Long Haul Flight Tips : Tips to Survive a Long Plane Flight
Matthew Eaves often travels the globe, working at international venues advising business, governments, broadcasters and individuals on how new and emerging technologies can enrich learning.
Page last updated: Wednesday 5 July 2012
One thing that really bugged me before going on a trip to New Zealand was knowing that it would be a very very long journey from bed to bed.Here was my route outbound:
– Wake up, get up, SHOWER, get changed, get in brothers car – 1 hour
– Drive to London’s Heathrow Airport – 2 Hours
– Arrive one hours before check-in and beg for extra leg space – 1 Hour
– Check-in and wait for flight – 2 hours
– Fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 13.5 hours
– Wait for second flight to Auckland NZ – 3 hours
– Fly to Auckland – 9 hours
– Get of plane, get bag and check it in internally for flight to Christchurch – 1 hour
– Wait for flight to Christchurch – 2 hours
– Fly to Christchurch– 1 hour
– Get bag and meet person taking me to accommodation – 30 mins
– Drive to accommodation – 30 mins
– SHOWER (36 and a half hours after last shower!!!!)
As you can imagine, when I finally got to New Zealand I was shattered, totally wrecked…but my kiwi colleagues kept me awake for 5 hours to ensure I was getting into their time zone pattern. When I finally went to bed I slept for 22 hours solid.
I’ve written a book on this subject, and there are lots of lessons I’ve learned by travelling long distance in ‘Cattle Class’…. some tips are from travellers, others are my own from years in the air…. here are some, in no particular order…
Learn even more from the book! (from just 99c/99p)
‘Tips to survive a long haul flight’ (this page!) has now been published as a book (with lots and lots more information from industry experts and travellers too!).
Buy the book in Paperback for around £6.99 or in Amazon Kindle Edition for around £0.99
Tips…
- Take a toothbrush and toothpaste in hand luggage. Thai Airways provide free toothbrushes and toothpaste in the toilets on the plane, check your airline offers this service too!
- If you want to see the kind of food an airline serves check out airplanemeals.net is a traveller driven website where those in the air take pictures of the food and then post them up on the web for everyone to see!
- In departure lounge sit as close to the gate exit as possible, be first on the plane, another tip will tell explain 🙂
- Check with your doctor, getting him/her to reflect on your current and historical medical history in order to be sure that you are able to take ‘Aspirin’ before you fly. If you are able to take ‘Aspirin’ take an ‘Aspirin’ every 10 hours to thin your blood and avoid blood clots. Make sure ‘Aspirin’ is in its own box, do not take loose. Seek medical advice on this tip before you fly.
- Make use of the $20ish (US) lounges at the half way airport, you can shower there! I did not find this out till my return flight. For about £10 this is a bargain, you won’t smell. (So take a change of underwear and shirt in your hand luggage).
- NZ do not like you taking food into the country; you even have to declare packed sweets. Don’t bother taking any food what so ever, you will be asked about it, and if you declare it you will be put in ‘The Red Lane’ and have to wait a long time to speak to someone about the food you are bringing into the country. Fruit and Meat is a $200 instant fine. Take ‘The Green Lane’; don’t risk missing a connecting flight!
- Do not put spray deodorant in hand luggage – use roll on deodorant.
- Do not take razor blades in hand luggage.
- Carry a pen; you will need to fill out a visitors form on the plane for your destinations customs, if you are on an outbound trip.
- Some countries have strict rules over transit passengers, some medical drugs need paperwork when passing in transit through the USA. The penalty for illegal drugs in Malaysia is death.
- When they bring round the hot towels during the flight put it over your face and breath through it, it sorts out all your nose, mouth and ears which will become congested by the cabin pressure air. Once you’ve cleared out your head, then use the towel to clean as much as your arms and neck as you can.
- If asking for extra leg space, chances are you could be placed next to the toilet area on the plane, and you will be delighted by the constant queue of people standing next to you waiting for the toilet while you try to sleep. Insist that you do not want to sit next to a toilet.
- For entertainment value for those placed next to the toilets, watch and observe the non-English speaking passengers trying to open the toilet doors.
- Rush onto the plane, seriously, get there first to your seat before the passenger in the seat next to you arrives. By arriving first you are claiming the ‘arm rest’ passengers are unsure which seat it belongs to. Also, you get to put your bag directly over your head in the locker, meaning that if you need anything in the flight, it is right by you, and not three miles down the cabin because there was no space for your bag over your head by the time you arrived late!
- Get an aisle seat, its far better to be disturbed, than to disturb.
- Get a window seat if you have a strong bladder and want to rest your head against the window and have a sleep.
- Before take off, ask for a pillow as your neck is uncomfortable (it will be, and pillows are in limited supply, be first).
- Hold out on using your iPod for as long as you can before using it, you will appreciate it more towards the end of your journey before the battery dies.
- I’ve had some interesting conversations of flights with strangers, some other passengers are handy at
- Alcohol is free, drink a little to help you fall to sleep. Also drink (and eat) in the free bar in the pay to enter lounges at your transit airport (free with your $20 shower).
- Remember that compression of the cabin will increase your shoe size by 1 size, so, if you take your shoes off, be prepared to walk off the plane without them on, as they might not fit back on.
- Sports trainers are comfortable when flying.
- Consider Bose headphones, they remove plane noise.
- Some airports require the removal of a laptop from its bag through every security check, make this an easy job.
- Always complement the check in staff, thank them, and wish them a nice day. If everyone is nice to them they will become even nicer content people and we’ll all enjoy check-in after a frustrating long queue to get to check-in. If we’re all nice, globally then check-in could be faster!
- Wear baggy clothing, think long and hard what you are going to wear, keep it baggy, keep it light.
- Keep your passport safe at all times, make it easy to get access to them when going through customs points and spot checks, please don’t be the person that has to empty their bag looking for it and hold everyone up.
- Yawning helps removes the popping sensation in your ears on take off better than any other means.
- Buy a plastic bottle with a lid, ask the air aircrew to fill it up for you when it is empty, it is much easier than drinking (and spilling) from a plastic cup supplied by the airline.
- Drink a bottle of water every hour; leave your seat every hour and walk up and down the plane.
- Check who is sitting directly behind you, I had David Bellamy in the seat behind.
