In episode 56 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Shelley and Melissa [Ladies who travel] about tips for surviving long haul flights. The discussion covers how they plan for long journeys, strategies for booking and upgrading flights, and essential items to pack in your carry-on.
They share personal experiences with business class, comfort upgrades, and point hacking. The episode also offers advice on managing jet lag, choosing seats, handling in-flight entertainment, snacks, hydration, and tips for travelling with children.
Listeners will hear practical recommendations for making long haul flights more comfortable and managing the challenges of international travel.
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Episode 56 – Summary
In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by regular guests Shelley and Melissa for a lively discussion on “Ladies Who Travel: Tips for Long Haul Flights.” Together, they explore the highs and lows of long-haul journeys across continents, sharing personal experiences, tried-and-true travel hacks, and practical strategies to make those lengthy flights a little more manageable.
The trio open the episode with a catch-up on their latest travels, highlighting recent adventures in Australia, Florida, New Zealand, Thailand, and Korea. Tracy, Melissa, and Shelley candidly discuss everything from flight planning and point hacking for upgrades, to the best packing tactics, in-flight must-haves, and coping with jet lag. They also offer tips for families, insights on comfort versus style during transit, and personal stories from the road—including Shelley’s viral Korean nail art experience!
What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 How to strategically plan and prepare for long-haul flights, including when to start your planning
- 📅 Upgrade hacks: Using points, bidding for business class, and selecting the best seats for comfort
- 🚄 Essential packing tips, carry-on musts, and what to have handy for entertainment and hydration
- 🛏️ Why choosing the right class—from premium economy to business—can make or break your journey
- 🥢 Lifestyle and wellness tips, such as skincare routines at 30,000 feet and staying comfortable throughout your flight
- 😲 How to deal with the unexpected: navigating airline luggage rules, managing jet lag, and travelling with kids
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Food
- Perth, Australia: Tracy’s homecoming destination; excellent for pet reunions and a launch point for trips to Europe or Asia.
- Queensland, Australia (Brisbane): Melissa’s home base, highlighted for its vibrant local happenings and as a gateway to Lady Elliot Island.
- Lady Elliot Island, Australia: Noted as a fabulous local getaway renowned for marine biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
- Florida, USA: Shelly’s recent destination for a family visit after a year abroad.
- New Zealand & Thailand: Part of Shelly’s “boom, boom, boom” international travel spree.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The city where Tracy and Shelly shared dinner and conversation during intersecting travels.
- Korea (Seoul): Shelly’s layover spot and the place for her intricate, hand-painted nail art.
Places
- Protein Bars & Nuts: Shelly’s go-to healthy snacks for inflight sustenance, especially when facing long journeys or unpredictable meal service..
- Marks and Spencer Groceries (Singapore): Tracy’s anecdote about maximising her upgraded luggage allowance with gourmet treats.
- Water (with Electrolytes): A must for staying hydrated before, during, and after flights, with an added pro-tip to use refill stations post-security.
Words/Concepts mentioned
- Points Hacking: Melissa’s approach to earning, banking, and redeeming frequent flyer points for flight upgrades and premium experiences.
- Premium Economy/Comfort Plus: The seating minimum Shelly aims for on long-haul flights, offering more space and comfort at a reasonable step-up.
- Jet Lag: The post-flight fatigue discussed in depth, with tips on hydration, scheduling, and adjustments to local time zones.
- VPN for Flight Bookings: Shelly’s tip for using VPN and foreign currencies to potentially save on airfare.
- Carry-On Essentials: Includes noise-cancelling headphones, device adapters, skincare mists, a change of clothes, notepads, and compact organizational bags for easy access.
- Family Travel with Kids: Melissa’s advice on prepping children for time zone changes during flights (think pyjamas and bedtime stories on board).
- Luggage Allowance Upgrades: Booking higher classes can often secure extra luggage weight and flexibility, making a case for spending or upgrading when possible.
Links
Podcasts
Bios – Melissa & Shelly (Ladies who travel)
Born and bred in Queensland, Melissa is the editor of both The Brisbane Travel Guide and The Queensland Travel Guide, where she shares her tips on travelling around the Sunshine State.
Melissa regularly travels all over the state, so she can create helpful and up-to-date content for anyone planning a trip to Queensland.
Shelly is a passionate solo traveller and food enthusiast with a multicultural background. She is the creator and editor of Solo Her Way.
Growing up in the United States, she developed a love for exploring diverse food traditions. Shelly has been travelling full-time solo for over three years, seeking authentic experiences through food and local interactions.
Shelly’s travels have taken her to stunning locales like Puglia, Italy, and she’s always open to new adventures.
