The day of our flight had arrived. Our first flight was scheduled to depart from Manchester Airport at 6:15 a.m., so we arrived at the airport around 4:00 in the morning.
Whenever I travel by plane (and it’s been many years!), I always make sure to get to the airport early. I prefer to go through security and immigration as soon as possible so that I can wait for the flight at my leisure. Arriving too early is never a problem, as there’s always the chance of delays with trains to the airport, traffic if driving, or long lines at security and immigration.
I love the unique atmosphere of the airport, and there’s so much to see that I never struggle to pass the time. Since I was young, I’ve enjoyed exploring the travel shops for the latest travel gear, checking out the souvenirs that are popular with international visitors, browsing books to read on the plane, observing other travellers who look excited for their trips, and watching planes take off and land from the observation deck. I especially love plane-watching; if we’re staying at a hotel near the airport, I sometimes even make a point to visit the airport just to enjoy a meal while watching the planes.
(Photo by Hakan Koc on Unsplash)
Preparing for a Long-Haul Flight
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, we stayed overnight at a nearby hotel to be able to arrive at the airport by 4 a.m. The kids were very sleepy, but they’d get plenty of rest once on the plane. As long as I stayed alert, that was all that mattered.
After arriving at the airport, we smoothly passed through security and passport control and then waited calmly near the boarding gate. Since we had already checked in our suitcases, we could just sit back and relax with minimal baggage. Mixing that slight early-morning drowsiness with excitement for the flight, we picked up a few snacks and drinks at a shop on our way to the gate.
Eventually, boarding time arrived, and we made our way onto the plane. As soon as the kids sat down, they fastened their seatbelts with a practiced ease. Although they were excited, so sleep didn’t seem likely for them. Our plane departed right on schedule, and the one-hour, forty-five-minute flight flew by quickly.
At 9 a.m., we touched down in Frankfurt.
What to Do During a 4-Hour Layover
Our layover in Frankfurt was around 4 hours and 40 minutes, which isn’t a bad wait time at all. As I mentioned before, I love the atmosphere of airports, so I can easily spend the time wandering through different areas, exploring shops, and soaking in the surroundings. The kids also enjoyed checking out various amenities, food options, and store displays with fascination. They were especially delighted whenever they could recognize or guess the meaning of German words that resembled English ones, and their laughter was contagious—I couldn’t help but join in.
For us, a 4-hour layover was manageable, but if it had been much longer, we might have considered a different flight. Traveling with young children makes balancing layover times essential!
Difference Between Layover and Stopover
“Layover” and “stopover” are similar terms but have slightly different meanings. A layover typically refers to a waiting period of less than 24 hours between connecting flights. In contrast, a “stopover” is used when there’s a stay of more than 24 hours (or over 4 hours for domestic flights) at a connecting location.
Sometimes, these options are shown when searching for flights, and travellers might even choose a “stopover” intentionally to allow for sightseeing or rest at the connecting city.
Advantages of Taking Photos While Traveling
Taking photos throughout a trip—from the beginning at the airport, on the plane, and at the destination—can be incredibly useful later on. Not only can you easily share your experiences with friends and family on social media, but looking back at the photos after the trip helps you relive and extend the enjoyment of the journey.
For instance, I even took a photo of our suitcase before checking it in at the airport. If the suitcase were to be lost, having a photo makes it much easier to describe its appearance to the airline. Additionally, capturing not only our own photos but also small, easy-to-overlook details—like snacks bought at the airport or meals served onboard—adds a fun layer to our memories.
Years later, when going through the series of photos from start to finish, all those travel memories come flooding back, and it feels as though you’re taking the trip all over again.
Looking back on photos can also reveal new details or perspectives, or help you remember places you visited along the way. And with a smartphone, it’s easy to capture high-quality images anywhere, eliminating the need to carry a separate camera.
How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
We finally boarded our a long-haul flight to Narita, departing from Frankfurt at 13:40, and our long journey began. Some might think the view from a plane is only sky and clouds, but I find every moment of it breath-taking—I could watch it forever. (Perhaps, in a past life, I was a bird or some space-traveling being!)
I’m incredibly lucky that the kids always let me have the window seat, knowing how much I love it. They’re happy in their own seats, occupied with movies or games, so it works out perfectly. Occasionally, they’ll get up to stretch, use the restroom, walk around a bit, or snap photos from nearby windows with their phones.
Getting up regularly to stretch is something I’d highly recommend. Moving your legs and back every so often helps with circulation, reduces fatigue, and prevents deep vein thrombosis (economy class syndrome). It’s a simple routine that makes a big difference on long-haul flights.
Long-Haul Flight Entertainment
Most long-haul flights come equipped with individual screens on the back of each seat, offering a range of entertainment options that vary by airline but have become quite diverse in recent years. You can enjoy movies, TV series, documentaries, and music, as well as relaxing audio, comedy shows, and both recent releases and timeless classics, ensuring you won’t get bored.
In addition, there are interactive options like puzzles and card games, travel information, sightseeing guides, flight maps, children’s entertainment, and even relaxation and meditation programs.
Of course, you could bring a favourite book or magazine, or watch movies or shows downloaded on your own smartphone or tablet. When traveling with kids, airlines often offer colouring books, cards, puzzles, or small games to keep them engaged.
