How to Survive Your Next Long-Haul Flight for a Business Trip

Long-haul flights might sound exciting to some people, particularly those individuals who have never experienced one. They are unaware of how sitting on a plane for six to 12 hours can affect your body and mentality. This is why so many people will try to break up a long flight into multiple shorter ones; it gives them a break every so often.

However, a long-haul flight might be unavoidable if you are heading on a business trip. Before you begin trying to talk your boss out of their decision to send you, know there are ways to lessen the hardship of these flights. With the three tips outlined below, you might experience sufficient improvements on your next long-haul flight.

Stick to Carry-On Luggage Only

While it can be tempting to pack for every possibility, this can quickly snowball into madness. This madness could lead you to drag a suitcase full of outfits and other “essentials” that actually aren’t as essential as you think. Instead, it is best to limit yourself to taking a carry-on bag only.

A carry-on bag can offer plenty of room for what you require on a business trip, especially if said trip will only last a few days. Even if it is a longer trip, then there will likely be nearby facilities for washing the work-appropriate outfits that you pack. If you are unsure where these facilities are located, ask your hotel before your departure date.

As for what items you should pack, it is advised to pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to form different outfits. Using packing cubes can ensure clothes are compressed and organized to save space for any electronics and toiletries you might require. Some business travelers will need their laptops as well as business cards, particularly if they plan on networking during the trip.

Plus, with the number of bags that are lost by airlines in the US each year (a whopping 2.8 million!), you could save yourself some trouble by sticking to carry-on luggage.

Book a Car Service to/from the Airport

Assuming you have your flights sorted, you can use this knowledge to plan your transport to and from the airport. It might sound like a good idea to drive yourself to the airport when heading off, but there are a lot of uncertainties you could be facing, such as traffic, parking, and the possibility of a breakdown. Plus, when you arrive at your destination, you might not have the confidence to drive in an unfamiliar city.

If you would prefer to leave the driving to an expert, then you should book a car service to get you from A to B. Many chauffeur services can drop you off at or pick you up from airport terminals, meaning you are guaranteed quick arrivals and departures. For example, business travelers using Executive Car Service LAX can arrive at LAX, get their luggage, and text the driver to say they have arrived. The driver will then meet you curbside in front of the baggage claim, and you’re off – simple!

Attempt to Avoid or Reduce Jet Lag

Finally, there is one thing that can make your business trip almost unbearable: jet lag. Jet lag usually occurs when you travel across three or more time zones. Although it is a temporary condition, it can have a big impact on an individual. Some people experience disruptions to their sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue, all of which will negatively affect your business trip. This is why it is important to try to limit its symptoms.

There are multiple ways to manage jet lag when traveling for business. One of the best methods is to book an extra day or two at the beginning of your trip to allow yourself time to adjust. However, not all companies will allow this, so you should try to get as much natural light as possible when you arrive at your destination. It is also best to limit daytime napping; if you require a nap during the day, only allow yourself 15 to 20 minutes to do so.

To conclude, long-haul flights can be tough. You might want to avoid them as much as possible, but this is next to impossible if they are required for business trips. If this is the case, then making the right preparations like those listed in this post can help you survive.