- Some airlines will allow you to check your bag to destination. For example, I checked my suitcase in with internal flight airline Qantas from Christchurch to Auckland to London. I changed at Auckland for Malaysian Airlines. I did not see my bag for 36 hours till I arrived at Heathrow. It was the last bag off the belt.
- When you leave some airports, they will charge you to do so, in Thailand they charge 500 Baht for leaving their airports on an International flight. Ensure you have the right money, it has to be cash. I unknowingly spent all my money, before having to use a cash machine to grab out another 500 Baht.
- Make sure you’re credit and debit cards can be used oversees, phone your credit/debit card issuer if you are unsure.
- Have you checked with your mobile phone company that you can use your phone in the country you are going to?
- Do you know the cost of calling home, texting home and the price other people pay to call your mobile (cell) when you are in another country?
- Don’t buy the plug adapter you’ll need for foreign countries from the airport, it will cost loads there, check your local hardware, DIY or superstore, where they cost a third of the airport price.
If you are taking a present with you, for someone else, don’t wrap it until you get to the destination. Customs will unwrap it if they want to look inside. Obviously, don’t take scissors or sharp objects in your hand luggage.- Buy the book you are about to read on the plane before going to the airport, airport bookshops are rip off merchants.
- MARK YOUR SUITCASE!!! – Do something really distinctive to your suitcase, so when it comes round and round the belt you know it is yours, and others know it is yours. Put a big yellow star on it, or something! Some companies sell straps which you can get your name stitched on.
- Pack what you need and research the climate in advance to get the right kind of clothing for the environment.
- Find out if you’ll be able to wash your clothing at the place you are staying, if you are, take less clothing, remember you’ll bring back more things in gifts and bargains you buy at your destination. The general rule is, if you’re suitcase is difficult to close prior to your journey, then you’ll not be able to close it with all those extra things you are bringing back on your return journey.
- If two of you are traveling together, pack half your clothing in each others suitcase, if one suitcase goes missing, you’ll still have access to your clothes. It is amazing how many suitcases go missing in transit.
- Going somewhere tropical? Got bug spray? You can also buy those things which you plug into the wall in the room you are sleeping in and it emits a smell which annoys bugs, who then stay away from you when you sleep.
- Write the address tags for your suitcase (outbound: where you are going / inbound: your home address) in advance, not while you’re in the queue for check in!
- Make your long flight on time when you schedule airport parking reservations
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And finally, I have terrible trouble sleeping on planes. The passengers next to me on the flight from Kuala Lumpa to Heathrow knocked themselves out for 7 hours with ‘Night Nurse’.
Buy the book! (from 99c/99p)
‘Tips to survive a long haul flight’ (this page!) has been read by over a million people during four years online.
‘How to survive a long haul flight’ (the book!) has now in its second edition and is available from stores and online now and on the Amazon Kindle.
It took three years to finish writing and is full of tips, advice and suggestions from industry experts and travellers from around the world.
The 168 pages include sections on booking, preparation, packing, the airport, being airborne and advice for arrival.
Click here to purchase a copy from Amazon or order ISBN: 9780955984402 in any bookstore in the world…
Buy the book in Paperback for around £6.99 or in Amazon Kindle Edition for around £0.99
Loads of people comment on this page, and here are some of the best tips they have added so far:
- Marg: I have found my chances of actually getting some sleep is increased if I have a window seat. This way I have something to lean against without worrying that I am going to collapse onto some unsuspecting poor soul’s shoulder.
- Marg: I also like to be almost the last person onto the flight….the reason for this is to check out where everyone is seated. If I happen to see some vacant areas…then I check with the crew and after take off move to a roomier spot.
- Bill: I flew to and from New York last year and found that if you get a window seat near to the back of the plane you get a bit of extra leg room between the seat and the cabin wall. I think. I remember there being a lot of space there.
- Dunstan: I like to stay in the lounge, with my laptop plugged into the mains, until the very last! I figure they will always give me a final call and once you get around the corner there is always a queue anyway so you haven’t exactly delayed proceedings… I just hate queues so I want to avoid them & spend the mimimun time in the plane possible!
- Dunstan: Charging your lapton on the plane – especially for Cokaru the new Airbus A340-600 has in-flight charging facilities without having to buy one of those silly and expensive adaptors. You just plug in between the seats! The socket takes US, Au and UK plugs (very clever) but my AU iBook charger didn’t have enough clearance to fit in. Next time I’ll take my US adaptor or an extension!
- Anon: Bring ear-plugs and an eye-mask for sleeping.
- Anon: When you book your flight if you ask for a special meal you will get served first, then you can finish before everyone and beat the post-meal rush to the loo.
- Donna: if you are a smoker this one goes a long way….if someone is stopping for re-fuel in Singapore, not a lot of people know that there is a “tropical oasis” in an outdoor area of the transit terminal ….it also has a bar!!! It’s a great place even if you don’t smoke as it sprays light mist on you for the mossies and you get to chat to a lot of travellers!
- Trevor: If you cannot afford the $600AU noise cancelling headphones that you mentioned, there are cheaper once you can buy on the net. I got mine for $127 including postage, and they’re fine.
- Deborah: Pack a flannel & small towel to ‘wash down’ whilst balancing on tippy toes in the loo. If nothing else it will make everyone sitting close by outside, wonder what is going on!
- Julie: American Airlines provide headphones for free on International flights, but on internal USA flights, they charge you around $5 a pair, keep the international flight headphones and use them on the internal flights.
Justina: Take your own headset, because the ones supplied are usually rubbish. Adapters are usually provided for plugging your headphones into the airlines strange sockets. Justina’s Blog.- David: If you’re feeling sorry for yourself and envious of the chaps (business/first class passengers) at the front of the plane remember that they have all the senior (read old) stewardesses and you have all the fresh young new recruits.
- Chris Lambert: In the days leading up to the trip, start putting yourself into the other timezone as much as possible. Go to bed a couple of hours later or get up earlier if you can.
- Tony: Apart from that they have all been without incident, I manage to sleep a lot and after a copule of red wines sleep even more, the only jet lag I seem to suffer from is the journey home, and that lasts for a couple of days.
- Chris Lambert: (TAKE MEDICAL ADVICE BEFORE FOLLOWING THIS TIP) On the plane, take calming/sleeping tables & a little wine when you should be asleep in the destination timezone, and decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine) when you should be awake. I reckon this reduces the jetlag recovery time by heaps.
