Enduring Long Flights

[Clockwork John]

When my wife and I flew to London, we got a direct flight from Los Angeles to London. That was a long friggin time to be in an airplane seat.

My advice would be to get an evening flight if you can. Our flight left LA at around 8:30 PM. We slept most of the way, and got into London mid-afternoon, so se really didn't have any problems with jet lag.

I'll agree with what many others have said: read, drink water, wear comfortable shoes, and get up and walk around as much as you can.

[davedove]

My advice would be to get an evening flight if you can. Our flight left LA at around 8:30 PM. We slept most of the way, and got into London mid-afternoon, so se really didn't have any problems with jet lag.

All the flights I have taken to Europe were overnight flights. For me, the flights were horrible. I could not really sleep, other than VERY short dozing, and I felt horrible when I arrived. If you can sleep, great, I wish I could.

My flight back was much better, as it was during the day. Aside from being a long flight, at least I wasn't messed up when I arrived back in the US.

[Frank McGrath]

My wife took small gifts for the flight crew. It was a flight just before Christmas. They really took good care of us. And, being humans, they do appreciate being noticed. Even with my wife's arm in a cast, we had a great flight.

[PiobBear]

For me, the flights were horrible. I could not really sleep, other than VERY short dozing, and I felt horrible when I arrived.

You might try some melatonin.
Dose up on your vitamins before departure; no telling what came aboard with the other 150 passengers (or the previous herds before them). I just spent a mere 4 hours trapped in a munchkin-sized seat in an aluminum tube with wings, and immediately contracted a rampaging case of MRSA or bird flu or something. Talk about feeling horrible; I'd have to get better to die.
If you're reading this, you may even want to disinfect your screen...

[Riverkilt]

So, Chapter 2, I'm going to Maui in early June.

Gonna review and note all the wonderful suggestions from you guys and gals.

And, I'll be on the same flight as my lady, who's going along, and my brother, his wife, and my nephews. Should provide many distractions.

Really appreciate the advice and suggestions.

Ron

[Ozman1944]

I've flown Los Angeles to Australia; Los angeles to Rome many times, and agree with all the above. Keeping hydrated and walking about/flexing your legs as often as possible is very important. I always get an Aisle seat and also try to sleep as much as I can, it passes the time and helps with jetlag. (Booze makes jetlag ten times worse, but luckily you don't drink). But a long flight is a long flight I'm afraid.

[ccga3359]

...But a long flight is a long flight I'm afraid.

I could handle the wrinkles, it's the cigarette thingy that gets me. A five hour flight to Jamaica had me tearing down the aisles knocking old ladies over to be the first on the tarmac and in flavour country.