Surviving (and Thriving) on Long-Haul Flights

The reality of living in Aotearoa New Zealand is that we are a million miles from anywhere. Long-haul flights aren’t the exception – they’re just how we get anywhere that isn’t Australia. As a result, we’ve become pretty good at them. We've spent our fair share of time in economy (aka cattle class), and yes, we’ve done it with young children in tow. (Also, if any airline out there is feeling generous with business class flights for a couple of fledgling travel writers, hit us up – we’ll be your most loyal customers yet.) Through trial, error, and a fair bit of suffering, we’ve figured out what works – and what absolutely doesn’t. So, here’s my tried-and-true survival kit for long-haul flights.

One of my top recommendations: unless you’re going carry-on only (we'll cover that in a separate blog), really limit what you take on board to just the essentials. I’ve pared back what I bring with me over the years, and now it’s truly just the key items I need. Not lugging around the entire kitchen bench is surprisingly liberating! It’s so much easier to focus on enjoying the journey, rather than hauling around everything you might ‘need.’

Must-Haves for Long-Haul Flights

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

This is non-negotiable. Crying babies, chatty seatmates, that guy who somehow snores like a chainsaw – block them all out. I use these Sony noise-cancelling headphones , and they are absolute game-changers. If you don’t already own a pair, do yourself a favour and invest. Your ears and your sanity will thank you.

They come with a handy-dandy case that keeps all your cords together, plus a headphone jack adapter for the airplane. They are as comfortable as headphones get, and I’ve found I can easily fall asleep by putting them on, connecting to some chill piano tunes on the in-flight entertainment, and turning the screen off. Even better, I don’t wake up with a nasty headache.

The only complaint? They’re sometimes too good at blocking out noise. I’ve had flight attendants have to tap me on the shoulder to get my attention for a drinks order – small price to pay for blissful peace, though!

Wireless Bluetooth Adapter (I Fly or similar)

Most in-flight entertainment systems still use the old-school headphone jack, meaning you’re either stuck with the airline’s subpar wired headphones or tethered to your seat like it’s 1999. Enter the Airfly Bluetooth adapter . Plug it into the headphone jack, connect your Bluetooth headphones, and boom – you can watch movies in peace without being physically attached to your armrest or the screen in front.

Silk Eye Mask

A proper silk eye mask makes all the difference when trying to get some shut-eye. The airline ones feel like they’re made from leftover seat fabric, so bring your own. A soft, comfortable mask is a total game-changer for blocking out that one guy who insists on keeping his reading light on for the entire 14-hour flight. We’ve tried a few, and these are our top picks:

• LoveSilk Sleep Masks – ultra-soft, breathable, and perfect for long-haul comfort.

• Country Road Snow Silk Eye Mask – luxe, durable, and gentle on your skin.

Hydration Heroes

Flying dehydrates you faster than a summer’s day in Central Otago, so unless you want to arrive at your destination looking like a dried apricot, hydration is key. One of the biggest culprits of jet lag is dehydration, and while a few cheeky glasses of wine might seem like a great in-flight treat, they’re about as good for hydration as sunbathing in the Sahara. Enjoy your drink, but make sure you’re replacing those fluids unless you fancy stepping off the plane feeling like a human raisin.

• Collapsible water bottle – Fill it up after security, and don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendants for a refill in the galley. It’s much better than waiting for those tiny cups of water they hand out, which are about as useful as a teacup in a flood (#confusinganalogy). Some great brands for travelling are Hydrapak and for something a little stylish check out Stojo.

  
  

  

  
  

• Face sheet mask  – Yes, you might look a little like a serial killer from a horror movie, but your skin will thank you. Check out stockists like MECCA or Sephora for some great choices.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

• Saline eye drops – Because dry, scratchy eyes make everything worse.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

• Lip balm and a good moisturiser  – Unless you enjoy emerging from a flight looking like a dehydrated lizard. Remember, it needs to be travel-size, so check if your favourite moisturiser comes in a bite-size form, or purchase travel-size dispensers and decant your moisturiser into a small bottle.

