Surviving Long Haul Flights

How We Survive Long Haul Flights (From One of the World's Most Remote Cities)

Let’s be real: long haul flights are no joke. And when you’re from Australia, especially Perth, it’s not just a flight, it’s a full-blown endurance event. Our longest trip? Perth to Nashville. Three flights. Over 30 hours. Two sleep-deprived, slightly crumpled, still-in-love humans at the end of it.

These days, Ash and I fly economy, but in a past life, I worked in the travel industry for over 10 years, and upgrades to business class weren’t uncommon. So while these tips won’t magically make economy feel like the pointy end of the plane, they will make it feel a lot less like cattle class.

So, how do we survive it? With a combo of planning, comfort, and just enough luxury to make it feel like a treat (without blowing the budget). Here’s how we do it, and what we swear by.

💡 Mindset is Everything

Long hauls feel way easier on the way there. We're excited, full of wanderlust, and can push through. The way home? That’s where the tricks really kick in.

Ash and I rely on “time bucketing”  breaking the flight into chunks. First hour: browse entertainment and make a watch list. Then it’s dinner + a shared show (yes, we sync up our screens), maybe a little gossip about what we’re watching. After that, it’s melatonin, neck pillows and patience.

🎒 Carry-On Must-Haves

I keep my carry-on light but luxe. Here’s my non-negotiable survival kit:

• Noise-cancelling wireless headphones + our secret weapon: a little Bluetooth device that lets you use your own headphones with the in-flight entertainment.

• Eyemask (not the crusty airline ones, thanks), warm socks, and a travel pillow worth investing in, I’ll share links to our faves below.

• Electrolyte sachets, a pen, a puzzle book, and a snap-lock bag for liquids. Trust me, security will be easier.

• Lip balm, travel-size face moisturiser, hand sanitiser.

  
  

👚 What to Wear (Comfort > Style, but Still Stylish)

Long haul flights are cold. Don’t suffer through it in a t-shirt. I layer up in natural, breathable fabrics and always bring a light scarf or wrap. It’s not about looking glam, it’s about not shivering in 12C recycled air for 16 hours.

🛫 Lounge Like a Queen (On a Budget)

Thanks to our credit card perks, we access airport lounges for free, and highly recommend looking into this! A pre-flight cocktail and a clean bathroom makes a massive difference before boarding.

Enjoying our pre-flight lounge access

💤 Sleep and Seat Hacks

We always choose aisle and middle seats  that way we’re together, but not trapped. Window seats are overrated, and aisle gives you that precious stretch space. Bonus: sometimes that third seat stays empty. Bliss.

Ash takes a sleeping tablet or melatonin after dinner. I try to sleep naturally (and usually succeed after the second movie). Between meals, movies and naps, the hours pass surprisingly fast.

🧼 Freshen Up & Land Like a Human

Once we land or hit a lounge during a layover, we always shower. It changes your entire mindset. And on arrival, walk as much as you can. Skip the travelators and escalators. Move your body. Brush your teeth. Hydrate. You’ll feel 1000x better.

🧳 Our Favourite Travel Tools

Here are a few game-changers we never fly without:

• Bluetooth Adapter

• Memory Foam Neck Pillow

• Travel Electrolytes

• Lip Balm

• Moisturiser

Final Thought: Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It

Water is your best friend in the air. I drink a lot, even if it means getting up to pee. Movement and hydration are the secret sauce to feeling remotely human on the other end of a 30-hour travel day.

Have your own long haul hacks? Drop them in the comments we’re always looking for ways to improve the journey!

Love,

Mish x