A TikToker's Clever Trick For Making Time Fly On Every Long-Haul Flight

Let's be honest: Surviving a long-haul flight often feels impossible. From dealing with fidgety seat neighbors to battling it out for the middle seat armrest, struggling to get comfortable, and even trying to eat with minimal elbow room, any plane journey that takes double-digits to complete is bound to weigh on your mind and body (and soul). Throw in the fact that you're going to be confined to a small space with pretty much nothing else to do than just stare for the foreseeable future ... and you've basically signed yourself up for your own personal time-warping experiment.

Thankfully, TikTok creator and videographer Laura Reid (@laurareidd) has developed a pretty simple but effective strategy for making those hours fly by. So what's her secret? Well, rather than thinking of the entire journey as one long stretch, Reid prefers to break things up into three separate "phases": an entertainment phase for the first two to four hours, an optional productive period in the middle that's two to four hours long, and a final sleep period that can last from three to eight hours.

@laurareidd

Vancouver-Bangkok direct flight in economy actually wasn't that bad. I was nervous because i've never taken such a long flight but it went by super fast thanks to these key things I did. That is to break your flight up into sections. Watch a movie, eat some food and snacks and either work or play games. Then it's time for SLEEP! Sleeping is the key to surviving a long haul flight. The flight goes by super fast and it makes travelling on a plane easy! #longhaulflight #yvr #vancouverairport #longflight #16hourflight #bangkoktravel #bangkokflight #aircanada #aircanadaflight #flightessentials #flightroutine #familytrip #flyingeconomy #tipsforflying

♬ original sound – 🤍🥥S•phia🐚🍨

Ultimately, by breaking up a massive journey into bite-sized chunks, Reid basically transforms what would typically be a pretty grueling ordeal into a much more manageable experience. Better yet, she turns the whole experience into one that doesn't leave her frazzled or jet-lagged by the end of the flight.

At its core, Reid's hack is really all about preparation and planning. And luckily, from the moment you book your flight to the minute you touch down, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your long-haul journey runs smoothly. For starters, always try to book your seat early. Not only can this save you money in the long run, but it also gives you the best chance of claiming your preferred spot — whether that's snagging the window seat for better sleep or sitting on the aisle for easy bathroom access.

Additionally, there's also the importance of thinking strategically when it comes to packing your carry-on. Ideally, you'll want to bring light layers to help you deal with the in-cabin temperature changes, noise-canceling headphones to block out noise, and even an eye mask to make sleeping on the plane a little comfier. Other great things to have nearby while flying include your own reusable water bottle (just fill it up after security), some healthy snacks, and any additional entertainment you might want.

Lastly, don't forget about comfort essentials, like compression socks to help with circulation and a travel pillow to prevent neck strain! And while airplane food isn't always the most appetizing, make sure you try to eat light meals during your flight to help your body adjust to the new circadian schedule. As for drinks, a good rule of thumb is to always skip the alcohol and caffeine. Unfortunately, both of these beverages can leave you dehydrated and mess with your sleep pattern both on and off the plane.