Tips to make it through Y long haul?

[Justinf]

Please? It's been a while since I've flown long haul in cattle class.
MEL-LAX with V Australia departing 1.15pm and then LAX-JFK with Virgin America arriving 7.15pm local time.
Dreading it big time. Excited about the holiday in the Big Apple, but dreading the trip when it's usually the thing I look forward to the most.
I'm 184cm, average weight. Aisle seat best so I can stretch the legs out a bit into the aisle?
Anything else? I'm begging you.

 

[PaulC83]

Pay for an upgrade?

Seriously, I find with those sorts of things the best way is to try and sleep through it if its a night flight (take a pill, or drink, or NC headphones), or take some favourite movies on a portable movie player and immerse yourself in that.

If you have lounge access too prior to the flight it can also help relax.

 

[MBR]

Please? It's been a while since I've flown long haul in cattle class.
MEL-LAX with V Australia and then LAX-JFK with Virgin America.
Dreading it big time. Excited about the holiday in the Big Apple, but dreading the trip when it's usually the thing I look forward to the most.
I'm 184cm, average weight. Aisle seat best so I can stretch the legs out a bit into the aisle?
Anything else? I'm begging you.

Hi.

Due to a failing business, I moved back to economy class 2 years ago, and have flown multiple long hauls in Y since.

It's surprisingly easy to do, and surprisingly bearable once you're there. Here's how I survive:

1. Pack Minties and chocolate - it reduces your reliance on the crew for your continued nourishment. And the Minties help to make you feel fresher.
2. Definitely an aisle seat. Nothing worse than busting for the toilet with someone sprawled out next to you, zonked on Valium.
3. A half decent set of headphones (ideally noise cancelling), so you can block out as much noise as possible.
4. Don't go to the movies for about a month before you travel.
5. Dress comfy.

Most important though, is attitude. If you approach the day as a long day at the cinema (with free food thrown in), then you will be perfectly happy. If you go to the airport in a bad mood, dreading the trip, then odds are that you will have an awful flight. And go with the flow...sounds a bit new-ageish, but worrying about missed connections, rude staff, lousy food, lines at immigration etc is completely pointless, and will make you grumpy and miserable and therefore uncomfortable.

And if all else fails, think of all that cash you're saving, and what you can do with it in New York...mmmm...Cheesecake...

And in case you think I'm a hypocrite, I'm flying United to Minneapolis on 03 December for christmas with the Outlaws, and it'll be my 3rd trip to the U.S. this year. And I never thought I'd say it, but I would find it hard to justify spending my relatively hard earned cash ever again on comfier seats.

Travel safe.

 

[Stafman]

Agree with everything MBR said and would throw one extra item.

If you can choose your seats before hand, then check on Seat Guru to see the better seats.

I am fortunate enough to usually be in J for international, but when flying Y on the SYD-LAX, i usually take delta and grab a seat in row 44 - exit row with nothing but space for about 2 metres in front of the seat.

Not sure what seats are equivalent in V-Aust, but check the forums as I am sure someone has been there before and can recommend good seats.

 

[xt_20]

Flew SIN-CPH and CDG-SIN in Y early this year.
Bring a couple of good interesting books and magazines to read. Can't always count on IFE working all the time. A portable DVD player or laptop would help too.

 

[drewbles]

Having done probably 95% of my international long haul flights in whY, I have no choice but to cope (~190cm and a big guy).

As others have said, aisle seat. I'm more than happy to get up a few times during my flight, but hate having to ask others to move just because I like to go for a wander (Which I do every few hours).

As for 'long day at the movies' I'd suggest taking your own entertainment. The last few months on QF long haul have had dreadful movies. My iPad gets a workout on the flights, and I can usually prop it up quite comfortably on a tray table with my case (soft leather satchel type holder) holding it in place. Then I have what I want to watch rather than the movies QF has selected. The TV shows can be ok (in fact last month there were some good options on the 'Business' section of the IFE).

Avoid Alcohol. Drink plenty of water when on board. Some people recommend a sleeping tablet if required, but never usually use them.

A good book is a must if you are a reader. Reading an immersive book will get you through a large percentage of the flight too.

In a nutshell, stay hydrated and BYO entertainment if you are wanting guaranteed enjoyment

 

[stuartfaz]

Please? It's been a while since I've flown long haul in cattle class.
MEL-LAX with V Australia departing 1.15pm and then LAX-JFK with Virgin America arriving 7.15pm local time.
Dreading it big time. Excited about the holiday in the Big Apple, but dreading the trip when it's usually the thing I look forward to the most.
I'm 184cm, average weight. Aisle seat best so I can stretch the legs out a bit into the aisle?
Anything else? I'm begging you.

