If you've only flown short distances, flying might be something you consider a breeze. Just pack a magazine and a snack and you'll be fine for a couple of hours. But flying long distances, sometimes 12 hours or more, is a whole other ballgame. You'll have to be prepared for the challenges, both physical and mental, of your journey. Here are a few tips for making your next long-distance flight a little easier.

1. Buying Your Ticket

When flying on an average two to three-hour flight, your seat on the plane might not matter so much. You'll probably only have to use the bathroom once or twice, so it won't be a huge problem if you can't get an aisle seat or the window seat for the great view.

But on a long-distance flight, every detail is going to matter. Where you sit, what kind of layovers you'll have, and where, etc., all those details are going to determine whether your flight is harrowing or bearable. That's why the first tip on this list is to book your ticket as early as possible.

You'll have better prices, more options, and you'll be able to plan for the trip ahead of time. If you have frequent-flyer miles, now is the time to use them. Leg space is going to make a world of distance when you're sitting for twelve or more hours, especially if you're going to be working on javascript static analysis on the flight.

2. Packing Your Carry-On

Throwing a few essentials in your carry-on isn't going to cut it for a long-distance flight. Imagine you're going somewhere overnight where you can barely move. You'll need some accessories to help you sleep, occupy your mind, and keep you physically comfortable. If you have circulation issues, for instance, some compression socks are a good idea.

Many people will bring an eye mask, neck pillow, and noise-canceling earbuds or earplugs. If you're the type of person who can sleep anywhere, congratulations! Most find that sleeping on airplanes is next to impossible, so doing everything you can to ensure a few hours of shut-eye is going to be worthwhile. And it's always a good idea to download a few movies or shows onto your phone in case the in-flight entertainment isn't to your liking.

3. Preparing Food

Let's face it, airline food isn't the best. Maybe you've resigned yourself to eating whatever is provided on your flight, but relying on the airport for snacks and beverages can be expensive. It's a good idea to pack a few nutritious, light snacks that will help you feel your best when you get to your destination. Staying hydrated and consuming some fiber during the journey will help regulate your digestion and keep your health from tanking during travel.

4. Getting Dressed

Most people prefer to dress in comfortable clothes for flying, and long-distance makes that even more important. If you're traveling for work, you might want to still appear somewhat professional when you get off your flight. In that case, a pair of dark-colored legging or joggers with a structured t-shirt and a cardigan can do the job nicely.

Layering is always a good idea since you never know how cold or hot you could be on the flight and layovers. A wide scarf can double as a blanket or can be folded up as a pillow in emergencies. Try not to load yourself down with accessories, since they could become a nuisance.

When going through TSA checkpoints and hustling to your next gate, you want as few issues as possible. Slip-on shoes are also a necessity for security checkpoints, as well as a sports bra or bralette with no metal underwire. Planning ahead for security checks is a vital part of getting through a trip stress-free.

Hopefully, these tips have helped you think of a few things you can do to prepare for your long-distance flight. All this preparation may seem like overkill, but you'll thank yourself once you're sitting on that plane.