13 Secrets to Surviving an International Flight

Airline food gets a bad rap. In-flight meals can be tasty, but they are still heavy on the carbs and light on the fresh veggies. When you let it sink in that you will be spending the better part of your day stuck in an airplane, one in-flight meal and a couple bags of pretzels are only going to get you so far. For international flights, you should plan on getting to the airport two hours early anyway, so take the extra time (after navigating the never-ending security line) to find a fresh, healthy meal that you can enjoy either before or shortly after you board.

It may not work, but it can't hurt to ask . . . very nicely. Don't expect to get something for nothing, but if the flight isn't full, you may be able to get a little extra legroom or a row to yourself to stretch out and get some sleep. You may even hit the jackpot and end up in first class. Hey, stranger things have happened.

Unless you'll be arriving at your destination in the evening and heading straight for bed, you will feel much better if you arrive looking awake and refreshed. The dry, recirculated air on a long flight can leave your hair flat and your skin dull . . . not to mention that killer morning breath after your attempt at getting some sleep. Pack a small makeup bag with travel toothpaste, a toothbrush, dry shampoo, makeup-removing towelettes, and moisturizer so you can freshen up before you deplane.

There is nothing worse than arriving in a foreign country only to find out that your luggage didn't make it there with you. Packing two weeks' worth of luggage in a carry-on is tough, but it can be done. Instead of waiting for the lazy luggage carousel, you'll breeze straight out of the airport and into your dream vacation. You can get some killer carry-on packing tips here and here.

During your flight, you'll be in pretty tight quarters with a couple hundred other travelers, as well as their germs. You certainly don't want to fly halfway across the world only to show up with a cold, so pack a TSA-approved bottle of hand sanitizer and don't be shy about using it. You can also use it to spray down your seat-back tray table and armrests. Better safe than sorry.

In-flight entertainment options vary from airline to airline, but most offer some form of TV and movie selections to distract you from the long flight ahead. The choices can be limited, though, so take matters into your own hands and download a few of your favorite movies and TV shows to your device before your trip. Even better, download a podcast that can help you master the native tongue of your destination country. Don't forget to pack along your own earbuds as well, because many airlines charge for the use of headphones.

You are going to want as many diversion tactics as you can stuff into your bag, so pack books, magazines, and travel guides to keep you occupied during the long flight ahead. You'll be in the air for a while, so consider this your "me time"; sit back and relax with your best reading material (and maybe a nice drink).

When you combine the long, monotonous hours of an international flight and the boredom of being stuck in a marginally comfortable seat for that long, the munchies are sure to strike. Most long flights provide complimentary snacks and others that are available for purchase, but you'll be much happier if you bring your own. Bring a variety of snacks like fresh fruit, trail mix, jerky (hello, protein!), peanut butter packets, and even a little dark chocolate so you've got all your cravings covered. Don't forget gum to help your ears with the pressure changes during takeoff and landing.

If you are spending eight-plus hours on a plane, odds are you'll be gaining or losing a few hours while en route. When you board the plane, go ahead and get on local time — add your destination city to your phone's clock and set your watch so you can start to get acclimated. This will do absolutely nothing to help you fight the dreaded jet lag, but at least you'll know if it's cocktail hour when you land.

Some airlines provide a complimentary pillow and blanket for long flights, but some, especially if you have an economy class seat, expect you to pay for your warmth and comfort. Check with your airline ahead of time to determine which perks it provides and plan accordingly; and if you have a favorite travel pillow and a small blanket that will fit in your carry-on, pack them along.

In-flight temperatures can range from arctic to tropical, so it's always a good idea to dress in light layers for your flight. It's also smart to know what the weather will be like when you step off the plane, though, so you can be prepared with a rain jacket or tank top and sunglasses (hopefully the latter) when you arrive.

Those tiny cups of water they give you on the plane are not going to be enough to keep you hydrated on a long flight. Accept all the water they offer you (and maybe a glass of wine), but bring your own as well. You can't bring liquids over 3.4 ounces through the security checkpoint, so pack a few empty water bottles and fill them up in the water fountain after you pass through security. If you forget your water bottles, there should be plenty of opportunities to purchase a few large water bottles and throw them in your carry-on bag before you take off.

Don't wait until after your flight to stretch out. There are stretches you can do right there in your seat (or while you're waiting in line for the lavatory). You really should be getting up and moving about once every hour anyway, so take a few minutes to walk around and move your body with these in-flight plane stretches.