Surviving a 10+ Hour Flight: Tips for a Stress-Free and Comfortable Journey

Hello from the sky, friends! I’m currently writing this near the end of my flight from San Francisco to Singapore — my longest direct flight yet. We’ve already been in the air for 15 hours, with just one more to go, so the end is in sight! It hasn’t been bad at all, and here are some tips that have helped me power through this long journey:

Pick Your Airline & Route Wisely

I’m flying with Singapore Airlines for the first time, and it’s been a great experience. Although I’m a Delta loyalist, I knew that for a journey this long, I’d prefer a direct flight over a layover. I looked into direct flights from both SFO and JFK and chose San Francisco because it meant I’d arrive in Singapore one day later instead of two — maximizing my time in Southeast Asia.

Since I’m not based in SF, I flew there from Atlanta the night before to make my life easier and stayed at the Millwood Boutique Hotel, just 10 minutes from the airport. Bonus: my stay was “free” thanks to my Delta Reserve Card’s $200 annual hotel credit!

Window Seat Lovers…It Might Be Time to Consider the Aisle

I’m a window seat girl through and through, but flights this long make me reconsider whether an aisle seat would be better. So far, I’ve only gotten up three times — strategically, when the passengers next to me did as well. I definitely wanted to get up more, but couldn’t bring myself to wake up my neighbors.

Treat This Like a Marathon

Have I ever run a marathon?

No.

But if I did, I like to think I’d be in bed early (per usual) the night before to get plenty of rest before the big day. Flying 16 hours — no matter what seat you’re in — is a marathon of its own, so you definitely need to be well-rested and mentally ready to endure the journey ahead.

Prioritize Your Comfort

Comfort is key when you're stuck on a plane for half a day. Here’s what helped me feel cozy enough to actually sleep:

• My go-to traveler jumpsuit from Abercrombie, which is super lightweight and flexible!

• A cozy blanket and neck pillow to make you feel like you’re more comfortable than you probably are.

• A silk eye mask to block out light from screens or the people who randomly open their window shades (side eye).

• Slippers with padding because let’s be real, airplane floors are gross, but who wants to wear shoes for that long? 

• For my fellow vacation braid girls, don’t forget your bonnet!

• Lastly, and maybe most importantly…noise-canceling headphones, like my AirPods Pro 2. You never know if you’ll be seated near a yapper, a snorer, or a crier…I got all three (yay!).

  
  

Take Care of Your Body — Hydrate, Snack Smart & Keep Your Blood Flowing

I didn’t fill up my water bottle beforehand and was parched for the first few hours since they only brought around tiny water cups. I eventually went to the back of the plane and asked a flight attendant to fill it up. Lesson learned: always bring a full bottle!

When I first started traveling, I packed whatever snacks and candy I felt like. But knowing my sensitive stomach, I now bring light, non-inflammatory snacks, with my go-to being Chomps! Speaking of food — if something in the in-flight meal looks like it’ll hurt your stomach, be kind to yourself and skip it.

On a flight this long, stretching is essential. By hour 10, I started feeling restless, so I took a stroll to the back of the plane. Get up and walk — your body will thank you, even if your neighbors won’t.

Download Shows & Movies Beforehand

Having something to keep you entertained when you’re awake is crucial. I usually feel sick when reading on transportation, so I opted for a new series instead. I downloaded The Residence on Netflix and let me just say, Shonda Rhimes can do no wrong. Also, I’m very proud of myself for accurately guessing the murderer, but I won’t spoil that for you. 

Well, I’ll be landing in Singapore soon — talk to you later!

Joyfully,

Temitayo