'Huge difference': Flight attendant's solution for uncomfortable long-haul economy journeys

If there's one travel-related opinion on which almost everyone on earth can agree, it's that it's impossible to get a good sleep on planes. 

Unless you've splashed your cash on a lie-flat First Class seat, trying to get comfortable in economy is often done in vain. 

Even flight attendants, who are undeniably experts when it comes to plane travel, admit it's tricky. But they do have some good tips to increase your chances of getting comfy on board. 

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Mel Augustino, a flight attendant for Air New Zealand, tells 9Travel she always packs a sachet of peppermint tea when she flies. 

"A hot drink before bedtime is a nice way to wind down," she says.

While most airlines offer tea, caffeinated varieties can keep you awake. But peppermint tea can soothe you and keep you warm before you try to drift off. 

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US-based flight attendant Yana Biryukova does the same thing when she flies for leisure.

"I love to bring my own tea, the same exact ones as I drink at home, because it provides a sense of comfort," she wrote on Instagram recently.

"It's something small you can throw in your bag but makes such a huge difference."

All you have to do is ask a flight attendant for some hot water, add your tea bag, and voila! A soothing cup of herbal tea. 

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You could even bring your own insulated reusable cup on board for your tea, which is a lot easier to drink from, especially if there's turbulence.

Mel also says a little lavender balm or an oil roller for your temples and wrists can help you get some shut-eye on your flight. The calming essential oil has been proven to improve sleep quality.

Even if it doesn't put you to sleep, the nice scent offers a break from the stale air that's unavoidable on planes. 

If you're taking a long-haul flight, though, Mel says it's worth spending a little extra money to be comfortable, if you can. 

Air New Zealand allows economy travellers to book the Skycouch: three seats side-by-side which can transform into couch-style seating - perfect for solo travellers who want to stretch out or families travelling with kids.

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Even something as simple as booking an exit row or a seat with extra legroom can be great for being just that little bit more comfortable, Mel says. 

Recently, the 2025 Airline Sleep Score Index was released, ranking airline cabins on how comfy they are for sleep, based on leg room, seat width, cabin lighting, and social media reviews from passengers.

Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy cabin came out on top, with Air New Zealand's economy cabin in the top five, thanks in part to its intelligent lighting systems, which reduce jet lag. 

The airline also has plans for sleep pods in economy class, which can be accessed for a set amount of time at a higher cost.

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