Enduring Long Flights

[Riverkilt]

I have an opportunity to visit Hawaii this summer. I've flown for the last 50 years, but as airliners have shrunk their seating space I dread being cramped up like a sardine for so many hours.

I'm wondering how people endure such long flights as to Hawaii, to Great Britain, etc. Obviously flying kilted helps...but would appreciate any tips or suggestions.

I've been sober by choice for over 18 years so booze isn't an option.

Thanks,

Ron

[James MacMillan]

Come on Ron - You know the answers...................

Stay up really late rhe night before and try to sleep throught the whole thing.

Take a long life laptop, and keep a trip diary, then post it when you log on.

Take three books and read them all.

Take a sketch book and draw.

Talk to ALL of your fellow passengers.

Make dates with ALL the pretty girls.

Have plenty of business cards and pass them out.

Be inventive - it doesn't have to be boring!

[Riverkilt]

Staying up all night might work...hardly ever sleep well the night before a trip...

Thanks

[James MacMillan]

You planning on a USA Casual? That's what I used on the last flight, and it worked great!

[Coinneach]

Being cramped like a sardine on a flight to Hawaii can depend on the airline. If you're on a major carrier, chances are the seating will be a little more normal. I once flew to Hawaii on "specialty airline" with a great fare and it was definitely like a cattle car. I'm not a tall person and I could barely fit.

As soon as the plane takes off, reset your watch or PDA for Hawaii time and eat or sleep according to that schedule. You'll want to make sure you have small snacks to tide you over until the next major meal.

Ask for bottled water. No ice, if they offer you a cup. I almost always buy a bottle of water before boarding then ask the attendants for bottled water when they come by with the cart. That way I always have plenty of water.

I usually carry one book and some sudoku or crosswords so I can switch between them since I'm easily bored. I never watch the inflight movie because I like movies and would rather see it at home in its entirety with good sound.

Don't pack anything you know you will definitely need at your destination, such as medication. I travel coast to coast several times a year and have been lucky not to have lost any luggage, but I figure it's only a matter of time.

For whatever reason, I've not been able to work on my laptop during flight. I can never seem to manage to get the screen where I can see it and not cramp my hands up trying to type. Definitely carryon your laptop.

If you think you could nap on the flight you might get yourself a neck pillow. (The airlines no longer have pillows.) Little cat naps are often enough to be recharged...as if Hawaii wasn't enough.

Good luck!

[Hachiman]

Hi folks

Ron, having made the flight from Australia to the USA 3 times, I've got a few suggestions about surviving long flights.

The best suggestion I can make is go for a 'bulkhead' seat. That is, one of the seats next to an emergency exit. While the idea of being near a door might seem unnerving, the ability to simply stand up when you want to go to the bathroom / walk around / etc is definitely worth it. This will require some discussion with the airline (probably at check-in... depends on the airline's policies), however if you have any sort of medical condition that might require you to have an easier method of getting out of your seat, you might be able to swing it. Failing that, get an aisle seat - at least you won't feel guilty when you need to go to the bathroom.

If you can afford it, investigate Air New Zealand's "premium economy" seating. These are a limited number of seats that are roomier than economy, but cheaper than business class. I don't know if ANZ flies to Hawai'i, but it's worth checking out. Even if you can't get their premium economy, ANZ have excellent service.

Next, I strongly suggest that you purchase some earbuds that conform to the shape of your ear canal. The better the earbud's ability to block sound (decibels) the better your flight will be. If you're seated behind the wings, you're going to be getting the brunt of the sound coming from those massive engines under the wings. Blocking that sound will give you a better chance of sleep.

Stay hydrated. Drink water, and perhaps contemplate buying a nasal spray to stop your nose membranes from drying out. Eye drops are also worth contemplating. While we're discussing 'equipment', a small bottle of antiseptic hand wash would be a worthwhile investment.

Finally, do remember to stretch your legs from time to time. Deep vein thrombosis isn't fun.

that's about it from me - anyone else got some suggestions?


cheers

Hachiman

[Coinneach]

Drink water, and perhaps contemplate buying a nasal spray to stop your nose membranes from drying out. Eye drops are also worth contemplating. While we're discussing 'equipment', a small bottle of antiseptic hand wash would be a worthwhile investment.

Just make sure that if you buy anything liquid before going through security, it might need to conform to a specific volume of liquid, such as 4 oz. I don't know what the latest rules are. I had been hoping to get some nasal spray at the airport during my last trip but no shop there had them.

When you carry liquids through security, put them in a sealable clear plastic baggie in case the TSA wants to inspect them. I also carry an extra baggie so I can put my coins, keys, cell phone, pen, etc in it and put those through security. It just saves time.

[SFCRick]

my longest flight was 2 years ago 38 hours-from Afganastan to Hawaii with stops in Germany, Philadelphia, San francisco and LA. Try to sleep, wear eye shades or mask, ear phones w/ ipod or music, do leg & butt exercises- such as flexing & stretching, walk as much as possible.

[AnimalK]

Get a 1 liter Nalgene bottle that you can carabiner-clip to your carry-on.
Take it EMPTY through the Security checkpoint.
Fill it with the "highway robbery" bottled water from the newsstand.
(Drink at least 8 oz/hr of flight time)
Sweet-talk the flight attendants into refilling when needed with the bottled water they get catered with.

(Is it obvious I fly A LOT?....)

The TSA rule is "3-1-1"
3 oz bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shave gel, shower gel, hand sanitizer, etc, are permitted.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/

[kiltedinUSMC]

I've only been flying since I joined the Marines. So to me it still a new thing, even though I been doing this for almost four years. My advice is bring alot of books and magazines. I know alcohol is not a option to you, but to me a couple of drinks and I and a happy flyer. The last time I flew, the airliner had on the headrests bulit in screens where you could track the flight pattern or watch tv, even play trivia aganist other passagers( I won a game or two) I hope you have a safe flight when you do leave on your trip.