Whether you view flying as part of the adventure or simply the price you pay to reach a distant destination, spending 12 hours folded into 79 centimetres of economy legroom is never easy.
Dry cabin air, disrupted sleep, and the disorientation of crossing multiple time zones can quickly take their toll.
You don't need a first-class ticket to land feeling human, though - a few strategic seat hacks, simple movement routines, and smart prep can transform a gruelling long-haul flight into a manageable, comfortable journey.
Choose your seat wisely
Your seat can determine whether the flight feels manageable or interminable.
If you know you will want to get up regularly, choose an aisle seat. You can stretch your legs and use the bathroom without climbing over strangers.
If sleep is your priority, a window seat gives you something to lean against and means you are less likely to be disturbed by passengers moving through the cabin.
Whichever you choose, avoid seats close to the toilets and galleys if possible. They tend to be busier and noisier, particularly during overnight flights.
And here is an underrated comfort trick: use the airline pillow behind your lower back rather than around your neck. The extra support can help maintain the natural curve of your spine.
Dress for comfort, not the airport selfie
This is not the time for restrictive jeans or shoes that require architectural engineering to remove.
Wear loose, breathable layers that allow you to adjust to changes in cabin temperature. Comfortable slip-on shoes are particularly useful when you inevitably need to visit the bathroom at 3am.
Compression socks can also help reduce swelling in the legs during prolonged periods of sitting.
If you have circulation problems or have been advised to avoid compression garments, check with a healthcare professional first.
Drink water, but don’t overdo the coffee
Cabin air is notoriously dry, which can contribute to that parched feeling after hours in the sky.
Keep a refillable water bottle handy and drink regularly throughout the flight. There is no need to force yourself to drink enormous quantities at once.
Consistency is more useful than treating hydration like a competitive sport.
It is also worth going easy on alcohol and excessive caffeine. That glass of wine might seem like the perfect shortcut to sleep, but alcohol can interfere with sleep quality and contribute to dehydration.
Get up and move
The human body was not designed to spend 12 hours folded into an economy seat.
When it is safe to do so, get up regularly, walk along the cabin and stretch your legs. Even simple movements while seated, such as flexing your ankles and changing position, can help prevent stiffness.
Long periods of immobility can also increase the risk of blood clots, particularly for people with certain risk factors. If you have concerns about your individual risk, speak to a healthcare professional before travelling.
Create your own sleep zone
Trying to sleep on a plane requires accepting that you are unlikely to recreate your bedroom at 35,000 feet.
An eye mask can block out cabin lights, while noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs can help create a quieter environment.
A neck pillow is useful if you find one comfortable, although the best option varies from traveller to traveller.
If you are flying overnight, consider setting your phone or watch to your destination’s time zone once you board. It can help you start thinking in local time rather than remaining anchored to home.
Don’t arrive already exhausted
Perhaps the most useful long-haul flight hack happens before you even reach the airport.
Pack the essentials in your hand luggage: headphones, a charger or power bank, medication, toiletries, an eye mask, comfortable socks and anything you need to sleep.
Download films, podcasts, books or playlists before take-off so you are not dependent on unreliable inflight Wi-Fi.
Most importantly, accept that a long-haul flight is uncomfortable by nature. You do not have to enjoy every minute of it. The goal is simply to arrive at the other end feeling as human as possible.
After all, the real holiday starts when the wheels touch the ground.
zamandosi.cele@nationalmg.co.za