Long Plane Ride Advice?

[mayachel]

I have a 12 hour flight coming up (2 transfers hour long lay overs).

I know to just pack all my toiletries so as not to hassle with it going through securities, and really "travel size" just won't last long enough.

It's an overnight flight...

What else? What should I bring for the flight? Food suggestions? Clothing suggestions?

ETA: I will be traveling on my own. DF will join me later in the week.

 

[elrohwen]

Hmm ... I would dress comfortably and dress in layers. Sometimes planes are freezing, but 5 minutes later they''ll be hot. It helps to have multiple layers to pull off and pull on.

I would get some water in the airport, or do as DH does and bring an empty nalgene bottle and fill it up once you pass security.

Either bring some sandwiches or buy something in the airport. Though they will feed you a meal for that long of a flight, I still like to have some food of my own in case the meal is horrible (I''ve never had one that was so bad I wouldn''t eat any of it though) or just in case I get hungry before or after the meal.

I usually bring two reading matierlas with me. Sometimes I get so sick of reading one particular book after hours and hours, so I like to bring the regular book I''m reading, then something light and easy to read (either book or magazine) in case I need a break.

Also, do you wear contacts? I would bring contact stuff in your carry-on so you can take them out or put them in during the flight.

I hope this helps! Enjoy your flight

 

[VRBeauty]

I have trouble sleeping on flights. One of my buddies -- a very frequent traveler -- uses excedrin PM to help him sleep.

I like to pack snacks -- little pouches of almonds, dried apricots, or jelly bellies. For a long flight, I''d also pack something to do other than books to read, a few crossword puzzles or a Games magazine, for example. (If you knit, a small project on circular needles is a great way to pass the time!)

Have fun!

 

[elle_chris]

everything elrrohwen said, and I''d add an extra pair of socks to the list. my feet always get cold. if this is an international flight (sounds like it is), they''ll provide you with a pillow and blanket. if it''s domestic, bring your own.
For food, you''ll have to buy somethng once you''ve gone through security so your options are limited to whatever they have at the gates. Don''t bring your own as they won''t let you board with it. I usually pick up some nuts.

 

[Haven]

I definitely agree to bring your contact case and solution, along with rewetting drops and your glasses, if you do wear them. (I suppose those are toiletries though, huh?)

I don''t know why, but whenever I take a long flight I buy food that I never eat at any other time. Here''s my list:
- Craisins (dried cranberries, very sweet)
- Cherry granola
- Cherry cereal bars
For whatever reason, those are the things I like to eat when I''m on an airplane for a long time. Can you remember any weird cravings you''ve had on other flights? Maybe get that food, if you can remember.

I also bring:
- A comfort book (one I''ve already read and LOVE, an easy read. Sometimes my favorite childhood books work really well here--Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, etc.)
- A new book I''m really interested in reading
- My iPod, which I load up with new music, lectures, or some new books on tape

On my last international flight I ended up passing the time watching movies at my seat. One of them was Semi Pro and I didn''t realize I was laughing really hard, and out loud, until the movie was over. I was on the flight with three of my colleagues and 26 of our high school students. When it was over I looked up to see a lot of them laughing at *me.* Whatever, I enjoyed myself.
I guess my advice there would be to zone out watching movies and documentaries if you can''t sleep or read. That totally passed the time for me.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:21:36 PM
Author: elle_chris
everything elrrohwen said, and I'd add an extra pair of socks to the list. my feet always get cold. if this is an international flight (sounds like it is), they'll provide you with a pillow and blanket. if it's domestic, bring your own.
For food, you'll have to buy somethng once you've gone through security so your options are limited to whatever they have at the gates. Don't bring your own as they won't let you board with it. I usually pick up some nuts.

I've gone through security with all sorts of food! As long as it's not a liquid I've never had a problem with it. Are you American? Maybe there are different rules internationally.

 

[elle_chris]

Yep American. When I fly out of JFK, they don't let you go through with any drinks/food. Domestic or International. I was told many times it's a regulation. When I have connecting flights in Europe to another EU country, I haven't had the problem. Then again I usually only have something to drink on me.

eta: i just flew last Sunday from Frankfurt to NY. Had a Coke Light (diet coke), and no problem going through security.

 

[TravelingGal]

I can''t live with a neck pillow on long flights, but that''s just me.

Wear shoes you can easily slip on and off. I know some people like to wear shoes that will help them get out of a burning plane, but since the odds of that are low, I say wear something you can get on and off easily without having to hunch down in your seat to get them on. This will come in handy when you have to go to the bathroom at some point. I actually have some really ugly tennis-type shoes with no back for the purpose.

Also, wear socks. Feet can get really cold on the plane, especially if you are by an emergency door (they are always so drafty!)

