diff --git a/.travis.yml b/.travis.yml
index ae28d9a4e0..3b8bb72a0e 100644
--- a/.travis.yml
+++ b/.travis.yml
@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@ install:
 # Pre-test configuration
 before_script:
   - psql -c 'create database wagtaildemo;' -U postgres
+  - mysql -e "SET GLOBAL wait_timeout = 36000;"
+  - mysql -e "SET GLOBAL max_allowed_packet = 134209536;"
 
 # Run the tests
 script: