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Long flights - tips?

Ruth M

I'd be so grateful for any tips from Fabbers for long haul flights. DH and I are setting off from the UK on Thursday to visit family, first in the USA (CA and AZ), then to NZ (South Island) and Australia (Victoria); back home 5 weeks later. Nine flights in total; 4 of them will be long haul (about 12 hours each). The killer leg is the return journey - 12 hour flight, 4 hour layover, another 12 hour flight (I must have been not paying attention when DH went ahead and booked those ones!)

I've flown long haul a few times, but it's always draining, so I'd be grateful for any practical tips Fabbers have for coping with long flights - obvious tips or not so obvious, for any aspect of long flights - or flights/travel in general. No tip too small Thanks in advance

As an aside, hope I'm not tempting fate by saying I don't have too much of a problem with jet lag, thanks to a tip I once read, which was upon boarding the plane, to change one's watch and habits to immediately "match" local time at the destination. For example, if my 10 hour flight is going to reach LA at midnight (LA time), on boarding I'll put my watch back to morning and "act" daytime on the flight by forcing myself to stay awake, even if I was already up all day in the UK. Curious if this works for other people.

I was going to do a "travel clothing capsule" post but I don't think that's going to happen now - not enough time. I haven't even commented on other people's threads in the last few days. And wondering how I'll cope with YLF withdrawal symptoms - will be able to read, hopefully - but not sure if I'll be able to comment

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28 replies

Latest reply was from harmonica

amiable

Veteran

A small travel tip, but my favorite, is to find a way to eat ginger - ginger candy, ginger tea, ginger ale - whatever. (Candied ginger is my favorite). It helps digestion, reduces gas (always a problem for me when I fly), and increases circulation (another common flying problem).

Anonymous

I don't have much in the way of information as I've only done one long flight (10 hrs...to see Angie and fabbers) and I'd been so stressed about it all that I zonked out on the flight out of sheer exhaustion! I had heard that the idea of setting your body clock to the time of destination works, so yes definitely worth a try. I drank a lot too BTW.

Just wanted to wish you Bon Voyage!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How fun, Ruth. I'm excited about your fabulous trip. WOW.

That's a lot of flying, isn't it. I'll wave to you from Seattle.

I know a lot about LONG flights - do it quite often. AND we fly cattle class - no upgrades. 25 to 35 hours to South Africa from Seattle. You might find this thread interesting, where what to wear is discussed at length:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....long-fligh

Much love to you.

Mona

Veteran

I have been on many long flights and always get sick on airplanes. I always take gravol before flying which puts me to sleep easily during the flight. Remember to stay well hydrated during your trip and have something ready to read. I am actually starting to plan my yearly trip to India in a month.

Anonymous

I used to work for an airline - so my suggestions are more health and comfort related. Two primary ones are to make sure to get up and walk some of the flight if possible to cut down on the possibility of blood clots which are a remote possibility but a problematic one with long periods of time in the same position, or move and get up a bit in your seat. Another thing would be to have a decongestant and take one before and during the flight if you have any upper respiratory infection - I know passengers who's eardrums have been ruptured due to the changes in air pressure. Sinuses can get tremendously uncomfortable if you have an infection.
Stay hydrated - stay comfortable per your clothing choices. Some people like eye masks to try and sleep. And start looking ahead to the time zone you'll be traveling to. Some people work to start adjusting their schedule at home.
I've been to New Zealand and it's a beautiful country. Have a wonderful time!

rachylou

Veteran

Oh yes, get up and walk! I also had a little foot stool, to put my feet up... although eventually I just started propping my feet up on my carry on case to get them up higher - to at least get my knees above heart level. Not decorous, but better for the health.

abc

Veteran

The watch trick is a great one. I try to adjust my habits to the new time zone while en route but if that doesn't work, one thing I've done is take a nap after arrival when you are tired, but DON'T allow yourself to konk out and sleep many hours. Give yourself 1-2 hours to recharge, then get up, go out, walk, eat a light dinner, then go to bed at the local normal bedtime and you will sleep sooo well. You'll wake up the next morning adjusted to the new time zone, or at least this method worked for me various times.

Other tips:
Wear comfy clothes (obviously) but if you still want to look somewhat put together I recommend ponte knit pants. Comfy as PJs but look 1000x more presentable.

Avoid alcohol and caffiene before and during the flights.

I usually board with makeup on (I don't want to scare everyone in the airport!) but carry disposable face wipes and when I am ready to wind down I usually take off my makeup and slather on some moisturizer.

Don't forget hand cream too, as planes are quite drying.

Drink lots of water even if it means frequent trips to the restroom.

Wear shoes you can slip off and on easily (no ties, zips, etc). Wear socks!

Layers on board are a good idea. Thin ones. This way you can adjust as needed but for me usually airplanes are quite cold and I like the cozy feel of a knit topper that keeps me warm and cozy but doesn't restrict my movement.

Bring music if you find that soothing. Or a book. Or your tablet which has both

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Interesting. WOW. Some great tips.

I do some of the opposite of what is suggested actually. FWIW, here's my perspective. You have to do what works best for you. It's trial and error to begin with when getting to the heart of it though:

I can't stand going to the loo on the plane - so I do not drink all that much on flights. I drink a lot after the flight.
I absolutely drink tea and coke on a long flight because I find these beverages medicinal. They work well for my tummy.
I have ear problems so I take nose drops before and during the flight.
I bring hand sanitizer and use it a lot.
I'm uncomfortable sleeping no matter what so do not take a sleeping tablet on flights.
I eat a lot - bring my own snacks and have all the meals if they are good (Emirates has the BEST food) - because I feel air sick fast. A full tummy is key for me.
I have excellent noise-cancelling Bose headphones which make the inflight entertainment service a WHOLE lot better. It's worth investing in these.
I love my Kindle.
Wear warm layers - it's freezing on a plane.
I keep my shoes on throughout the flight because I'm more comfortable that way. I also wear tailored clothing and make-up because it makes me feel better.

rabbit

Veteran

What works for me besides the above things are:

-No Jet-Lag homeopathic pills - (I know there is some argument about homeopathy, and it may be a placebo effect?) but these really do seem to work for me at both making me calmer on the flight and then a lot more alert/able to adjust quickly to the new time zone on landing and to have a full day without being over-tired the next day. I used them back and forth from the US to the UK and to India and Thailand.

-Airborne or the equivalent immune system booster --- because the dry air and multiple people on planes makes it really easy to pick up colds. I take as frequently as suggested starting before the flight.

-Melatonin for resetting your sleep clock at the destination (take before you want to sleep for the night, do not take to try to nap! If they work you will be knocked out for a sleep cycle).

Also listening to calming music on noise canceling headphones, and always having extra ear plugs, and a big shawl to snuggle up in.

Diana

Veteran

OK, so I don't enjoy long distance flights but here's what I do to make them more bearable:

-comfy clothes (obviously), depends on what works for you. For me, I prefer a sack dress and leggings (which I size up on so the waistband is kinda loose). I don't like anything tight around my waist when I'm sitting for a long time. I look better than many other travelers because everyone thinks a dress is automatically dressy! I also dress in layers as mentioned above - I've had both too-hot and too-cold experiences on planes and neither is pleasant. I always bring a big pashmina to use as a blanket/scarf on the plane and as a regular scarf at my destination.

-a wireless bra. I usually wear a bralette but I don't need a ton of support. Some people like to wear a sports bra. I find the underwire in my normal bras uncomfortable when I'm trying to sleep and I used to unhook it on the plane until I realized I should just buy a bra with no wire.

-entertainment for me is key. I am deathly afraid of being bored, and have trouble sleeping on planes so I can't count on that. These days I have my Kindle (so much better than the 3 books I used to lug around!), my phone, and either my ipad or my laptop. I also have knitting and headphones. I like flights with good inflight entertainment (TV and movies).

-warm socks. I like to take off my shoes, but I always put them back on if I'm actually getting out of my seat! (Sometimes I see people going to the bathroom in their socks! Yuck!) Don't wear tight fitting shoes as your feet will swell.

-I drink a lot (of non-alcoholic beverages) because I think being well-hydrated helps with the jet lag and recovery. Yes, you have to go pee a lot but it's worth it to not feel like crap at the end of the flight. My favorite thing to get is sparkling water with lime or lemon (they always have it for the alcoholic drinks, just ask).

-I always get an aisle seat. Now, I know this is a hotly contested topic, but I am mildly claustrophobic and it helps, plus there is a bit more leg room. You can also stick your legs out into the aisle temporarily to stretch them which I find helps a lot. I actually always try to pick a center aisle seat (if the plane is the kind with a center section) as that is the most likely to have an empty seat next to it, plus usually there is only one other person who needs to climb over you to get out.

-Get one of those U-shaped neck pillows. It really helps me because I am short and the neckrests on most American airplane seats are too high for me. Also prevents your head from falling sideways and jerking you awake when you fall asleep.

lari

what works for me:
I bring my own headphones, favourite tea and klean kanteen insulated bottle (355 ml/12oz). getting hot water is never a problem and I can enjoy my tea anytime. I also pack my own food. good book is essential. I always stuff a small pouch with tea, lip balm, small hand sanitizer, mini hand cream, tissues, pen (for filling out immigration forms - also try to memorize your passport number, expiration date and by who and where it was issued) and keep it in the pocket seat in front of me for easy access. I second diana's advice on getting aisle seat you will be able to move without disturbing other people. re: clothing layers, layers, layers and big pashmina scarf.

Gaylene

Veteran

Actually my long haul tips are almost exactly the same as Angie's with only a couple of exceptions. At 65, I have to figure on at least one or two trips to the loo during a long flight. I try to schedule these trips earlier in the flight before the loos become too nasty (it would take a dire emergency for me to visit one in the last few hours!)

My sister, who gets to fly business class with her hubby more often, also introduced me to the idea of "flight socks"--a plastic-soled, fleece camp sock worn over my regular socks (usually compression ones for a long flight) for more wiggle room than a shoe. These socks are carefully removed just before landing and stashed into a sealed baggy (I don't want to think of what is on the bottom!) and then laundered at my destination for the trip home.

I also find that my taste in music, books, and videos changes when I fly. I like to listen to opera and classical music (arias are great for drowning out crying babies!), I prefer to read non-North American detective fiction (Barbara Nadel, Donna Leon, anything Scandanavian), and, inexplicably, my viewing tends toward animated or rom-com films. I think it's because all of these have the capacity to draw me back in after an interruption.

I also enjoy a glass of wine with my airplane meal. And, oddly enough, I find that opting for the fish or vegetarian option usually means a better meal in economy class. The ubiquitous chicken offerings are usually dreadful. I also bring my own dried fruit and nut snacks, fresh fruit chunks, and cut up veggies--and bottle of water.

Even with all its hassles, I still think there is something marvelous about air travel. In 10-12 hours, I can get off the plane in a place that my grandparents would have had to travel for weeks to visit. Thinking of that really helps me put any discomfort I may experience in perspective.

rachylou

Veteran

For me - u-shaped pillow with a flat back. When it's fat all around, pushes my head forward uncomfortably.

Have had bad bad luck with those homeopathic pills for flights... bad ankle swelling.

I like a fleece blanket over a big scarf. Warmer. I just have my own airplane blanket.

Ruth M

Oh my, thank you so much everyone for all the great ideas - I'm going to print these out and go through them one by one.

Amiable, ah, bloating and indigestion have indeed been a problem. I might bring some powdered ginger to sprinkle on my food, and a couple of ginger tea bags. Thank you

Diane, thank you! I can imagine it must have been so exciting, flying to Seattle for a YLF meet up. Thanks for the reminder about fluid - and when you say you drank a lot, I'm sure you meant non-alcoholic beverages, hee hee! And thank you for your good wishes.

Angie, thank you for sharing my excitement And thank you for the link to Crackers' post about dressing for flying. Lots of good information there - I'll print that one out too and go through it carefully. Yes, we fly cattle class also, though this time we've bid on an upgrade for one of the longer flights - we'll see whether that yields anything. Thank you for your very kind good wishes

Mona, thank you - I'm sorry you get sick on flights, and glad you've found a way to cope with it. Thank you for the reminder about fluids and reading material. India (from Canada, is that right?) is another very long flight, though it sounds as if you're a seasoned traveller. Good luck with your own planning.

Gwennie, thanks for the reminder about getting up and moving. It's all too easy to just stay put for hours on end. I haven't got an infection at the moment (keeping fingers tightly crossed!) but that's useful to know for the future. Oh and eye masks - yes, good idea. I've got one knocking about somewhere. The time zone thing does seem to work, doesn't it.

Rachylou, thank you - I will make sure I walk up and down. I never realised I should get my feet up higher, so thanks for bringing that to my attention. I love the image of you travelling with your own little foot stool - sorry to hear it gets left behind now

Ruth M

abc, great list of tips, thank you If the time zone thing doesn't work, I'll remember your advice not to give in to hours and hours of sleep on arrival. And I'll add handcream to my tote - thanks.

Angie, thank you for chiming in again (though I'm worried about your wrists).

I hate the airplane loos too and will usually try to manage without if the flight is up to 8 hours or so. But I'll have been drinking plenty of water on the flight to avoid headaches, so on the longest flights I do have to use these horrid smelly little spaces, ugh!

Oh yes, hand sanitizer - must take some.

Interesting that a full tum helps you ward off air sickness (hmm, I like that tip ...) And I have got some noise-cancelling Bose headphones somewhere - never even thought to bring them on flights. I'll see if I can find them.

With you on the Kindle (I never wanted one, but received it in a gift and now I just love it). Yes to warm layers. Shoes I'd rather keep on for reasons of hygiene, but don't find them comfortable so off they come.

As you say, it's interesting how different we can be in our preferences Thank you so much again for all the input.

Rabbit, thank you. This was so interesting to me, since I've never "taken" anything to help with flying. Good to know what a difference these pills can make. I'm intrigued by the immune system booster - hadn't heard of such a thing, so if I've got time, I'll enquire at my local health food store. Because yes, it's all too easy to arrive with a cold. And another vote for the noise-cancelling headphones - I'll see if I can find my old pair. Oh yes, extra earplugs - good idea. Many thanks

rachylou

Veteran

I used to love Prescriptives Flight Cream. You could also use it as a hydrating mask. I don't think you can get it anymore.

Ruth M

Diana, great tips, thank you. I'll go for layers of clothing, because you're right - it can be either way with the temperatures. Now, that's interesting that you bring your knitting. I had been wondering idly about bringing some knitting (I used to knit years ago and have been inspired by various YLFabbers, not least yourself, to consider taking it up again). But then I thought knitting needles would not be allowed through security. I'm going to look into this.

I'm with you on preferring an aisle seat. And thank you for the reminder to bring a neck pillow. Very many thanks.

lari, thanks for the idea about the bottle for hot water - because airplane tea never tastes good. I'm impressed that you can memorise your passport number, expiration date, and other details - I suspect this feat might be challenging for me now (might have managed it a couple of decades ago, lol!), so I hope a photocopy will be a good substitute. I'm often caught out without a pen for form-filling, so that's a really useful reminder.

Gaylene, thank you. Yes, we're not alone in dreading those toilet trips - good thinking to schedule them for early on, if possible! I hadn't heard of those plastic-soled flight socks - they sound like a great idea. I'll definitely investigate those for next time (probably not enough time to source them for this trip). That's intriguing that your taste in entertainment changes when you fly! Your explanation about interruptibility makes sense, though. Yes, I so agree with you about the marvel of flight, in spite of the inconveniences. Our daughters both live on the other side of the globe from us. Only a few generations ago, we might never have seen them again after they emigrated. Thank you for all your input.

Rachylou, I must keep an eye out for one of those pillows with a flat back, because yes, now you come to mention it, the fat ones do make your head poke forward. Oh no, too bad about your ankles swelling from the pills. I love that you have your own airplane blanket in addition to your own little footstool - albeit the stool is now sadly left behind. More thanks

Diana

Veteran

Re: knitting needles and security. It does depend in theory upon which airports/countries you are flying out of, and the security people do have the right to take away the needles if they feel it is a threat. I can say that in my experience, however, I have never, ever been stopped or asked about them. In the last year, I've taken them on flights to and from the UK, Japan, and various places in the USA. I do always take my knitting on circular needles, so the actual needle part is shorter, so maybe that makes a difference. (Anyway, I suspect they just look like pencils or hair sticks on the X-ray anyway!) And I don't take scissors or anything like that. (I have nail clippers in my bag which work fine to clip my yarn, and if someone asks me to toss the nail clippers, no big deal.)

