I'm a former flight attendant who still travels all the time. Here are 6 dos and don'ts for surviving long-haul economy.

As a former flight attendant, I've learned ways to make long-haul economy flights more bearable.

Alona Vasylieva I was a flight attendant for nearly 10 years and still fly frequently as a passenger.

I bring different outfits for the plane and the airport, and a plastic bag for clutter.

I skip the neck pillow and never drink airplane coffee.

Before I stepped away from my flight attendant job after nearly 10 years in the sky, I picked up a lot of tricks for making long-haul travel more bearable.

Now, as a passenger who regularly flies economy, I stick to the same system every time.

From packing multiple outfits to deplaning last, here are my 6 dos and don'ts for long flights .

I get to the airport extra early — and I switch outfits twice.

I get lounge access via credit card benefits.

Alona Vasylieva Some people want to spend as little time as possible at airports , but I prefer to arrive super early to take advantage of my credit card's lounge benefits for a mental preflight.

Having that quiet, unhurried time allows me to get into the right headspace before stepping into a metal tube for hours on end.

And right before boarding begins, I head to the restroom and change out of my street clothes for a soft, breathable tracksuit so my body can relax right away.

Then, right before landing, I pop into the lavatory to change back into my original outfit.

That quick final wardrobe change acts as a complete mental reset — it switches my brain into "arrival mode," so I step off the aircraft feeling fresh , organized, and sharp.