Knock. Yourself. Out.

But seriously, I was in the exact same position as you a few months back, except I'm 192cm.

Pills help, I can't sleep on planes with or without them but they helped me relax. Get them prescribed though, none of that hippie calming herb vitamin cough.

Red (VA and VX's IFE) is ridiculous. It'll keep you entertained for a while. I still recommend loading up your iPod or laptop with some of your favourites though. Had all the seasons of South Park on mine, worked a charm.

Other than that, just try to chill yourself out as much as possible. Get a bottle of water or a glass of vino, crank up some easy listening and enjoy the serenity .

Oh and you NEED to try in-flight wifi on VX. I made a skype video call to my friend back home while I was in the air. Completely freaked her out.

 

[crazydave98]

Don't laugh - compression socks. The main benefit is stopping your feet and ankles swelling up and becoming uncomfortable, but they also improve circulation which leaves you feeling fresher after the flight whether you are able to sleep or not.

 

[Fantic125]

So far this year I've done 5 long haul flights to the US, 1 to South America & 1 to EU & still have 1 more to the US before year end.

NC headphones are a real benefit. I think they help reduce in-flight fatigue.

If you can get an exit row I prefer the window seat, even though it is usually colder being close to the hull/door an extra blanket or two can overcome that, and if the door protrudes into your footspace you can usually put your legs up on top.

Exit row aisle seats are usually near the food preparation areas or the toilets. The food prep areas are noisier as the food is prepared and trolleys wheeled in & out, as well as people in and out of the area most of the flight.
With the toilets you usually get people congregating in front of you and people either stepping on or tripping over your feet.

Depending on the plane loading, lately I've tended to book an aisle seat toward the back of the plane and tried to nab either a four row block of seats in the middle, or a three row either side so I can lay down and sleep. You need to be quick though!

 

[Bundy Bear]

Having flown 2 trips to the US in Y this year, and currently in Europe having flown Y my suggestions.
1. Noise cancelling head phones; you don't need the bose, even the sub $200 are still good.
2. An ipod or music devise CHARGED and filled with music.
3. Don't go to the cinema 2 months before travel.
4. Aislie seat good.
5. Confortable clothes, I don't wear jeans when I travel and a T shirt is perfectly fine, unless you are trying to dress to impress.
6. Your own bottle of water; get it before you board or get it from the lounge.
7. Your favourite lolly or sweet saves relying on the hostess when you get the munchies.
8. There is usually extra drinks and food snacks in the galley, so go for a walk and ask.
9. I bring magazines; I can't read a book on long haul, attention span too short.
10. Pray for a spare seat beside you.

Try the Virgin America wifi; I think there are some specials from gogo inflight for the next 2 months.

 

[Boof1]

A suggestion for you is maybe have a peek at what it will cost to upgrade to Y+ on VA as I've flown to LAX and back in Y+ this year and it was honestly great value, in fact we got the fare in Y+ for less than QF offered for Y at the time. Also the difference between Y and Y+ fares is sometimes bugger all, I've seen it be less than $250 each way at different times of the year.

If you are wondering what Y+ on VA is like I related the seat to being the same as J on a QF 734 or 738 with about the same level of service and food/drinks. The inflight bar is quite handy as is the little amenity kit they give you with the basics in it as opposed to the socks and eye mask in Y. Having 2 toilets for 40 pax is handy (I know that sounds strange but waiting for the dunny was one of my pet hates in Y on long haul). With the footrests and extra recline I had no problems sleeping 8hrs each way.

Other than that I can back up all that has been said about aisle seats, ipods, NC headsets. Oh and while I'm at it I've read that you can ask about upgrades at the desk on VX and can get them for around the $100US mark if they are available. I've not been on VX but the J class looks pretty nice so that might be worth a crack.

Cheers,

Boof

 

[Alanslegal]

10. Pray for a spare seat beside you.

And I pray for an empty seat in front of me.

 

[thewinchester]

0. Get a good nights rest beforehand.
1. Wear comfortable, light weight clothing. I usually don a decent business shirt and lightweight cotton dress slacks when flying to increase comfort factor.
2. Arrive at terminal early, so you can relax in the lounge.
3. Decent headphones.
4. Select a flight with personal IFE where available.
5. Purchase an upgradeable fare, and look at Y+/J upgrade depending on your goals.
6. Travel with someone you like so it helps pass the time.
7. Airline magazine crossword.
8. Eyemask and earplugs.
9. Try and keep to your normal schedule of eating and sleeping. If you have trouble sleeping, find a remedy that's right for you to assist (there's a whole thread on this around here somewhere)
10. Enjoy yourself, and try to make polite conversation with the FA's to pass the time.

