12 rules to follow so that you do not ruin your experience of a long-haul flight

Some people drink too much alcohol, which can lead to dehydration and bad behaviour. Others forget to dress in layers and spend the entire flight feeling too hot or too cold.

A flight attendant who worked for international airlines and saw many travellers repeat the same mistakes shared her advice, Business Insider reports. She spoke about the mistakes that many travellers make consciously or subconsciously.

Sleeping pills on an airplane is not always a great idea

Don't assume that you can wash down sleeping pills with a couple of drinks and sleep peacefully for a precisely defined time. Some sleeping pills can lead to drowsiness and other side effects, and you need to be alert and attentive in case of mechanical failure or other emergencies on the plane.

If you find it difficult to get up after your first sleeping pill attempt, have a stronger reaction than usual, or if you take too many pills, you may wake up to an irritated flight attendant in your face.

Always consult your doctor before taking prescription drugs in the air. And if you're taking over-the-counter sleeping pills, be sure to follow the instructions.

Test the comfort of the pillow before the flight

Some people love those classic U-shaped neck pillows. My daughter, for example, adores them.

But more often than not, I've seen passengers lug them around the world to hang up on the plane when they get uncomfortable.

Before you burden yourself with such a bulky addition to your carry-on, test the pillow at home to make sure it fits well.

Consciously choose activities for children to help them feel the time difference the next day

As a mom of two, I don't blame parents for breaking their usual rules to help their kids get through long flights. My eldest son would gladly hop on the world's longest flight just to be able to watch TV and movies the whole time.

The amount of kids' TV shows, movies, and games on most international flights is amazing, but unless you add some real entertainment - like coloring books, sticker books, or mazes - your kids will probably be too tired to fall asleep and relax. And without sleep, they'll probably feel jet-lagged the next day.

Bring shoes and comfortable socks

There's nothing better than taking off your shoes before a long flight and pulling on a comfortable pair of socks (they're often handed out by crew members in first class). But socks should be worn when you're sitting in your seat, not when you're walking around the plane.

When I worked as a flight attendant, many airplanes did not clean the carpets very often. As the cabin can shake during turbulence, the liquid on the floor of the toilet may not be water. If you want to go without shoes, bring slippers to avoid direct contact with the floor.

Wear multiple layers of clothing on the plane

It's hard to please everyone, and that's especially true when it comes to the temperature on an airplane that's hurtling across the world thousands of feet above the ground.

There is a high probability that at some point the cabin will be too hot or too cold for your liking. Play it safe by dressing in multiple layers that are easy to add or remove.

Check your gadgets before the flight

A long-haul flight is a great opportunity to catch a new movie or TV series that is broadcast on a channel you don't subscribe to at home. But seat-back TVs can be finicky, so there's a chance the one in front of you won't work. If you do not intend to sleep on an airplane all night, bring your own entertainment.

Many passengers don't charge their devices before boarding because they mistakenly believe that the outlets near their seats will work. It's smart to download movies, TV shows, and e-books on your devices before a long flight.

For added security, bring a book or download some podcasts that won't drain your battery and will keep you entertained throughout the night.

Do not abuse alcohol

Because of the reduced oxygen levels in the blood due to the low cabin pressure and dehydration due to the low humidity, the effects of alcohol can seem much stronger in the air.

I've seen drunk passengers get embarrassed, start fights, and vomit after bragging about how much alcohol they can handle.

I'm not saying you can't have a glass of wine with dinner, but please keep in mind that too much alcohol and dehydration can make you feel sick.

Drink enough water during the flight

If the captain is constantly turning the "Fasten seat belts" sign on and off or you have to climb over other people to get to the toilet, you may be tempted to ration your water intake during the flight.

However, dry air and high altitude can contribute to dehydration, which can exacerbate jet lag symptoms or lead to other health problems.

Flight attendants should bring water in the cabin frequently, but if they don't, don't hesitate to ask for more.

To have more control over the situation, you can bring your own water bottle on the plane. Most airports have water stations, so bring an empty bottle to fill it up after you get through security.

Earplugs and moisturisers will make your trip much more comfortable

The air in airplane cabins is usually low in moisture, so bring a lip balm to protect your lips from chapping and a lotion to protect your skin from flaking.

If you don't have noise-cancelling headphones, bring earplugs to block out the sound of people chewing, talking, coughing, and walking down the aisles.

An eye mask will help protect your eyes from flashing TV screens, flight attendants' flashlights, and light from open curtains.

After a long night of eating airplane meals, sipping wine, and then waking up to breakfast and coffee, you'll appreciate bringing your toothpaste and toothbrush in your travel kit. Or at least bring some gum to freshen your breath.

Avoid gas-producing foods and carbonated drinks

Some airplane meals are highly processed, so it's understandable that travellers want to snack on salads and fresh vegetables at the airport.

However, try to avoid anything that can cause gas, including carbonated drinks.

Low air pressure at cruise altitude causes gases to expand. That's why your bag of chips inflates like a balloon, and that's why you have to loosen your seat belt to adjust to bloating in flight.