Things to Do on a Long-Haul Flight from India: Entertainment, Sleep, Hydration, Meals
Published · 10 min read
Entertainment, sleep, hydration, compression socks, vegetarian meal codes, mid-flight stretches — what to pack and do across 10-15 hours.
What this article covers
Pre-flight setup — what to do in the 24 hours before
Pack the right cabin bag
Pre-order the right meal
Sleep strategy
Hydration and bathroom strategy
Movement and DVT prevention
Entertainment — what actually keeps you sane
The arrival routine — the last 2 hours
Frequently asked questions
How do I sleep on a long-haul flight from India?
Window seat for support, eye mask, earplugs, neck pillow and a cardigan. Avoid caffeine after the second meal and alcohol throughout. Match your sleep to destination time zone — sleep early if flying east overnight, stay awake if flying west into a US-evening arrival. Consider 3-5 mg melatonin 30 minutes before target sleep time if your doctor approves. Recline slightly with a lumbar pillow and knees slightly bent for the most comfortable sleep position.
What should I eat on a long-haul flight as an Indian vegetarian?
Pre-order a special meal at least 24 hours before departure via the airline's 'Manage Booking' page. AVML (Asian Vegetarian) is the closest to home-style Indian vegetarian food, including dairy. VGML (Vegan Vegetarian) is strict vegan. JNML (Jain Meal) excludes root vegetables and is available on most international carriers. Special meals are served before the standard trolley and are usually fresher. Pack backup snacks (protein bars, nuts, dry fruits) in cabin baggage for hunger gaps.
How much water should I drink on a long-haul flight?
Aim for 250 ml per hour of flight — about 3 litres on a 12-hour journey. Cabin air is dry (15-25% humidity), and dehydration amplifies jet lag, fatigue and DVT risk. Carry an empty 1 L water bottle through security and fill it at the gate. Ask cabin crew for refills every 90 minutes — they are happy to bring it. Skip carbonated drinks and limit caffeine. Eye drops and lip balm help with dry eyes and lips.
Are compression socks worth wearing on long-haul flights?
Yes, especially on flights over 6 hours. Compression socks (15-20 mmHg rating) significantly reduce risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by improving blood flow in your legs. They also reduce ankle and foot swelling on landing. Pair with walking the aisle every 2-3 hours, seated calf raises and ankle circles every hour, and good hydration. Especially important for travellers over 40 or with circulatory risk factors.
What entertainment should I bring on a long-haul flight?
Backup the airline IFE with downloaded content on your devices. Pre-download 4-5 movies and 2-3 seasons of a show on Netflix or Prime Video. Have 20-30 hours of podcasts, a Kindle library, offline music playlists (Spotify, Apple Music) and audiobooks (Audible, Storytel). Pack noise-cancelling headphones — Bose QC, Sony XM or Apple AirPods Pro are game-changers for flight comfort. Charge devices fully before boarding and carry a power bank in cabin baggage.
Can I bring my own food on a long-haul flight from India?
Yes, but with limits. Solid dry food (protein bars, sandwiches, dry fruits, nuts, fruits) is allowed through security and onto the flight. Liquid or gel-based food must be under 100 ml per container — so no homemade curries or yoghurt in your cabin bag. International arrivals (especially Australia, USA, UK, Singapore) have strict customs rules — fresh fruits, meat, dairy, plant material may be confiscated. Consume any home-packed food before landing.
Should I take melatonin for a long-haul flight?
Melatonin (3-5 mg) is widely used by long-haul travellers to align sleep with destination time, and it can be effective for sleep onset on the flight. In India, it is prescription-only (in many other countries it is OTC). Consult your doctor before use, especially if you take other medications or have hormonal conditions. Take 30 minutes before your target sleep time. Combine with eye mask, earplugs and a dark cocoon for best results.