There are many benefits of traveling for work such as making new connections, immersing yourself in different cultures, and expanding your professional network. However, the journey of getting to your destination, especially on long-haul flights, can sometimes be draining. This is why it’s important that you know how to handle lengthy flights efficiently, so that you’re focused, refreshed, and prepared for what’s to come once you land.
Ready to learn more? Read on for 10 tips for handling long-haul business flights like a pro, so that you can hit the ground running once you arrive at your destination.
1. Choose the Right Seat
You want to choose a seat that’s going to be right for you. If it’s in your budget, flying business class or first class is a great idea as the seats are usually more comfortable, offer more leg room, and allow you to sit near the front of the plane. If you are planning on sitting in economy class, we suggest sitting as close to the front of the plane as possible so that you can get on and off the plane more quickly. This is especially important if you are in a time crunch and need to get going soon after you land.Â
2. Dress Comfortably
Make sure that you wear something you are comfortable in. You’re going to be sitting for a long period of time, and the last thing you need is to be uncomfortable. Itchy and tight clothing can be very distracting, leading to less productivity and poor sleep. Wear loose fitting clothing if possible and have a light jacket packed in your carry-on bag to wear in case you get cold. Additionally, if you have a meeting to attend once you reach your destination, pack a business outfit in your carry-on bag and change into it once you land.Â
3. Bring Noise-Cancelling Headphones
There can be a lot of distractions when flying on an airplane, which can cause you stress. Getting work done or trying to sleep can be difficult when there’s a lot of commotion going on around you, which is why you should invest in some quality noise-cancelling headphones. This way, you can listen to your favorite music or business podcast without worrying about all the chatter and noise.Â
4. Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things that you can do to handle long-haul business flights like a pro is to stay hydrated. You get dehydrated more quickly when flying, and it’s crucial that you are drinking plenty of liquids to rehydrate yourself. A lack of water can cause many issues, and you’ll feel the negative effects quickly when you land, so do your best to continuously drink water throughout your flight. To help ensure that you’re drinking enough water, bring along a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up when you can.
5. Use a VPN
If you’ll be working while on your flight, there’s a chance that you’ll be dealing with some confidential information. Unfortunately, airplane WIFI isn’t the most secure, and people could easily access your private work information if you’re not careful. To help protect yourself, use a VPN. A VPN can help keep your computer data safe, allowing you to get work done without having to worry about it getting into the wrong hands.
6. Eat Light Meals
It can be hard on your body to digest food while flying, and you don’t want to feel bloated or overly full once you arrive at your destination. To avoid running into any problems, try to eat light meals or nutritious snacks when flying, rather than greasy and unhealthy foods (which can make you feel sluggish). Sticking to lighter and healthier options can help you to feel your best and ready to take on those all-important business meetings. Packing snacks to bring along with you ensures that you’ll have something nutritious and delicious to eat.
7. Use Downtime to Catch Up on Work
Flying long distances provides the perfect opportunity to catch up on some work before reaching your destination. Most airplanes offer WIFI nowadays, which means that you can connect to the internet and do whatever work you need to get done. Plan ahead and write a list of all the things that you want to accomplish while in the air, and do your best to get them all done before landing. You’d be surprised how much you can achieve on a long flight!
8. Pack Sleep Essentials
If you don’t have any work to do and want to get some rest while on your long-haul business flight, pack some items that will help you sleep. For example, an eye mask will help block out any harsh lighting, headphones can drown out any sound, and don’t forget to bring along your neck pillow for ultimate comfort. Sleep is key to feeling refreshed and ready to go for any business-related events that you may have to attend. If you don’t have time to sleep the whole flight, try taking a short nap to help you recharge.
9. Freshen Up Before Landing
When you have about an hour left of your flight, take some time to go to the bathroom and freshen up. This is especially important if you’ll be heading to any important business meetings soon after getting off the plane. Brush your teeth and hair, use a face wipe, apply some lotion, and change into a clean set of clothes. Then, go back to your seat and check that you have everything packed up and ready to go.
10. Do Any Last-Minute Preparations
If there’s anything else that you need to do in order to feel prepared for your upcoming business meetings, get it done while on your long-haul flight. You’ll likely be on the plane for a substantial amount of time, which gives you the chance to finish up last minute work, take notes, or finish preparing your presentation. Your time spent focusing on in-flight productivity can really set the tone for the rest of your trip.
Conclusion
With these tips, you’ll be able to tackle your upcoming long-haul flight with ease. Another thing to keep in mind when traveling for business is to get your passport and business visa ahead of time. Having your travel documents ready and in hand before your trip will put your mind at ease, and allow you to focus on preparing for any important meetings.
To get started on your passport or business visa application, visit our website. Further, if you find that you have any questions along the way, please contact a member of our knowledgeable team. We have been helping business travelers procure passports and visas for years, and look forward to assisting you. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
