people never get up during these long flights. I just couldn’t do it. So, when things quiet down, usually between meals, I get up. The airlines don’t want you to congregate too much near the toilets. So, I sometimes just move up and down the aisle. Or, if that won’t work, I just stand up by my seat in the aisle. The idea is just to change from the sitting posture. Plus, my butt gets sore from sitting so long.

Eating and drinking on a long flight

Meals

You want to eat light meals. Again, it is probably best to avoid too much meat or fish. Usually, between meals, there will also be snack breaks so you can nibble your way throughout the whole flight. This will be easier on your stomach and blood sugar levels.

Pack Snacks

Peace Corps usually flies the bigger name airlines so you have a good chance of getting better than average food. But, just in case, you might bring some snacks to fill in the gaps. Plus, having your favorite snack food helps you relax, especially if you are nervous about this adventure you are starting. Just don’t bring anything too messy or too noisy when eating. Some suggestions might be:

trail mix (my favorite is raisins, peanuts, and Skittles)
granola bars (get the soft kind, the crunchy kind are loud and can make a mess)
yogurt-covered pretzels
dried fruit (I like mango strips and banana chips)

Hydrate

Even in normal life, many people do not keep as hydrated as they should. But on a long flight, it is even more important to keep the fluids coming. You are already nervous and mild dehydration can increase your anxiety. Airplane air is cool and dry and sucks the moisture out of everyone. Drinking more water will increase the times you have to use the restroom, but getting up will also help the circulation in your legs after sitting for so long. But don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendants for more water if you need it. They will be happy to provide it on these long flights.

**This flight was like business class so the 18-hours just flew by.**

Take advantage of your tablet/iPad if you have one

If you are bringing a tablet for your service (which I highly recommend), you might want to make sure to add a few things to it before staging. No matter how excited you will be during the first few hours with your new friends, you will almost certainly get bored at one point or another. So, having some new stuff on your tablet or eBook reader will help you get through it.

Movies

Your in-flight entertainment system will have a ton of films – both newer films but also a lot of classics. You might load one or two movies just for you on your tablet. Don’t load your entire movie collection because you’ll be needing those to kill the boredom during your service. Pick something special that you’ve been meaning to watch but just haven’t had time.

eBooks

I have both a Kindle and an iPad so I have my choice of which device I want to read from. You never know what mood you will be in during these long flights, so be sure to have several genres. And I’m sure there are some books that Peace Corps recommended that you never got around to reading. Now is your chance. And I have one fiction book that I have read over and over on these long flights. Just bring a variety so you’re bound to find something that interests you.

Music

I don’t know why but I’ve never liked the music selections on these long flights. You might be the same, so load up at least a couple of hours’ worth of your favorites. I also like to have a few long “make me sleep better” songs to play when I’m trying to sleep.

eGames

I never thought about bringing games on my tablet but it makes perfect sense. Again, you will be fast friends with your cohort. You will talk yourself silly trying to get to know everyone. But when the conversation is wearing a little thin, especially with the person sitting next to you, why not play a game. Pick either a game everyone knows how to play. Or, if you have time before staging, research if there are any electronic games from your host country.

Puzzles and Single Player Games

And when you finally can’t think of anything else to say but you can’t sleep, have a puzzle or single-player game on hand. I have a pencil with my iPad so I even have some coloring pages to pass the time.

Other electronics you will be glad you brought

Have a charging cable available

Almost all long flights now have USB charging ports. I usually bring a short cable that can charge multiple devices (USB-C, micro-USB, Lightning) so I can charge my devices while they are stuffed into the seat pockets in front of me. That way the cable is out of the way in case your fellow passengers need to get out of their seats.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise can come from so many places on a long flight – a crying baby, engine noise, or a group having a lively discussion. And usually, this all happens right when you want to sleep. You will only need them during your flight to and from your host country, but earplugs will be worth their weight in gold. Bring a few in case any of your new volunteer friends need them.

Every passenger will receive a cheap pair of headphones to use with the entertainment system. But if you have a good pair of headphones, you might use them instead. Just be mindful of the cord when other passengers want to move around.

Noise-canceling headphones and earphones are getting cheaper every day. If you can afford them, they are great. Because they ‘cancel’ out other noise around you, you don’t have to crank them up, which is better for your hearing.

If you can sleep, it will help

Take a travel pillow

For all my travel over the years, I have still not tried a travel pillow. But almost every travel article you read says they are a must for long passengers. Maybe on my next trip, I’ll finally get one. I’d look for one I can inflate/deflate to save some space (and not look so dorky with it around my neck).

Buckle your seat belt over your blanket or jacket

It gets cold on these flights, so snuggle up under the blanket they will give you. But sometimes I find it too thin, so I add putting on a jacket backward – arms go through the sleeves but the back of the jacket is in front. This is a lot easier to get on and off if needed. Whichever you do, buckle your seat belt over the blanket or jacket. If there is turbulence, the flight attendant might wake you if they don’t know your seat belt is fastened.

Eye masks come in handy

Every long flight I’ve been on in recent memory gave out a “kit” which included a toothbrush and toothpaste (to use just before landing), socks, and an eye mask. I’ve never used the socks but the eye masks do help cut out the light so you can sleep. Don’t forget to pop in your earplugs too.

Earplugs

Clean-Up in Transit or Just Before Landing

If you have an opportunity, you might take a shower at your transit airport, and/or at least take a towelette and clean up before you land in your host country. I do this for myself, to make me feel more refreshed and ready for whatever comes next. Also, use the toothbrush and toothpaste the airline gave you (or have some chewing gum to freshen your breath).

3. You Are Not Finished Once You Land

**Chaos loading up the buses at the airport in Kathmandu**

Even after such a long series of flights, you won’t be done just yet. These long flights affect everyone differently, so watch out for your fellow volunteers or members of your group. When you are so tired, making even small decisions can take forever and still might not be right. Help each other get all the luggage you’ve brought. There will always be a few who brought way too much. So, don’t grab just yours and head to the exit! Make sure everyone is finding their bags and get carts if available. Then make your way to the exit together.

You will be met by staff and sometimes even current volunteers. They kind of make it a big deal. You’ll be exhausted but try to enjoy it as it will only happen once. From the airport, you’ll probably load onto buses and unfortunately, you’ll probably have some more hours before you can crash on a bed. Just breathe the air and realize that you are now in your ‘home’ country for the next 27-months.

Again, like at the airport, everyone will be exhausted. But take some time to make sure everyone gets to their room with their luggage. Accidents happen with fatigue and you don’t want one of your fellow volunteers spending the night in an emergency room somewhere. But, after that, get some sleep because the next day will start early and you will “officially” be on your way to becoming a US Peace Corps volunteer.

Conclusion

I have tried to give you a broad overview of how to better prepare yourself for the long travel you will probably have to do as a Peace Corps volunteer. There is a lot you can do to make your trip less stressful and even a lot more fun by taking care both before and during your flights. Be thoughtful and patient with everyone around you and enjoy the adventure!

How to prepare for a long flight (12+ hours)