Surviving a Long-Haul Flight: Confessions of a Filipino First-Timer

When my Schengen visa to Poland was approved, I felt happy because finally, I was headed to Europe to experience all its glory. But I was anxious too, since it’s my first time on a long-haul flight.

I’ve been travelling and had my fair share of struggles abroad, but going on a 12-hour long-haul flight for the first time ever is a totally different story. Now, kaway-kaway (wave) if you can relate to any of my struggles onboard!

1. That excited feeling when boarding is about to commence…

But you’re honestly more anxious than excited!

2. When you enter the aircraft…

There’s just too many seats, and it takes a while to find yours!

3. And when you get to your seat…

You don’t know what to do!

4. Aha, there’s TV! But how to plug the earphones?

You secretly look at others. You try to keep cool and imitate what they’re doing but apparently, you can’t.

5. Your stomach is growling and you can’t wait for the in-flight food…

Yay, meal is coming. But how to pull the tray table out?

6. There’s so much FREE food…

You want to keep the leftover because sayang naman!

But you’re not allowed to do it, especially for the main meals.

7. Ahhh, so full. It’s time to sleep…

But you just CAN’T!

8. The thought of being up in the air for so long freaks you out…

Seconds of turbulence seem to last forever!

9. Okay, you try to watch a show to calm yourself…

But you finished watching almost everything and you’re still up in the air!

10. You force yourself to sleep to kill time…

Congrats, you did sleep for a while, but darn you missed a meal!

11. “I’m a survivor!”, you convince yourself…

But you’re actually a half-awake hungry zombie now!

12. Hungry, bloated and dog tired…

Your tummy is about to explode, and your body, ready to give up!

13. At last, you arrive at your destination. What a relief!

But JET LAG is for REAL.

14. Just when you want to rant it all out…

You come to think that you are finally here – the place that you’ve been dreaming to go. And these struggles? They’re nothing compared to the new adventures that await.

Did you have the same struggles? Feel free to share!

Also read: 18 Comments Every Filipino Traveller Has Dealt With Abroad