10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Flying 20 Hours to Tokyo

Last year, I had the opportunity to fly to Tokyo for the opening of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disneyland.

While it was an incredible trip, let me just say that flying 20 hours across the world isn’t easy! There are some serious tips I recommend following to help make your trip more manageable. It’s easier than you may realize to get off a multi-hour-long flight feeling awful from just being dehydrated, sleep-deprived, etc., and here are my top tips for avoiding that!

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Sleep Essentials

When you’re on an international flight, sleeping a lot is a great way to pass the time and help you make sure you’re not too sleep deprived when you land. However, I really don’t recommend just relying on the seat to be comfortable — I have a few essentials you’ll want to bring on the plane, starting with the trtl Neck Pillow!

This thing was a GAME CHANGER when it came to flying. It was super comfortable, was easy to pack and put on while I was on the flight, and I really think it helped me sleep. Even if this one isn’t for you, having any sort of neck pillow is definitely a must.

Grab it here!

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. If you know you’ll be trying to sleep, or if you’re more restless sitting still in general, I especially recommend this.

Check it out!

Compression Socks

Without a doubt, I can tell you that Compression Socks are ESSENTIAL. So many people don’t wear these on planes, and I can tell you from personal experience that they help immensely.

The way these work is that they gently squeeze your ankles to help blood flow through your legs. It prevents blood from pooling in your legs, which can lead to blood clots, and can also just be super uncomfortable. However, they’re only recommended for those on flights that are four hours or longer (so international flights? YEP.). The only downside is that they’re a little hard to get on, but it’s worth it!

Grab them here!

Research Your Flight Ahead of Time

I flew on Cathay Pacific when I traveled to and from Tokyo, and something I wasn’t totally expecting was how small the seats were. They were smaller than what I’m used to, and I learned firsthand how important it is to know that about your airline or flight ahead of time.

I also highly recommend researching the amenities on your specific flight. For example, I was given slippers and alcohol on my flight, but again, the seats were small (so pros and cons).

Beware of Coffee and Alcohol

Speaking of drinks, especially if they’re complimentary on your flight, if you’re going to be drinking coffee or alcohol, you need to be drinking tons of water as well.

With drinks included, it’s easy to think, “oh I can just have a glass of wine,” but that does dehydrate you. Even if it does help you sleep, it’s a careful balance keeping yourself feeling good on a flight that long. I’m not saying to NOT drink anything, but be sure to find that balance, especially because flights naturally dehydrate you anyway.

You NEED To Get Up And Stretch

You can, and should, get up and stretch! That’s something that’s frowned upon on domestic airlines but it is very expected and good for you to do when you are on an international flight that’s so long.

There’s even space near the bulkheads and near the kitchens where you can also go and get snacks out of the kitchen at any time! They usually keep coffee brewed and waters and soda available, and you can even get little snacks and things like ramen noodles. It’s a great way to motivate yourself to get up and move a little bit, and you’ll thank yourself for it once you land.

Taking Your Shoes Off ISN’T Bad

Another thing that’s wildly different from domestic flights is that on long international flights, taking your shoes of isn’t deemed rude or frowned upon. Instead, it’s allowed and understood because everyone is attempting to get comfortable on such a long flight, and it’s nearly impossible to do so with your shoes on.

Now, if your feet are stinky (which they shouldn’t be if you’re using those compression socks), then no, it’s not good etiquette to take off your shoes, and going barefoot is NOT an option here. If you’re concerned about your feet smelling, you can always bring a pair of light, comfortable slippers to wear instead, if you don’t want to just be in your socks.