Tips for surviving long haul flights, please

Savvy_Sue

I don't really know how good they are, but you can get deodorant wet wipes (I bought them when my shoulder was immobilised and washing / showering was difficult!)

lady1964

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82071772#Comment_82071772

You’re right, I got this thread mixed up with another one, apologies. I wouldn’t bother with a lounge for just 3 hours.

twopenny

I've done a lot of what is suggested. Book, puzzles, etc but an MP3 player because of the long battery life with audio books and music and an eye mask works a treat.

I also keep the basics clothing, underwear etc and wet wipes. Lots of snacks.

One staple is a pack of fruit and nuts to keep me regular with the weird way of sitting down for a whole day 😉

I wear slip on sandals that I can slide on and off and do ankle turns and toe wiggles so I don't get swollen feet. Also raise the foot rest so my feet are off the ground. Then I walk right through the layovers, round the terminal as well as before take off at home.

Pollycat

Singapore airlines provide sandwiches, crisps and snacks on demand (economy class).

Maybe Qatar do the same.

n15h

Qatar is a nice, comfortable airline every time I've travelled with them. Doha airport is also nice and quite long to walk around. Take advantage of this to stretch your legs and walk around - it'll help with blood circulation especially when you've been sitting for a long time.

Packing for a long haul flight, I suggest being prepared in case your bags are delayed - which I've experienced. Ever since, I always pack a spare pair of fresh clothes and socks, keep a water bottle and stay hydrated, and have a toiletries kit that's within airport size requirements such as moisturiser, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant. Books, music, podcasts, etc. all help pass time and have a charger/powerbank to charge phones/tablets/ headphones - especially if the usb port on the plane is not working.

Airport dutyfree also have samples for moisturisers/creams/sprays/scents etc. to use for freshening up.

krikri

When traveling by air even on shorter European flights what you wear can make a big difference. Try to wear loose fitting comfortable clothing. I always wear a loose cotton skirt as it so much more comfortable.

Brie

I used to take a 500 ml bottle of frozen water with me when I flew to Canada a lot - not tried that since the rules changed but it was great to have really cold water to drink. Now I take a Sigg bottle full but obviously I can empty that - I have a few so I take my least favourite (boring colour and has a big dent in it) if someone decides I can't take it through security then I'm not bothered about abandoning it. Last flight I was on returning to the UK from Crete there was a ban on large bottles of liquids so lots of people simply emptied whatever bottle they had hoping to refill once past security - unfortunately the only water source was in the toilet sinks! At least the bottle water they sold was nicely cold even if it was very expensive!

I like the extra leg room seats except it does often mean you have no place to store a bag as frequently you're at a bulk head. So be prepared to squeeze your book/bottle/ear&eye gear in the info pocket, assuming there is one. Also the trays have to come out of the arm rests which can be difficult if you are a bit on the round size.

I get up and walk a bit or at least do some leg stretches - looks a bit weird but what else is there to do if you're queuing for the loo??!

desthemoaner

Thanks all for the advice which has been posted since I last checked this thread: not been able to do so for a few days. Its all gold dust for my wife and myself, neither of us ever having endured or enjoyed a long haul flight. It is just a 3 hour stopover at Doha but I'm sure it'll fly by ( no pun intended).

Just hoping that the further round of conflict in the Middle East doesn't leave us facing late cancellation, in which case we'll rebook as soon as possible with an airline that doesn't transit through that region.

Llama60

get the Timeshifter app….it's brilliant! Helps reduce jet lag by telling you when to increase or decrease light exposure from a few days before, during and after the flights. Highly recommend using it (free for two trips per email address you sign up with;). Recovered from Auckland to London v quickly as a result this time.