I used to watch movies or catch up on work while flying, but these days, perhaps due to age, I find that too much screen time on the plane strains my eyes more than in daily life. Now, I usually keep the monitor set to the flight map, enjoy the view outside, or use an eye mask to get some rest.
In economy class, seats are typically arranged in rows of three, so when traveling with family, it’s nice to sit together without worrying about bothering strangers when getting up. Many people would agree that being in a window seat can make you hesitate to ask the person on the aisle to stand up for your bathroom break, though I’m always happy to stand if I’m on the aisle and the window passenger needs to get out.
Comfortable Clothes for a Long-Haul Flight
For long flights, stretchy pants and loose tops are ideal. Temperatures on planes can fluctuate, so layering with easy-to-remove clothing is practical. A comfortable jacket, a scarf (or a stall), or a lightweight blanket can make all the difference for staying cosy. Leggings are a great choice, too. I often opt for relaxed-fit yoga pants. If you’re comfortable in jeans, that works as well.
Comfortable shoes that don’t constrict your feet are essential, as prolonged sitting can cause feet to swell. Trainers (sneakers) or flats with minimal tightness are perfect for keeping your feet relaxed.
Since you’ll mostly be seated, there’s no need for overly formal attire. But if you want to look stylish on board, go for relaxed yet chic styles that provide comfort without compromising on style.
Essentials for a Long-Haul Flight (with Kids)
Here are some essential items that I’ve found very useful on long flights, when traveling with children:
Neck Pillow
To get quality rest, a supportive neck pillow is essential for reducing neck and shoulder strain. It’s often best to bring your own pillow that suits you, as finding the right one at the airport can be both challenging and costly.
Blanket and Slippers
Airplane cabins can get chilly, so a lightweight blanket is useful. While most airlines provide a blanket, having your own ensures extra warmth if needed. A cosy jacket can also double as a blanket.
Changing into slippers during the flight is very comfortable, and foldable slippers are especially convenient.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are helpful to promote circulation and reduce swelling from prolonged sitting.
Noise-Cancelling Earphones
These block out engine noise and surrounding sounds, letting you enjoy movies, music, or meditation apps in peace. Most seats now have USB ports, making it convenient to charge devices while you use them.
Eye Mask
A high-quality, light-blocking eye mask helps with sleep, even when the cabin is bright. An eye mask with a lavender scent can add a calming effect, perfect for getting relaxed rest.
Toothbrush Set
Freshening up with a toothbrush mid-flight can help you feel revived. Stretching after brushing adds a little more relaxation.
Bach Flower Remedies
When my children were younger, a doctor once recommended adding a few drops of Bach Flower Remedies to their drinks for calmness. My kids are usually happy travellers, so we didn’t need it, but it can be a comforting option for those feeling anxious on flights.
Beach Towel
When my children were small, I brought along a beach towel, which doubled as a blanket and was handy for spills. It’s also a versatile item to have throughout the trip, serving as a towel or mat while being less bulky than a regular towel.
Snacks
Having snacks for when hunger strikes is essential, especially for children. Small crisps or snacks like those in M&S’s lunch section are ideal as they’re compact and easy to pack.
Lozenges
This is something I always make sure to bring. It’s helpful for dry cabin air and comes in handy when I start to feel bored during a long flight. Sometimes I feel a bit nauseous during landing, and lozenges are very effective in those moments. I recommend Fisherman’s Friend because it’s not too sweet and has a nice, refreshing spiciness.
After the Cabin Lights Go Dim…
During long-haul flights, the cabin lighting may be dimmed to help passengers rest. At this time, I secretly indulge in a little self-care ritual: using a skincare face mask.
The air in the cabin is incredibly dry, which tends to leave my skin and hair parched. So, I take advantage of this time to hydrate my face. Since it’s dark, I doubt anyone will notice my face turning white from the mask (at least, I hope so!). Once I’m done with the mask, I also use it to moisturize my neck and hands before disposing of it.
When going through security, I place the face masks in a resealable transparent bag along with my other liquids to comply with regulations. My favourite brand is Simple, and since it can be quite expensive or sometimes unavailable at the airport, I make sure to purchase it in advance from the supermarket or Amazon.
Finally, the End of the Long Flight and Arrival in Japan
As we approach Japan, the sight of Sado Island (佐渡島) in Niigata Prefecture (新潟県) comes into view. At this point, I feel my heart swell with the realization, “I’m back in Japan.” Gazing at the beautiful landscape of deep green covering Sado Island fills my soul with contentment.
After an 11-hour and 5-minute flight, we arrive at Narita Airport (成田空港) at 07:45 the next morning. As we prepare to disembark, we wait patiently for other passengers to exit first, taking our time to leave the plane. There’s no need to rush, as retrieving our luggage will take time anyway.
Once off the plane, we head into the clean and well-maintained airport building. This is one of the things that both my children and I love about Japan.
At Narita Airport, we are greeted by the familiar words “Okaeri-nasai （おかえりなさい）”, which means “Welcome Home.” Every time I see this, I can’t help but think, “Tadaima （ただいま: I’m home),” and I’m sure many other Japanese people feel the same way!
Sometimes, an English message is displayed alongside it, reading “Welcome to Japan.”