Also, if you crochet, I'm pretty sure a crochet hook is allowed anywhere.

Zibbets

Veteran

Ruth, when my dad was doing a lot of long-distance travel for work, he used a feast-fast diet a few days beforehand to avoid jet lag. He seemed to think it worked pretty well. Also, when you arrive, the best thing you can do is immediately adapt to whatever time it is and resist the temptation to take a nap.
Have a great trip!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Whatever you do, don't lose your passport. That is all. (Said by one who lost hers on her last long flight -- everything else pales in comparison!)

In all seriousness, I guess you can see from the above that what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. But my tricks are the following:

1. Start prepping for the new time zone BEFORE you travel. Visit http://www.jetlagrooster.com and type in your flight details with the number of days you have to prep -- it's really helpful. Once at your destination, try to conform to that time zone, and in particular, seek light in the daytime.

2. I also loathe the loo on planes but luckily I have a camel's constitution so I do what Gaylene does. I drink plenty of water but only use the loo at the start of flights.

3. I love Gaylene's suggesiton of the oversocks. I usually bring slippers. My feet swell a lot on flights so it can be tricky getting shoes back on; I used to leave them on like Angie for that reason. But lately I've been more comfortable unshod so I try to wear footwear I'll be able to get back into without too much difficulty -- i.e. looser fitting boots (as a rule).

4. A small travel kit with toothbrush, wipes, etc. to freshen up at destination in first available bathroom. Some airlines give out a little "travel pack" with mask, lip balm, etc. on long hauls, but you can't depend on it. So I bring along moisturizing cream, lip balm, makeup to freshen, eyedrops.

5. Kindle stocked with books.

6. Headphones.

7. I carry a mask but rarely use it; I find it impossible to sleep on planes and almost never do.

8. Portable water bottle. I use one like in the photo - -Vapur? I ask the flight attendant to fill it up when needed.

9. Like Rachy, I like to raise my feet. Many planes now have footrests in economy.

10. I tend to choose vegetarian meals or fish if available. I rarely ever drink alcohol on a flight, but last time I did and it actually wasn't bad; I quite enjoyed my glass of wine. So I wouldn't rule that out if you find it relaxes you and passes the time. Just ensure you are well hydrated.

11. I also get up and move as often as possible. On short flights, I do the opposite -- stay seated as long as I can. But on long flights I take any opportunity to get up and stretch and move about.

12. Clothing -- my favourite things to wear are stretchy dresses (in summer and sometimes in winter with tights) or comfortable pants and sweaters with layers -- always a scarf. I LOVED my J. Crew Turner pants for flying. They were just like sweatpants but didn't wrinkle, bag out, or look messy. HIGHLY recommended travel pant.

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Gail

Veteran

I have travelled a lot on long haul flights from UK to USA. Also from Tokyo to east coast USA as DH was transferred to Tokyo for a while and we moved.
My advice is to take a neck pillow it was a winner when I flew to Melbourne. I don't sleep much on the plane but I do find that the neck pillow does improve my chances:) It also makes me more comfortable to watch the inflight entertainment. I will certainly be stealing my husbands new bose noise canceling headphones on my next trip.
Also wear layers of clothes, I always get cold especially if I am tired. I like to wear a pashmina so if I get desperate I can use it as a blanket lol.
PS I have to have a chapstick and mints !
Have a wonderful trip.

Dee

Veteran

Looks like you've gotten a lot of great tips. I'll add don't forget spare batteries if you have active noise-cancelling headphones. There's nothing worse than having them give out an hour into an eight to twelve hour flight. Also make sure your phone/kindle/etc chargers areeasily accessible. You don't want to be digging for them in the overhead bin.