 

[Justinf]

Some awesome suggestions everyone. Thanks so far.
I am travelling with the missus and thankfully she is small so she won't spill over the sides of the armrests or anything.
We can't really afford to upgrade to PE or J this time.
I might look at purchasing an exit row seat at check-in.
I am not a reader at all. I do that for a living, so books are out of the question.
I do like a drink when I fly. Believe it or not, despite having flown hundreds of times, I still get nervous.
I have travelled Y+ with V Aus and it was good, but this time it's a little expensive. We'd rather spend our money in NYC rather than getting there.

But some terriific suggestions. Thanks again.

 

[Logan^]

Most has already been said, I do trips to the UK in Y fairly often and at 193cm tall it can get hard going, however I find the following help:

1. Fly an airline where you can prepay for emergency exit seats, I choose to fly SQ because they charge $50USD only for each sector and if your on the A380 you can fly get upstairs in the 2-4-2 and you have a fairly decent chance of having the next seat to you empty if your on your own + you deplane quicker without the masses downstairs.

2. Get a doctor to prescribe Valium, tell them your a neverous flyer and its a breeze, makes the flight that much more painless

3. At the risk of sounding like a dag, take some trackie bottoms and a comfy t shirt and jumper to change into. I normally like going to the airport reasonably smart, always ask for a upgrade at check in (some people dont like this but it does work sometimes and you never know) once your in the air get changed and your will be that much comfier (I always take a hoody cause you can pull the hood up and cover your eyes.

4. Books, Ipod etc.

5 . If travelling alone I always talk to the FA's, they probably get bored of talking to people like me, but I always like to have a chat to them.

 

[NM]

While I agree with your suggestions, there is a line of thinking that may not be alligned

0. Get a good nights rest beforehand.

Stay up late the night before and board the aircraft exhausted and ready to drop off to sleep. This may be especially helpful if changing timezones.

1. Wear comfortable, light weight clothing. I usually don a decent business shirt and lightweight cotton dress slacks when flying to increase comfort factor.

Some people find the air conditioning and air flow on board to be "drafty". I know Mrs NM always wears warm clothing, including a cardy/jacket/jumper and heavy long pants. For her, that is more comfortable on an aircraft than light-weight attire. But she wears bed-socks in summer in Brisbane! Personally, I dress much as you have described when flying.

2. Arrive at terminal early, so you can relax in the lounge.

Good option if one has lounge access. Otherwise arriving "on time" makes the overall journey time less and can avoid some boredom.

3. Decent headphones.

Definitely

4. Select a flight with personal IFE where available.

Agree. But always carry your own IFE - either some form of media player or a good book or puzzle etc

5. Purchase an upgradeable fare, and look at Y+/J upgrade depending on your goals.

Good option if you have the FF points. But as an infrequent flyer, not having high status in the FF program means you need to plan for remaining in the cabin of the fare booked. So paying more for an upgradeable fare and then not winning the upgrade lottery means money wasted.

6. Travel with someone you like so it helps pass the time.

Indeed does help.

7. Airline magazine crossword.

After a few flights in a month, I can have the crossword and two sodokus completed before take-off . So carry your own puzzles if you enjoy exercising the brain that way.

8. Eyemask and earplugs.

Personally I find both uncomfortable and annoying. But I know many people find them great. Mrs NM loves to use the eye mask for sleeping.

9. Try and keep to your normal schedule of eating and sleeping. If you have trouble sleeping, find a remedy that's right for you to assist (there's a whole thread on this around here somewhere)

Or just plan to arrive prepared for the destination timezone. If arrive in the morning, start the flight really tired so you can sleep on the plane. If arriving in the evening, plan to arrive really tired so you can sleep as soon as you get to your accommodation.

10. Enjoy yourself, and try to make polite conversation with the FA's to pass the time.

 

[elbarto]

I'm seeing some of these suggestions say not to go to the movies for 1-2 months prior to travel. I'm failing to make the link between fighting jet lag and the cinemas. Is it simply to fight off boredom through watching the movies??

 

[markis10]

I'm seeing some of these suggestions say not to go to the movies for 1-2 months prior to travel. I'm failing to make the link between fighting jet lag and the cinemas. Is it simply to fight off boredom through watching the movies??

It's about making the time go quicker, as opposed to making it slower when you are in the other classes.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'm seeing some of these suggestions say not to go to the movies for 1-2 months prior to travel. I'm failing to make the link between fighting jet lag and the cinemas. Is it simply to fight off boredom through watching the movies??

I think it means that there's a good chance you won't have seen any of the films available on IFE ?

 

[Logan^]

I think it means that there's a good chance you won't have seen any of the films available on IFE ?

Yep, well thats how interprepted it anyway.