How to Stay Energized on Long Flights with 3 Game-Changing Tips

Woman with arms in the air in front of a jet.

Long flights can be exhilarating because they mark the start of an adventure, but let’s be honest—they’re also exhausting. Hours in a cramped seat with dry cabin air can leave you tired, dehydrated, and jet lagged. Here are three long flights tips to help transform your flying experience, so you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

These are carefully selected long flight essentials that address common travel issues like dehydration, eye irritation, and jet lag. Through years of travel, I’ve discovered helpful tricks and standout products that make a world of difference on long-haul flights. These are the go-to items I trust to help me arrive feeling refreshed, hydrated, and ready for my next Italy adventure.

Designed to tackle in-flight challenges like dehydration, dry eyes, and jet lag, these game-changing essentials are exactly what you need to transform your next trip and arrive feeling your best

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Long Flights Tips #1 – Stay Hydrated with Nuun Electrolyte Tablets

Woman drinking a glass of water in an airplane on a long flight.

Why Hydration is a Big Deal at 30,000 Feet

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, with humidity levels hovering around 10–20%. This can quickly lead to dehydration, leaving you fatigued, sluggish, or even battling a headache by the time you land. Staying hydrated during a long flight is vital, but sometimes water alone isn’t enough.

Electrolyte tablets came up during a discussion with my doctor, and since then, I’ve relied on them to stay hydrated. They’re a travel essential I never leave home without.

5 cylinders on Nuun electrolyte tablets

What Makes Nuun Tablets a Must-Have?

  • Compact and Portable: Each tube is small enough to slip into your bag without taking up precious space.
  • No Sticky Messes: Unlike Gatorade or similar drinks, Nuun tablets dissolve in water with no risk of spills or sugar sticking to your luggage.
  • Deliciously Refreshing: Available in several flavors, Strawberry Lemonade is a favorite, providing hydration that feels indulgent. For variety lovers, the mixed flavor pack is a great option too.
  • Easy to Use: Just pop a tablet into your water bottle, let it fizz, and enjoy an instant electrolyte boost.

How It Helps You Arrive Refreshed

Proper hydration keeps you alert, reduces fatigue, and helps combat bloating and dry skin. Nuun is more effective than water alone, giving your body the minerals it needs to feel good after hours in the air. Pair it with a HIP water bottle that’s easy to refill with a low-profile giving you more leg room when in a seatback pocket for a perfect travel combo.

Insider Tip

Start hydrating with Nuun before you board and sip consistently throughout the flight for the best results.

Long Flights Tips #2 – Pamper Your Eyes with Disposable Moist Heat Eye Masks

Woman rubbing tired eyes on a plane during a long flight.

The Hidden Danger of Dry Eyes

Dry cabin air doesn’t just sap moisture from your skin—it also wreaks havoc on your eyes. The result? Scratchy, irritated eyes that make the flight feel even longer and leave you feeling drained.

After spending hours in the dry air of airplane cabins and looking at screens, my eyes often feel strained. That’s when I rely on disposable moist heat eye masks—they’ve truly been a lifesaver in providing relief.

Moist heat eye mask package and mask

Enter Disposable Moist Heat Eye Masks

These single-use masks are a game-changer for anyone who spends long hours in low-humidity environments. Not only do they soothe dryness, but they also provide a spa-like experience right in your seat.

There’s no shortage of disposable moist heat eye masks on the market, but my top pick is Eyedration by Bruder. With over 35 years of experience creating safe and effective eye care products, the company is trusted by medical professionals and consumers alike.

Designed and developed by eye doctors, these masks stand out for their quality. A big plus for me is that my ophthalmologist recommends them, which makes them an easy and trusted choice.

Individually packaged for convenience, Eyedration Masks are simple to use. Just tear open the wrap, extend the ear loops, place the mask over your closed eyes, and let the comforting, moist heat work its magic.

What Makes These Masks Essential for Long Flights?

  • Instant Comfort: The warming sensation helps to relax tired eyes, reducing strain from screens or reading.
  • Compact Convenience: They’re small enough to fit in your purse or carry-on, making them perfect for in-flight use.
  • Hydration Boost: The gentle steam infuses moisture into your skin and eyes, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Happy, relaxed woman in a plane during a long flight

How It Helps You Feel Great Upon Landing

Using a moist heat eye mask mid-flight is like pressing a reset button for your eyes. Not only do they alleviate dryness, but they also help you relax, making it easier to catch a quick nap.

Insider Tip

Use the mask during quieter moments of the flight, like after a meal or before sleep, for maximum relaxation.

Long Flights Tips #3 – Conquer Jet Lag with No-Jet-Lag Tablets

Exhausted woman in an airport taking a nap in a waiting area.

The Silent Saboteur of Your Travels

Jet lag is a traveler’s worst nightmare. Crossing time zones often disrupts your body’s natural rhythms, leaving you groggy, irritable, and out of sync with local time. Without a plan to combat it, jet lag can sap the fun from your first few days at your destination.

Package of No-Jet-Lag Tablets and inside packet of tablets.
My latest box with a few tablets left for my next flight

How No-Jet-Lag Tablets Save the Day

These homeopathic tablets are a natural, side-effect-free way to keep your body clock on track during long flights. Trusted by flight crews and frequent travelers, they’re a reliable solution to one of travel’s biggest challenges.

Why They Work

  • Easy Dosage: Take one at takeoff, another every two hours, and one after landing.
  • Travel-Proven Formula: These tablets are widely used by seasoned travelers, including sports teams and business professionals.
  • Gentle and Safe: Free of stimulants and harsh chemicals, these mild-tasting, chewable tablets are easy on the body and work without interfering with other medications.

How It Helps You Arrive Energized

No-Jet-Lag Tablets help your body adjust to new time zones quickly, reducing fatigue and brain fog. You’ll hit the ground running, ready to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Insider Tip

Pair these tablets with good sleep hygiene and strategic light exposure for the best results. To get the best results, use these tablets while maintaining healthy sleep routines and carefully managing light exposure.

Adjusting your exposure to sunlight or artificial light can help sync your body’s circadian rhythm with your destination’s time zone. Tools like sunglasses, blue light-blocking glasses, or light therapy apps can help you manage this process effectively.

Final Thoughts for Long Flights: Travel Smarter, Arrive Happier

Smiling woman arriving at destination after a long flight with airplane in the background.

Long flights don’t have to mean exhaustion and discomfort. With the right tools, you can turn even the longest journey into a manageable, even enjoyable, experience.

These aren’t just random suggestions, they’re my personal go-tos because they’ve consistently helped me feel my best on long flights. By combining these items, you’ll create a comprehensive travel kit that supports comfort, hydration, and recovery.

These essentials work together so your next journey will be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Need more tips for surviving long flights? Be sure to read Five Ways to Make Long Flights More Relaxing and Comfortable.

Also, picking the right flight is key—I save hundreds of dollars each year using Google Flights, and you can too with these tried-and-true methods in the Ultimate Guide to Savings, Convenience, and Optimal Flights.

Buon viaggio!

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