I'm a former international flight attendant. Here are 11 ways to improve your experience on long-haul flights.

Tiffany HawkJan 2, 2023, 18:13 IST

Flying internationally is a different experience than traveling domestically.Tiffany Hawk

As a former flight attendant, I've found ways to make long-haul plane rides more comfortable.
Cushion your connecting flights with a layover that's at least two hours.

I'm a former international flight attendant who's traveled and worked on countless flights.

I used to work as a flight attendant on international flights.Getty Images

Avoid additional fees and last-minute stress by looking into your airline's luggage policy.Jonas Walzberg/picture alliance via Getty Images

Boarding for international flights usually begins around an hour before take-off.Tiffany Hawk

Give yourself plenty of time to connect flights.Tiffany Hawk

Some airports can be challenging to navigate, especially if you're in a rush or don't speak the native language.Tiffany Hawk

I've found that there's often significantly more legroom in the first-class section.Tiffany Hawk

Your window shade should only be open for take-off and landing.Tiffany Hawk

The seatbelt light turns on and off throughout the flight.marako85/Shutterstock

There's no guarantee that you'll love the in-flight menu, so bring snacks just in case.Tiffany Hawk

Many airlines serve free alcohol on international flights.Tiffany Hawk

Many airlines offer recently released movies and TV series on international flights.Tiffany Hawk

The air in plane cabins is very dry, so drink water and moisturize.Tiffany Hawk