  
  

  

  
  

Medication Made Easy

For medication, instead of carrying multiple packets of every possible over-the-counter remedy, I use a travel pill box (link here). It’s perfect for organizing your must-have meds like Panadol, antihistamines, antacids, Imodium, etc. This keeps things compact and accessible without the clutter!

Clear Toiletry Bag

Airport security rules mean you need to pack your liquids in a clear plastic bag, so get a proper reusable one. It’s far more durable than those flimsy zip-lock bags, and you’ll look like a pro at security instead of fumbling with a ripped sandwich bag covered in shampoo residue.

Stopover Showers – Worth It!

If you have a stopover, check if the airport has showers. Many do, and they are absolutely worth it. A quick rinse, a change of clothes, and you’ll feel like a new person instead of a travel-weary goblin.

Change of clothes for everyone 

Because spills and accidents aren’t an if, they’re a when. We have a standing joke in our family about hot chocolates at the airport being cursed. Our son has somehow managed to spill hot chocolate down the front of him on more occasions than I can count. The first time, he picked up his cup from the table without realising the lid wasn’t on properly, and within five minutes of arriving at the airport, he was covered in chocolatey disaster. Lesson learned? Not quite. On another trip, I thought we’d broken the curse, so I foolishly allowed him another hot chocolate as we left the airport to find our taxi. Cue him not looking where he was going and—once again—hot chocolate right down the front. Moral of the story? Always pack a change of clothes. And maybe reconsider the hot chocolate.

A small compression packing cube  is a great way to keep your spare clothes neat and compact. A wet bag or even a simple ziplock bag works perfectly for keeping those sweaty or chocolate-stained clothes separate—so you won't be caught off guard by any messy surprises when you dig through your bag.

The Right Carry-On

A carry-on bag with compartments is an absolute game-changer. I personally swear by the Nordace backpack, but the real key is the compartments. Having designated pockets for all your bits and pieces means no more frantic rummaging under your seat or holding up the boarding queue while you search for your headphones, passport, or snacks. Everything has a place, and you can locate it in seconds—highly recommended for stress-free travel. I also love the convenience of using a backpack over a rolly bag or tote. When I’m transiting, it’s easy to pop on my back—lightweight and not cumbersome. And when I’m reunited with my checked luggage, I can simply slide the backpack over the handle and move through different terrains with ease.

Travelling with Kids – Send Help

Travelling long-haul with kids is a special kind of challenge, but here are some survival tips:

• Snacks, snacks, and more snacks – Avoid a hangry meltdown at all costs.

  
  

• Surprise new toys – Wrap up a few small, new toys or activities. The novelty keeps them entertained (for at least five minutes).

  
  

• Tablet loaded with their favourite shows – Don’t rely on the in-flight entertainment. Pre-load their favourites and bring child-sized headphones (link here) so they don’t blast Peppa Pig at full volume.

A final thought....

Travel Pillows – Do They Even Work?

I have a love-hate relationship with travel pillows. I’ve tried so many, and yet, I still haven’t found one I actually like. The wrong one pushes your head forward at a weird angle, they make me overheat, and once I arrive at my destination, I never know where to store the bulky thing.

So, I’m officially throwing it out to you – if you have a travel pillow that actually works, doesn’t make you feel like a bobblehead, and won’t make me sweat like I’m in a sauna, let me know in the comments. I am willing to be convinced!

Final Thoughts

Long-haul flights are the beginning (or end) of an amazing adventure, and they’re totally worth it. Where else in our busy lives do we get the chance to watch three movies in a row or binge an entire season of our favorite show? While long flights might not always be the most comfortable, with the right gear and a few clever tricks, they can be much more enjoyable. What are your go-to survival tips? Share them in the comments – especially if you've mastered the art of the perfect travel pillow!