- Rich: Will keep an eye out for David Bellamy.
Don’t forget to save time and money with discount airport parking on your next trip.
The other tip I have for falling to sleep, on planes, and in Hotels (I cant sleep in those either!)…is…
Try and remember every hotel room you’ve stayed in on business, and what they were called. It sounds boring, but it really does work. You’ll never remember the room numbers, but you will surely be able to remember the floor each room was on? You’ll fall to sleep trying! – How boring!
Also, if I have not covered everything you need here, then check out this link for transporting horses long haul.
Enjoy your flight(s). Oh, and check you’ve had all the jabs you need before entering a country that could mess with your system……some jabs have to be done six months before you arrive. Seriously!
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The very first copy of this page is stored on the Internet Archive
Do you love to travel but never feel like you are one place long enough? consider buying a timeshare for salegreat timeshare will give you the opportunity to see your favorite places over and over again! in your favorite destination spot!
Please add to this by scrolling right to the bottom of this page….tell us all who you are, and where you are flying….its totally anonymous ……..THIS HAS BECOME THE MAIN PAGE TO FLY LONG HAUL BY, SO JUST SAY HELLO IF YOU DONT HAVE MUCH TO SAY 🙂 …….or even add a tip……. lets make this the ‘tip list that everyone fly’s by! :-)’. I’ll add your tips to the main body of this article, alongside your name! Incentive or what!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:27 pm eLong Haul Flights- Thailand
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 12/20/2004 – 04:22.
Hey there nice tips there , i never knew about some of them like the pepper trick and breathing through the warm towel-i allways thought they were just to keep you clean… or something…ipods… wel they are a bit expensive are they not. think about it 10 hour flight , so 20 hour return, there are in flight movies and music stations on the plane even though extremly boring they are they are in fact a form of entertainment. but your financial choices are yours and not mine. im going to thailand from new zealand in 2 weeks and i might buy one anyway just to experience the bone crunching disappointment that i didnt actually use it as much as i should have.cyaz~
October 29th, 2006 at 3:27 pm etips for long haul flights
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 12/24/2004 – 15:57.
Cheers matey. Youve been a fantabulous help. Imoff to Oz via Hong Kong in a few days and totally appreciate your tips. Thanx. Jillxx
October 29th, 2006 at 3:28 pm eyour tips are very welcome as
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 01/10/2005 – 14:16.
your tips are very welcome as i will be flying out to japan in aprilto visit my son whose working there for a year. havent flown long haul since 1988 to far east. thankyou debbie
October 29th, 2006 at 3:28 pm eMy 1st Long Haul Flight to NZ
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 01/10/2005 – 20:24.
Thanks for the helpful tips. For my flight I shall try them all (except the pepper trick which I shall save for parties )and maybe pack a flannel & small towel to ‘wash down’ whilst balancing on tippy toes in the loo. If nothing else it will make everyone sitting close by outside, wonder what is going on!
I am dreading not being able to sleep and don’t fancy a drug induced one even if it is Night Nurse.
Do you mean there are no shops in NZ. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Deborah
October 29th, 2006 at 3:29 pm eVery amusing.
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 01/21/2005 – 02:48.
I thank you for all your insight and I will take each one along for my flight in a few days to Hong Kong from Toronto, Canada. It will not be as long as your flight but I do not like the idea of long haul flight anyway.Anyone reading this with any good tips could drop me a note atcasper@sentex.netThank you again.
casper
October 29th, 2006 at 3:29 pm eGreat Tips
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 02/12/2005 – 04:52.
I will soon be leaving for Madrid from Seattle with only one stop. I’m traveling with a group that I don’t know, so it’ll be very interesting! I really appreciate your tips for these long plane flights, they sound like they really worked for you!
Thanks again,
Cecil
October 29th, 2006 at 3:29 pm eGreat Tips
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 02/19/2005 – 23:23.
A good humoured take on a humourless situation – I recently drove to Scotland (8 and a half hours!) to start to get aclimatised to my upcoming flight (still 5 months away!) from London to Sydney, via Vienna and Kuala Lumpur – only to realise that on the flight I will still have some 5 hours to go! Still at 6′ 7″ I’m sure I’ll have the time of my life!!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:30 pm eNz travel
Submitted by visitor on Sun, 02/20/2005 – 15:53.
Thanks for this am off to Nz in a month so helpful. Cheers
October 29th, 2006 at 3:30 pm eNuala
Submitted by visitor on Thu, 03/10/2005 – 12:21.
Many many thanks for useful tips I’m sure!! Am part of the Kelly Family (not real family name but you can guess the family type!!!!) on tour heading out to Oz for a family wedding on Sat from Ireland !!! Will see what travelling with the brother on a long haul flight will do to the family relations!!!Help!!!!!! He actually sent me this web link in the first place so I have him to thank!! Happy flying people!! Keep it country!! Noodles
October 29th, 2006 at 3:30 pm eclare
Submitted by visitor on Sun, 04/17/2005 – 14:57.
thanks for the tips, i am flying from manchester to nz via singapore for the first time and so this was very useful. I am a nervous flyer and im not looking forward to 13 hr flight to singapore – all these tips will help!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:31 pm eTom Hall
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 05/02/2005 – 10:47.
Hello mate
Thanks for the tips, am embarking on a 23 hour flight from London Heathrow to Sydney AUS at the end of July, these tips will help me prepare no end. Good luck to evryone elseCheersT
October 29th, 2006 at 3:31 pm eTrevor
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 05/06/2005 – 10:37.
Matt, I’ll be flying economy Sydney-Singapore-Heathrow in a few weeks. I’ve only flown long haul once before, and that was business class becuase a friend paid. The only thing I can ad to your helpful tips is that if you cannot afford the $600AU noise cancelling headphones that you mentioned, there are cheaper once you can buy on the net. I got mine for $127 including postage, and they’re fine.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:31 pm eGoing from London to Shanghai
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 05/07/2005 – 20:31.
Going from London to Shanghai in a few weeks and learned a few things here. Many thanks for these tips. Will keep an eye out for David Bellamy.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:32 pm ePatricia
Submitted by visitor on Thu, 05/12/2005 – 06:33.
