Long Flights...what tricks have you come up with to make it easier??
Dec 10th, 2007, 07:23 AM
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Long Flights...what tricks have you come up with to make it easier??
Our upcoming flight to Thailand from Detroit will be our first really long flight (our longest flight to date has been to Hawaii)
We have 4 1/2 hours to Seattle, (with a 2 hour layover) 11 hours from Seattle to Tokyo, and 7 1/2 hours from Tokyo to Bangkok.
I'm mostly concerned about the flights from Seattle to Tokyo and from Tokyo to Bangkok...
Do you have any tricks, methods, etc you use to make the flight more bearable?
We have 4 1/2 hours to Seattle, (with a 2 hour layover) 11 hours from Seattle to Tokyo, and 7 1/2 hours from Tokyo to Bangkok.
I'm mostly concerned about the flights from Seattle to Tokyo and from Tokyo to Bangkok...
Do you have any tricks, methods, etc you use to make the flight more bearable?
Dec 10th, 2007, 07:53 AM
#3
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It's really a matter of attitude. We just put ourselves in a mental state of suspension and let the usual inconveniences go by unnoticed. We think of it as one trip beginning from our house and ending in our hotel room. That way, the connection time and flight time all merge into an indefinite clump.
There's a perverse way of looking at it that is glad it takes so long. If it were only a short 6-8 hours, Thailand would be overrun with US tourists.
There's a perverse way of looking at it that is glad it takes so long. If it were only a short 6-8 hours, Thailand would be overrun with US tourists.
Dec 10th, 2007, 08:00 AM
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Are you flying NW the whole way? Why not DTW-NRT non-stop?
Check seatguru.com to find a decent seat on your aircraft, if available.
Anyways, NW uses their new 330-200 for SEA-NRT and NRT-BKK on the current schedule. Good thing, as they have very advanced audio video on demand (AVOD) personal entertainment. But I always bring my own <b>noise isolating headphones</b> and my own iPod. There may be babies next to you, the screen may not work. Get a <b>two prong airline headphone adapter</b>, like one from Radio Shack ($5.99, #42-2495).
I always also bring some <b>reading material</b>, like a good book.
I take off my shoes during long flights, and use some <b>very flimsy slippers</b> when I need to walk around the plane that I can throw away at the end of the flight.
I take my <b>toothbrush and toothpaste.</b> You will be surprised how refreshing it is to just brush your teeth on a long flight.
Alcohol and sleeping aids will depend on how your body react to them. Because of the lower air pressure, alcohol can have more pronounce response to your body. Personally, I only drink light beer onboard and nothing stronger.
Check seatguru.com to find a decent seat on your aircraft, if available.
Anyways, NW uses their new 330-200 for SEA-NRT and NRT-BKK on the current schedule. Good thing, as they have very advanced audio video on demand (AVOD) personal entertainment. But I always bring my own <b>noise isolating headphones</b> and my own iPod. There may be babies next to you, the screen may not work. Get a <b>two prong airline headphone adapter</b>, like one from Radio Shack ($5.99, #42-2495).
I always also bring some <b>reading material</b>, like a good book.
I take off my shoes during long flights, and use some <b>very flimsy slippers</b> when I need to walk around the plane that I can throw away at the end of the flight.
I take my <b>toothbrush and toothpaste.</b> You will be surprised how refreshing it is to just brush your teeth on a long flight.
Alcohol and sleeping aids will depend on how your body react to them. Because of the lower air pressure, alcohol can have more pronounce response to your body. Personally, I only drink light beer onboard and nothing stronger.
Dec 10th, 2007, 08:35 AM
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We got our flights ridiculously cheap...so we do not have the direct flight from DTW to NRT.
We have been on an Airbus 330, and usually take advantage of the movies, etc. (I like the trivia game against other passengers!) we also have a portable DVD player, and each have BOSE noise cancelling headphones. (A crying baby on the whole flight to Egypt- was a lifesaver!) The seats are 2-4-2, we are in a row with just the two of us, so getting in and out of our seat will be easy.
