hints to make y class more palatable?

[moa999]

Your in a better spot than most with Lounge access prior on QF/UA and greater chance of an upgrade.

Decide what type of person you are - tall and sit in a seat - take the window.. getting up to use the bathroom regularly - take the aisle.
A good blowup headrest in economy always helps

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Pay extra for exit row seating. You are less likely to be shunted if you pay for it and there are restrictions on who can sit there so it's a less likely target for a move. If they shunt you, they have to compensate you. Pay for a higher class of economy fare. The good seats are usually only available to those flying on higher fare buckets. The special fares all get shoved down the back with limited or no seat selection.

You may find that by being WP that even on the cheapest whY fare you will still get access to the best choice of seating. The minute you do the booking, secure the seating - don't leave it until you get to the airport. Sometimes due to aircraft configurations you may find that you pay a whY fare but get seated in a PE seat.

Definitely check out the website www.seatguru.com as it will enable you click on seats maps for the major airlines for all their different aircraft types wo will be extremely helpful when it comes to seat selection.

Also if you are saving the company heaps of money by travelling in whY, would they pay for you to have a stopover enroute so you're not as tired on arrival. I often find that the art of trying to 'sleep' on an aircraft on a night flight adds to jet lag but if you can have a day flight for the first sector then overnight in a hotel then another day flight to your destination it helps. Also if you arrive late afternoon or evening at your destination you can checkin immediately to your hotel room, have a light meal then turn in for the night.

 

[Blackadder]

As others have mentioned exit row/bulk head seating, this can now be pre-selected at the time of the booking. Plenty of water to hydrate you, not so much tea/coffee/alcohol/soft drinks as this dehydrates you and get up every so often just to be moving around or do some in seat stretches as suggested by QF just to help with the blood circulation.
Also might like to consider a pack of wet ones towels or similar just something that can give you a quick refresh.
And if possible look at a points upgrade to Y+.

 

[Justchecking]

I really wonder about the false economy here to the company though. Fair enough I can understand a company putting the kibosh on first seating, especially when business will get you there in a fit state for the cost differential. But the difference between Y & J is really significant in terms of your ability to then do your job at the other end. Especially if, as you say, it will make you less effective for the next 4 days due to discomfort and pain. It's a classic case of save a few pennies to cost yourself thousands in the end. If however you have no choice then I would strongly argue for the daytime flights, at least that way you are not also working against your circadian rhythm which is what causes jet lag anyway. I often think people underestimate the vlue of a daytime flight, thinking it will waste a day in travel. Isnt the next day wasted anyway if you've had no sleep at all? The expectation that we can lose a significant amount of sleep and then work the next day is an unrealistic one, even for a company on a budget.

 

[LAH]

I really wonder about the false economy here to the company though. Fair enough I can understand a company putting the kibosh on first seating, especially when business will get you there in a fit state for the cost differential. But the difference between Y & J is really significant in terms of your ability to then do your job at the other end. Especially if, as you say, it will make you less effective for the next 4 days due to discomfort and pain. It's a classic case of save a few pennies to cost yourself thousands in the end. If however you have no choice then I would strongly argue for the daytime flights, at least that way you are not also working against your circadian rhythm which is what causes jet lag anyway. I often think people underestimate the vlue of a daytime flight, thinking it will waste a day in travel. Isnt the next day wasted anyway if you've had no sleep at all? The expectation that we can lose a significant amount of sleep and then work the next day is an unrealistic one, even for a company on a budget.

You are so right about the 'false economy'. Of course, I get up the next day and get to work or start as soon as I arrive, but pain is constant for several days, and then I seem to be turning around and coming back again, and it is the same roller coaster. To be fair, I'll probably get my business class flights somehow - points or just pay. But I am interested to hear how people manage long haul y class for short business trips - I find it exhausting. There have been some good tips here and I am really grateful for them. I think the idea to stick to daytime flights and have a stop or two along the way (because sometimes I can be travelling for 40+ hours) is a great one. I have even thought of buying two economy class seats : but there's no guarantee that the airline won't sit 'me' apart from 'me'!

