Long-haul flights can feel like an extreme sport in economy. You’re confined in a metal tube hurtling through the sky for hours on end, and let’s be honest—you absolutely suck at sleeping on planes. Trust me, I’ve been traveling full-time for almost a decade, and I still struggle with getting quality sleep in the air. But over time, I’ve discovered a few tricks to make those interminable hours more bearable and entertaining, and even give you a fighting chance at some proper rest.

Prepare Your Comfort Arsenal

Before you board, gather the essentials: an eye mask, a cozy sweatshirt, a thick lipmask, a long charging cable, any medications you need, and noise-canceling headphones - for years I always wore over the ear Bose headphones, but now exclusively bring Airpod Pro 2s. As a side/leaning sleeper, Ive found both style become uncomfortable after a while, but they’re indispensable when you need to drown out the engine noise and chatty neighbors.

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The Essentials

The Real Game-Changer?

A foot sling. Yes, a foot sling. This memory foam marvel is one of my best purchases ever. Here’s how it works: when you’re seated, clip the sling over your tray table, then lower the table to secure your feet. I've always tried to tuck my feet up into the seatback pocket or find somewhere to prop them up, and this gives you a fully adjustable foot rest so simulate lying down a bit better, and transform the minimal leg space into a semi-comfortable zone. If you’re like me—a stubborn side sleeper who loves to curl up—this little tool makes it far easier to relax.

I also always pack the trtl travel pillow. I wasn’t entirely sold on them at first, but after trying one out, I’m convinced. Its unique design, complete with a supportive bracket for your head or neck, helps prop you up in a way that feels surprisingly cozy. Combine it with your favorite pillow from home (yes, I travel with mine because I’m that particular), and you have a setup that mimics your usual sleep environment... as close as you can sitting up. Packing these items might seem like overkill, but trust me - on a long-haul flight, every little bit counts.

Smart Packing for In-Flight Essentials

Carrying all these comfort items can be a challenge, but I’ve developed a foolproof system. Use a compact stuff sack—a little black compression bag works wonders. In it, I pack my pillow, foot sling, turtle pillow, and even a spare pair of socks. Socks are a must, especially if you’re someone who likes to keep your feet cozy during a long flight.

And here’s my ultimate trick: attach your stuff sack to your carry-on with a carabiner. This way, it’s secure, easily accessible, and you’re not fumbling around with extra bags in the cramped overhead compartments. And what really counts: a pillow is considered a "bonus item" by even the cheapest airlines, so no matter who you fly with, you can take the pillow sack with you in addition to your carry ons. 

Mastering the Art of In-Flight Sleep

Getting any sleep on a plane is an art form, and I’m still refining mine. The trick is to create a mini sleep sanctuary right in your seat. Here’s what I do:

• Pre-Sleep Ritual: Take a melatonin, and listen to calming music or a sleep podcast - I personally love Get Sleepy and Sleepy History podcasts and download a number of their episodes for long flights. The music is loud enough to block out other sounds, and the ASMR stories are entertaining enough to keep me off my phone and lull me to sleep. I started listening to these at home on nights I can't fall asleep because they've worked so well. 
• Layer Your Comfort: Once in your seat, arrange your foot sling and turtle pillow. Use your own pillow to bring a bit of home into that alien environment. Make sure your noise-canceling headphones are on, and dim the world out with your eye mask. The goal here is full sensory deprivation.  
• Positioning Is Key: If you’re a side sleeper like me, experiment with different positions. Sometimes, leaning slightly to one side with the foot sling supporting your legs can make a world of difference. Adjust until you find that sweet spot where your body can relax without feeling cramped.

Not every flight will be perfect, but with a little trial and error, you can significantly boost your chances of catching some quality sleep.

Entertainment to Keep the Boredom at Bay

Outside of sleeping, some flights will leave you with hours and hours of time to kill, and you need entertainment. Download a few games that work offline (solitaire anyone?), load your Kindle with books, or download movies and tv shows to your iPad. Even if the in-flight entertainment system offers a decent selection, nothing beats having your own curated list of shows, movies, or music that you know will hit the right note.

And there's always work! It might not be relaxing, but getting a few tasks out of the way can make the hours fly by. Just be sure to balance productivity with moments where you can simply let your mind wander.

To use the in-flight entertainment system with your wireless headphones, plug in a Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter.

Embrace the Flight Experience

No long-haul journey is perfect, and sometimes you’re stuck in the seat, trying to find comfort in an environment designed for transit, not relaxation. When that happens, remind yourself that every minute you spend in discomfort brings you one step closer to your destination. Embrace the chaos: read, work, sleep, or simply watch the clouds pass by. Every mode of survival is valid.

• Stay Hydrated: Cabin air is notoriously dry. Keep a water bottle handy and drink regularly to avoid feeling sluggish.
• Stretch It Out: Get up and walk down the aisle when possible. A little movement can prevent stiffness and make you feel more refreshed upon landing.
• Plan Ahead: Know that even if you’re a horrendous plane sleeper, you can mitigate the discomfort with a little foresight and the right gear. It’s all about making the best of the situation.
• Stay Positive: Long flights are tough, but they’re also a part of your adventure. Focus on the destination and the experiences waiting for you—your flight is just a necessary stepping stone.

Long-haul flights don’t have to be a punishment. With the right tools and mindset, you can transform those grueling hours into a period of relative comfort and even productivity. Prepare to not just survive, but actually enjoy, the journey. After all, every step (or mile) brings you closer to your next adventure.

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