I have made the twice-yearly trip between Koh Lanta, Thailand and Ottawa, Canada for more than two decades, and at 72 I still find long journeys challenging yet manageable. The typical routing involves two very long flights with shorter hops at the start and end, adding up to close to 40 hours door-to-door when connections behave. Airports, recycled cabin air, cramped seats and interrupted rest can leave you fuzzy-headed, but what has changed for me is a shift in approach: I now plan how I will live through the trip rather than only focusing on the destination.
The practical adjustments I make are rooted in experience. Over the years I learned that small, repeatable choices—what I pack in my carry-on, how I dress, where I sit—shape the emotional tone of the journey. These are not tricks to shorten time, but tools to preserve energy and calm. The rituals I follow start days before departure and continue through landing, and they transform an exhausting marathon into a sequence of manageable segments.
Before you leave home: planning and packing
When I buy a ticket I usually travel economy, so comfort planning becomes essential. I choose layered, pull-on clothing that is easy to remove in a crowded lavatory and always pack extra socks and a lightweight wrap. Shoes come off on long flights; it’s a small comfort that matters. I check the airline site a few days out for seat selection and meal options—now I prefer an aisle with an empty adjacent seat if possible because the freedom to stand up makes a big difference. My pretrip checklist includes prescription medications in a carry-on, travel-sized toothbrush and moisturizer, chargers, wet wipes, hair ties and compact snacks like fruit, nuts and biscuits. I also bring gum to help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
Settling into the flight: rituals that calm and focus
The first half hour after wheels up is deliberately busy for me. I explore the in-flight entertainment system, scan the movie list, and look for a wing-cam or flight map. Choosing one or two things to watch while I’m alert helps set a pace. I lay out the rest of my onboard activities—an e-reader, a puzzle book or a knitting project—so I can alternate focused time and rest. This method of breaking the trip into chunks changes perception of time: instead of watching the clock, I move through a series of modest tasks. The segmentation method helps the hours pass with less anxiety.
Activity planning
Deciding what to do early prevents indecision later. I pick one or two longer films for when I’m fresh, some shorter shows for dozing periods and a book or magazine for relaxed reading. A compact project—like a simple crochet piece or Sudoku—keeps my hands occupied without becoming stressful. Keeping entertainment and tasks varied lets me alternate between engagement and rest, which is crucial to maintaining energy across long stretches of transit.
Health and movement
Movement matters more than many people expect. I deliberately stand and walk the aisle periodically, stretch near the galley, and do seated mobility exercises to avoid stiffness. I hydrate often with water and limit alcohol and heavy meals that sap energy. These small habits—regular walking, light stretching and steady hydration—reduce discomfort on arrival and help stave off deep fatigue.
Approaching arrival: simple steps and a helpful attitude
About 30 minutes before landing I change gears. I visit the restroom ahead of the rush, gather loose items and make sure my passport and boarding passes are easy to reach. It’s surprising how many things slip down the side pocket or under a seat during a long flight, so a quick check prevents last-minute panic. If I don’t have a window, watching the wing-cam during descent gives a sense of place returning after hours in transit. Above all, attitude plays a huge role: being patient, courteous and grateful to crew members and fellow travelers keeps stress low. A smile and a word of thanks often make delays or crowds more bearable for everyone.
Forty hours will always be a long haul, but experience changes how the time feels. Preparation, modest routines and an acceptance of the journey itself turn a daunting trip into something manageable. If you want more tips, I publish a bi-monthly newsletter called Retired Way Out There where I share handouts and travel notes. I’d also love to hear from you: what’s the longest flight you’ve taken, and what small habits help you on long trips?
