How do you cope with a long flight in the best way? To arrive as energetic and fresh as possible? Here are my best tips on everything from clothing and hand luggage to food, drink, routines and employment on board. Above all, there are three things I never travel without. Don't miss my offer on one of them at the end of the post, the sharp liquid substitute Uppy. Perfect as a Christmas present !

After many long flights (mostly to New York), I've learned what makes the trip most comfortable- and above all, how to arrive without feeling like a twisted rag. Starting the stay with a migraine is rarely on the wish list. But we take it from the beginning.

Tips and tricks for a comfortable long flight

Alright, here's my long-haul flight guide (as a passenger, I leave the operation of the plane to other professionals).

#1. Clothing on board

On long-haul flights, of course, soft, comfortable clothes apply. This has become my standard outfit, an outfit that is both comfortable and stylish (in the unlikely event of an upgrade): a short-sleeved, loose-fitting top, over that a cardigan that can be taken off and on as needed, a large shawl (also works as a blanket) and wide trousers with an elasticated waist. The trousers are of course wrinkle-free, light and comfortable like pyjamas!

Compression socks (support socks) are a must. The pressure in the cabin is not to be trifled with and why risk your health for the toenails to be visible in fancy sandals?

I choose shoes depending on the season. Usually a pair of nice sneakers, but low boots can also be worn. On board, I then take off my shoes and put on a pair of thicker socks on top of the support socks. Warm and comfortable and not the slightest risk of shoe chafing!

#2 Packing in hand luggage

I divide the hand luggage into two parts: a larger bag that can be stowed away on the luggage rack and a smaller bag, a so-called "personal item", that can be conveniently tucked under the seat in front. Right now I'm using a nylon bag from Calvin Klein which is durable, light, easy to pack and also has lots of compartments.

In my small bag I have the most necessary things, which I need to easily reach during the long flight: mobile phone, computer/Ipad, power bank, charger, noise-reducing headphones, small kit with toothbrush/toothpaste, the liquid substitute Uppy (see more below), hand sanitizer, eye mask and , if it is a night flight, the Ovaer neck pillow.

#3 Three things I always take with me on a long flight

Uppy, emergency supplies and noise-cancelling headphones:  these are three things that must always be in my hand luggage. (Yes, in addition to obvious things like mobile phone and passport, of course.)

 1) Uppy – an extra effective fluid replacement

Uppy is a special fluid replacement, which also restores the body's electrolyte balance.

I would never advise on something I don't believe in, so this tip comes from my own experience. I have been to New York many times and every stay used to start with a migraine for me. But since I started with Uppy a few years ago, the headache is conspicuous by its absence.

I simply feel much "more alert" after using Uppy during a long flight. Of course, it does not completely remove the effects of a time change, I do not claim that and neither does the company Uppy. But that mushyness and "backward feeling" is actually gone. Scores of users testify to the same. Not least pilots and entire crews who use Uppy today.

Maybe it sounds too good to be true, but it actually has a logical explanation:  In contrast to classic fluid replacements, Uppy also restores the body's electrolyte balance. The air in an airplane is as dry as desert heat, and just plain water is not enough to compensate for the fluid loss.

So what does Uppy contain? The answer is natural ingredients, formulated by pharmacists. The content is based on WHO directives, with the addition of vitamins and minerals: vitamin D, zinc and selenium, which contribute to strengthening the immune system; vitamin B12 and magnesium, which help reduce fatigue, plus vitamin C (lemon and lime) which is an oxidant. Uppy also contains ginger, which inhibits inflammation and counteracts nausea. By the way, ginger, lemon and lime are my favorite ingredients in a drink, so this tastes great!

Here's how I do it for an 8-hour flight: I dissolve three tablets in a 50-centiliter water bottle (note, not carbonated water) and shake. Then I take a sip every now and then throughout the trip.

2) Emergency provisions

Emergency provisions are a must for an allergy sufferer like me . Unfortunately, it has happened more than once that the pre-ordered airplane meal is basically inedible. Just because you order gluten-free does not mean that the food is free of other things you cannot tolerate. Plague or cholera, as well as ... Of course, these are in-country problems. But nevertheless, you want to feel good during the trip. I therefore always pack something edible, such as energy bars (nut-free), a bag of almonds, gluten-free sandwiches, rice cakes, chocolate and/or some fruit.

3) Noise canceling headphones

Noise canceling headphones are heavenly! Once you try it, it will be hard to fly without it. Gone is all the airplane noise, any screaming fellow travelers and screaming children (yes, my own are adults and have passed the screaming stage). For a long time I had Bose, but these were battery powered and the plastic has since cracked. Now I have a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3s with insanely good sound. They run on bluetooth but can also be connected to the headphone socket on the aircraft. You can actually do without the plastic earphones you get on board. The lack of noise also means that you arrive more rested.