Dear Matthew, Thank you for your site. I am 65 and hope to fly to England in August this year. I am anxious to say the least about first of all landing in the drink and also of being squashed into a seat for hours next to God knows who. Fortunately I’ll have a friend on one side of me. I’ll be flying from Melbourne and on Emirites who are rich so hopefully there will be a bit of leg room. I was thinking of sitting near the toilets in case of an attack of the ‘runs’ as I couldn,t bear to be seen racing up and down the aisle every 5 minutes, but after your advice I am thinking better of it. We will be stopping at Dubai in the dead of night. I am positive my feet and ankles are going to burst by the time we are collected and driven to Birmingham where ny friend came from many years ago.
Regards, Pat.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:33 pm eThanks everyone for the comme
Submitted by Matthew Eaves on Sat, 06/11/2005 – 11:46.
Thanks everyone for the comments so far….enjoy your journeys…. Matt
October 29th, 2006 at 3:33 pm eAidan
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 06/15/2005 – 18:31.
Grear site,great idea.Thanks for the tips there very helpful.Flying from Dublin to LA,and then on to Auckland.When i return il let you know how i got on.Cheers
October 29th, 2006 at 3:33 pm ePhil Mobsby
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 06/25/2005 – 22:16.
Off on my first long haul flight July 3rd 2005, thanks for the tips
October 29th, 2006 at 3:35 pm eSuper Secret Spy
Submitted by visitor on Thu, 06/30/2005 – 12:12.
Good ideas. I too will be flying on the 3rd July to Vancouver and I’m not looking forward to it… (the flight that is, not the destination. When I get there it’s going to be awesome)
October 29th, 2006 at 3:36 pm eCokaru
Submitted by visitor on Tue, 07/05/2005 – 17:14.
Great article. What’s your opinion of laptops? I’m going to be flying from the US to AU on a business trip – that’s right folks, 20 or so hours of quality time with my boss. I was wishfully thinking that bringing lappy might be one stop shopping – I could play DVDs, games, or music all with one device. However, I don’t know if the airplane will provide outlets, and it would break my heart to have my batteries go dead half way there.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:36 pm eMadison
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 07/20/2005 – 19:47.
really good website some tips their i will defiantely be using – im flying to nairobi kenya soon with a small party!
Unfortunately flying back on my own – if anyone has any travel tips on kenya in general or particualry flying from nairobi airport on your own – please email me on
madmadz1310@hotmail.com
thanks
xxx
October 29th, 2006 at 3:37 pm eDonna
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 08/05/2005 – 09:38.
Hi Matt, I’m a Kiwi living in London and have done the trip a few time now…..if you are a smoker this one goes a long way….if someone is stopping for re-fuel in Singapore, not a lot of people know that there is a “tropical oasis” in an outdoor area of the transit terminal ….it also has a bar!!! It’s a great place even if you don’t smoke as it sprays light mist on you for the mossies and you get to chat to a lot of travellers!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:37 pm eMelbourne – Manchester
Submitted by visitor on Tue, 08/16/2005 – 03:08.
I’m flying from Melbourne to Manchester, England, in December, going back to Blighty for Christmas. I booked an Emirates flight but didn’t realise there are two stops each way (one in Dubai and one refuelling stop in Singapore). I’m kind of glad there is now though, I think the extra leg-stretching opportunity is good.I have another couple of tips:
-Bring ear-plugs and an eye-mask for sleeping.
-Get your doctor to prescribe mild sleeping pills, this is what I did last time I flew long-haul. I got 4-6 hours sleep but otherwise would have got none.
-When you book your flight if you ask for a special meal you will get served first, then you can finish before everyone and beat the post-meal rush to the loo.Happy flying!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:37 pm eAva
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 08/24/2005 – 06:13.
Gravol + Brandy = SLEEP!!!!
LOL – I’m prepping myself for a flight from Toronto to Athens (i believe a 9-14 hour flight *sob*)
October 29th, 2006 at 3:38 pm eNicetipsu
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 12/10/2005 – 21:31.
HI!
great site…this helps me to prepare ahead well for the long flight ahead i will have in one month from Finland to NZ. Reading this all makes me more confident :-)…thx !
October 29th, 2006 at 3:38 pm eNorthern Lad
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 12/10/2005 – 23:21.
Nice one – on my way to Buy some Night Nurse before trip to Hong Kong from Manchester – I can never sleep in overseas hotels
October 29th, 2006 at 3:38 pm eDunstan
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 01/06/2006 – 11:31.
haha – I thought he was joking about the pepper thing! re: when to get on the plane I agree with Matt that being in the middle of the anxious throng is the worst scenario. My solution, however is the opposite – I like to stay in the lounge, with my laptop plugged into the mains, until the very last! I figure they will always give me a final call and once you get around the corner there is always a queue anyway so you haven’t exactly delayed proceedings… I just hate queues so I want to avoid them & spend the mimimun time in the plane possible! re: charging your lapton on the plane – especially for Cokaru the new Airbus A340-600 has in-flight charging facilities without having to buy one of those silly and expensive adaptors. You just plug in between the seats! The socket takes US, Au and UK plugs (very clever) but my AU iBook charger didn’t have enough clearance to fit in. Next time I’ll take my US adaptor or an extension! BTW I once got ‘in trouble’ for plugging my laptop into a socket I found. I figured that if it was going to cause the plane to crash then they wouldn’t leave it lying around, but the I got busted and the head air steward told the pilot who told the head air steward to spank me soundly! If only it had been a stewardess, sigh… note: only one part of this story is elaborated, can you tell which…? an aside: Has anyone ever tried charging from a 110V shaving socket? Kind of antisocial but if you were on the last level of Tetris and you combined it with a pepper snorting mission…? Cheers Matt,
October 29th, 2006 at 3:39 pm eGail
Submitted by visitor on Sun, 02/26/2006 – 19:11.
Yes, Taryn, drinks are free on Japan Airlines. IT is a very good airline.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:39 pm eTaryn
Submitted by visitor on Sun, 02/12/2006 – 06:59.
Hi there just wondering if anyone knew if drinks are free on japan airlines as i will be flying there from Adelaide Australia to London with a stop over in japan each way if anyone knows and could tell me that would be great. However I have printed out the other tips so thanks a lot!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:39 pm eholli
Submitted by visitor on Sun, 02/12/2006 – 09:06.
thanks for the tips, i’m flying to oz with my husband and 2 children, aged 9 and 6. They havn’t been on a long flight before, any tips on taking kids on long haul flights?