The slippers are a great idea. I thought I'd also put a change of clothes, my toothbrush etc. in my carry-on to freshen up.
I bought the book "Bangkok 8" to read on the plane based on recommendations here.
We have been on an Airbus 330, and usually take advantage of the movies, etc. (I like the trivia game against other passengers!) we also have a portable DVD player, and each have BOSE noise cancelling headphones. (A crying baby on the whole flight to Egypt- was a lifesaver!) The seats are 2-4-2, we are in a row with just the two of us, so getting in and out of our seat will be easy.
The slippers are a great idea. I thought I'd also put a change of clothes, my toothbrush etc. in my carry-on to freshen up.
I bought the book "Bangkok 8" to read on the plane based on recommendations here.
Dec 10th, 2007, 08:38 AM
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I started a habit a few trips ago that a friend suggested - I find a novel that is set whereve I am going (First Ladies Detective Agancy for Africa, Pompeii for Italy, etc) and I read it on tha plane. I have been known to read an entire book and start on another one if the flight is quite long. An 18 hour leg with two other 2 hour segments is my longest so far.
I don't sleep on planes so I do another thing that this same friend suggested; I "wrap my head around" the fact that it will be long and annoying and I make the best of it. I have noise cancelling Sennheiser headphones that I love. Just got an iPod so I will try that on upcoming Buenos Aires and Bangkok trips. Mostly I watch whatever movies are available, read books, eat whatever I am offered, and get up and walk the aisles every hour or two. I have a glass of wine typically, but I don't bother with sleeping pills since they don't work for me. I know some people swear by them.
I like the throwaway slipper idea - I will have to try that this trip. And definitely bring a toothbrush and something to wash your face with when you get there. I wear contacts and so I take them out at some point in the trip and wear my glasses so my eyes don't get too dried out.
Just do your best to enjoy the trip and anticipate all of the wonderful things you will see at the other end!
I don't sleep on planes so I do another thing that this same friend suggested; I "wrap my head around" the fact that it will be long and annoying and I make the best of it. I have noise cancelling Sennheiser headphones that I love. Just got an iPod so I will try that on upcoming Buenos Aires and Bangkok trips. Mostly I watch whatever movies are available, read books, eat whatever I am offered, and get up and walk the aisles every hour or two. I have a glass of wine typically, but I don't bother with sleeping pills since they don't work for me. I know some people swear by them.
I like the throwaway slipper idea - I will have to try that this trip. And definitely bring a toothbrush and something to wash your face with when you get there. I wear contacts and so I take them out at some point in the trip and wear my glasses so my eyes don't get too dried out.
Just do your best to enjoy the trip and anticipate all of the wonderful things you will see at the other end!
Dec 10th, 2007, 08:52 AM
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My problem is I DEVOUR books...I read 'DaVinci Code" on a plane in 3 hours! I may have to take more than one book. I like the idea of reading about where I'm going...I also bought a book called "Tales of Asia" I thought I'd bring along as well. And I got a great book on Angkor Wat I'll take as a reference...
Just curious, jscale...why don't you sleep on the plane? Any particular reason?
Rkkwan...Where do you FIND disposable slippers?
Just curious, jscale...why don't you sleep on the plane? Any particular reason?
Rkkwan...Where do you FIND disposable slippers?
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:00 AM
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On Long flights we try to have the meal, and then watch the movie or take a sleeping pill( which ever will get us on a time schedule of the country that we are going to.) Sleeping can pass away 1/2 of a long trip. If you have a two hour layover in between legs of your journey, walk around the airport instead of sitting. Having some exercise helps with the restlessness.
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:10 AM
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I wear travel (pressure) knee socks so that my feet and ankles don't swell. They feel fine and you can get them pretty inexpensively at Travel Smith or Amazon.
In addition to plenty of Ambien, I always take a small (3 oz) saline nasel spray. Your nasel membranes will be like the sahara desert and you have no idea how great a spray of saline every hour or so will feel. Seriously, this is a flight attendant tip and it makes a huge difference in how you feel upon arrival.
Lastly, you already have my favorite item: noise cancellation headphones. Love them.
