I just returned from an incredible holiday, as the Aussies say, to Sydney, Australia. While there was definitely a bit of drama along the way (more on that later), the trip was nothing short of amazing. This blog series will dive into every part of the experience, starting with the flight to Australia — what it was really like, how I survived it, and what I wish I had known. I will also share what it was like staying with a friend, traveling solo, and exploring unforgettable spots like Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Hunter Valley. If you are dreaming of your own adventure Down Under, you are in the right place.

Preconceived Notions About Flying to Australia: What You’ve Heard vs. The Truth

Before I took my flight to Australia, I braced myself for the worst. People warned me about how unbearable it would be — cramped seats, no sleep, endless hours of boredom, and jet lag that would knock me out for days. But honestly, most of those warnings didn’t match my experience. I flew in Delta’s Premium Select, which wasn’t as luxurious as Delta One with its fold-down bed (definitely out of my budget), but it was still a solid upgrade. It felt a bit tight at times, but that was mostly because I didn’t organize my carry-on well — something I’ll touch on in the next section. The flight actually went by much faster than I expected, and with a little help from a sleep aid, I managed to get more rest than I thought I would. It wasn’t perfect, but it definitely wasn’t the nightmare I’d been led to believe.

Essential Survival Tips for Your Flight to Australia

Flying to Australia is definitely doable in any cabin, but if you can swing an upgrade — even a small one — take it. Delta One with its lie-flat beds was out of my price range, but Premium Select was a solid step up. If that’s still a stretch, consider paying a little extra for an exit row seat with more leg room (assuming you’re physically able to meet the safety requirements). Seat selection can really make or break a long flight. Window seats are easier to sleep in because you can lean against the wall, but they’re not ideal if you tend to get up a lot. Aisle seats are more efficient for stretching and bathroom breaks — just cross your fingers your seatmate doesn’t need to get up every 45 minutes.

Speaking of stretching, while it sounds like a great idea (and it usually is), sometimes it’s just not possible. On my flight home, we hit mild turbulence and the seatbelt sign stayed on for most of the flight, which meant walking the aisles was discouraged. In those cases, in-seat movement is key — flex your feet, roll your ankles, shrug your shoulders. It’s not glamorous, but it helps.

And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If something isn’t working, chances are someone around you is having the same issue. In Premium Select, it took a collective effort from multiple passengers to figure out how to get the footrests to actually recline — even after asking the flight attendant. Once we figured it out, it was a total game changer. Moral of the story? Ask questions, be friendly, and share what you learn — you might just make someone else’s flight a little easier too.

What to Bring Onboard: Smart Carry-On Essentials for a Long Flight to Australia

I checked my luggage for my flight to Australia, but what I packed in my carry-on made all the difference. This wasn’t just about comfort — it was about survival. Compression socks kept my feet feeling alive even after hours of sitting. I brought an empty water bottle and filled it before boarding so I could stay hydrated throughout the flight without waiting for drink service. I also packed a few self-care items: face cream, lip balm, and some hydrating sheet masks — I even brought extras to share. My seatmate and I had a good laugh as we applied our masks mid-flight and leaned back to let them work their magic.

Sleep, Freshen Up, and Stay Comfortable

A good travel pillow supported my neck the entire time, and an eye mask helped block out the cabin light. While my seat upgrade came with noise-canceling headphones, you’ll definitely want to bring your own earbuds or headphones to enjoy movies, music, or just some quiet while trying to sleep. Also, don’t forget a toothbrush and toothpaste — 15 hours is far too long to go without brushing — and a hairbrush or comb to freshen up before landing.

Some passengers change into pajamas, but I wore a cozy (and cute) sweater set that was comfortable enough to sleep in and stylish enough that I didn’t need to change. A loose maxi dress is another great option for women. And yes — bring a sweater or sweatshirt. It gets cold up there. I also packed a good book, though truthfully, I didn’t get as much reading done as I expected.

Most importantly, bring a carry-on bag with organizational pockets. Think through what you’ll need at the beginning, middle, and end of the flight and pack accordingly. That way, you’re not constantly digging around or cluttering your space with things you won’t use for hours. A little planning goes a long way at 35,000 feet.

How to Manage Jet Lag After Flying to Australia

I had done my research before the flight and one of the tips I tried was adjusting my sleep to better match Sydney time. Since my flight boarded around 10:30 p.m., I made it my goal to stay awake until about 4 a.m. — which would have been 9 p.m. in Sydney. I didn’t quite make it (2 a.m. was my limit), but I do think it helped a bit in the transition. That said, here’s what I didn’t expect: no matter how well you plan or how much you sleep on the plane, jet lag will hit you.

The best advice I can give? Don’t fight it too hard — just go with the flow. Try to stay awake when you can, get some daylight, and if you need to nap, keep it short. For me, it took about five days before I stopped wanting to crawl into bed by 6 p.m. every night. Jet lag isn’t something you can completely avoid, but with a little patience — and maybe a strong cup of tea or whatever caffeine works for you — you’ll feel like yourself again soon enough.

A Quick Note on the Flight Home

The flight home was a lot like the flight there — long, but manageable. The biggest difference was that I boarded around 9 a.m., and by that point, I had fully adjusted to Sydney time, so I wasn’t nearly as tired at the start. My trick for the return leg? Queue up movies you’ve already seen. The familiarity is comforting, and since you already know the plot, it’s easier to drift off for a few cat naps without feeling like you’re missing anything. It’s a simple way to help your body rest, even if you’re not ready for full-on sleep.

Is the Flight to Australia Worth It? My Honest Experience

Without a doubt — yes. The flight to Australia is long, and yes, it takes some recovery time. But once you’re there, all of that fades into the background. The experiences, the scenery, the people — it’s absolutely worth every cramped seat, weird meal, and hour in the sky. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Up next: A day in the stunning Blue Mountains — think eucalyptus forests, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and a wild ride on a vertical railroad you have to see to believe. You can read it here on Out of the House with TLC once it’s live. (Or take a look at past adventures while you wait.)

If you’re considering the long-haul journey, check out Delta’s Premium Select cabin — the upgrade I flew — or browse other Delta Airlines international routes as you start planning your own trip.