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Top tips for long-haul flights

Taking off to far-flung shores? Check out our long-haul flying tips, from what to wear to what to pack.

Ah, holidaying. There’s no better feeling than switching off those notifications for a week or two and soaring off to a sunny destination. Whether you’re seeking solace in the winter (hello, Caribbean shores) or heading far away for new experiences, we’ve rounded up our top long-haul flying tips – from what to wear to what to pack. Read on for the long-haul lowdown… 
 

Then, book your exotic break with our best long-haul deals.  

First-time long-haul flying tips 

First up, there are a few extra things to remember before you fly… 
 

Pre-travel requirements
New to far away flying? Some destinations have a few boxes to tick before taking off, so it’s super important to check if there are any extra documents or paperwork you need. Heading to Florida? You’ll need to buy an ESTA online – see our handy guide for more info. If Jamacia’s calling your name, don’t forget to complete an online passenger declaration form before you check in. 
 

Money, money, money 

Some countries like Sri Lanka and India have a closed currency. That means you can only exchange money when you land. Any unsplashed cash will need to be changed back before you fly home, too.

Plug it in 

Snap happy on holiday? Pack the right adapter for your phone charger and any other must-pack electricals for the country you’re travelling to. 
 

Here’s what you’ll need, where: 

  • For the USA and Mexico, pack a type A adapter with two flat pins. 

  • For India, pack a type D adapter with three round pins in a triangular shape. 
     

Allergy advice 

Tasting local plates? Sounds good to us. We recommend learning a few words or phrases in the local language so you can chat with the chefs about your allergy, intolerance, or dietary requirement wherever you sit down and dine. Or buy an allergy translation card with all your info in writing. It’s a good idea to keep an extra copy handy so you’re covered. 

Adjusting to the toasty temps 

It may seem obvious but the heat and humidity in far-flung destinations can differ from the UK, so it’s super important to keep yourself feeling at your best. Drink plenty of water so you’re hydrated, wear light and airy clothing when you’re out and about – materials like linen are great for absorbing sweat and keeping you cool – and head for the shade if you’re feeling hot. Oh, and don’t forget your sunnies, hat and suncream, too. 

Currency, money

What to wear on a long-haul flight

As far as we’re concerned, flight fashion is all about comfort. If you’re sitting down for hours, you don’t want an uncomfortable waistband digging in, or a tight top stopping you from settling down. 

Layering’s key here, too, especially if you’re travelling to warmer climes. Put on as many light layers as you can, and you’ll find it easier to keep yourself at a comfortable temperature, on the flight and once you land.

And, as attractive as they are(n’t), a pair of compression socks will help to stop your ankles from swelling – a normal side-effect of long-haul flights. Pack a pair of thick slipper socks, too, and put them on instead of your shoes once you’re settled in your seat.


Fancy flying like a VIP? We’ve got Premium seat upgrades available to book. Extra space and extra legroom – what a combo.  

Mature couple enjoying premium seats onboard a TUI flight

What to pack for a long-haul flight

Deciding what to pack for a long-haul holiday – we’ve all been there and got the T-shirt (literally). Lucky for you, we’re not talking about the infamous rolling versus folding debate – we’re talking about packing the essentials to keep you happy on your long-haul flight. First up, a travel pillow. It supports your head and neck while you get your 40 winks. A lip balm (or two!) is another must-have to keep handy because long flights can dehydrate your skin and lips. And to keep those pearly whites looking – well, pearly and white – pack a toothbrush and miniature toothpaste. Don’t forget to keep what you need close at hand – pop things in your seat pocket or your bag under your seat. 
 

Psst! Most of our long-haul flights are on high-spec a TUI 787 Dreamliner, so you’ll have at least 34 inches of legroom and plenty of room for all your bits and bobs. 

Travel pack, blanket and earphones on plane seat

What to eat on a long-haul flight

On a long-haul holiday, you’re flying through different time zones and missing out on regular mealtimes, so keeping plenty of snacks handy while you’re waiting for the food trolley to make its way to you is a must. Cereal bars and dried fruit are great for keeping you ticking over as they release energy slower than other foods. On your TUI flight, you’ll get one main meal and a light refreshment before you land, so we recommend choosing something with carbs to fuel your holiday excitement. 
Passenger enjoying in flight meal

What to drink on a long-haul flight

The easiest way to start your long-haul holiday prep is to drink more water. If you aim to have at least two litres a day a month before you fly, you’ll give your skin a build up of moisture to counter the drying humidity levels inflight.

We’d also suggest packing a reusable bottle, and asking the cabin crew to fill it up for you. That way, you can keep your fluid levels up throughout the whole flight, instead of having to wait for the crew to bring the trolley around.

You could buy yourself a bottle of sports drink in the airport – once you’re through security – too. These drinks contain added electrolytes, which, along with plenty of water, help to keep you hydrated.
Couple walking through the airport

How to sleep on a long-haul flight

So, what’s the best way to get some shut-eye on a long-haul flight? Well, if you’re on a TUI 787 Dreamliner, you’ll find it easier to drift off, anyway. You can dim the windows with the touch of a button, and the dynamic LED mood lighting mimics dusk and dawn, helping your body wind down or wake up.

You can give the lighting a hand, though, by putting on an eye mask when it’s time to shut your eyes. This will limit your exposure to things like reading lights, and keep your circadian rhythms – which are in control of when you sleep and wake up – in check.

What’s more, your circadian rhythms can be disturbed by the blue-spectrum light which comes out of your tablet or laptop. So, if you’re winding down to sleep, try reading a paperback, or an e-reader, instead. That way, once you touch down on the tarmac, you’ll be rested and ready to grab your getaway with both hands.
Low lit cabin at night

Long-haul destinations worth the flight time

St Lucia
A flight to St Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport will take around nine hours. But, once you step off the plane, you’ll be treated to an island packed with superb scenery and sandy beaches. Whether you want to pick a sandy spot and kick back, or clip on a harness and zip-line your way through the rainforest, St Lucia’s got it covered. The Royalton St Lucia's ideal for a spot of post-flight luxury. This place is pretty new, and features seven restaurants and a spa at its sandy cove-side location.
 

Mexico 
Flights to Mexico might take 10 hours, but they give you access to over 10,000 kilometres of coastline, generously sprinkled with beaches. Strap on a snorkel and some flippers, and you’ll find picture-perfect underwater scenes at your fingertips. Plus, inland, UNESCO-accredited Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza are the big-name sights. The Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun by Karisma has secured a spot on the Riviera Maya, right on the beachfront. Warm waters and soft white sands are just footsteps away, so you’ll soon be rested up after your flight. 
 

Thailand 
Our flights to Thailand head to the island of Phuket, a popular holiday spot that’s known for its  natural scenery and bustling nightlife. You’ll land at Phuket International Airport, after a flight that takes about 12 hours from the UK. There’s heaps to see and do here, from spreading out on some of the island’s top sandy swathes, like Patong Beach and Kamala Beach, to discovering Phuket’s collection of golden Buddhist temples. We reckon that the Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa’s top-class wellness facilities, scenic infinity pools and close-to-it-all postcode are just the ticket to help you recharge your post-flight batteries.  

 

Check out our long-haul deals. 

Family walking along a beach in Thailand

Far-flung shores calling your name?

It’s time to book that long-haul holiday with our best long-haul deals.

Get some destination inspiration with a read of our best long-haul destinations article. Hungry for more? Check out the five destinations you didn't expect us to fly to and our best last-minute getaways to help you nail your next long-haul break.    

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Laura Wilkinson

Last updated: 28.08.2024

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