And you are so right, my trips involve business decisions that could make thousands and usually do result in making money for the company, so I think some further thought is needed. Thank you for the voice of reason.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Flight socks by Scholl (also made by others now). Completely (and I mean completely) alleviates sore tired legs!

 

[dajop]

My tips:
1) Aisle seats so you can move around (even better, pay extra for exit row if you can). Be a little weary of bulkheads unless you are midget sized - some of them have very little leg room (others are fantastic though, it even varies between bulkheads on the same individual aircraft). Oh with the exit row seat, and sometimes with other seats, the pillow goes on the floor, not behind the head. My feet appreciates the pillow more than my head does, especially when the seat has winged, adjustable headrest, and a useless, or non existent footrest.
2) I never try to sleep. I find it easier to just fall asleep watching a movie or something than saying to myself "right I must try to sleep now"
3) Ear plugs for when you aren't listening to IFE, noise reducing headphones for when you are (I use in ear type as I find them more comfortable to wear than big battered noise cancelling headphones).
4) Lots of fruit and water, go easy on the alcohol.
5) Moisturiser for the skin (SQ have this in toilets, for most carriers BYO). Or a misting spray, falling that sploshing water over the face helps.
6) Day flights vastly preferable
7) Go for walks often, even one lap of the (economy section of the) plane helps. Stand somewhere for a bit as well (one instance were queuing for the toilets - as long as not desparate - isn't so bad
8) IFE, a suitably loaded ipad or similar device or a good book!
9) Did I mention day flights! Joy! Makes the whole trip easier if you don't feel the need to sleep. If going all the way from Australia to Europe, I'd even suggest the afternoon/evening flight to Asia, find some accommodation and then continue on the next morning or early afternoon to Europe. Coming back I'd take the midday departures into Asia in the morning, then day flight to Australia. Other geographies may be more difficult.

 

[peterincanberra]

I have access to the Qantas Club. One thing I always do (including when flying business) is get off the plane as quickly as possible at the half way point (Singapore, Bangkok etc), get into the club and have a shower. I then grab a juice and a quick bite to eat and then spend the rest of the time walking as fast as possible around the terminal. I get some exercise, and feel better and refreshed.

I also walk before getting on the first flight. I'll often walk for about 30 minutes or so before the flight boards but doing so in the part of the terminal where the gate is. That way I can keep an eye on the length of the queue and jump in at the last moment. Problem in economy with this approach is you might find it harder to place your bags near your seat as the overhead storage is probably nearly full.

I've also sometimes sat on the ground in the terminal and done a lot of stretches. I'm 195cm (6'5") tall so economy seats and I don't mix well - stretching helps a little bit; painkillers help more. In my case I need a neck pillow in economy. The top of the headrests when extended are still just neck rests for me.

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

I can't believe no-one has mentioned food. The food in Y is not good for such a long trip. So if in Y, I pack a cooler bag of goodies (pate, cheese etc) to take on board. The lazier in Melbourne can raid cafe Vuew for a picnic box.

 

[LAH]

I can't believe no-one has mentioned food. The food in Y is not good for such a long trip. So if in Y, I pack a cooler bag of goodies (pate, cheese etc) to take on board. The lazier in Melbourne can raid cafe Vuew for a picnic box.

Great idea! :idea:

 

[djfuzz]

I can't believe no-one has mentioned food. The food in Y is not good for such a long trip. So if in Y, I pack a cooler bag of goodies (pate, cheese etc) to take on board. The lazier in Melbourne can raid cafe Vuew for a picnic box.

I agree, Cafe Vue's lunch boxes are great - but taking food on board can be a pain if for no other reason than it's an extra thing to carry and store. I'd rather eat up before boarding (whether at a decent lounge or terminal cafe) then pick and choose what to snack on on board - much less hassle than keeping food with you (other than bottled water). The less clutter in Y, the better.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

If company is paying for your Y fare, then it's simple!

Pay for the Y -> Y+ difference. That's a huge benefit!