I'm bad at sleeping on planes, but neck pillows, scarves large enough to be blankets and either melatonin or a large amount of wine definitely helps.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Sleepiing pills! I never take them, but I wish I had. Even if you're completely zonked from packing, and running around the airports, you still may not be able to sleep during your flight. It's miserable starting off your journey when you're completely exhausted. Melatonin will also help with jet lag, once you've arrived at your destination.

Ruth M

Diana, thanks for coming back on the security aspect. Interesting - as you say, perhaps the circular needles seem less of interest than full-sized ones would. Yes, I did crochet years ago and still have some hooks, and a bag of wool. Hmm - actively considering this as a way to pass the time. Feeling inspired - thank you

Zibbets, thank you for those two tips about feast-fast (5-2?) and time zone. I'm definitely going to do the time zone thing. It's probably too late to start a feast-fast for this trip, but I'll definitely keep it in mind for the next time. Thanks for your good wishes.

Suz, great list, thank you. Well, if my passport goes missing, I'll be blaming DH, who likes to take charge of both our passports in a rather patriarchal manner, lol! But seriously, I'm sorry you had that situation to deal with, and glad you managed to get it sorted out.

Thanks for the link to the helpful time zone site. That does take some of the mental calculations out of the equation (so to speak). And interesting link to the Vapur portable water bottle. I must admit it hadn't occurred to me that the water on flights might need to be filtered. Perhaps I should just stick to wine

Thank you for the information about the J Crew Turner pants - particularly of interest because I've just had to return some new track pants I was excited to wear, because on testing them for 10 minutes of sitting, the creasing was horrible. They were made of 100% Lyocell (I think that's a kind of rayon). I sometimes wear soft loose 100% cotton pants on flights - they are comfortable, but they crease too, of course. So thank you for the rec - yours do seem to be the perfect travel pant. And thank you for all the other great tips.

Gail, thank you - neck pillow and noise cancelling headphones are now on my packing list, and I'll definitely wear layers. And chapstick and mints - also good ideas. Many thanks.

Dee, thank you - very good reminder about batteries for the headphones. And chargers to be accessible - good point. Neck pillow and large scarf - tick. And yet another rec for wine - how can I NOT, lol!

Gradfashionista, thank you. I never take sleeping pills. And I'm hardly ever a good sleeper. Aha - slow joining of mental dots going on here - hmm, maybe I should get a few sleeping pills for emergencies Thank you for the idea.

Thank you so much, everyone, for all the helpful tips and comments - it's great to get tips that actually work, from people who actually have the experience. Many of these tips were new to me, and I needed reminders of many of the others. This will make my flights much more comfortable in future, so I truly appreciate the time taken to comment - many thanks again.

Anonymous

Decongestants can help your ears with pressure changes and make you drowsy. Tylenol PM is also helpful if you want to sleep.
I love Ear Planes for ear pressure. They are available at Target pharmacy and other places, but you may need to ask for them.
For jet lag, be sure to get outside and walk around once you get to your destination. It seems to help reset your internal clock.
I also put my carryon luggage under the seat in front and use it to put my feet up. Sometimes planes can be horribly hot. Wearing layers helps.
Dress well (business) for flights and you might get upgraded. It has happened to me more than once and is wonderful for those long flights.
Have a wonderful time!

claire

Upgrade!! That's my best tip! Just kidding

We just got back from South Africa, and the trip home via Hong Kong and Tokyo, four days in total transit. But I have to run out, I'll pop back when I'm not in a rush so I can give this some more thought and read the other posts more carefully, I'm sure everyone's covered off all the bases already. But maybe there's an extra tip or twoI can add. Back in a bit!

Scarlet

Veteran

My biggest tips would be have everything you need to fight the dry air. For me this includes lip balm, moisturizing cream, and drinking lots of water. You can carry on a large empty bottle and fill it after check-in so that you aren't dependent on beverage service. I have found those u-shaped pillows helpful if you can sleep. Sometimes flights are way too hot or cold, so layers to deal with both. Snacks for sure. Shoes that can accommodate swollen feet upon landing.

harmonica

Veteran

You're well covered, but I don't think knee high compression socks have been mentioned. They help increase blood circulation in the legs which means slightly less swelling and prevent formation of blood clots. I find them very good on long flights.