Long-haul flight tips for Indian travellers

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Flights to Europe, the United States, Australia or New Zealand can take ten to twenty hours or more, often with a connection. A little preparation makes them much easier.

Choosing flights

• Layover length: too short risks missed connections; too long is tiring. Two to four hours is comfortable for most connections.
• Transit airports: some hubs have hotels, showers and lounges for long layovers.
• Transit visas: some countries require them even if you do not leave the airport. Check before booking.

Seats

• Aisle seats make it easy to stretch and move.
• Window seats are better for sleeping against the wall.
• Bulkhead seats have more legroom; bassinets are available there for infants.
• Paying for extra legroom can be worth it on the longest leg.

What to carry in hand luggage

• Medicines and prescriptions.
• A change of clothes.
• A neck pillow, eye mask and earplugs.
• A refillable water bottle (fill after security).
• Snacks you like.
• Chargers and a power bank (power banks must stay in hand luggage).

Meals

Request special meals (vegetarian, Jain, child) when booking, at least a day or two before departure.

Staying healthy

• Drink water and limit alcohol.
• Walk around and do simple leg exercises to keep circulation going.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes and layers.
• If you have health conditions, ask your doctor about long flights.

Sleep

Adjust to the destination's time zone. See How to beat jet lag on long-haul trips from India.

On arrival

Plan an easy first day. See our Long-stay holidays and Multi-country tours pages for trips worth the long flight.