From achaar at security to transit visa blunders: A globetrotter's ultimate guide to surviving long-haul flights from India

Indian travellers flying abroad often spend anywhere between 15 and 20 hours in the air, sometimes longer when layovers are involved.

According to aviation trends, India is now of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets, with international passenger traffic crossing pre-pandemic levels and millions of first-time overseas flyers joining the queue every year.

Yet, long-haul travel remains one of the most underestimated parts of the journey.

For Gursewak Singh, popularly known as Guru (@globetrotterguruji), a travel influencer who has visited 59 countries so far, the problem starts with how Indians view long flights.

"I’ve realised the biggest mistake we make is treating long-haul flights like a bus ride to Jaipur, survive it somehow and reach the destination. That’s honestly the worst approach. For me, a 15-hour flight is Day 1 of the trip.”

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Staying sane in the air

Cabin humidity on most long haul aircraft can fall below 20 per cent, far drier than most deserts. that dryness, combined with restricted movement and disrupted sleep cycles is what makes long flights exhausting.

Guru's approach is practical and experience driven.

“I always wear loose clothing, never jeans, made that mistake once on a Delhi to Europe flight and I still regret it. I carry a good moisturiser because cabin air is basically a desert, and start adjusting my sleep cycle on the flight itself according to the destination time zone.”

On ultra-long sectors, planning 'rest' is suggested.

“If I know it’s going to be a really long sector, I sometimes take a mild sleeping gummy after the meal service. There’s also a product in the US called Magic Water that a lot of frequent flyers use to relax and sleep better mid-air. Worst case, two glasses of wine, noise-cancelling headphones on, eye mask down, and you’re out.”

Movement, he insists, is non-negotiable.

“Get up and walk every few hours. I once sat through an entire 8 plus hour sector without moving and stepped out of the aircraft feeling like a retired uncle with knee problems. Hydrate, stretch, moisturise. Glamour can wait till immigration.”

The airport mistakes Indian travellers keep making

With Indian airports handling record international footfall, small mistakes can quickly snowball into missed flights or stressful transits.

“Carrying 4kg of homemade theplas and achar in cabin baggage and then arguing at security is definitely top of the list,” Guru says.

More serious, however, are documentation errors.

“People don’t check transit visa rules. Many assume that if they’re not leaving the airport, they don’t need a visa. That’s not always true.”

Overpacking hand luggage is another common issue.

“You don’t need your entire skincare routine for a 10-hour flight. And please don’t reach the airport two hours before an international departure and then run a marathon between check-in, immigration and boarding gate.”

How to more faster through Indian airports?

At busy hubs like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, preparation can save significant time.

“Preparation is everything. I keep my passport, boarding pass, and visa in one slim pouch that’s always in my hand, not in my backpack, not in my jacket pocket, not inside another pouch inside another pouch.”

Security checks become smoother with simpler choices.

“Wear slip-on shoes, avoid belts and chunky jewellery, and keep your laptop and power bank easily accessible. Every time I see someone at security opening their entire suitcase because their electronics are at the bottom under winter jackets, I silently thank my past self.”

Are airport lounges actually worth it?

With long layover becoming common on international routes, lounges are no longer a luxury but a recovery zone.

“Lounges are 100 percent worth it, especially when you have a long layover or delayed flight. A hot meal, shower, charging points and a quiet place to sit can genuinely reset your mood before a 10-hour flight.”

Many Indian travellers assume lounges are only for business class passengers or they are super expensive.

“You don’t need to fly business class for it. Many Indian credit cards offer complimentary international lounge access, people just don’t realise it. I’ve seen travellers spend ₹2,000 on airport coffee and sandwiches but hesitate to use a lounge that’s literally free with their card.”

Carry-on essentials most people forget

Despite rising incidents of delayed baggage globally, many travellers still check in all their essentials.

“A pen sounds basic, but when immigration forms are handed out mid-flight and 200 people suddenly need one, it becomes gold,” notes Gursewak.

Some non-negotiables are simple.

“I carry my own snacks. Yes, airlines do serve food, but sometimes you just want your kind of snack at 3 am over the Atlantic. Always keep your headphones handy or download movies and series on your portable devices in case you can’t sleep.”

Surviving long layovers and transit airports

First-time international travellers are often overwhelmed by transit airports that are larger than some Indian towns.

“Research your transit airport in advance. Check if you need a transit visa, what terminal your next flight departs from, lounge availability, food options, and how long it takes to move between gates.”

Preparation reduces stress significantly.

“Some airports are so massive that walking from one gate to another feels like a mini trek. Download offline maps, pre-download entertainment on your device, and keep your boarding passes handy. It reduces anxiety massively.”

The one rule that saves your trip

If there is one habit that can save an international trip before it even begins, Guru is clear about it.

“Never check in all your essentials. Always keep medications, chargers, valuables, and one change of clothes in your cabin bag. Your checked-in luggage might decide to go on its own solo trip, and this one habit can save your first 24 hours in a new country.”