First time travelling over water - Page 3

Why?

Plan ahead - make sure you have a small bag (packed inside a larger carry-on if you have lots of stuff) that will fit comfortably under the seat in front of you without cramping your leg room. I use a shoe bag. In that, put a book, a small toilet kit (I like to have wet wipes, some hand sanitizer, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a small soap in a ziplock bag, and a washcloth), your iPod and headphones, a pen, and your passport. Maybe include some other reading material or a crossword if that's your thing. You'll need the passport for when you are filling out your entry and exit forms and it will suck to be rooting around through your stuff in the overhead when that time comes. You'll also be amazed how refreshing a good toothbrushing and face wash can be about an hour or so before landing and you're feeling groggy and exhausted. I don't change into sweats but I try to wear cotton trousers, a shirt and a light sweater. I change into slippers when I sit. Some people say you should keep your shoes on and that it's bad for your feet and your shoes to put them all swelled back into your shoes at the end of the flight... but I remain totally unconvinced of this and the slippers are so... farking... comfortable. I try to get some sleep but personally I like to use the flight to get onto destination time. So I get a bit of sleep but overall try to stay up if that's what is required. Depends on flight time and where I'm going, of course. Try to eat as little as possible. I find it very hard to turn down the meal - it's doubly frustrating when you can smell it and everyone around you is chowing down - but the food is awful and you don't want to feel all stuffed. Drink as much water as you can and just try to keep what you do eat light and healthy. Good luck, have fun, and no doubt you're going somewhere interesting, so enjoy!

I know most people like aisle seats but I prefer the window, especially on longer flights. Not only can I see outside if I want to, but I can lean/sleep against the wall. You also don't have to get up for anybody...ever. I'm assuming that on such a large flight, quick deplaning is not necessarily going to be an issue anyway. I try to avoid sitting in the middle bank of seats (assuming a large plane here with two aisles). I feel like there's less privacy, plus there's no window seat equivalent.

Xanax. Over-the-ear headphones (this is the only time I'd say bose is a decent choice, I still think it's overpriced though). Loafers/boat shoes/shoes that are easy to slip off in general. Gum.

wear whatever you will be comfortable in. some people don't like it, but tough shit for them. you can bring toothpaste if it is <100ml and fits inside your safety baggie. keep in mind that airplane lavatory water is non-potable, so get some bottled water to brush your teeth.

what to do in-flight is a bit dependent on what you are doing after landing. do you have a business meeting to go to? are you just heading to an airport hotel to wait 12 hours for another flight? are you arriving in the evening or morning? do whatever you need to do in-flight to be comfortable during your transit and to keep you in good shape for whatever you are doing after landing.

if you are in coach (sweet Jeebus don't tell me you are flying 18 hours in coach), try to buy-up at the airport. if seats are available you may be able to get into business class for another $500-$750 or so.

+1 to avoiding airline food, it does suck & I've gotten sick on it a few times.

I've always gotten a bunch of sandwiches and snacks from a place I like before an intercontinental. Airplane food in variable at best, and it's nice to have something familiar. Also, once you pass security, get some bottled water. I always, always, carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with me. Even for a 4 hour flight, refreshing yourself makes you feel so much better. I used to like to fly at wierd hours to get on a half full flight, but with all the cutback these days, you'll be lucky if the flight is 80% full.

I will usually not drink much on a long flight either. Planes dehydrate you anyway, and I find that more than a couple of glasses of wine will give me a headache. I wear what I'm most comfortable in on a long flight, which means, for me, jeans, sneakers (usually low cut for long flights, for obvious reasons) warm socks, a tee, and a sweater. Sometimes I keep my most comfortable (and remember that comfort is as much psychological as physical) jacket with me, because when you fall asleep, you can feel very cold, very fast, and I'd rather not use the blankets airline provide.

Oh, and, this should go without saying, do not wear your contacts unless you hate yourself that much.