A while ago, I had a reader reach out mentioning they have a hard time figuring out how to pass the time on long haul flights. And after our trip to Australia where the flights from the West Coast of the US were a solid 14 hours each way, I figured it was a good time to show you my perfect itinerary for a 10+ hour flight.
Boarding – I like to board at the beginning and usually with elite status and such, I board with the group I fit into. I like to get settled and not be rushed. This is also a great time, once you get to your seat, to get yourself all situated. I take out things like my phone and headphones, chapstick and water so that I have everything out that I’ll need during take-off.
Take Off – I usually listen to music during take-off so during taxi, I’ll figure out what I want to listen to and get everything ready to go. Then I put the headphones in and watch the land disappear beneath the plane out the window.
Hours 1-3 – Depending on my mood, I usually like to get some stuff done during the first few hours of a long flight. Whether that’s working on blog posts (I use my phone and a bluetooth keyboard for that) or other work related items, I find that if I need to do anything, I am the most productive during the first few hours. Also use this time to eat the meal that is usually served in the first hour or so of a long flight and continue to organize your seat and area.
Hours 4-6 – I can sleep fairly easily on long flights, so after I get done what I need to, I’ll nap for a bit. Sometimes that’s a solid few hours of sleep, other times it’s a half hour here and a half hour there, but the middle of the flight is a great time to get some rest as usually they turn down the lights at this point and you want to make sure you’re rested as traveling is draining.
Hours 7-10+ – If I wake up fairly refreshed, I’ll head to restroom and splash some water on my face. I usually also head back to the galley at this point of a flight and get some tea from the flight attendants. And then heading back to my seat, I’ll spend the next few hours of the flight either watching movies or tv shows on my phone or on the entertainment systems of the plane. I like to do this last because it passes the time quickly and usually at the end of a long flight, those last few hours drag on and on. But when you’re immersed in something you’re watching, it goes by a lot faster!
45 minutes before Landing – I usually take my make up off for long haul flights, so if we’re landing at a destination, I’ll head to the restroom about 45 minutes before landing and reapply a little bit of makeup and freshen up a bit. That way, I feel much better and we can hit the ground running!
Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki says
This is how I like to spend my flights as well, and basically the schedule I do for my flights from Iceland. It is also so nice to freshen up before landing as well, makes me feel refreshed after a long flight.
Casey says
Yea totally… freshening up before landing makes you feel so much better!
Emily of Em Busy Living says
I never considered removing and reapplying my makeup like this…but it’s not like I would wear my makeup overnight at home so I don’t know why I wouldn’t in the sky!
Casey says
It’s so nice to take makeup off on a long flight! I bring those makeup remover wipes and just do it in my seat and then just put some lotion on my face and let it breathe throughout the flight… I always feel so much better on the other end by doing it that way!
Emily of Em Busy Living says
I use those all the time! I’ll have to remember that for sure next time I’m on a long flight.
Kathleen Norris says
What a great list! Now it’s got me thinking about what I did during my 10 hour flight over seas this summer. This seems like a great way to pass the time though! Thanks for sharing!
Casey says
Yea… once you get on somewhat a schedule on a flight, they go by a lot quicker!
Chantal says
What I wouldn’t give to take a 10+ hour flight by myself haha. We just did Seoul to the US, and are about to head back to Korea, with two kids. I don’t even bother bringing stuff for myself anymore! 😛
Casey says
Haha! Good luck 🙂
Nish Gorczyca says
This is wonderful! I can’t believe I have three 9+ hour flights still ahead of me this year but it looks like they’ll be easier to handle now. Definitely using this!
Casey says
Yes… this should make them easier 🙂
Christine Everyday says
This is awesome! I’ve never really thought of having a plane ride itinerary but it’s a great idea.
Casey says
Yes! It really helps you pass the time if you have somewhat of a schedule! As you would normally during your day/night.
HandLuggageOnly says
Ahhhh! If only we’d read your post last week! 🙁
What a great post – I’m definitely using some of your tips on our next flight! 🙂
Lloyd & Yaya xx
Casey says
So glad you’ll be able to put it to good use!
Kayti Clayton says
I’ve never seen someone post a long haul flight itinerary but it’s genius! Love this!
Casey says
So glad it’s helpful! 🙂
Kristin | Eat. Fly. Love. says
I wish I were more productive on long flights. I usually watch a movie or read part of my book and then I’m zonked out like a champ. I like it, because I’m ready to go when I get wherever I’m going – but it’s bad if it’s night where I’m going, because then it takes me a few more days to get adjusted to the timezone!
Casey says
That’s a blessing though to be able to sleep like that!
Kristin | Eat. Fly. Love. says
That’s what the flight attendant said on my last flight. She was such a sweetheart – she didn’t wake me up for service but tucked a water bottle and a snack right next to me. I, of course, slept like the dead through it all, and she was like, “You are such a good sleeper! What do you take?” And I said, “Um…work related exhaustion?”
Casey says
So funny! I’m pretty good about sleeping for an hour or 2 at a time on a flight but I can’t seem quite get to multiple hours at a time.