I'm heading off to BKK this Thursday from JFK. I have four NY Times Sunday magazines, the "Atlantic" 150 anniversary special on "Ideas", and the Scientic American special issue on "What is Time?" I never have time to read them on terra firma, so I'm going to attempt it on my 17 hour flight. Bon voyage Heymo!
In addition to plenty of Ambien, I always take a small (3 oz) saline nasel spray. Your nasel membranes will be like the sahara desert and you have no idea how great a spray of saline every hour or so will feel. Seriously, this is a flight attendant tip and it makes a huge difference in how you feel upon arrival.
Lastly, you already have my favorite item: noise cancellation headphones. Love them.
I'm heading off to BKK this Thursday from JFK. I have four NY Times Sunday magazines, the "Atlantic" 150 anniversary special on "Ideas", and the Scientic American special issue on "What is Time?" I never have time to read them on terra firma, so I'm going to attempt it on my 17 hour flight. Bon voyage Heymo!
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:12 AM
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heymo - My mom collect the slippers in Asian hotels. Also at L'Auberge du Lac Casino and Hotel in Lake Charles, LA, which provide them in their rooms (I guess because they have plenty of Asian guests).
Anyways, since you read lots of books and fast, you should consider an electronic book like the Sony E-Reader or Amazon's Kindle.
Anyways, since you read lots of books and fast, you should consider an electronic book like the Sony E-Reader or Amazon's Kindle.
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:21 AM
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I thought about getting one of those electronic books...have you had any experience with either of them? I haven't read any reports on them.
I may check our local drug store that carries nursing home supplies- they may have the disposable slippers.
I may check our local drug store that carries nursing home supplies- they may have the disposable slippers.
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:29 AM
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Instead of headphones, I use some good earbuds (Shure, not the cheapies that you get for free with the Ipod), and I listen to either relaxtion music or a recording of rain. No, really. I might also take an over-the-counter sleeping pill (Unisom) for flights >10 hours.
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:33 AM
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drink no alcohol or caffine drinks...i dink only water....i take a prescription sleeping pill...
in the n/w 747 try to get seats in rows 63-67....the only two seaters on the planes....makes a huge difference...
the narita to bkk ride is a killer as you are beat....just relax and think of the joy you will experience the next couple of weeks..
in the n/w 747 try to get seats in rows 63-67....the only two seaters on the planes....makes a huge difference...
the narita to bkk ride is a killer as you are beat....just relax and think of the joy you will experience the next couple of weeks..
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:34 AM
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Ooh...not a good sign.
The main reaosn I'm asking about how to best deal with the long flight is we get into Bangkok at midnight and will start touring the city the next day. I don't want to spend my whole first day in Thailand in a fog...
The main reaosn I'm asking about how to best deal with the long flight is we get into Bangkok at midnight and will start touring the city the next day. I don't want to spend my whole first day in Thailand in a fog...
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:45 AM
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For the A330s, try to get in the front section of economy. These seats have an extra 2" of legroom as well as a power outlet. I can access them because I have elite status. If you don't, check in online 24 hours before your flight and try to snag them. The 2" makes a lot of difference!
We also enjoy the trivia!
We are also trying out these new travel pillows on our upcoming flights MSP-AMS-MUC
http://www.skyrest.com/default2.html
I like the suggestion of bringing magazines (espeically NY Times Sunday magazines) because you can throw them out/ give them to another passenger when you've finished, opening up room for souvenirs.
And don't forget chapstick!
We also enjoy the trivia!
We are also trying out these new travel pillows on our upcoming flights MSP-AMS-MUC
http://www.skyrest.com/default2.html
I like the suggestion of bringing magazines (espeically NY Times Sunday magazines) because you can throw them out/ give them to another passenger when you've finished, opening up room for souvenirs.
And don't forget chapstick!
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:56 AM
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We're in row 12, which is the second row of economy...so I think we've already taken care of whatever extra room we can.
I've also read that melatonin is supposed to help as weel. Has anyone tried that?
I've also read that melatonin is supposed to help as weel. Has anyone tried that?
