I'm venturing on my first ever long haul flight in June and I was just wondering if anyone has any tips to stop me getting bored senseless on the flight and how to cope with sleeping etc?

cheers!

iPod, neck cushion, crappy in flight movie.

Try to time sleeping with when you'd be asleep where you're going

Assuming you're in economy - does the airline have seatback on-demand IFE? If they haven't, take a laptop and load it with films (a tablet is superb for this). Makes sure it's fully charged. Kindles are also great if you're a reader.

Actually, you might be better off without seatback screens. Last time I flew economy long-haul was San Francisco - Frankfurt and the fecking sod behind me was jabbing at the screen for hours. He stopped after I gave him a glaring look after about 7 hours.

For sleeping - invest in a little travel pack. I got one for a few dollars in San Francisco before that flight, contained a decent inflatable neck pillow, and earplugs and eye mask (which I already had). Makes sleeping much easier. Take your shoes off and an extra pair of socks to keep your feet warm. Oh and if it's an overnight flight and you're losing hours (eastbound transatlantic, for example), try and sleep as soon and as much as possible. I normally try and have some consideration and don't recline my seats much, but on long-haul it's a must.

Truth is, long-haul economy travel is crap. You'll be bored and frustrated after a couple of hours and won't sleep well. There will always be a whingey brat keeping you awake and the PA system will 'BONG' every time you're drifting off.

Of course, if you're business class don't worry and just enjoy! In my job I tend to get Business Class and it's an absolute world of difference. Plus the cabin crew chuck loads of booze down your neck to try and get you to sleep.

Set your watch to the time of the city of your destination as soon as you get on the plane.

I don't know why it works for me but it just does, have never had what I'd class as jet lag, nothing that an hours extra kip wouldn't shake off anyway.

You'll be fine. Emirates, even in economy have a great entertainment system on the back of seats. If you're on an A380 it's quieter and smoother than on flights of old. Drinks are free, but you may have to ask for them as they only tend to give you a drink with your meal. I flew on one last friday to Auckland from Sydney. Nice plane, nice flight.


If you look up your flight numbers and see what plane you're on, you can see the seat configurations at:
seatguru.com

that way you may be able to choose the best seat, if you can choose it online.


Oh and you'll be able to look at the internet on your laptop as they have wi-fi on board A380s.

Buy it in Dubai if you can.

Don't forget to get up and move regularly to keep your circulation going to prevent a DVT. There are some very fetching flight socks out there to help with circulation.

Go by steamer, far more relaxing

onanism... The pastime of kings

Check what you get for free on the flight as well - stuff like sleep masks, neck pillows etc may be available on the plane rather than having to buy them in advance.

If you get the option to upgrade to economy seats with additional legroom or by the emergency exits, take it. I know you've not got the longest of legs, but it really does make a difference.

its not the first flight on split long hauls that kills you its the second one. I've often found this travelling to the west coast of the US. The first flight to Philly or O'hare is not so bad but after a couple of hours transfer the second 4-6 hours flight is knackering. An ipad is the ideal in flight companion but you will need noise cancelling earphones if you want to hear anything. I also use my kindle on most flights.

It would be very selfish of the Hobbit to take up one of those additional legroom seats, especially when his legs won't even touch the floor.

PS Loz, When you get to Vietnam don't go out into the country side, not even on organised tours, there is a good chance that when uneducated peasants see your hair they'll take you for a god and not let you return.

Go into it with the right attitude. I really enjoy long haul flights nowadays and actually look forward to them. I know I can watch loads of movies (new releases but also loads of films from the far east not generally shown over here - I am normally flying to Bangkok or Singapore) and catch up with reading books and magazines I haven't had time for as in that 12 hours I will not be disturbed by work, family etc. No point in worrying about everyday life when you are up in the sky as you can't do anything about any problems. It is like being in a cocoon from reality and I enjoy that. If you go into the flight thinking it will be long and boring, it will be. Instead be organised and don't keep checking your watch!

Having done a few trips to Australia on my own, and I hate flying, my own personal strategy is to take advantage of the free booze, always helps the time go for me.