Tips for surviving long haul flights, please

michele-p

on the layover, on the way back especially, if you can find a pay as you go lounge with shower, you'll feel so much better. I had some tiny shampoo/conditioner bottles in my hand luggge, as well as toothbrush and paste. It makes you feel human again. Our last holiday was Cape Town, and on the way back night flight I listened to the meditation/calm music section, whilst trying to sleep. I never usually sleep at all on a flight, but this time think I had at least an hour or so, and felt better than watching the screen.

We usually book the very front row of economy, and fly with KLM. That row has so much leg room, but does cost more. We did a last second upgrade to premium economy on the way out last time, in my opinion that wasn't worth the extra from front row economy for us. The time we flew business was amazing, but probably once in a life time!

Pollycat

I agree with:

wet wipes

lip balm

facial moisturiser

decent neck pillow (not one of those cheap blow-up ones)

blackout eye mask

ear plugs

toothpaste and toothbrush

book (I read a lot)

hand wash

compression socks - decent ones, proper sized ones

change of clothes

Seat selection:

we discovered 15+ years ago that the most comfortable seats for us (on a 3-3-3 configuration) was one behind the other in the centre section. So for example 45D & 46D or 45F & 46F. The other 2 seats are usually taken by a couple who get out their side so don't disturb us. And I can recline my seat without infuriating the person behind.

Of course, if you need to sit next to your partner, that doesn't work.

A lot of people feel cold on planes so maybe think about that.

Next long-haul flight will be Singapore business class so we have lie flat beds and 'book the cook' pre-selection food so maybe mile-high lobster Thermidor to look forward to.

desthemoaner

Thanks for those further observations, folks. Very much appreciated, and I feel better prepared already. There could well be a lot of spare seats with people taking other routes because they're unwilling to risk a flight across the Middle East, so there might well be reasonably priced upgrades available. Or maybe they'll cancel the flight due to it being uneconomical to fly half empty…..

lady1964

Definitely put a spare pair of undies and a t shirt in your cabin bag as well as a pair of socks. I always wear a pair of trainers when flying and always put them on when you go to the loo, even if you take them off during the flight. I wear a hoodie as well as I often find the cabin a bit chilly and usually wear a pair of joggers with an elasticated waist for comfort.
Keep a deodorant, face wipes, moisturiser, toothpaste and toothbrush in your cabin bag along with any medication. I always have a phone charger and my kindle or a book.
Adelaide is lovely, we spent 4 days there earlier this year as part of a longer multi city trip. There’s a beautiful beach at Glenelg and if you’re into wine tasting, get yourself on a winery tour from the city, it’s a great day out. Adelaide is fairly compact and easy to get around, we walked miles just mooching.

Pollycat

I recommended all these above:

wet wipes

lip balm

facial moisturiser

blackout eye mask

ear plugs

toothpaste and toothbrush

book (I read a lot)

hand wash

compression socks - decent ones, proper sized ones

A friend bought me a book bag from Temu and this is perfect to fit all the above into and have in your seat back pocket to save having to keep going into your hand luggage.

zagfles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82070314#Comment_82070314

Sometimes you get upgrade offers on the day, last time we did long haul we were offered an upgrade for £500 while at the gate waiting for the flight! Apparently this was a good deal but still nowhere near worth it in our view so we declined. Have heard some people getting upgrades for £150 or so at the gate, that might be worth it.

lady1964

I’d look at the cost of a lounge, it probably won’t be that cheap but honestly, for a potential 9 hour layover, I would look into it. I’ve transited in Doha a couple of times, admittedly when flying business class so have had lounge use, and it’s a huge airport and I would imagine not a cheap airport. For a family of four for 9 hours, it could be cheaper to buy lounge access.

zagfles

In addition to all the above, some people swear by melatonin for jet lag, but some say it doesn't do anything, I tried it once and it did seem to help a bit. You need a prescription and I don't think the NHS do it but you can get it privately with an online consultation from places like Boots.

Getting up and doing stretches, walking around every few hours is important to avoid DVT etc, you can google what to do there's loads of advice online. Long haul aircraft usually have reasonable standing area at the back.

Pollycat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82071741#Comment_82071741

I thought the OP said a 3 hour layover.

By the time you've disembarked (from economy) and found your new gate (or even terminal), had a loo break and gone through security again, that time will fly by.

Wyndham

I walk at airports. Long haul, short haul, whatever, I walk while on the ground as I know it helps, and then the sitting for a long period isn't as bad.

My longest ever jourmey was 24 hours from leaving my hotel to walking through my front door. The one thing I wish I'd packed but hadn't was a toothbrush!

And water. Hydration is key!