Patty

Whether to sleep or not depends on your flight time. I usually leave LAX during the day and arrive in China the following evening. I try to stay awake for most of the flight so that I can fall asleep after I arrive that evening.

HKTraveler

For work reasons, I have been flying across the pacific ocean four or five times a year for the last few years. And needless to say, as a frequent flyer, I have got my own way of dealing with it. My recommendation is very simple: fly Cathay Pacific. This is not just a compliment to their top-notch service and decent movie selection. What also makes it great is the schedule. For example, their planes leaving SF and LA are usually late at night. You get on, eat a light dinner, go to sleep, watch a movie and then it is breakfast time. 12 hours later, you land in HK at 6:30 am! It is like a very long and extended night but once you land in HK, there shouldn't be much jet lag. And even if you do, don't sleep on your arrival day. Go sight seeing and go to bed at night. The next morning, you should be fine.

UKUKUK

I take 30-40mg of Valium and drink a few of those small bottles of red wine with my meal, then I wash it down with a couple of JD and cokes. This is guaranteed to ensure you sleep well and no one wakes you up climbing over to get to the toilet or if their kids start misbehaving.

michi

I have taken tapes and CDs across the Atlantic with no ill effects.

UKUKUK suggestions on taking valium, wine and so on are kind of scary. Maybe one day he'll have such a good sleep he won't wake up. Seriously. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone especially at high altitudes.

But I am still interested in how to pass the time since we are leaving soon for China.

jahlie

Frank, Too many cooks may be spoiling the broth but it's probably best if you just talk to your doctor about which sleep aid (if any)would be right for you. I take Ambien, my husband takes Valium, and neither of us would leave home without them - we do stick to just one wine or beer with dinner. I learned this the hard way - spoiling one vacation by not sleeping. Also, I agree with the late night flight reply. It's so easy to just take off, go to sleep, and wake up in the morning right on schedule. Make yourself as comfortable as possible and have a great time.

Neil_Oz

Folks, a small plea: let's get a bit of perspective into this. A trans-Pacific flight with food, drinks, movies, music and reading material on hand mightn't be exciting, exactly, but it's eminently survivable. As ordeals go in this world I've cetainly endured worse. What are we talking about here - 15 hours on an aircraft, give or take? My advice: forget the chemicals and be prepared to tolerate a little boredom and minor discomfort. Drink water, take a few walks, watch a movie, read a page-turner, doze. When you get to your destination, don't nap - stay awake and active until your normal bedtime rolls around. Then have a good night's sleep. Bingo, no jet lag.

KEITHREY

IF POSSIBLE I SUGGEST FLYING FIRST CLASS. I KNOW ITS EXPENSIVE BUT ITS THE ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL ON VERY LONG FLIGHTS. I FLEW RECENTLY TO SINGAPORE FROM LONDON AND GOT AN UPGRADE FROM BUSINESS TO FIRST AND ITS UNFORGETABLE.
FULL FLAT BED , GREAT FOOD AND SLEPT FOR 8 HRS.

rickg

UKUKUK, That recipe should be enough to knock out the entire coach cabin. Not a bad idea, I guess, you'd have the place to yourself.
Seriously, alcohol and tranquilzers are a bad mix at any altitude.

woodstockguy

Sleeping pills are a necessity. Don't leave home without them. You'll be grateful even for shorter intercontinental flights

michi

Message to Frank,

My understanding of your question was you were looking for ways to while away time on a long flight, and not looking to knock yourself out. If this is true, have you received any good suggestions elsewhere I might find helpful. We take books, watch movies, do crosswords and so on as suggested by Oz, but other suggestions help. I used to take handwork but can no longer do it.

Have a good trip.

mardec28

Fly First Class? That's not exactly practical for those of us who can't afford $10,000.00 per trip or whose company doesn't pay for First or Business. I've done the trips to SE Asia and the 1st time got severe edema in my ankles & feet from staying in one position too long - this is very dangerous! So, in addition to getting sleep to pass the time and taking plenty of reading material and drinking water, make sure that you put your feet up if at all possible (if there are empty seats by you) or get up and walk around the cabin once or twice. Keeping your circulation going is essential - I am in my mid 30's, active and in perfect health, so edema isn't a scare only for older passengers! If you're in good health, taking a sleeping pill is your choice (I will be taking Tylenol PM with me on my next flight). Good luck and happy traveling.

PS - I will be flying this week on Singapore Airlines (in economy). Singapore provides excellent service, has those individual tv screen at every seats and has extremely reasonable rates.