Just to understand, these are three separate flights totaling 12 hours? So it''s not just one long flight? If not, as that changes things. Long flights are much better for the little things..they give you bottled water and snacks in case you get hungry. Most likely you won''t have this at all on three 4 hour flights, especially if it''s domestic. In which case yes, bring your own water and food. You can bring a water bottle and fill it in a drinking fountain (yeah, I know that''s gross, but your other option is a $4 bottle of water at the airport).

Food, something that is more protein based will help. Anything small that helps you feel full fast. Nothing too salty, as that gets you thirsty, which makes you drink more, and then you have to go pee more.

Depending on which airline, bring your own headphones if you want to watch a movie so you don''t have to buy theirs.

If you are short, bring a bag that you can put under the seat in front of you and use as a footrest. This has saved me from backpain many times as I tend to slouch in the chair.

Don''t drink too much booze on the plane. That''s a surefire way to feel dehydrated and yucky in the morning. I do advocate a glass of wine if it makes you sleep better though.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:30:27 PM
Author: elle_chris
Yep American. When I fly out of JFK, they don''t let you go through with any drinks/food. Domestic or International. I was told many times it''s a regulation. When I have connecting flights in Europe to another EU country, I haven''t had the problem. Then again I usually only have something to drink on me.

Weird, I''ve brought all sorts of sandwiches and things through JFK and never had a problem! We just flew out of there a month ago and DH brought enough food for a family of 4. Maybe they only care sometimes and not others?

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:30:27 PM
Author: elle_chris
Yep American. When I fly out of JFK, they don''t let you go through with any drinks/food. Domestic or International. I was told many times it''s a regulation. When I have connecting flights in Europe to another EU country, I haven''t had the problem. Then again I usually only have something to drink on me.

eta: i just flew last Sunday from Frankfurt to NY. Had a Coke Light (diet coke), and no problem going through security.

I''ve never had issues with snacks. Just chuck it in your carry on and don''t tell them it''s there.

TSA is a joke. I always have fluids in my bag (travel size) which I don''t bother to take out and put in the trays any more (they are supposed to be in a ziplock bag). They have never, not once, questioned me about it or checked my bag.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:33:49 PM
Author: TravelingGal
TSA is a joke. I always have fluids in my bag (travel size) which I don''t bother to take out and put in the trays any more (they are supposed to be in a ziplock bag). They have never, not once, questioned me about it or checked my bag.

Agreed. I''ve accidently taken a pocket knife through security quite a few times. They''re more likely to pick up on the harmless bottle opener on my keychain then on the pocket knife

They have checked DH''s water bottle before - he leaves it empty, but they make him pull it out just in case.

 

[elle_chris]

Maybe I just look like a terrorist? lol
But seriously, they''ve been very anal with me the few times I''ve tried it. Just flat out refused to let me through. Had to throw everything out.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Earphones: they sometimes show movies/shows but don't always provide them for free
Chap stick/small moisturizer (they hassle you less for the solid based ones): skin can get crazy dry on a plane, especially in winter.
A small packet of kleenex: in case you get the sniffles
Book/music/distraction for the flight
Chewing gum if your ears are sensitive to the pressure changes
Snacks
I also like to bring travel sized purel (but I'm a little more paranoid than most, haha)
And wear comfy shoes! Your feet definitely swell after sitting for so long.
Definitely dress in layers, the temp on a plan can get pretty variable. I would also wear comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing in general.

 

[Haven]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:35:46 PM
Author: elrohwen

Date: 12/18/2009 12:33:49 PM
Author: TravelingGal
TSA is a joke. I always have fluids in my bag (travel size) which I don't bother to take out and put in the trays any more (they are supposed to be in a ziplock bag). They have never, not once, questioned me about it or checked my bag.

Agreed. I've accidently taken a pocket knife through security quite a few times. They're more likely to pick up on the harmless bottle opener on my keychain then on the pocket knife

They have checked DH's water bottle before - he leaves it empty, but they make him pull it out just in case.

I've never had a problem bringing snacks onto an airplane, I'd be very upset if they took away my Craisins!

Some airline let my insane looking aunt (remember the troll dolls of the 80s and 90s? Think of one with fire engine red hair, huge black-rimmed glasses, and the habit of talking through her teeth) onto a plane from Florida to Chicago with a cake cutting set for my wedding. That knife blade was at least ten inches long, she said that she told them it was a gift and they let her through.

If she wasn't so bizarre, perhaps it wouldn't be so shocking, but my aunt is a very, very scary woman when she's not wielding a huge knife.

 

[mayachel]

Elle Chris- Oooh good to know about the food. I would definitely have tried to bring my own. I''m flying out of JFK so, that seems pretty specific.

Elrohwen- I like the idea of having different things to read, as much as I enjoy it, I can imagine needing a break from one and flipping to another.

