Travel Creator Tyson Mayr Shares His Go-To Tips For Surviving And Thriving On Long-Haul Flights

Travel creator, presenter and filmmaker Tyson Mayr is known for his wanderlust-inducing content that makes you want to book a flight, pronto. Think a penguin-littered hiking expedition in remote Antarctica, a wildlife safari in South Africa or a vibrant cook-up with locals in China.  

In his signature cinematic style, Mayr documents unique destinations, off-the-beaten-path experiences and the people and communities that make each place special. And with more than 100 countries under his belt, the globetrotter knows a thing or two about how to survive a long-haul flight and hit the ground running. 

We caught up with Mayr after his latest adventure from Brisbane Airport to London, flying solo on Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy, ahead of Premium Economy becoming available on SQ266 from November 2026.

Keep reading for his best long-distance travel hacks, from beating jet lag to his top in-flight essentials.

What's your pre-flight ritual before a long-haul flight? 

Every long-haul journey begins with me convincing myself that this time, I’ll pack early and arrive at the airport feeling completely relaxed. What helps me stick to the plan is knowing I’ll get to spend a little more time with my puppy before I leave. No matter what time I’m flying, I always make sure I have time for a long walk with her before I leave. 

Organising Brisbane Airport Park Valet ahead of departure makes the whole process easier, with the drop-off point just steps from the terminal doors. That little pocket of calm before heading into the airport has become the closest thing I have to a pre-flight ritual.

Is there a long-haul travel hack you swear by that more people should know about?

Pack a small pouch with your flight essentials and take it out before putting your carry-on in the overhead locker. I keep an eye mask, lip balm, earplugs, a toothbrush, deodorant and a charging cable in mine, so I don't need to rummage in my bag halfway through the flight. In Premium Economy, some of these essentials are already taken care of. Singapore Airlines’ Out of the Woods amenity kit is sustainably made and includes lip balm, an eye mask and slippers so you can settle in and get comfortable.  

I also pack a fresh T-shirt and socks to change into during a stopover. Brushing your teeth, washing your face and putting on a clean outfit can make a surprisingly big difference before the second leg of your journey. 

How do you stay entertained at 35,000 feet? Do you have any recs?

I normally download a few movies to my phone before lying down, but on my recent Brisbane-to-London journey, I didn't need them! KrisWorld has the best and most extensive movie selection I have ever experienced on a flight, with everything from recent cinema releases to classics, TV series, games and even music.

If you like to catch up on flicks during your flights, Singapore Airlines truly has you covered. The real challenge is having enough discipline to eventually switch off and get some sleep.

What thoughtful touches made the flight feel just that extra bit special? 

The upgrade to Premium Economy is worth its weight in gold. The priority treatment is especially valuable on a long journey, from check-in and boarding through to baggage handling. Most importantly, the cabin crew make everything feel effortless, always anticipating what you need.

It's not one single feature that makes the difference, but a combination of dozens of small comforts. There’s noticeably more personal space, a deeper recline and a calf rest and footrest so you can truly stretch out while you sleep. Add Champagne, a fantastic wine selection, noise-cancelling headphones and the enormous KrisWorld entertainment catalogue, and it feels like a properly elevated experience.

Do you have a game plan for dodging jet lag? 

Absolutely! I clear my work schedule for the first 48 hours of my trip, and as soon as I board, I change my watch to the destination time. If it’s dinnertime there, I’ll eat a dinner-style meal and watch a movie. If it’s late afternoon, I’ll avoid another coffee. Mentally imagining myself at the destination before I arrive helps to adjust my body clock.

My next rule goes against a lot of common jet-lag advice, and perhaps even what I’ve shared above: if I feel like I can sleep on the flight, I sleep regardless of what time it is at the destination. Rest can be a rare commodity at 35,000 feet, so I would rather accumulate as many hours as possible than force myself to stay awake until it's ‘time’ to sleep. I focus less on achieving a perfect onboard sleep schedule and more on the arrival process.

This is the important part: I drop my bags at my Airbnb or hotel and shower if I need to, but I don't lie down on the bed (I’ve learned that the hard way). I get outdoors immediately and keep moving gently until sunset, giving my body the clearest possible signal that the day is ending, and it will soon be time for sleep.

I stay hydrated, eat relatively light meals and use caffeine strategically. Before bed, I avoid emails or anything else that mentally pulls me back into the Australian time zone and commit to a good sleep. If you do the first 24 hours right, the rest is a breeze.

What about Premium Economy were you most excited to enjoy?

Before the flight, I was most excited about the food. Singapore Airlines’ menus have always made me feel like I’m already travelling rather than simply eating an airline meal, and Premium Economy takes that even further. The Book the Cook service allows you to choose and reserve exactly what you want before flying, so Asian noodles and dumplings for breakfast were on the cards. 

I knew the comfort and service would be next level, as it always is. But what surprised me the most was the entertainment. I have a five-month-old baby at home, so it has been a very long time since I properly enjoyed a movie. Somewhere between Brisbane and London, I managed to catch up on six months’ worth of movies in a single journey.

One thing you’d never travel without?

What you wear makes an enormous difference on a long-haul flight. I always choose soft, loose layers and shoes that slip on and off easily. I’ve also got to have a hoodie. There’s something about pulling a hood over my head that helps shut out the cabin around me and tell my brain it's time to sleep.

A comfortable seat setup matters just as much. In Premium Economy, the built-in calf rest and footrest allowed me to stretch out without constantly shifting position, while the dedicated storage kept my Kindle, phone and water bottle close. Built-in charging points also kept my phone powered throughout the journey. When everything I need is within reach, I can settle in without repeatedly getting up or digging through the overhead locker.

If you’re feeling pumped up to fly, good news: Singapore Airlines has four flights each day from Brisbane, with Premium Economy available to book or upgrade on SQ266 from November 2026. Find out more here. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Singapore Airlines and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: Tyson Mayr