6 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Flying 21 Hours to Hong Kong

In 2023, I had the opportunity to fly to Hong Kong to visit Hong Kong Disneyland to preview the World of Frozen.

Emma and Quincy in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland

As you can imagine, the flight to Hong Kong was very long, and I learned a few things from flying to the other side of the world. If you have a long flight coming up, I hope these tips help.

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1. Flight Etiquette is Different

You can kick off your shoes and relax on these long flights. While it seems a little different than domestic flights to remove your shoes, it is acceptable on long flights like this. Just make sure your feet aren’t smelly.

If you’re concerned about that, you can always bring a pair of comfortable slippers to wear instead. This will allow you to be comfortable during this flight. You’ll also want to make sure to wear compression socks! They can significantly reduce leg swelling, improve circulation, and lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

2. It’s OK and Necessary to Walk Around

While walking around on domestic flights is usually frowned upon, since you are in the air sure a short time, it is good to do so on these long flights. So get up, stretch, and grab a snack. There is usually space near the bulkheads and the kitchens to walk. You can also go and get snacks out of the kitchen. They usually keep coffee brewed and beverages available.

3. HYDRATE

It is essential to stay hydrated when you are flying for long periods. It can be easy to become dehydrated from the free coffee, soda, or alcohol, so you’ll want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water in between.

4. Pack Things to Keep You Busy

This may seem obvious, but on a multi-hour flight, you are going to want to have plenty of items with you to stay occupied. Don’t just expect you’ll be able to fall asleep on the plane. Bring something to watch, a book, a hobby like knitting, and plenty of other things to keep your mind busy.

5. Pack Things to Make You Comfier

I also highly recommend a Foot Hammock, because it may not seem like it’s a big deal, but having your feet up changes the game. Lifting your feet off the ground just a little bit makes you feel more at ease when you’re just sitting, or when you’re trying to sleep. You can also bring things like a neck pillow, an eye mask, or anything else to make sure you are comfortable.

6. The Seats are Smaller

On a few of my flights to Asia, the seats were smaller than what I’m used to. I learned firsthand how important it is to know that about your airline or flight ahead of time.