October 29th, 2006 at 3:39 pm eKaty’s Dad
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 02/13/2006 – 22:01.
Nice one Matt,made me laugh out loud but at the same time very practical tips. Not going as far as you, Manchester – Richmond – Virginia via Philadelphia. Have made a note of them. Thanks again.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:40 pm eDayna and Karl
Submitted by visitor on Thu, 02/16/2006 – 03:29.
We’re going from Calgary, Alberta Canada to Hong Kong. Thanks for the tips… I travel quite a bit but not often long haul.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:40 pm ei’m flying from krakow, polan
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 02/20/2006 – 19:41.
i’m flying from krakow, poland to sydney. whee! 24 hr flight, here i come.
Great tip with the iPod, I’ll remember that. And the toothbrush. I probably won’t be inhaling pepper though. *sneezes just thinking about it*
I didn’t know about the shower and free food/drink at kuala lumpur!! Goddamn.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:41 pm eBill
Submitted by visitor on Tue, 02/21/2006 – 12:14.
I’m flying from Heathrow to Melbourne TODAY! So I thought, ‘better check out some tips’ and Google lead me here. I have Night Nurse so I’m tempted.I flew to and from New York last year and found that if you get a window seat near to the back of the plane you get a bit of extra leg room between the seat and the cabin wall. I think. I remember there being a lot of space there.Great tips.Cheers.Bill.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:41 pm eSofia
Submitted by visitor on Tue, 02/21/2006 – 17:56.
Hi! Every year I fly from Lisbon to a city in the United States which means transfer flights and 8 hour flights: last year I went to San Francisco and had an 8 hour flight to NY and then a 6 hour flight to San Francisco!!! but I guess it’s all worth it in the end.Thank you for your tips, should have checked them out last year…
To all travellers: Have a pleasant flight!
October 29th, 2006 at 3:41 pm ebrooke
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 02/24/2006 – 11:47.
im heading to france in october(from sydney- about the longest flight you can do on this planet with out leaving it) and have been looking for some tips about sleeping, ears, washing, etc. so relieved to find this site.
thx!
brooke
October 29th, 2006 at 3:42 pm eEve Hosgood
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 02/25/2006 – 19:13.
Doing London-Kuala Lumpar-Auckland on 30th April 2006 with five friends. Have been on a plane b4 but only for 4 and a half hours!.
Your tips will help soooo much,
Thank you.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:42 pm eGraham
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 02/25/2006 – 20:38.
Thanks for the tips. I’m planning my 12 hour trip from UK to Shanghai. Not sure about your advice to use alcohol to get to sleep- too many news reports recently of guys going uncharacteristically berserk because of alcohol + altitude. I think I’ll stick to plenty of water for the dehydration and will consider night nurse for the sleep.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:42 pm eMarg Hux
Submitted by visitor on Tue, 02/28/2006 – 23:53.
Some amusing yet good advice in here Matthew. I have been taking regular trips between OZ and Canada…so can vouch for quite a lot of what u mention.I got back to OZ last Friday after 36 hours in constant transit.Does anyone know the generic name for night nurse? I have not heard of this sleeper in Australia. I have found my chances of actually getting some sleep is increased if I have a window seat. This way I have something to lean against without worrying that I am going to collapse onto some unsuspecting poor soul’s shoulder. I also like to be almost the last person onto the flight….the reason for this is to check out where everyone is seated. If I happen to see some vacant areas…then I check with the crew and after take off move to a roomier spot. In 3 weeks I’ll be passing thru KL so will check out that lounge/shower/meal deal u mentioned,sounds very good. Hey I was sooooooo lucky and got upgraded from econ to econ plus both ways to/from Canada…..5 extra inches of seat pitch and width makes such a big difference.
Happy travelling y’all.
Marg
October 29th, 2006 at 3:43 pm eChris Lambert
Submitted by visitor on Thu, 03/02/2006 – 12:46.
I’m not sure how healthy it is, but if I’m flying between Europe and NZ, I find these 2 things help a lot;1) In the days leading up to the trip, start putting yourself into the other timezone as much as possible. Go to bed a couple of hours later or get up earlier if you can.2) On the plane, take calming/sleeping tables & a little wine when you should be asleep in the destination timezone, and decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine) when you should be awake. I reckon this reduces the jetlag recovery time by heaps.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:43 pm eDavid
Submitted by visitor on Sun, 03/05/2006 – 21:30.
I’m just off round the world on a bucket class ticket, much as I hate it I just couldn’t justify doubling the price for the sake of a few more inches and the same crap food. I can offer 2 tips;
Those homophobics among us are missing a trick, flirt with the stewards for better drinks and more attentive service. Flirt with the stewardesses too of course, which leads to my second tip. If you’re feeling sorry for yourself and envious of the chaps at the front of the plane remember that they have all the senior (read old) stewardesses and you have all the fresh young new recruits. aahhhhhh
October 29th, 2006 at 3:43 pm eLeonie
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 03/24/2006 – 13:13.
Mmm, i’ve got no empirical evidence, but i always put some drops of Rescue Remedy in my bottle of water. I read it helps sort out jet lag, and it seems to. in recent times i’ve also had problems with nose bleeds, due to my nose drying out. sniffing pepper seems a bit extreme Mat. having a chapstick or other neutral cream is a gentler alternative.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:44 pm eLeonie
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 03/24/2006 – 13:26.
having arrived at the airport early for once, i managed to pursuade the booking clerk to give me a seat next to the emergency door. Although at first it seems there isn’t much leg room cos the door bulges outwards (this might not be on all flights of course), i discovered it is perfect for resting your legs on. its a rare event for me to sleep on a long flight – but this time- I had a great sleep, stretched out with my legs kept in place by propping them against the little telly screen that usually folds under the seat.another time i had a good sleep on a flight (learned from long haul train journey’s in australia as a youth), was when i flew to China. there was an empty seat between me and the elderly chinese woman who was next to the window. using sign language i negotiated that i would sleep stretched out on in the footwell, while she stretched out on the seats. we both slept like logs. mind you, you have to be careful not to trip people up with stray feet in the walk way. ;o)if the budget allows however, my choice these days is to stop overnight in Hong Kong or Singapore enroute to Australia or New Zeeland.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:44 pm eLeonie
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 03/24/2006 – 13:39.
jetlag….don’t remember who told me this but it works! always set your watch to the destination time when you get off the plane (or before), forget what time it is “back home” (unless you’re ringing there of course ;o) and don’t go to bed before your normal bedtime in the place you’ve arrived… even if you didn’t sleep on the plane.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:44 pm eShirley
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 03/24/2006 – 14:40.
