Surviving the flight from the US to Australia
 

A good friend of mine is flying from the US to Australia next month. I thought a nice gift for her upcoming birthday would be to put together a carry on bag with all the things you need to survive a long flight. Some of the items I was considering were bottled water, snacks, eye shade, kleenex, anti bacterial hand soap, neck pillow, books, Tums, aspirin, toothbrush/paste. Anybody else have something they always carry on that I could add? I'm going to let her pack her own change of underwear and travel documents!

Kristi - you pretty much have it covered. One thing I get at the airport are the cheesey entertainment mags that I never read otherwise - People, In Style... (of course I travel every couple months) Also, if the trip is a once in a lifetime kind of deal - how about a travel journal with a pen, a glue stick, highlighter and some little scissors. At my local bookstore, they sell book covers made of cordura that zip all the way around -like a daytimer. She could keep the journal, postcards, brochures etc all together in one place. just an idea

A travel journal is a great idea Bly! I know that I keep all of those things, brochures, tickets, etc. so I have momentos to look at when I get home. And I forgot to mention that it is her honeymoon so it should be a very memorable trip!

Brookstone makes a really nice eyeshade. It's padded and completely blocks out all light. And the strap fits together with velcro so you can make it fit your head exactly. It costs $20 I think. I hesitated about buying it because I didn't think I needed it particularly, but now I use it all the time.

Kristi: <BR> <BR>Having just returned on Thanksgiving <BR>night from Auckland and points West, I regret to inform you that there is no workable cure for 11+ hours in flight. <BR>You just do it. <BR> <BR>Qantas also provides an eyeshade for free. Works fine. <BR> <BR>Good luck to your friend. The packet you've put together sounds fine. <BR> <BR>John <BR>

DON'T FORGET EARPLUGS.

Moisturising Lotion - I always find that my face and hands feel yucky half way through a flight. <BR>I'm not sure if they sell this in your country(!) but Jurlique Pure Rosewater Freshener is fantastic - A 30ml/1.0fi.oz bottle (perfect for handbag)a fine mist that "soothes, cools and enlivens the face, body and psyche" <BR>Toothbrush & toothpaste is a must have and so are a lovely, comfortable tracksuit ans bedsocks. <BR>Yes, yes, yes to ear plugs.

An inflatable neck cushion - looks very silly but it really does work!

Just did the Sydney trip. I don't think there is anyway to make it better....we were in coach! The recommendation on the neck pillow is great, and it did help some. Also, do not fly United. They have a very senior bunch of flight attendents that really could care less. Also, there is an exit row, sounds great, except it is by four bathrooms, so all 14 hrs you hear the door banging! <BR>At least on Air New Zealand they have foot rests in coach. On the return, we flew from Singapore to Toyko, and that was a very pleasant 6 hour flight, also United, but an all Asian staff, and they couldn't do enough. The Tokyo to Chicago group was again the senior attendents (my age) and they just can't get that good service down. They even came around at "snack time" with Top Ramen noodles in little bowls....of course adding boiling water I would think could be a serious safety hazard!

Kristi <BR> <BR>Great idea! I never go on a long haul flight without my chapstick! The air is so dry on planes that it's become a requirement for me! You may also want to put a nice sample size of anti-bacterial lotion in the carry on. Bath and Body Works makes some great scents in small sizes, plus it serves two purposes - provides much needed moisture and kills germs! (Geeze - sorry - I sound like a commercial!)