How to survive a long haul flight?

harvey1964

I am exactly the same as you when flying and my other half wants to Book a hol to Barbados next year ( its apparently a 8 or 10 hour flight ) from Uk. i am not a great flier and can never sleep no matter how tired i am
Is there anything could take to put me too sleep r part of the flight ?
I also really panic if there is Turbulance and the flight is bumpy at all.
Any suggestions ?

paulinespens

stefejb wrote: »

thanks guys for the suggestions - I'm going with British Airways. I'm not really scared of the plane crashing or anything like that and I know that I'm statistically very safe. I don't kow what it is really - a combination of not knowing how it works, mild claustrophobia, fear of heights, not liking being tied down to one place, stuff. the only reason I'm going is that it's free and will give me a chance to see my dsis who lives in Canada. For her it's something like a three or four hour flight but for me it's quite a drama for a five day break - I think the total flying time is about 11 hours

Hi there enjoy your flight.

Not sure what class your flying.

You will have a personal tv in back of seat try to watch some films. Read a book if you can't read try an audio book in a cd player or walkman then listen to that and close your eyes.

Drink plenty of water of orange juice.

Go for frequent walks to lavatory if your sitting on an aisle seat.

Have a good flight anways.

pboae

I like to listen to talking books of favourite books. That way I can half doze and listen at the same time without worrying about missing the story, but it keeps my brain a bit more occupied than just listening to music.

I find it hard to read on flights, I prefer to keep my eyes shut as much as possible, it makes it easier to ignore how squashed and enclosed I am.

patrick0

I fly long distance fairly often.

I take books, ipod, travel guide (eg. Lonely Planet), some snack food and water (buy at airport).

If you're going on a night flight then most importantly take ear plugs (the foam ones are good - avoid wax ones) and Nytol sleeping pills from Boots (non-prescription). Earplugs cut the noise of screaming babies and engine noise - it's amazing the difference they make. Two Nytol usually helps me get 3 hrs sleep (I can't sleep without them on flights). Also worth noticing that many airlines will supply earplugs if you ask onboard.

I always take my shoes off (I wear socks) when I get on board as it's way more comfortable as your feet swell up during flying. Lots of people do this, so don't worry.

As someone else said, go for walks around the plane and stretch your legs. Cold water on your face is refreshing. I always arrive a bit earlier (ie. don't check in last) so I can get an aisle seat as that way I don't need to disturb anyone.

reedyreedy

I fly fairly regularly long haul, and a good way to pass the time is to take a bag of soap, and other beauty products with you, and every few hours or so, when the toilets are quiet, lock yourself in and have a preen! Often there will be a fold down changing table where you can lay your bits and bobs out. I take a flannel in a plastic bag and a bar of soap, undress and have a full sponge bath! Then use a face pack, or give myself a manicure or pedicure, fool around with makeup, shave my legs, etc. All the things that I just never get the time to do in peace at home. Dont try and do it all at once, space it out to a few visits over the flight. You can pick up lovely little travel kits of products from the airport. You might think its crazy trying to do that in the restricted space, but its actually not that bad, and when you've got all the time in the world, it doesnt matter if it takes a bit longer. Plus it gives you a boost and makes you feel much fresher. Just be sure not to take up a toilet just after a meal - thats when everybody wants to get in!

Sam_Bee

Infidel wrote: »

3 words;

GET SOME smarties.

Agreed! Only way I sleep on long-haul flights.

MrsTinks

Hi Gang!

SOrry I've had to delete a couple of posts where the advice could be seen as medical advice which as you I am sure are all aware is against MSE rules I don't think either was meant as such but infuture please make sure that what you post couldn't be seen as medical advice

Happy holidays!

dixie_dean_2

Skim read only so sorry if repetition but I would take some vaseline (dry lips and not in the Mile High sense) and water. Keep hydrated and easier if you have your own large bottle rather than having to ask. You'll be fine though. Meals and films break it up so it just feel like lots of smaller chunks, not on elarge stretch.

charlies_mum

We always fly long haul as we go to Florida, and that's about a 9.5 hour flight. Unlike short haul, there is plenty going on - the cabin crew are around quite a lot with food and drinks, and there is usually a good choice of films to watch.

Take a good book, and enjoy your flight, you'll be fine.

Jarvisma

My Sister lives in Singapore so I fly long haul about 2 or 3 times a year, and always on my own.

My, by now, perfected flight list is as follows:

Lip balm
Headache tablets
eye mask
totes toasties (fab warm & comfy socks)
1 book
2 gossip mags
1 ipod (fully stocked)
Nintendo (but please have sound turned down as will be iritating as hell for poor bug**r sitting next to you
Snack bag (with whatever you fancy, savoury rather than sweet, mini pringles are a great invention)
spare batteries (nothing more annoying than running out 10 mins into flight)
Pen & paper (to make lists of things to do / places to go when you get there)
A few basic toiletries (resticted due to security still but you can get plenty of sample & travel size bits into the permitted size bag)
Deoderent &freshen up wipes instead of can or roll on as these are not restricted and fit in your bag better.
Tampax (if poss needed) (sorry but someone had to mention it!)
Spare pack of contraceptive pill in case suitcase goes missing (if app)
Try and avoid the temptation to take the biggest bag you can, if it is small enough you won't have to put it in the overhead locker you can pop it under the seat in front of you so you don't have to keep getting up to get things out.

When you get on, plan your flight - look at the movie / TV channels to see whats on and when and plan what you want to whatch. There's nothing more annoying than realising there's only 1 film you want to watch on the entire flight and you miss the first 1/2 hour coz you're playing brain games on your nintendo.

Ask the flight assistants approx what times you will get your meals (prob 2) then you can save your snoozes until after you've eaten.

Plan to alternate your activities every hour or so. In other words don't read your book & mags in the first 2 hours and be left with nothing. Save a mag for the last hour etc.

Only try and sleep for about 20 mins, and if you don't drop off after that sit up and do something else for an hour and then try again. I find that if I keep trying to go to sleep when I can't I just get frustrated and wound up.

Have a great time, hope at least a little of that was useful! :j