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In a few short days I will take my bi-annual trip to London, with a total flight time of 22 hours and 45 minutes. 

Arriving at the airport without preparing yourself for an ultra-long-haul flight is like rocking up to a marathon having never run a day in your life. 

When I first started flying long-haul, I would wing it and by the time I eventually made it to the finish line, I was too exhausted to function or so run down that I'd pick up a nasty cold. 

Now, to ensure I hit the ground running, I start my preparation for a long-haul flight two weeks before my departure date.

Watch: Paige shares the truth about flight and hotel upgrades. Post continues below.

What to do two weeks before flying long-haul.

Planes can be a breeding ground for germs, which is why two weeks before my flight, I do everything I can to strengthen my immune system.

I take vitamin C and zinc like my holiday depends on it (because it kinda does).

I also take a high-strength probiotic daily to help prepare my gut for a bunch of random plane food that I wouldn't normally eat.

And I refrain from watching any new shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Keep reading to find out why…

What to do one week before flying long-haul.

A week out from my flight, I stop socialising and decline any invitations to events and large gatherings.

This might sound extreme, but being sick on a long-haul flight has to be one of the worst things I've ever experienced.

I once picked up laryngitis at a dinner party before my flight and started to run a mild fever at the tail end of the journey just a few hours away from landing in London. I ended up being so sick for the first few days of my trip and completely lost my voice just in time for my 30th birthday party.

Now I just tell people that I'm leaving earlier than I am and spend the week before my trip on the down low.

I also switch my gym workouts to long walks in the fresh air because overseas trips are expensive and I'm not taking any chances!

What to do the day before flying long-haul.

While I always select my seats as soon as I book the tickets, I will also jump online exactly 24 hours before the flight and check the seat selection again, as this is usually when more seats open up towards the front of the plane.

I always book an aisle seat as close to the front as possible.

The benefit of sitting at the front of the plane is that you feel less turbulence and generally get served your meal first.

One of the reasons you feel like crap after a long-haul flight is due to dehydration.

This is why, the day before I fly, I start to increase my water intake and add electrolytes to my water for an extra boost.

All those shows that I refrained from binge-watching over the past two weeks, I now download onto my iPad to watch offline during my flight. You'll be amazed at how often you encounter a broken in-flight entertainment system on a long-haul flight.

The most important thing that I do 24 hours before my flight is to prioritise sleep.

I used to book the cheapest flight option, departing at the crack of dawn, but I would never, ever be able to sleep the night before.

Now I always book an afternoon or evening flight, which really helps take the pressure off getting enough rest before a long journey. 

Even with the pre-flight excitement, I usually fall asleep around 1am and still get at least 7–8 hours of rest.

What to do the day of flying long-haul.

Another perk of booking a later flight is that I have time to go for a walk in the morning.

Gentle exercise outdoors helps get me in a positive headspace and at least makes me feel like I've earned a few hours sitting on my bum!

The day of the flight, I also eat a high-protein breakfast and skip the coffee as the pre-flight nerves and anxiety generally take care of my digestion.

Once I get to the airport, I head straight to the lounge so that I can hang out in a calm and quiet environment before I board.

What to do during a long-haul flight.

It's game time! Just before I board the plane, I spray my nose with Nasal Defence Spray to protect against airborne germs.

I take onboard with me everything I will need for the long-haul flight and my layover. (You can read everything I pack in my carry-on here!)

Just a reminder to pack a charger that is compatible with your airline's in-seat charging ports, as it is now prohibited to use power banks on board a Qantas, Virgin or Jetstar flight.

I also always pack the Cabeau Evolution neck pillow. I've tried most of the popular brands and this is the only one that has allowed me to get 6+ hours of sleep in economy.

No matter how prepared I am, I always experience a brief moment of panic the moment the passenger doors shut.

This is completely normal. I use the box breathing technique to help calm my nervous system.

Once I'm in the sky, I'll switch off my phone, get out my iPad and proceed to stuff my face with whatever delicious treats are handed to me, because even the sky's greatest athletes know that that travel is a privilege that is meant to be enjoyed.

Listen: The best advice from women who've travelled the world solo.

Feature Image: Supplied.