TravelingGirl-It is international, but I''m wondering about those neck cradle pillows? Are they easier to use than the plane pillows? The first leg of the trip is about 9 hours then two one hour flights.

Haven-what a good idea, I am such a non-repeat reader but when i look at my bookshelves there are definitely books I''d like to reread. Nothing like "shopping" at home.

 

[klewis]

Getting an aisle seat means you come and go when and as often as you like without having to squeeze past other passengers in your row.
Packets of moist face towels.

 

[mayachel]

Makingthegrade-great list of "little stuff". My skin gets so dry with it just being winter.

Haven-I can not tell you how hard I laughed at your description of your aunt. I can just picture her with this gigantic cake knife.

 

[elle_chris]

Mayrachel- they let elrohwen on with food.. just not me. I have another flight coming up in January. It''s also transatlantic and I''m going to call them about the food issue this time to see what they say. I think you should do the same.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:39:06 PM
Author: elle_chris

Maybe I just look like a terrorist? lol
But seriously, they''ve been very anal with me the few times I''ve tried it. Just flat out refused to let me through. Had to throw everything out.

Haha, maybe you do! I have a friend who gets pulled aside every single time he goes through security. He''s Indian, but otherwise does not look or act like a terrorist so we can''t figure it out. Maybe his name is similar to someone who is wanted? I have no idea.

Still weird that they were so harsh with you! I can''t even tell you the picnics I''ve carried through security. Lol. I think I brought an entire loaf of banana bread once.

 

[BeachRunner]

Everytime I try to sleep on long flights, I get stuck with the person reading with the light on. If you have eye shades, they may be helpful to sleep.
water
snacks
books
music
slip on shoes (hate feeling rushed during checks)

 

[kenny]

Drink lots of water and wear foam earplugs and get up often to stretch.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:40:49 PM
Author: mayachel

TravelingGirl-It is international, but I''m wondering about those neck cradle pillows? Are they easier to use than the plane pillows? The first leg of the trip is about 9 hours then two one hour flights.

For me it does. In coach, the issue is that the seats don''t recline far back. So people drift off to sleep only to wake up from their heads suddenly drooping. I use those little crescent shaped neck pillow as a "C" around the side of my neck vs a "U" with the bulk of it behind my neck. In the "C" position, some of it is under my chin, which helps with the head drooping issue.

 

[rierie26]

I second the moisturizer and chapstick/lip balm. Plane air is ridiculously dehydrating. I usually put moisturizer and lip balm right before I get on the plane so that my face doesn''t feel tight and dry during the flight.

Since you''ve got a couple of layovers, I wouldn''t suggest taking too much stuff in your carryon/purse (unless you''ve got one of those rollerbags and are ok with opening it up to get stuff) since you might be schlepping from one gate to the other and they might be far from each other. If you have a Kindle or one of those electronic book readers, that would be ideal since you can have several books and magazines but just one thing to carry.

Flats or ballet slippers are good to bring in your carryon too if you''ve got an overnight flight. They don''t take up much space and are super comfortable when you fly.

 

[LGK]

Non underwire bra. Then you don''t get your boobs grabbed. I always beep- always, not exactly sure why, my earrings are sterling but maybe it''s my navel ring?- and if I have an underwire bra on, then *that* beeps for their wand thing, and then you guessed it, you get your boobs checked thorougly. Blah. Guess they might be weapons? (Last time I got swabbed too- they did my hands with some chemical swab- which was... interesting. Of course all my in-laws were with and quite entertained watching me get inspected so carefully.)

 

[kenny]

Date: 12/18/2009 1:24:31 PM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
. . . you get your boobs checked thorougly. Blah. Guess they might be weapons?

Well they CAN be.
That Austin Power's movie proved it.

(Sorry, I'm just milking this for all it's worth.)

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 12/18/2009 1:24:31 PM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
Non underwire bra. Then you don''t get your boobs grabbed. I always beep- always, not exactly sure why, my earrings are sterling but maybe it''s my navel ring?- and if I have an underwire bra on, then *that* beeps for their wand thing, and then you guessed it, you get your boobs checked thorougly. Blah. Guess they might be weapons? (Last time I got swabbed too- they did my hands with some chemical swab- which was... interesting. Of course all my in-laws were with and quite entertained watching me get inspected so carefully.)

Haha, that would suck! I can''t say I''ve ever had a problem with it, but I''ve seen other women who do. Maybe they should market certain brands of bras as metal-detector-safe?

I got the wand used on me in Frankfurt and the zipper on my boots set off her wand (though not the metal detector itself) and she made me take them off. Uhh, why don''t you just have people take them off to start with? It would''ve saved me 5 minutes of having to watch my boots go back through the line.

 

[mayachel]

This is great everyone! It''s really gotten me on the ball with packing.