Seems as though I’ve been flying long haul for years and it gets worse all the time – but then I guess 40 years ago the seats really were more spacious. In recent years, the best flight without breaking the bank was London to Brunei, on Royal Brunei Airlines. Brilliant service, and alcohol free which helps resist the temptation to drink myself into oblivion.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:44 pm eHalibut Fishface
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 03/24/2006 – 17:12.
OK – not exactly long haul, but if you need a connecting flight it might apply…Ryanair have just started a web check in, allowing you to do so up to 72 hours before you fly. The advantage to this is that you get a really good position in the bording card numbers – most likely one of the very first to be called to board the plane (after women and children, etc).Since Ryanair flights have notoriously low amounts of leg room in their seats, I make a bee line for the emergency doors and the seats there – loadsa room!The one down side is that you can’t keep your hand luggage with you on the floor like you can in other rows, so sit on the aisle seat and you’ll not disturb anyone as you get up to open the overhead lockers…
October 29th, 2006 at 3:45 pm eMcCarthorse Cattleclub
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 03/24/2006 – 17:15.
One more thing I noticed about Ryanair is that in the very back row of their planes the seats don’t recline, and you are also not allowed any bags or coats to be stowed by your feet. Unless you plan on having a really good conversation with the other people in your row, try to avoid that particular part of the plane.Then again, when you land you might be disembarked through the rear doors of the plane – and the back row aisle seats are a prime location to get off first!I guess it depends on how long you’re flying with them
October 29th, 2006 at 3:45 pm eTom Smith
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 03/27/2006 – 08:45.
Tom’s Travel Tips1. Leave credit card behind (always a good start)
2. Get drunk in Departures with friend then nearly miss flight
3. Have to run for plane, avoiding buying water, pillows, magazines, aspririn etc
4. Get more drunk on plane and sleep like a babyI had an eight dollar shower in Singapore which was fantastic… definitely recommend that one too…Posted by: Tom Smith at March 17, 2004 04:07 AM
October 29th, 2006 at 3:46 pm eGina
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 03/27/2006 – 08:46.
Crickey! I actually enjoy the flights…..the thrill of adventure, the prospect of seeing my loved ones again, having food (of sorts) delivered to my seat and not having to clean up after, time to myself to think, to reevaluate my direction in life, to read, to look out the window at weird and wonderful countries-to enjoy the privilege of my place in this world that means I get to travel like this…all the other stuff is part of the challenge-would you have heard Shackleton bleating on about how cold it was when he was stranded on the ice-no he boldly carried on into the icy waters (with a NZ navigator I might add
October 29th, 2006 at 3:46 pm eThanks Drew…
Submitted by Matthew Eaves on Mon, 03/27/2006 – 08:50.
Thanks for the postitive remarks Drew
October 29th, 2006 at 3:46 pm eDrew
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 03/27/2006 – 08:47.
I meant to say – to make my case distinctive I’ve got some REALLY GAUDY strips of fabric (off cuts from a market stall) that I tie round the handles of my case. It is without doubt, if I say so myself, a BRILLIANT thing to do to make your life a heck of a lot easier.Oh, also, if you know the model of plane well enogh, and you check in early enough, you can know the best seats for leg rom etc. So you can ask for specific seats eg. where there are only 2 abreast instead of 3 further up the plane.If you are travelling with someone buy FLUXX in advance (a brilliant card game which is different each time you play it).WetOnes in your handluggage are helpful.Boiled citrus sweets are also good – a new one out at the moment called AQUA DOPS are slightly mentholated and ‘rehydrating’Posted by: Drew at March 13, 2004 11:57 AM
October 29th, 2006 at 3:47 pm eDrew
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 03/27/2006 – 08:48.
Matt, what a superb entry. I was thinking of appying for a job in NZ (ICT co-ordinator jobs in NZ have been in the TES lately), but your HORRIFIC description of getting there has definitely put me off. Great tips
October 29th, 2006 at 3:47 pm eDave
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 03/27/2006 – 13:45.
i was sitting next to Nigel and he was sitting next to a guy who sat down looking very scared, ordered a vodka, drank it and put a blanket over himself to sleep.Nigel and i were listneing to the safety instructions and the stewardess said ‘in the event of an emergency lean forward and put your head on your knees’. Nigel turned to me and said “You have to do that so that if the plane crashed it would break your neck striaght away!!!”(Don’t panic, Nigel was joking!)But, the guy next to him heard this and oviously pannicked and started trying to get out from under the blanket so he was fighting to get out of the blanket, when he finally did he ordered two more vodkas
October 29th, 2006 at 3:47 pm eJay
Submitted by visitor on Sat, 04/01/2006 – 11:59.
I fly to Sydney from london on the 10th of may, i hate flying and this is my first long haul flight. ALONE. i feel better now i have read the tips. think the night nurse is the way to go. jay x
October 29th, 2006 at 3:47 pm eBeth
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 04/12/2006 – 04:14.
Thanks for the tips. I’m flying from Manchester, stopping at Zurich to let on passengers, then to Singapore and then on to Auckland, New Zealand on June 6th. I going to visit my Dad for a month. I’m not looking forward to it as I hate flying. The longest flight I’ve been on was to New York last year, it was only about 7 hrs but that was bad enough!! I’m also flying on my own, I’m only 21 but unfortunatly I have been blessed with youthfull looks and I only look about 16 so I’m a bit worried about pervy strangers!I’ve never flown on my own before so I’m also worried about missing the plane or getting lost in the airport. I’m also really concerned about who I’m going to be sitting next to, as when I use public transport I always get stuck sat next to the smelly people!! I’m also claustrophobic and don’t sleep well unless I’m in a bed. To be honest, I’m not sure why I’m putting myself through the torture, as I know it’s going to be a big disaster. God Damn my Dad for living so far away!!
However I do feel a little more at ease with all the tips so thanks to you all.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:48 pm etall guy
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 04/12/2006 – 22:18.
