Flight to Australia
How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
Finally! The long-awaited trip to Australia is booked and the travel planning is also successfully completed. In a week it begins. How exciting! Only the long flight to Adelaide still gives you some butterflies. You're wondering how to survive the long-haul flight? I'll tell you!
Let's be honest: Flights to Australia take a long time... very long! Over 20 hours, you sit aboard the airplane traveling through various parts of the world, possibly with one or more layovers, and eventually, you just don't know how to sit anymore without every bone in your body aching. If you're already wondering if it's really worth it, I can tell you right now: Yes, it is! Australia is amazing and rightly appears on nearly every travel bucket list. Every flight eventually comes to an end, and there are even a few tips that can help you survive the long-haul flight to Australia!
How to Survive the Long-Haul Flight to Australia
The first tip I have for you is quite simple: If long-haul flights are really tough for you, invest a little more of your budget in the flights. Why? Because the choice of airline and the number of layovers can significantly ease the long-haul flight to Australia. For example, the Economy Class of Qatar Airways offers more legroom and comfort. Perfect for such a long journey! The fact that this Middle Eastern airline is well-prepared for long-haul flights is demonstrated by the world's longest flight, which Qatar Airways even offers daily this year. Is your flight booked? Perfect, let's get to the nitty-gritty!
What to Pack in Your Carry-On
Before your departure, you can make further preparations that will help you survive the long flight in the airplane. My second tip relates to your carry-on luggage for the long-haul flight to Australia. Books, magazines, headphones, and a neck pillow are practically standard equipment, but did you know that you can also make the long-haul flight easier with certain hygiene products, appropriate clothing, and fresh fruit?
- Clothing: Comfortable pants, cozy socks, sneakers instead of high heels, and a thick sweater will increase your comfort on the plane. Compression socks can help prevent the dangerous vascular disease that can occur on long flights.
- Hygiene Products: If you have a toothbrush, deodorant, wet wipes, and a hairbrush with you, you can freshen up during the flight. Getting rid of bad breath and smelling nice can work wonders on a long flight. Nasal spray and chewing gum also help with pressure equalization.
- Food: Of course, on most long-haul flights, you will be provided with warm meals, but a bit of fresh fruit, like strawberries, bananas, or an apple, is a welcome change from airplane food. This can significantly improve your mood. Also, remember to drink plenty of water so your throat doesn't dry out and hurt. An empty water bottle or a thermos can be easily taken on board and filled up there.
- Entertainment: In addition to books and magazines, you can bring your South Australia travel guide in your carry-on and go through it on the long-haul flight to Australia. This way, you use your time wisely and increase your anticipation for the upcoming adventure. Plus, you'll already know the coolest spots in Adelaide, your destination in South Australia. If you enjoy puzzles, you can also bring a crossword or Sudoku.
On the Flight to Australia
'Ready for takeoff!' A 24-hour flight with a stopover in Qatar lies ahead of you. 24 hours that you will likely spend mainly sleeping, reading, and eating. What else can and should you do? Here comes the information.
- Make use of the layover! You'll be stuck on the plane long enough anyway. Qatar Airways, for example, offers a free city tour of Doha if you have a layover of 5-12 hours.
- Once your airplane has reached cruising altitude, you can unbuckle your seatbelt, stand up, and stretch your limbs. A little walk down the aisle and some stretching exercises in the back of the plane will wake up those tired bones and help prevent thrombosis.
- If you have your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with you, take the time to declutter those devices. Clear the desktop, delete apps, and make space for new vacation photos. Now you finally have time for that, and you can easily pass 1-2 hours of flight time doing it.
- If you're not in the mood to read, you can engage with the airline's entertainment program. Qatar Airways, once again, excels here by offering travelers their Oryx entertainment system with up to 3000 movies, TV shows, songs, and documentaries. Boredom will definitely not be an issue.
- If you're social, you can talk to other passengers on your flight to Australia. After all, you share the same destination, and who knows, you might pick up some insider tips for your trip to South Australia!
Finally Arrived! How to Avoid Jet Lag
'Ladies and gentlemen, we will soon be arriving at our destination airport in Australia.' When you hear these relieving words, you know that you're about to finally complete the long-haul flight to Australia. The captain will kindly announce the local time, and you'll need to adjust to a whole 9.5 hours of time difference upon landing in Adelaide. Yes, time adjustment is part of long-haul flight! To quickly adapt to the new schedule, I have a few small tips for you to avoid jet lag.
- Set your watch to the new time zone while still on the plane, so you can mentally prepare for your arrival time.
- Your internal clock tells you it's breakfast time, but in Australia, evening is already setting in. Accordingly, you should plan your meals. Opt for 'heavier' food that makes you tired and helps your body adjust to the new time of day.
- After landing, it's best to take a short walk outside. First, it does your body good after sitting for so long, and secondly, the movement in the fresh air can make you tired. Those still energetic enough for some sports should definitely follow that urge.
- Don't overexert yourself on the first day/evening; instead, take your time to acclimate! Your stressed body will thank you for it.
I hope my tips for your long-haul flight to Australia were able to alleviate some of your anxiety about the long journey. Always remember: Eventually, even the longest flight ends, and you can enjoy a fantastic vacation down under. In my travel magazine, I'll also show you what you can experience in South Australia and which highlights this exciting state has in store for you. I wish you a good trip and look forward to your photos and experiences from down under!
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