The longest distance I've flown has been from NY to Hawaii and that was 2 1/2 years ago. I wore my most comfortable sandals on the flights because with the timing we both landed in Hawaii and arrived home at night. We're flying to Dusseldorf next month and landing at 7:30 AM local time. What kind of shape can I expect my legs to be in? I've read that you need to keep going the day you arrive so your body can adjust to the time change easier. Will I be OK wearing sandals and changing into the shoes I plan to wear all day in the airport? I plan to brush my teeth and wash my face when land knowing how much that helps me wake up and feel better. I want to be able to enjoy our first day and not have my feet be sore part way thru the first day.

Thanks for any wisdom you can share.

Ever since they stopped making the passengers peddle, their legs arrive pretty well rested. Actually, the only effect is that extended time in cabin pressure will make your feet swell. I wear loose, comfortable shoes and take them off during the flight.

Your NYC-HNL flight ~5000 miles
NYC-DUS ~3800 miles

If you survived the Hawaii flight, you will be fine for the upcoming flight to Germany

If you're really worried about DVT, go buy a pair of compression stockings at the local pharmacy, and take an aspirin before flying. Belt and suspenders.

If my sandals were the comfortable walking type of sandal, I'd wait until I arrived at wherever I was staying to change into shoes (and maybe not even then if my feet were swollen).

Thanks for the advice. I'm concerned that my feet will swell and the walking shoes won't be that comfortable.

You feet will swell, but it'll be over in a few minutes after you put your shoes back on and walk around. The swelling (and I don't mean DVT) really is not an issue or concern other than for a few minutes.

I totally agree about brushing teeth. That's very refreshing.

My legs are usually fine. It's my arms that really hurt after flying across the Atlantic.

J62 - You mean your wings, right? How many times do you have to flap them, and how long does it take you to cross the ocean?

I always bring a pair of comfy socks to wear during the flight - as soon as I am seated, I take my shoes off and put my socks on, then only put my shoes back on when I need to walk around the cabin and for landing.

Stay away from the salted nuts;drink LOTS of water and take an aspirin and you should be fine.

hmmm. in that case you must be comfortable in your own.. i think time doesnt matter if your just comfortable in your flight.. just try to be easy.. dont worry about it...
@_@

I highly recommend the flight socks/compression socks, even if you're not at risk for DVT. They do a good job of keeping down the swelling in feet and ankles. The swelling is an issue for me for far more than a few minutes - more like a few days. But then I'm no spring chicken. ;-)