onanism... The pastime of kings

They charge a fortune for those now, but Virgin have banks of seats with extra legroom - unless you're 6'6" they are great. Also, the seats by the bulkhead partitions which have free leg space infront put you right next to the "Baby" seats. The central seats by the bulkhead where they put families with babies. Babies do only one thing on long haul - cry. Even noise cancelling headphones are useless against a baby wailing. You need to be at least 4-5 rows back.

Alwayts get the aisle seat on the middle row of 4, this has always been great for me. My last return flight from Aus I had the whole row of 4 to myself for both legs of the flight.

Also dont pick a seat near a 'bulk head' as that is usually where they have the sky cots, sky cots means noisy sprogs - not good on a long flight

1 (a). If nothing else, get the best noise-cancelling earphones you can. I have some in-ear Sennheiser ones. The nearest to the model i have that i can see is the CX500. Comes with a volume control on the cord, different size earplus and if it still has one, an on-off switch for the noise reduction.

I haven't tried any of the over-ear ones, but they can be £200-250 so presume they must be as good or better; but the sheer luxury of sticking the rubber earpiece in your ear and that drone disappearing takes a hell of a lot of stress away. The number one tip. Bar none.

(b) A snazzy sweatband/headband/buff thingy, if choosing in-ear earphones, to stop them slowly working their way out - or being pulled out when you nod off!

(c) Obviously, you chosen music device!! the point with the noise cancelling earphones is, use them all the time, even when NOt listening to music, as you don't realise how stressing the constant drone is until after it has stopped. But if you forget your ipod you'll be sick!

2. (a) A good, long book that you have always meant to read.
(b) don't forget your bookmark!

3. A fleece jacket, for when it gets cold on the plane.

Did I mention noise-cancelling earphones?

I always opt for a window seat in economy, for the simple fact you get something to look at occasionally and more importantly you can rest your head against the cabin interior (I always take a jacket as a cushion). Far easier and comfier than that awkward moment when you nod off, your head drops sharply and you crick your neck. Did myself some neck damage on a Heathrow-Manchester flight last month falling asleep like that on the looooooong taxi out at Heathrow.


Getting bladdered is a stupid idea, agreed, but I find a glass of wine or two or three before departure helps, and it shouldn't make you desperate to wee. As I said earlier, in business class the crew tend to plough you with booze to get you off to sleep anyway. Works for me.

Yes, I would say having a regular tipple will make your journey that bit ore pleasant, though I'd recommend some soft drinks in between to counter headaches. Peeing is not an issue, they have plenty of dubs, and the occasional walk to the dubs and back you'll find means suddenly when you get back to your seat you are much more comfortable, for that little bit of movement and exercise.

But back to my list - only wished i'd followed this advice once, but wish I had-

4. Your choice of HEADACHE pills. Aspirin, paracetamol, whatever. They aren't allowed to give you anything on the plane and if your head chooses those hours to ache (and I think the changes in pressure, the noise etc do tend to cause headaches) you'll wish you had a couple of pills to pop. My personal choice is Nurofen.