When trying for leg space you make yourself as tall as possible, don’t slouch. Stand up straight, stand on tip-toes if you can and be as broad as possible. The airline will have at least six banks of three seats which they will reserve for the tallest travellers, ensure you complement the check in staff, be friendly, ask them how their day is….smile
October 29th, 2006 at 3:48 pm eDerrick Hogan
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 04/14/2006 – 13:20.
Hi Matthew what a brilliant and informative website you have created for the long haul traveller.! (and I am not flannelling you)I am elderly, and retired having worked for many years on large overseas contracts as an Electrical supervisor.
Just like you I dreaded the economy class long haul sleep deprivation scenario.
Would you please have a look at my website http://www.thezzzband.comand if possible please let me have any help or advice.Kind regards Derrick Hogan
October 29th, 2006 at 3:51 pm eColin (Hull UK)
Submitted by visitor on Tue, 04/18/2006 – 21:53.
If you are concerned that on your return to your homeland that a random search of your goods (which often happens) by customs suggests that goods you took with you have been purchased abroad, take copies of proof of purchase receipts with you when you travel. In Thailand I was on an internal flight and proof my laptop was not bought in Thailand was needed to get past some tricky customs guys who were just doing their job, make it easy for them.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:51 pm eAnna
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 04/19/2006 – 13:03.
Hey! I flew from Birmingham to Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur to Auckland to Wellington without any stopovers in February 2006! It was a killer especially as I am a nervous flyer. The thing that freaks me out most are the sounds that the plane makes, I always think it doesn’t sound right but who am I to know what is right and what isn’t?!!!The thing that got me through it though was always having either ear plugs in or the headphones listening to music or the TV to block out the noises of the plane and knowing that my family would be in the airport in Wellington to meet me at the end of it.It is definately a good idea to bring a spare change of underwear, a clean top and a toothbrush & toothpaste, I felt loads better when I refreshed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:52 pm eJohn in Newcastle (by email)
Submitted by Matthew Eaves on Wed, 04/19/2006 – 21:41.
Don’t cover yourself in perfume or aftershave please when you board a plane, other passengers sitting really close might not want to sniff your scent for ten hours, it gives me a headache when a scent is really strong.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:52 pm eJane
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 04/19/2006 – 22:56.
If you are the person packing for many people in your family use a note book and keep a page per person, listing what you pack for each member of your family rather than one long list for everyone, it makes packing so much easier.Jane
October 29th, 2006 at 3:52 pm eJohn
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 04/19/2006 – 23:27.
I find seats at the back of the plane are usually served food first and I always get my first choice. The time I sat at the front of the plane and had to go without a meal as I was last served, fish was all that was left, I hate fish.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:53 pm ePAUL,
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 04/24/2006 – 20:35.
Be strict on the actual time you plan to depart your home for the airport, make sure everyone involved knows, especially the taxi company if you are using one. Paul, Wathamstow
October 29th, 2006 at 3:53 pm ePAUL,
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 04/24/2006 – 20:35.
Be strict on the actual time you plan to depart your home for the airport, make sure everyone involved knows, especially the taxi company if you are using one. Paul, Wathamstow
October 29th, 2006 at 3:53 pm eSal
Submitted by visitor on Mon, 04/24/2006 – 21:29.
If you’re currently in the summer season and traveling to the winter don’t pack your coat in your suitcase, it will take up too much space. Wear your coat onto the plane and hand it to the air steward or stewardess and they will hang it up for you, obviously try not to forget it when you arrive at the destination airport.When flying from winter to summer you might need your coat on the way to the airport and on the way home from the airport. If you’ve arranged a lift for your airport journeys then ask that person to take your coat home and bring it back for you on your return.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:54 pm edancindaquiri
Submitted by visitor on Fri, 06/02/2006 – 12:54.
To help you sleep on a long flight use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl (kept in it’s original container.)
October 29th, 2006 at 3:54 pm eNikki
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 06/28/2006 – 01:13.
I’m leaving in a few weeks from Manchester, NH for Australia and Im dreading it, but your tips have made it seem more bearable so thanks. This isn’t just for long haul flights but I always have trouble with the pressure in my ears on the descent. Ive tried a lot of different things but ear planes are the best Ive found. You can get them at the shops in the airport for about $5 a pair. I use them every time I fly now and I havent had to deal with those horrible headaches since.
October 29th, 2006 at 3:55 pm eKelsey
Submitted by visitor on Wed, 08/09/2006 – 18:50.
Thanks for these tips! I am flying from Manchester, NH to Adelaide, AU, which will be a total of about 30 hours. My mom went in February for school, and she decided to take my sister and I for her second semester. Since our nanny has never flown an international flight before (she’s 19, I’m 14, and my sister is 12), I am glad that i found this website in order to give us all comfort. WetOnes are a great idea, and for all those germs people acumulate, Purell is a great idea, too. You won’t have to get up to wash your hands in the bathroom. My mom also suggests bringing a full change of clothes in your carry on. When she flew to LA to Sydney, her luggage never left LA, and it took a full day to get back to her. She was glad that she had the change of clothes. Another great idea is a U-shaped, ‘Fom’ type pillow. It will alow you to sleep in the upright position without your head flopping from one side to the other. Once again, thanks for the tips, and happy and safe traveling to everyone.
January 8th, 2007 at 1:29 am eJust saying hello.I’m a student traveling for a semester abroad from the US to France. Thank you for the wonderful tips.
January 20th, 2007 at 6:20 pm eI once got back to my car at the long stay carpark after three weeks away to find the tax disc had expired. I now check the disc before I travel.
January 21st, 2007 at 2:10 pm eI prefer to sit at the back of the plane and get served last at meals. I’ve found that passengers near the front of the plane have usually long finished their meals by the time I’ve been served mine. I might not get my first meal choice but I’m not that much of a fussy eater and my finished tray is in front of me for much less time as it is cleared away along with everyone else’s.Darren, MK.
January 27th, 2007 at 1:34 pm eAt the airport I spotted what looked like my black suitcase on the belt coming towards me. Just before it got to me another man picked it off the luggage belt and started to walk off with it. I ran after him and said “thats my case” to which he said “no its not its mine”. We checked the label and he appologised and walked back to the belt, I dread to think what would have happened if I’d not spotted him get to my case first and I can’t believe that someone would be silly enough to assume they were the only person to have a black case made by a well known luggage manufacturer and therefore not need to check the tags. I mark my suitcase now with colourful shoelaces tied to the handle. Sarah.