#4 Employment and routines on board

How do I use the time on board? At night, of course, I try to rest or sleep. Then Ovaer is indispensable, the hooded neck pillow that both provides support and screens out the light. If I fly during the day, I usually start by sitting and clearing photos from my phone. So much trash you save...

Then I like to watch movies. There are usually two films per long flight. Sometimes I watch the films offered on board, but rather self-selected ones that I downloaded offline to my computer or iPad.

About once every half hour I take a few sips of the liquid substitute Uppy. I also supplement with regular drinking water: a few deciliters per hour are recommended. Some airlines let travelers go and refill water themselves, while others only have water for sale. It is of course extra nice to have loaded with filled bottles from the start to keep in the seat pocket in front of you.

Tip, tip: More and more airports now offer free drinking water, so bring your own empty bottles and refill after security. Then you won't have to pay for expensive and unnecessary plastic bottles.

Sometime in the hour I get up and move around. I walk back and forth in the aisle, stretch and do stretching exercises. If someone glares? Laughing? I could not care less. But if you're the shy type: stretch in the toilet instead. The opportunity to move is, incidentally, the biggest reason why I always want to sit on the aisle. I don't want to have to step over a sleeping chair neighbor. And isn't it the case that if you sit at the very back and ca n't get the urge to pee: that's when you do ?

I also usually have a paperback with me, but to be honest, it's rarely novels, unless they're about New York. I'm usually so focused on my trip that I'd rather read about the destination.

#5 Common sense and etiquette on board

By behaving considerately towards your fellow travelers on board, the flight will also be more comfortable for yourself. Saying hello to your seat neighbor is a nice gesture, regardless of whether you're going to be quiet for the rest of the trip or are going to be reciting your entire life story (which happened to me a couple of times).

Is the seat neighbor too talkative? Then I simply put on my noise-cancelling headphones or my sleeping cap. The gesture has been understood all but one time, when the person continued to tap me to show pictures on their mobile. Then I actually changed places!

Feel free to check with the person behind you before you carefully fold the chair back down to the maximum angle. A simple question or look for agreement is usually enough. After all, it is less fun for the person concerned to have the computer screen squeezed or an involuntary coffee bath.

I try to time the tours for stretching exercises so they don't collide with the staff's carts out.

Taking it easy with alcohol and not being too loud are unwritten rules that unfortunately are not obvious to everyone. Personally, I usually completely abstain from alcohol on long flights. Did you know that a glass of wine on board is actually equivalent to two or three on land? That's how much it tempts the body's fluid reserves.

#6 Just before landing

When the long flight starts to come to an end, it is of course nice to freshen up with brushing your teeth (note, not with the tap water in the toilet), some moisturizer and maybe makeup if you use it. I myself often fly with my hair in a bun and, voilà, when the bun is removed, I automatically have some curls.

I now also dissolve an extra tablet of Uppy in a little water (1 tablet to 1.5 dl of water). It's not necessary, apart from the bottle I've already drunk. But taking an extra tablet won't hurt.

Based on the weather at the destination, I also take the opportunity to change before landing. To warmer destinations, I can travel in a long skirt with leggings underneath instead of long pants. Easy to remove!

#7 Counteract jet lag on the first day at the destination

When I wake up the first morning at my destination, I take another Uppy tablet in a glass of water. Now it's especially good to use the red tube, which is called Uppy Energizer (with grapefruit flavor). It also contains caffeine, which makes it less urgent to drink coffee.

So there, now I'm fit for fight and can go out and enjoy myself. By also adapting sleeping times to local time and getting plenty of daylight, the jet lag is soon blown away.

Christmas gift tip:
Order the fluid replacement Uppy with free shipping, via the code "newyork20"!

Did you get the urge to try Uppy on your next long flight? With the code "newyork20" you currently get free shipping when you order Uppy. The tubes are available in everything from 1 to 12 packs. They are available both with and without caffeine. Right now, by the way, the red tube is 33% off (best before August 2020). The discount can be combined with my code for free shipping.

Why not give Uppy as a Christmas present to someone who loves to travel? Maybe the tubes can be included in a toiletry bag with other goodies for the long flight, such as travel packaging? Your imagination sets the limit!

Uppy is also suitable for skiing or other sports. Dissolve one or two tablets after a day on the slopes or the cross-country trail and you will have new energy. (Pst: If it gets a little too intense on your après ski afterwards, Uppy helps with that too, just saying...)

Order Uppy here

The offer is valid twice per person, until January 2020.

Enjoy!

Photos: New York from the sky: Julian Alexander , Woman by a plane window: Tim Gouw , Night flight: Marvin Meyer , Woman in a plane: Sofia Sforza , Cabin with people: Suhyeon Choi , photos of me in New York: Ulrika Andersson : Anna Ström Åhlén .