Just make sure you're on high class fares like B,H,K and you're laughing.

 

[dajop]

I'd say the food on board is the least of the worries in Y, usually there is something edible around, even just fruit. In recent times I've had some surprisingly tasty and decent food on board, certainly comparable or better than some of the stuff that sits around at airport cafes all day long. (main points of reference SQ and EK - very nice steak on my last EK trip MEL-SIN).

 

[rechoboam]

I have to admit to enjoying some of the low quality Y food. I flew EK, gulf air and the spicy middle eastern food always tasted delicious.

 

[Katie]

Melatonin for long haul flights (and on arrival at night).Politely, but firmly declining requests that you move for another passenger. If necessary, cite yout own comfort/seat request.

 

[simonpenny408]

Home made ham and cheese sandwiches on crusty bread, will have everyone else saying "I wish I was you"

 

[LAH]

Home made ham and cheese sandwiches on crusty bread, will have everyone else saying "I wish I was you"

Yum. The sandwiches in all classes usually leave something to be desired (if they are offered). Sometimes all I want is a good sandwich! Searching my memory - best sandwich offered by an airline was on V Australia in business class.

 

[Fantic125]

Regarding seat selection, for QF try and pick your desired seat as early as possible.

If you can't get it, then check again at T-80 (80 hours before departure time), then T-24 (24 hours before departure time), as a number of seat changes occur then (and in the following hour or two) so you may be able to select a more favourable seat.

The other thing you can do for a night flight is to try and grab a centre row down the back of the plane, flip the arm rests up and try for some sleep. The seat allocation on the QF website will give you an idea how full the plane is, and what your chances may be.

 

[harvyk]

I wouldn't get too worried about been moved for another pax... I've only ever been asked to move for another pax once and that was on a short haul... The thing I'm more worried about (because it has happened a few times, and only once to my advantage) is the last minute change of aircraft type. That can screw your meticulously research seat right up. So if the website states there is an A/C change, get your new request in early, otherwise your once fantastic seat on one aircraft will place you right next to the toilets \ galley on another.

For me the biggest thing is AVOD, I chose flights \ airlines which offer AVOD whenever possible. Unlike further up front in the bus where you have the nice service to keep you going, killing time is the number one thing you need to do in Y, thus either bringing stuff to keep you entertained (such as a good book, whilst I'm waiting at the airport \ flying is about the only time I ever read books) and \ or read up on the airlines movie listing and work out which ones you want to see (so you don't accidentally watch them before you go)

Plus seat selection is very important, chose where you want to sit and get your selection in as early as possible. Last thing you want is a middle seat for 14+ hours. I personally still prefer window seats, but aisles do have their advantages.

 

[Stuser]

Many experienced types have given great answers re Y comfort. I've nothing more to add, but I am very interested in that you often get asked to move for another customer.

Given that you have high QF status, seems a bit odd. How many times / often do you get asked to move?

Saying no can be uncomfortable, but if you've paid your fare, and preselected your seat, surely it's up to you not to move if it doesn't work in your favour...? ie if you've planned ahead but somebody else hasn't and then wants your seat, then maybe, just maybe, if you say no, they'll plan better next time! :idea:

I've moved on shorter trips, but if on a longer trip, well "no means no"....

Any other views on this?

Have to tell a quick story about my solo status (can I say solo female?) I was once travelling back from LAX with QF, full j class fare. Seated next to a gentleman whose ife was not working. He complained bitterly – I offered to swap as I wanted to sleep. Must admit I regretted my offer when I found that sleep didn’t come, but read my book and lived with it. On arrival to Sydney, the FA came up to the gentleman with a bottle of champagne to apologise for the inconvenience!!!!!!! Being the gentleman he obviously was, he suggested that either the FA make the offer to me, or even provide both of us with the ‘compensation’. FA was put out, but organized a bottle for me too. This was in business class, but in economy class I was often asked to move from selected seat for various reasons ……. And asked is not the word, they were not going to accept no for an answer. Is this what I have to look forward to again?