Your first long-haul flight might feel very exciting – until you're 27 hours, 3 layovers, and a questionable in-flight meal into the journey. But with the right prep and a few clever tricks, your first international trip can feel less like an endurance test and more like an adventure.

Here's how to make long-distance travel less exhausting – and a lot more rewarding.

1. Start with smart booking

A smooth trip begins long before takeoff. Book with your Nedbank, American Express, or SAA Voyager credit card to unlock airport lounge access, earn card rewards, and score flight discounts based on your Greenbacks level.

2. Plan your airport commute

Traffic, queues, and parking delays can stress you out before you even get on that flight. Give yourself enough time to arrive calmly and get through check-in.

• For local flights, arrive at least 2 hours before.
• International flights take more time checking in, so aim be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
• Skip parking hassles by arranging a lift, taxi, e-hailing, or shuttle service.

3. Check in like a pro

• Check in online 24–48 hours before departure to reduce queueing at the airport.
• Weigh your luggage and confirm carry-on rules before you leave home.
• To avoid fumbling and panicking at the airport, keep your passport, boarding pass, and travel insurance together in an accessible bag.
• Store digital copies of your documents as backup.

4. Use your lounge access

If your card qualifies, enjoy complimentary lounge access. These lounges offer a quiet space to relax before boarding, with WiFi, refreshments, and comfortable seating. Skip the overpriced food court and unwind before your flight – especially helpful during long airport waits.

5. Pack your in-flight survival kit

You'll be in the air for a while, so plan for comfort. Pack these carry-on essentials:

• Neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-cancelling headphones.
• Lip balm, moisturiser, saline nasal spray, eye drops, and a toothbrush (cabin air dries out your skin, nose, and mouth).
• Compression socks to help with circulation.
• Refillable water bottle (fill it after you go through security).
• Entertainment, like books, music, downloaded media, games – and headphones for your device!
• Snacks, in case the meal isn't your vibe.

Use your Greenbacks to shop for travel essentials on Avo SuperShop before your trip. And always check customs rules to know what you can and can’t take into a country before you pack.

6. Move, hydrate, rest

• During the flight, get up and stretch or move around every few hours to boost your circulation.
• Drink water regularly to stay hydrated.
• Rest in short bursts using a neck pillow or blanket for support.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol – they dehydrate and can disrupt your sleep.

7. Stay fresh in the sky

Freshening up can work wonders for your mood. A trip to the bathroom with a toothbrush and some face wipes before you land will make a big difference.

8. Get through customs and baggage claim

• Follow signs to passport control.
• Have your documents ready.
• Be polite and honest with immigration officers – if you checked the rules before you packed, you won’t be carrying anything prohibited.
• Double-check luggage tags to ensure you have your own bags before leaving the carousel.

9. Arrange your airport transfer

Don’t leave transport to chance. After a long flight, you don’t want to be working out how to get to your hotel in the bustle of a foreign airport. Research your options before you leave, so you can book a shuttle, use public transport, or hire a car. Some hotels offer free transfers if you ask, so ask!

10. Beat jet lag like a pro

Flying across time zones disrupts your body's internal clock. The following tricks can help you adjust faster:

• Set your watch to your destination's time mid-flight.
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before landing.
• Get sunlight and fresh air when you arrive.
• Try to go to sleep at the local bedtime – even if you're tired earlier.