You’ll hear all kinds of stories from people traveling long distances by air. Some enjoy the long haul, while others become grumpy and restless—unfortunately, I fall into the latter category. That's why I want to share some tips on how to survive a long flight, like the one we took to Toronto, Canada.
For this trip, I packed my "Carry-On Luggage," or as I like to call it, my "Survival Luggage." I included everything I could to keep myself entertained on the plane, since I typically have trouble sleeping. I really envy those who can just doze off to make the journey feel shorter.
So, here's what I did 30,000 feet in the air!
1. LISTEN TO MUSIC
Listening to music can really help you feel calm and relaxed during a long flight, so make sure to download plenty of songs—you’ll definitely need them! I recommend using Spotify, as they offer a fantastic selection of albums and playlists that you can download instantly. For offline listening, you just need to pay P129 a month. It’s a small price to pay for some great tunes while you’re in the air
2. WATCH MOVIES
One of my favorite activities on a plane is binge-watching movies. On this particular flight, I ended up watching 70% of the in-flight movie options, including some non-English films like Chinese and Korean titles. I also recommend loading your iPhone, iPad, or any other device you have with a variety of series and movies. Just remember to charge them beforehand—you definitely don’t want your shows to cut off because of a dead battery! A high-capacity power bank can be a lifesaver, too.
3. READ A BOOK
I’m not typically a big reader, but a 13-hour flight might just convert me! I didn’t manage to finish the book I brought along, but it definitely helped pass about 45 minutes of the flight. For all the bookworms reading this, I bet you could easily finish more than three books during such a long journey. Plus, reading on a plane is a great option because, unlike car rides, you don’t really feel the movement of the plane, so you can read without getting dizzy.
4. PLAY GAMES
Whether it’s on your phone, tablet, or laptop, entertainment options are essential during a long flight. After binge-watching a few movies, I also played some games on the in-flight TV monitor. I’m really grateful that airlines continue to innovate their planes to enhance passenger comfort and enjoyment during the journey.
5. EATING
Over the years of traveling by air, I’ve seen a significant improvement in plane food. I used to dislike it because it was often oily, bland, and seemingly prepared just for the sake of it. However, on this trip, I was impressed with how Korean Air selected a distributor that truly understands how to create delicious, interesting, and satisfying meals. Plus, since it was a long flight, the flight attendants regularly served snacks and drinks, which made the experience even better.
6. DO NOT CHECK YOUR WATCH
Even if you own a beautiful Rolex and love looking at it, it's best to avoid checking the time repeatedly during a long flight, especially one that's over ten hours. There’s nothing you can do to change the situation, so why remind yourself that you still have seven hours left? It only amplifies the discomfort of being seated for so long.
Those are the strategies I employed to pass the time, but I’d like to add that there are no perfect flights. Even with distractions, something or someone can always disrupt your experience. For instance, you might find yourself next to a kid who can't stop fiddling with their tray table, making it hard for you to relax. Or you could end up beside someone who skipped a shower and is unfortunately seated close to you. And let’s not forget the inevitable loud snorer!
To sum this entry up, a long, lousy flight will all be worth it especially when you know in your heart that your destination is a place where your heart will be satisfied with memories and experiences.
