What Have I Done....Regret Booking

[Ataj]

Hi Happy Travellers.

Hope this isn't too long. I booked and paid for a Qantas flight to NYC, leaving in December returning in late Jan. now I have massive regrets. Maybe easier if I list them

1 long flight from Sydney in econo....never had such a long flight.
2 plane seems to be full only flexi fares left and we are stuck down the back.......very nervous about this claustrobic feeling, only ever done 3 hrs.
3 apparently Sydney to la is very very bumpy and turbulent.
4 then after 3 days in la I have to face 6 hours to NYC.
5 the weather in NYC is brutal apparently in winter.

i could cancel and let 3 friends down. For the past month I have been belting my self up about booking with them at the travel expo. I mean don't even really want to go to the USA I prefer Europe, haven't been but they all have.

just the thought of this trip and I'm pouring another scotch and coke. Keep thinking what have I done ?

please any experiences like mine or advice I would be very thankful.

 

[Solid]

Just think about it a little. You have the opportunity to do something (in flying across the world) that millions have (and will) only dreamed of.

 

[opusman]

I have two words to say to you:

Sleeping Pills.

 

[Ataj]

Yeah thought about the sleep tablets but it's cramped in economy and you have to move around to prevent DVT.

aparrently there are 2 exit row seats on the top econo deck but can you book them if you're only 5 foot 8 ?

they are 2 seats in a row of 3 and the 3 seat is already taken.

 

[DC3]

I've flown SYD-LAX a number of times, including economy on one occasion, on a 747. The turbulence wasn't any more memorable than some other flights I've taken. Mostly plain sailing. A380 flights are an even better experience if you get one.

The flight LAX-NYC is similar to SYD/MEL/BNE-PER in length, so not too much to worry about there.

As to claustrophobia, wide-bodied aircraft have a more open feeling, compared with single-aisle planes.

Winter in the USA is something that I want to experience one day, as my past trips have all been in/around summer. I would be taking some winter woollies, or buying some there, and enjoying my experience with a "White Christmas".

Sounds like you have the makings of a great trip coming up. Enjoy.

 

[mannej]

On the flip side, if you are 100% sure you don't want to go, but your mates still want to, you are able to split the booking into 2 by calling QF.

Granted this is worst case scenario but it's always good to know what options you have

 

[boomy]

Yeah thought about the sleep tablets but it's cramped in economy and you have to move around to prevent DVT.

You can take only half a pill, enough for a few hours sleep but not too much to risk DVT.

 

[DC3]

Another strategy is to look at reasons to go, rather than reasons not to go.

 

[RooFlyer]

Reiterating and adding to what others have said:

* The A380 is a really big aircraft!

* There is usually a bit of bumpiness over the equator, but otherwise its fine; did I say the A380 was big?

* The entertainment system is awesome; you'll pass the time easily;

* Unless you are a really sound sleeper, a temazipan tablet for sleeping shouldn't knock you out for long enough that DVT would be an issue. You either sleep or you don't, irrespective of something to help;

* I think they'll sell and exit row for anyone who's fit enough and willing to help an exit; 5'8" is good! I think exit rows cost a bit more, but if you are worried a bit about space, it'll be worth it;

* Snow in winter makes for a 'proper' Christmas - you'll love it.

 

[Steady]

just the thought of this trip and I'm pouring another scotch and coke. Keep thinking what have I done ?

please any experiences like mine or advice I would be very thankful.

Welcome to AFF Ataj.
I hope you do go and that once your trip starts with mates you get to relax. It will be an adventure you will never forget.
My advice is to read all of the info on this site so the next time you fly you may be able to do it in the pointy end with a champagne in hand celebrating instead of a scotch and coke calming your nerves.

 

[Steelo]

Economy to Lax is fine, two meals, three drinks and a few movies. No more turbulence than any other route. If you can purchase exit row - go for it, it will improve your trip. New York in winter is awesome - it is cold, but plenty of warmth inside. New York is a real buzz this time of year. Once you visit New York you will want to go back, it's one of the great cities of the world. So relax, and look forward to a great trip.

 

[markis10]

Economy to Lax is fine, two meals, three drinks and a few movies. No more turbulence than any other route. If you can purchase exit row - go for it, it will improve your trip. New York in winter is awesome - it is cold, but plenty of warmth inside. New York is a real buzz this time of year. Once you visit New York you will want to go back, it's one of the great cities of the world. So relax, and look forward to a great trip.

Three drinks??? Thats a domestic flight.

 

[Steelo]

Three drinks??? Thats a domestic flight.

Sorry Markis I must be getting old and conservative.

 

[markis10]

Sorry Markis I must be getting old and conservative.

Or wise some may say

 

[Quickstatus]

Yes economy is cramped. In the airline industry it is common to refer to economy as Y class. Here in the AFF forums its referred to "whY class". Your questions exemplifies the "whY"

But really it wont be too bad.

The LAX to NYC leg on the QF747 is often very empty and if you are lucky you may get a row to yourself

NYC - you will love it. Its one of the great cities of the world and you will not want to come back. Just beware their coffee is s***. And tip 20% pre tax.

Turbulence occurs around the equator, however by and large the flight will be smooth

My suggestion is :

1) Definitely Go
2) Think of the things you can do with the money in your pocket instead of the airline.
3) only reason to not go is the s*** coffee but thats not really a good enough reason
4) See point 1.

 

[vitagen]

I'm a pretty precious flyer and I did Sin-Dxb-Jfk all in economy on Emirates. The flight from Dxb-Jfk had a failed take off and we were stuck on the tarmac for 4-5 hrs, deplaned and took a later flight.... All up was 12 hrs delayed on top of a 14 hr journey to JFK....

All was forgotten when we landed as New York is friggin awesome! Don't cancel as you will regret it... YOLO baby

 

[Denali]

Ny in winter is on my wish list so I hope you enjoy it.

I'm not sleeping pill fan but found success with Phernergan. Whatever you take, please try at home first.

 

[Quickstatus]

Sleeping pills
Alcohol
Phenergan
Melatonin
Modafinil

 

[blackcat20]

Do not cancel! Seriously, you will regret it.

Long haul economy is a right of passage, you can and will survive it. Pay for an exit row though, its worth every cent.

 

[knasty]

GO!

Most of us on this site have done long-haul economy many times. I've gone around the world many many times in the back of the bus ....but:

When you're on the plane try to take a look at the business/first class seats. Then realise why so many of us spend many hours on this site to ensure we travel in premium classes as often as possible for as little as possible. It's funny; when I'm travelling up the front I am glad I'm not down the back, but I've had a few long-hauls at the back this year and I actually didn't mind it so much.