3 tips for travelers taking cheap long-haul flights to Asia

• Jermaine Arenas took three economy flights to travel from Canada to Singapore.
• Arenas said he prepared well before departing so he could get enough rest on the plane.
• She advises travelers to choose red-eye flights if there is a significant time difference.

This told story is based on conversations with Jermaine Arenas, a 27-year-old traveler and accounting analyst from Winnipeg, Canada. Edited for length and clarity.

I was born in the Philippines, raised in Singapore, and moved to Canada when I was 18 years old.

I hadn’t visited Singapore since 2010, so I wanted to show my boyfriend, who was also born in the Philippines and moved to Canada in his 20s, where I grew up. So we planned a 1 month trip to the Philippines in September with a 2 day stopover in Singapore.

We live in Winnipeg, a city about 100 miles from the US-Canada border. Winnipeg International Airport is not a major international hub, so we had to take three flights.

A round-trip economy ticket from Winnipeg to Manila was $2,100, including a stopover in Singapore.

The journey began with an Air Canada flight from Winnipeg to Vancouver. From there, after a three-hour layover, I boarded a 15-hour flight on Philippine Airlines to Manila, where I waited for four hours before boarding the final flight to Singapore.

The trip took about 28 hours in total including layovers. Long-haul flights are never the most comfortable, but I did three things to improve my travels.

1. Pack essentials to help you sleep

It’s hard to sleep on a plane. I always bring melatonin supplements because staying awake is essential on long-haul flights.

Another must-have item for me is noise canceling earphones. On the flight from Vancouver to Manila, I was surrounded by children and babies. Wearing earphones made it easier to block out the noise inside the plane, so I was able to get a good night’s rest despite the long journey. Other items like travel pillows and blankets can also help make cramped seats more comfortable, especially if you’re traveling economy.

There is a 14-hour time difference between Winnipeg and Singapore, but the night flight helped minimize jet lag. Despite the red-eye flight, it was easy to get enough sleep, so I was full of energy when I finally arrived in Singapore in the morning.

2. Stock up on food before heading to the airport

I always use a checklist when I travel. This allows you to pack enough food before leaving for the airport. On long-distance trips, it’s better to bring more food than not enough food.

Airports are often chaotic with rising food prices. Many travelers hesitate to buy food and end up feeling hungry and tired on the plane. I try to pack snacks and ready-to-eat meals so I have something to eat, especially during layovers.

I also use a checklist to pack layerable clothes in my carry-on bag, especially since the weather can be so different between Canada and Southeast Asia. This will ensure you don’t feel too stuffy or hot during your layover.

3. Let others get off the plane first.

After a long flight, most passengers are itching to get off the plane. I noticed that many passengers were quickly squeezing their way between the plane’s narrow aisles to get off the plane first. After a few flights it became frustrating and unpleasant especially when I was struggling to get my luggage as other people were also trying to do so.

I learned to let others get off first. This allows me to take my time when it comes to getting my stuff. It also allowed me to relax during the all-day flight and avoid arguments with other passengers.