Three days before our flight, my husband texted me:
“We’re going right by AUSTRALIA?”
Yes, the trip had been booked for months. Yes, I had told him it would be longer than our normal jaunt to Europe.
No, I may not have given the exact flight time — because “16 and a half hours” sounds less like travel and more like a punishment.
We flew UA1 from San Francisco to Singapore — a flight that, until April 2025, held the title for longest route offered by United. It’s a daunting number. But with a little strategy (and maybe a few comfort hacks that make you look like a travel wizard), it’s manageable. My husband even said after we landed, “Huh. That didn’t feel that long.” Which, coming from him, is basically a Michelin star review.
Step One: Make Peace With the Back of the Plane
If I could afford to fly first class every time, I would — in the same way I would absolutely buy a Paris apartment and develop a signature wine. Sadly, my credit limit disagrees. So this trip was in economy.
When choosing seats, I looked at the plane’s layout and found that the second-to-last row only had two seats on one side. We’d still be elbow-to-elbow, but at least we wouldn’t be playing “Whose armrest is it, really?” with a stranger. That little bit of extra privacy was worth every mile point.
Make a Flight-Watching Schedule
That movie you’ve been meaning to watch? That Netflix show everyone binged in one weekend? Don’t start them at home. Save them for the flight. Download your entertainment before you leave, and if you’re Type-A enough, make a mini schedule: Movie #1 with lunch service, a few episodes of a series before your mid-flight nap, Movie #2 before breakfast.
It sounds silly, but when you break a 16.5-hour flight into TV segments, it suddenly feels less like “half a day in a tin can” and more like “a weekend on the couch.” Just remember — never rely solely on the seatback entertainment. I’ve been on more than one long-haul where the system was broken. Always have your own shows and movies downloaded to your phone or iPad (yes, both).
Create Your In-Flight Soundtrack
Silence is fine… for about ten minutes. Build a playlist (or two) on Spotify before you even think about heading to the airport — and download them in advance. Do not trust airport Wi-Fi unless you enjoy disappointment.
I keep two playlists ready for every long-haul: one with mellow, sleepytime vibes for when I’m trying to zone out and drift off, and another packed with travel and adventure anthems that make me feel like the main character in a movie montage. Having both means you’re covered for every mood at 38,000 feet, from “I want to nap” to “I’m landing in Singapore and ready to conquer the world.”
Be Ruthless About Carry-On Packing
We travel carry-on only. Always. My main bag is the Away Bigger Carry-On and my personal item is the Lovevook backpack. Anything I might possibly want during the flight goes in the backpack so it’s accessible without the dreaded overhead-bin shuffle.
On a long-haul, every inch of space matters — and so does your ability to reach your stuff without performing acrobatics over a sleeping seatmate. Keep your chargers, snacks, and comfort items within arm’s reach. Think “zero extra movement, maximum comfort.”
Long-Haul Flight Comfort Essentials
Travel Footrest
Yes, I’ve read the controversy. This one is different. This version hooks over your tray table and doesn’t affect the person in front of you. It made sleeping so much easier and actually reduced my back pain mid-flight.
Sleep Mask
Not the kind that wraps around your seat and blocks the screen for the person behind you (please, let’s keep friends on board). My go-to for flights is this mask, but at home, I love my Audrey Hepburn-inspired one. A good sleep mask is a portable blackout curtain for your brain.
Hand Sanitizer
My current favorite is from Touchland. You will touch questionable surfaces on a plane, so having sanitizer that smells good and doesn’t leave sticky residue is a win.
Headphones — Plural
Bring your AirPods (or other wireless) and a pair of wired noise-canceling headphones. Seatback screens still require wired connections, and wireless earbuds will die eventually. Having backups is a sanity saver.
Nostalgic Gaming Device
This is my husband’s prized travel possession: a tiny console loaded with 90s and 00s games that need no Wi-Fi. He can disappear into pixelated nostalgia for hours while I reclaim the armrest.
Kindle
For me, nothing beats having my Kindle on a long-haul. It’s lightweight, the battery lasts basically forever, and I can carry an entire library without taking up space in my bag. I load it with a mix of comfort reads, new releases I’ve been saving, and maybe a travel memoir or two to match the mood. Bonus: no one can judge you for ugly crying at chapter twelve.
Phone Mount
If you’re watching your own shows, a phone mount is essential. It clips to the seatback tray so you’re not holding your device for hours. This one has worked great for me in the past.
Compression Socks
Planes turn into iceboxes, and circulation is not your friend at 38,000 feet. Wear compression socks, but please — never go barefoot on a flight. We’re better than that. I love this multi-color set.
Charging Cords
Have them accessible, not buried under your spare shoes. Nothing ruins the “I’m surviving this” energy like a dead phone two hours in. I highly recommend investing in a cord organizer to help you stay organized.
Colgate Wisps
Perfect for freshening up after your mid-flight nap. If you’re using the plane sink, bring a water bottle so you’re not relying on mystery tap water. I typically buy them from Amazon in bulk.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Essentials Kit
I have dry skin that turns tragic on flights. This set has been a game changer for me. The hydrating mist, face mask, and lip balm in this set keep me hydrated. I put on the eye masks about an hour before landing so I step off the plane looking less like I’ve been in captivity.
Other Long-Haul Survival Hack
Dress in Layers
Even if you’re leaving from Houston in July, planes are freezing. My travel outfit is the same year-round: it comes in multiple colors and I may or may not have it in three of them.
Skincare-as-Entertainment
Buy beauty or skincare items you’ve been excited to try and save them for the flight. Hand masks, eye masks, a fancy moisturizer — they make the hours feel a little more indulgent. On my last flight, I treated myself to these heated eye masks, which I’ve already ordered for our next trip.
Skip the Makeup
Unless you enjoy raccoon eyes at customs, go bare-faced. Moisturize before takeoff, refresh mid-flight, and focus on hydration. Your skin will thank you.
Final Thoughts
A 16.5-hour flight in economy is never going to feel like a day at the spa. But with the right seat choice, smart packing, a little entertainment strategy, and a handful of creature comforts, it can be… well, not terrible. And when you land on the other side of the world with a functioning spine and a rested-ish brain, you’ll know you’ve cracked the long-haul survival code.
And sometimes the stars align and you find yourself in first class, falling asleep in the Shakespeare seat (2B). But, more on that later…
