I recently wrote about getting to London, but something I didn’t include was the flight itself. Before you can start your study abroad adventure, you have to get there first. Spending 7+ hours on a plane isn’t something many people do often, so being prepared can help you get a great start before even landing! I included things I learned from my flying experience and things I would have done differently. I hope it helps before you board your flight! 

1. Dress for the Plane, not Friday night

Dress comfortably. You aren’t trying to impress anyone. I wore jeans, t-shirt, and a jacket. Regardless of how hot it is outside, you need to be prepared for the plane climate. It was a little cool at one point and I was really glad I had my jacket. Wearing comfortable clothes also make it easier to get comfortable on the plane. 

2. Devices

Most long range flights come with in-flight entertainment (movies, tv, etc), but I would make sure you have a plan in case you run out things to watch or you don’t like anything. You’ll want to make sure you have everything charged and take a back up charger for devices that can be recharged like phones and tablets. Some good options are a Kindle, iPod (or other MP3 players), iPad (or other tablets), and laptop (just keep in mind the battery will only last so long). Although movies can be good entertainment, make sure you check out podcasts as well because they use less battery life. I took my iPod to listen to music and podcasts and read my Kindle for awhile. And, you can always bring a print book.

3. Health

Airplane cabins are normally very dry, so it’s easy to become dehydrated and not know it. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. I had purchased a water bottle once I got past security, so I always had access to water throughout the trip. Another concern is deep-vein thrombosis, which I hadn’t heard of until my doctor told me about before my trip. She suggested getting up and moving around every few hours to help keep my blood flowing. By not keeping the circulation flowing, you could end up with a blood clot, so it’s no laughing matter. I got up and walked up and down the aisle. There isn’t anywhere in particular to go, but just moving around helps. Lastly, take your own snacks. They’ll provide you a meal, but it’s best to have some snacks on hand in case you get hungry. You also have a bit more control when you take your own snacks. 

4. Pillow and Blanket

Whether you intend to sleep or not, it’s helpful to have a neck pillow and a travel size blanket. You may just want to rest for awhile and those two items can make a world of a difference for you. I had a blue neck pillow and it was well worth it. It helped support my neck, which made it more comfortable to sit and rest. I wasn’t able to sleep very well, but I was able to relax. I get cold easily, so having a small blanket was helpful to keep me warm. You never know how cold the plane will be. 

5. Smells

Luckily it wasn’t an issue I had to deal with, but be courteous to the people around you and don’t wear strong perfume/cologne and don’t pack food that has a strong odor. On a plane, the smell doesn’t have room to go anywhere. These strong odors can even make other passengers sick. Hopefully you don’t have to experience it, but also don’t be the cause of it. 

6. Germs

Being on a flight a lot longer can increase your exposure to germs. Make sure to pack anti-bacterial wipes to help reduce your risk of picking up germs along the way and starting your trip off being sick. Once you find your seat, wipe down the arm rests, seat belt, seat back tray, etc. Personally, knowing that my area has less germs makes it easier to be comfortable. Also, you are bound to use the plane restroom at some point - make sure you wash your hands well afterwards and be careful what you touch. 

7. Time Change

In addition to being on a long flight, you’ll also have the time difference to worry about. The best thing to do is start adjusting to the new time zone as soon as possible. For example, change your watch to match the time zone you are heading to so you start to track time according to the time it will be where you’re going. This will help with acclimation. Also, try to stay awake and sleep during the normal times. If you are taking an evening flight, try to rest. Once you land, you’ll want to try to adjust your sleep schedule as soon as possible. I arrived in London around 6am local time so I had the whole day ahead of me. It was tough, but I stayed awake all day, minus a 30 min nap, and then went to bed at a normal time. After two days, I was fairly adjusted to the new time zone I was living in. More jet lag tips here.

8. Be Kind

Above all else, just be kind. Whether it’s the people around you or the flight crew, being kind and getting along can make the flight peaceful and enjoyable for everyone. And being kind doesn’t mean having to talk to someone the entire flight, but maybe taking a few minutes to get to know your neighbor can make for better flight. Besides, you never know who you’ll end up next to. On my flight to London, I sat next to a very nice British lady who was returning home from visiting the United States. She was very kind and we chatted for about 20 mins about where we were going and what we were doing and then we each did our own thing the rest of the flight. It does help you feel a little bit more at ease once you know the person next to you a little bit. I feel this is especially helpful on your first international flight. 

You may be familiar with some of my suggestions, but hopefully you’ll be able to use this information to help make your next flight more enjoyable and less stressful. Traveling itself can be stressful...why add more to it? 

Have another tip you’d like to share? Comment and let me know what you would add to my list! 

Heather Robinette is the London Study Abroad Editor for Wandering Educators. She notes, "During the summer of 2011, I studied abroad for six weeks in London at the University of Westminster with Academics Programs International. I graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I currently work as a marketing analyst for a small company in central Texas. I currently work as a marketing coordinator for a real estate firm in Las Vegas, NV. I am also pursuing my MBA. While I was abroad in London, I was able to create many unforgettable memories that I will never forget! My study abroad experience helped me gain various skills, but above all else, it helped me to learn more about myself and the world around me." You can find her online at http://www.heatherrobinette.com/