30 hours on a plane!

[Fibre-Lyte]

As the title suggests, I'm spending 30 hours flying from the U.K. to New Zealand next week. Having a three week vacation out there. I'm sure some of you will have done long haul flights before so I'm wondering how easy they are? The longest I've ever done before is around 10 hours to Florida so this will be a new experience for me. I know the plane has tv and I have books/magazines but the one thing I can't do is sleep on a plane. Is it easy, or a pain in the ***?

[dunlinii]

One of my best friends is flying to new zealand on friday for 6 months. You might even be going on the same plane....

The only really long flight i've done has been 14 hours. And I can't sleep while travelling, so before, to counter this I did like a whole day of exercise, so I could barley walk. I slept then

I have no sensible suggestions, sorry.

[slisk]

Well now, you are living a bit in my world. I takes about 18 hours of air time to get from Dhahran to Arizona. I can't say that I've done 30 but the longest single flight was about 12. I don't think there are any magic formulas but I medicate to sleep. Usually it is a valium + beer or Jack Daniels. I would guess that this flight would be in 2 or three legs so walk around the terminals if you get the chance. Get a good meal, it will help you sleep. Also drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Make sure your ipod is charged to help drowning out the other idiots that have no clue that you would like to sleep. I don't read much or watch TV. That just keeps me awake.

[pritchet74]

Compression tights are an absolute must. Huge difference for how your legs will feel when you land.

Other than that have a huge meal before your flight - airline food sucks.

[dunlinii]

Do they really make a difference pritch? Might have to remember that!

[rlpaul]

Compression tights, really?

Hrmm... I fly often, but usually not longer than 6-7 hours. Hopefully flying a cabin that allows the seat to recline into a sleeping position?

Instead of watching TV, I'll usually do some puzzles or read to get my eyes tired. Eating well also helps. Never get any sleep if I forget breakfast and or lunch. I'll usually take something like Advil PM on my carry-on as well.

[dalai]

Well now, you are living a bit in my world.

Ditto. Living downunder - this is normal if you want to travel anywhere north of the equator! Personally I am lucky and can sleep, which is what I try to do at all times other than when they are feeding us.

As for food, to avoid queues at the loo and get fed first, order a special meal even if only no salt. I always order veg and due to it being a special requirement you get served first regardless or where you are sitting. As you finish eating before everyone else you can get up use the toilet without queues and try and get straight back to sleep...

Once you land in NZ, get straight into sleeping according to the time zone. Don't nap when tired in the middle of the day, this I find only prelongs jet lag. Fight it out, caffeine and keeping busy with help get you through those first days.

Enjoy NZ!

[pritchet74]

Yup, compression tights are a miracle worker. The 1st time I flew to Australia couldn't even get my shoes on once we had landed. They make everything better.

Dalai is so right about the meal thing too. It is a huge time saver.

Also, most international flights have free alcohol - which is completely awesome.

[slisk]

I almost forgot. Bring dark sunglasses unless you like wearing the stupid masks. The cabin lights are often on well past when you would like to snooze. I wear shades almost all the time to rest my eyes and keep from establishing eye contact with kids who stand on their seats insisting on staring at me.

Pritch is correct - almost always there is free booze!!! So using my earlier formula, after the airline meal washed down with a valium/beer combo and finished with a Jack Daniel's chaser...it's nighty night to the sounds of my iPod playlist!

[FAQinc]

I agree with compression gear if you already have some.

As far as medicating I agree with any sleeping pill with any alcohol depends which gets you to bed quicker

also masking yourself like Zoro or a pro poker player helps I would even add an extra layer fluffy clothing to use as pillow.

And also a slightly boring but still engaging at some points book like the later stuff from Stephen King lots of words for not much going on = tired eyes.

[Fuchs]

hope you didn´t forgot to send my chainring before the flight

have a nice holliday!

[Fibre-Lyte]

Compression tights had been mentioned to me before but I hadn't take much notice so thanks for that Pritch The other thing that was mentioned was aspirin!?

The flight is actually 7.5 hours from Newcastle, England to Dubai, then a further 22 hours to Christchurch, 'bouncing' in Sydney for some fuel. I'm a lousy sleeper anywhere but my own bed so the plan is a lot of reading/listening to music. There is in flight tv, but ho good it is I don't know. I'm flying with Fly Emirates who apparently have a good rep, and I've been told that the female flight attendants are not so bad either

dalai, I'd never thought about the food thing. Damn! Next time... it's a really good idea. Come to think of it, everyone seems to be coming up with good ideas. I feel like I haven't lived with all you frequent flyers around

Fuchs, you'll be seeing your chainring quite soon

[Jeffr]

Where are you headed in new zealand? I spent a few weeks there years ago. Loved it.

[UNCrayburn]

... The other thing that was mentioned was aspirin!?...

Aspirin is a good idea. It's a mild blood thinner. Sitting during long flights can cause the blood to pool in your legs. Aspirin can make the blood thinner, more mobile, and less likely to pool. As noted by pritch, compression socks/tights can help with this. Long periods of inactivity can lead to blood clots in the legs, also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). It's a very serious health problem that a lot of folks just don't know about. Check this post for my experience with clots: viewtopic.php?f=33&t=3163&p=35717&hilit=pulmonary#p35717 . I would say use a combination of aspirin, compression socks/tights, try to move around some during the flight, and a little booze never hurts.

[slisk]

Too bad the layover isn't in Bahrain. I'd meet you at the airport.