March 6th, 2007 at 4:48 am ehey,
thanks for this, very interesting and also amusing! im travelling back to england from sydney for my first ever flight alone (im 18) – and in total (with a 2 hour stop off in dubai) its a 26 hour flight!! feeling pretty nervous about it!
thanks again
May 9th, 2007 at 3:19 pm eIpod in ear headphones combined with a double prong adaptor are the perfect all round solution to noise. Even not plugged in they reduce the noise by a huge factor.Also remember that United are cutting costs and not giving out eye masks to economy passengers on Trans-Pacific flights – booo!!I love my PSP with a 2gb card – I have enough battery power to watch a full movie of my choosing on the plane – but then it runs out.For falling asleep I like to take a really dull book that will leave me bored.
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:19 pm eHey everyone,First let me say what a great site this is. I found it by accident, and now I’m glad! My husband and I are traveling to Kuala lumpur (for the first time) from london in a week, and I hear it’s about 13 hrs. That’s definately the longest I’ve been on a plane for! Thanks for all the tips, I will definately be incorporating some of them into our travel
July 25th, 2007 at 3:53 pm eHi there,Great site!
I have a tip, ask to be seated in the fire exit seats, you get about 2m of leg room!
July 27th, 2007 at 4:54 pm eThanks for the tips, flying from UK to Barbados in 2 weeks time so i shall be using a few of these
July 31st, 2007 at 1:19 pm eThanks for all the tips, travelling to US soon and some will come in handy. Can anyone tell me how to get an emergency exit seat, everytime I try they have already been allocated no matter how early I arrive at the airport. Would like to know the secret.
August 7th, 2007 at 6:49 am eThanks for the advice. We are flying from Sydney to London with a 3month old, a 3 year old and a 5 year old. I have flown before a number of times and your tips reminded me of a few things I should dig out and pack.I would add that you don’t actually get more leg room in the bulk head seats as you don’t get to store your bag under the seat in front. So you have it under your own feet or you have to get up all the time to get things from above your head.
August 9th, 2007 at 7:27 am eLong Haul flights can be a nightmare and I always get cold but have found a product called the Cabin Cuddler. Its a specially designed fleece blanket with a foot pocket much better than the blankets they give you on planes cos it keeps you warm all over … a bit like a sleeping bag but not as bulky !
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:33 pm eThanks for the Cabin Cuddler type Alyson – where can I buy one from – sounds ideal.And thanks to everyone else for their tips especially the $18 shower including bar and snacks in Kuala Lumpur which will be my stop off point on way to Sydney. Do you have to buy this before you travel or from somewhere in Kuala Lumpur airport and is the currency used there US dollars or Malaysian Ringgots?
Thanks
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:40 pm e<p>American Express, Visa, Mastercard (all currency) is taken Sheila, it is upstairs. Look at this image click here and you’ll see it in the background on the upper floor, called ‘Plaza Transit Lounge’… you pay on entry….
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:15 pm eI am flying from LHR to SYD in november and seems that we are stopping in Changi to refuel. Will i be able to deplane and stretch my legs
September 13th, 2007 at 10:23 am eyes you will nick
December 6th, 2007 at 8:54 pm eHiya Matt, take a look at http://www.seatguru.com/ – sorted me right out on a trip through the states last couple of weeks!
December 19th, 2007 at 4:46 pm ehey…
Tommorow set of on my annually trip to Australia… would have thought I was used to the trip by now but alas am dreading the long haul as much as I ever have.
Your tips seem very handy… will let you know how they go!
January 20th, 2008 at 9:00 pm ehiyaaathnx 4 the info im going to sputh africa soonxx
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm eUse nancy-boy moisturiser on your face, it will save your skin from the dry air on the plane, pay particular attention to the spot just beneath your nose – it’s where the dry air hits!
May 21st, 2008 at 9:55 am e[…] from Toronto, Canada. It will not be as long as your flight but I do not like the idea of long …http://www.mattheweaves.co.uk/2004/09/11/tips-to-survive-an-international-long-haul-flight-sleeping-…Eye Spy Asia contest – daily noQC mar31 ….cathaypacific.ca/eyespyasia/subdefault.asp Rules are […]
August 17th, 2008 at 7:22 am eWow, what great tips, thanks heaps, we are thinking of going to london from australia with a young child, very nervy but will use lots of the tips thats for sure.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:09 am eI suggest wearing surgical stockings on long haul. They are not pretty and hard to put on, but from Italy to New Zealand in economy class, my ankles hardly swelled at all. And they prevent DVT. Will certainly wear them on the way back to Europe.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:09 am eI suggest wearing surgical stockings on long haul. They are not pretty and hard to put on, but from Italy to New Zealand in economy class, my ankles hardly swelled at all. And they prevent DVT. Will certainly wear them on the way back to Europe.
September 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm eI will be flying from Heathrow to Oz in November for a holiday travelling Premuim Economy as I am 6`9″ tall. I was speaking to a health official today & I wanted to know about jetlag & sleeping on Long Haul Flights, they came up with 1 answer JETSKINS these can be purchased from most reputable sports or diving shops for around £60 I checked these out on the internet they are also designed as well as diving suit bottoms they are also recommended for long haul flights they prevent DVT, relax pressure on legs, helps induce sleep, reduce JETLAG & comfortable to wear under trousers etc anyone have any extra comments I have just ordered a pair for myself.
November 9th, 2008 at 3:50 pm ehi there, thank you for all the tips. I get freezing on planes and have never even flown long haul. in three weeks im flying alone to london from western australia. Can anbody suggest if wearing thick socks for warmth is best? and what about best shoes for circulation? Im really nervous! I arrive in heathrow and have to make it to my b&b alone, its near kings cross station tho.
I’ve heard of using a nasal lubricating spray called fez. Another friend uses pawpaw ointment on her nose. Any other suggestions?
December 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm eI came across this web page by chance and thank god i did, alll the tips that you would never think of are here!! im 19 and flying with my sister from dublin, ireland to auckland with a stop over in singapore. its our first long haul flight together and are a bit reluctant.
one question- we want to buy a few things in duty free in singapore but are wondering if we will be stopped at customs (if we do go through them again, im not sure..)if we have glass bottles of perfume etc. will we be allowedto taake them as hand luggage onto the plane??
Thanx!!!