These 7 Travel Hacks Turned My Long-Haul Economy Flights Into a Comfortable Ride

journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Planning your next long-haul holiday but can’t stand the thought of those endless, uncomfortable flights?

Among wailing infants, confined spaces, and inadequate seating (let alone the individual beside you whose elbows could rival the sharpest known objects), economy Even the toughest travelers can feel drained by flying.

I've only just returned from a trip to Sri Lanka With each round trip involving two grueling six-hour flights - and while for some this may not seem terribly daunting, experiencing it firsthand is far from a leisurely stroll in the park.

Given my extensive travel experience, though, I've discovered there are several key points I always keep in mind. invest in That will completely alter how my trips work, making sure I snag at least a couple of hours of sleep and feel reasonably comfy during them.

From revolutionary neck pillows to the one tool That means you can avoid using those cheap airplane headsets ever again. I've come across some top-notch product tips that will help reduce your anxiety about flights just a little bit.

Sign up to The Getaway newsletter

Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here .

trtl Travel Pillow

shop £49.99

I had always wished to give the trtl neck pillow but only got around to it on my most recent trip. Needless to say, I’ve been totally missing out by not having this in my travel repertoire earlier.

This clever, adjustable neck pillow is nothing like the U-shaped pillows of times gone by (which, by the way, I never found to be comfortable), instead featuring a patented, wrap-around design that keeps your head upright as you nap.

This implies that you won’t end up with any uncomfortable stiffness in your neck or pain in your back following an uneasy nap. Rather, you’ll be well-supported and comfy throughout the entire journey – even if you're stuck in the middle seat. A real game changer.

Opaceluuk Airplane Footrest

shop £6.99 (save £1)

If you're anything like me and enjoy resting your legs on the chair while despising that uneasy sensation in your legs when they can't be elevated—say during a never-ending flight—you should consider purchasing one of these. plane footrest .

Priced very reasonably yet completely game-changing for both quick trips and lengthy journeys, this option stands out. airplane footrest Will assist in reducing pressure and strain on your knees and back, providing support for your feet for unmatched comfort.

Actually, I must admit that a part of me believed this. rest It would have been considered a mere novelty had I brought it along as carry-on baggage. Never before have I regretfully heeded my own words with such sincerity.

It’s just like lowering your tray table and settling in; having the option to elevate my feet made me far more ready for rest and unwinding.

Even better, it’s small enough to easily slide into your bag. Honestly, I can’t imagine flying without this now. Absolutely top-notch, 10 out of 10.

Avantree Relay – Top-Shelf Airplane Bluetooth 5.3 Connector

shop £29.99 (save £7)

Sick of crumby plane headphones that leave movie audio purely to the imagination? Sorry, but I simply can’t relate anymore now I have this super-clever piece of tech.

This adapter is designed to seamlessly connect any Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to your in-flight entertainment system, allowing you to use your own, likely better quality and more comfortable headphones on the plane TV.

By simply pressing a button, I can pair my noise-canceling AirPods and truly immerse myself in the movie during my flights. Besides this, it has become a must-have item in my travel essentials.

Apple AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancelling

shop £179

Relating to the aforementioned point, this duo Apple AirPods featuring Active Noise Cancellation reshaped travel when it comes down to it.

Aircraft are famously noisy, making it quite bothersome when you're attempting to catch some sleep or enjoy in-flight entertainment.

These AirPods , however, have impressively remarkable noise cancellation features. This allows me to eliminate all the unnecessary sounds during my flights (yes, screaming baby three rows back, I'm pointing at you), providing me with the perfect opportunity to get some shut-eye or enjoy watching Bridget Jones in complete tranquility once more.

Having audio quality that's top-notch is simply an extra perk.

Sleepy Nighttime Eye Shield Moonlit Shadow Eyliner Protection Mask

shop £79

Never underestimate the power of a really good face mask like this one from Drowsy.

Totally blocking out the light while remaining silky soft and cushioned against your face, it creates the perfect environment for a great, undisturbed sleep – even if the person in the window seat insists that it stay open all flight long.

Perfect for individuals with extended lash lengths or those who dislike sleep masks touching their eyes, this option stands out. Drowsy mask has fully contoured eyecups that block off light while keeping your eye area protected. Made with mulberry silk for total luxury, it’s a must in my travel repertoire.

Moreover, pairing this mask with noise-cancelling AirPods, a trtl neck pillow, and a footrest? It’s like adding chef’s kiss.

SURI Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrush Featuring UV Sanitizer Case

shop £80.75 (save £14.25)

Often during lengthy flights, maintaining a sense of normalcy is essential—and taking care of your dental health can be an excellent method to achieve this.

I’ve loved the SURI Electric Toothbrush For quite some time now, thanks to its outstanding cleaning capabilities and virtually unlimited battery life (a single charge kept it going for three weeks during my stay in Sri Lanka).

But it’s the handy case that makes it so perfect for travel. Sleek and compact, it not only keeps your brush safe and sound, but, when plugged in, charges your brush as well. Huge win for those post plane-dinner brushes.

E45 Lips & Dry Skin Lip Balm

shop £8.99

If you’re anything like me, planes dry you out like nothing else. It’s the artificial, AC air that does it, and my lips are usually first to fall victim to its moisture-stealing ways.

I consistently ensure I have an E45 Lips & Dry Skin Lip Balm on me when I hop on the plane now, as its deeply softening and moisturising properties rescue dry lips (and any other dry areas on your face and body) in a flash.

These essentials will ensure you have more restful and significantly comfier flights from now on. You're welcome.

Follow across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Please share your thoughts in the section below for comments.

Grab your weekly dose of retail therapy with special deals, promotions, and product evaluations from 's Shopping newsletter.