I took a 13-hour flight to New Zealand from LA. Here are 8 mistakes I made and what I'll do differently on my flight home.

Monica HumphriesJul 16, 2022, 17:36 IST

The author made mistakes like eating junk food and not stretching before the long-haul flight.Monica Humphries/Insider/Hope Phillips/Shutterstock

I spent 13 hours on a plane in June flying to Auckland, New Zealand, from Los Angeles, California.
Before, during, and after the flight, I made mistakes like not drinking enough water.

New Zealand is known for its incredibly stunning scenery — and, if you live in the US like me, an incredibly long flight to see those views. This June, I embarked on a 24-hour journey to the country.

The author in her business-class seat on an Air New Zealand long-haul flight.Monica Humphries/Insider

New Zealand is known for its incredibly stunning scenery — and, if you live in the US like me, an incredibly long flight to see those views. This June, I embarked on a 24-hour journey to the country.

On my way home, I plan to spend more time in the airport lounge.

The author in the Star Alliance Lounge at the Los Angeles International Airport.Monica Humphries/Insider

I'll walk and stretch more before and during the flight.

A quick stretch break before a 13-hour flight.Monica Humphries/Insider

I'll skip using the airline's toothbrush and pack my personal toothbrush and toothpaste in my backpack.

The author brushes her teeth in the airplane bathroom on a long-haul flight to Auckland, New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Insider

Melatonin is a must for my flight back home.

The author struggles to fall asleep on the flight.Monica Humphries/Insider

I forgot to pack chocolate! This time, I'll be squeezing a few candy bars into my backpack for the return flight.

A candy aisle at a grocery store on Waiheke Island, New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Insider

I'll pass on cinnamon-sugar pretzels next time and opt for an apple or banana.

A cinnamon-sugar pretzel wasn't the ideal snack before a 13-hour flight.Monica Humphries/Insider

I'll also drink more water.

A water station in the airport lounge.Monica Humphries/Insider

Finally, when I land, I'll follow Denver's time zone and go to bed.

A king-sized bed at a hotel in Auckland, New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Insider

Fingers crossed my flight home is smooth sailing.

The author on an airplane.Monica Humphries/Insider

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I took a 13-hour flight to New Zealand from LA. Here are 8 mistakes I made and what I'll do differently on my flight home.

New Zealand is known for its incredibly stunning scenery — and, if you live in the US like me, an incredibly long flight to see those views. This June, I embarked on a 24-hour journey to the country.

On my way home, I plan to spend more time in the airport lounge.

I'll walk and stretch more before and during the flight.

I'll skip using the airline's toothbrush and pack my personal toothbrush and toothpaste in my backpack.

Melatonin is a must for my flight back home.

I forgot to pack chocolate! This time, I'll be squeezing a few candy bars into my backpack for the return flight.

I'll pass on cinnamon-sugar pretzels next time and opt for an apple or banana.

I'll also drink more water.

Finally, when I land, I'll follow Denver's time zone and go to bed.

Fingers crossed my flight home is smooth sailing.