Any tips for long haul flights

Ditto to an aisle seat. I want an aisle seat on any flight but especially long ones - nothing worse than needing the loo when the large person in the aisle seat is fast asleep and you’re no longer agile enough to climb over them - as I once used to.

As PamelaJ1 says, look on Seatguru to get an idea of the most suitable seats.
Oh, and don’t worry if you get wind, it’s one of the hazards of long haul! 🫢

My only tip is don’t take a ten-month-old baby with you. I did, London to Sydney, and it was a nightmare. A long time ago, though.

Thanks for all the tips my Christmas list is now long very excited as not long now to fulfil my childhood dream

A lot of good advice that I too would suggest. As you are nonstop, a very lightweight change of clothes would be good and does seem to make you feel refreshed. The time you will be taking to actually get on the plane added to the flight will be considerable hence the change of clothes. Lovely time ahead for you.

Lots of great advice and there is one thing that I would add and always use.
First Defence nasal spray.
It protects against colds and flu bugs……I just don’t trust the circulation of the air in the aircraft and it has served us well since learning this tip!

Who are you flying with? Done Oz twice to Brisbane 8 hrs then 14hrs. Yours must be about 17?? Loose fitting comfy clothes. Yoga pants are ideal and also look quite smart. Shoes that are comfy and easy to get off and on. I had a t shirt on as you're going from winter to summer and a warm smart fleece. You'll get a blanket and a pillow. Take a change of underwear,t shirt and socks. A makeup bag with essential toiletries,any medications needed and ear plugs! Download any music onto your phone,kindle and enjoy and relax it is a long flight but think of the rewards...I hate it but it's a means to an end! And I'm going out to family again in 2025!

My Aussie doctor pal, often does pay for beds on flights, but whatever, recommends not eating until in 'new' time frame, plus absolute faith in melatonin tablets to change time clock. These are over the counter in Oz, but not sure here? She bounces off a flight and is ready to go and deliver whatever talks she's giving over here, same age as me, 64. Always used silk pillow case and avoids alcohol on a flight. My DH and I do not always show such restraint on our less frequent flights over there...

We flew LHR to Perth non-stop last January with Qantas. Going out to Oz the flight, though long, seemed to pass quite quickly. My tip would be to get up and walk as much as possible and keep hydrated - drink plenty of water.
The Qantas cabin crew were brilliant (lots of ex BA "old boys*) and constantly came round with water, snacks etc. Also, down the back of the aircraft was a help yourself cabinet with crisps, chocolate bars etc., nothing special but it helped to break up the journey
I would advise having eye drops for dry eyes, a decent eye mask, and maybe a small bottle of Rescue Remedy to help you sleep. As others have said wear comfy loose fitting clothes ( you may start to feel a bit bloated) make sure your shoes are comfortable too as your feet will probably swell.
I feel your excitement! This time last year I was feeling the same way as you are now. You will have a wonderful time.

I use Vicks First Defence nasal spray to try and keep the germs at bay on long haul flights. A good quality eye mask is my number one comfort item. I take my own called Innelo cotton sleep eye mask (available on Amazon) its super comfy. I use Boots standard foam ear plugs and I have my own travel blanket. Even using all these things I struggle to sleep, but its quite restful screening everything out for a while whilst trying to doze. The blanket can be used to pad out the uncomfortable bits of seat if its warm enough not to need it. I take sandwiches and dried fruit and nut snacks now, having had a couple of flights more recently where the food was meagre to put it mildly. Dont usually drink, but DH swears by two or three miniatures of wine. He does sleep for longer than me, but I am too worried about headaches and DVT, so I am constantly wiggling my feet and standing up. Tend to book Premium Economy now, a smidge more wriggle room and less people in the cabin.

I was long haul cabin crew for many years before retiring. All the tips and advice given so far by everyone is spot-on.
If you are in the lucky position of travelling in one of the business class or premium economy cabins, it will be way more comfortable and you will get the little bags with toothbrush, toothpaste etc. Travelling economy all that way will not be particularly fun, but if you choose your seat carefully, that can help.
Definitely a leisure outfit is best, but always dress in layers. It’s usually too cold on aircraft (cabin crew don’t notice as they’re working, so obvs feel warmer) BUT it can go the other way, and that’s just as uncomfortable. My tip is to always dress in a few layers - if you have a nice sleeveless t.shirt or similar on underneath, there’s nothing to stop you stripping off haha!
The only bit of advice I probably would avoid, is taking a heavy duty sleeping tablet. In the highly highly unlikely event of some sort of emergency, your reactions are going to be stunted. An antihistamine like diphenhydramine might be better plus the drowsy effects last a long time, but not as extreme as a full-on sleeping tablet. If you DO decide to take a sleeping tablet, never drink any alcohol before it kicks in. The combination of the two can be very toxic and many passengers have accidentally become highly disruptive doing this leading to being restrained in their seat and arrested on arrival. Often with barely any knowledge of what happened afterwards! It’s become a real problem these days.
Always take a pashmina, for the many reasons gransnetters have stated, a neck pillow, and a Kindle/and/or your phone loaded with podcasts and music. If your IFE breaks down and there’s nowhere to move you to, you will be bored to sobs otherwise!
Always take regular trips to the galley to get more soft drinks. If you are bored and can’t sleep, lots of crew are happy to have a chat. Due to inflight rest requirements, the resulting reduced crew are often in the galley more than in the cabin, outside of essential checks and service, so I’d say don’t hesitate to go to see them for a chat!
Have a great time and hope the flight goes well!

Definitely premium economy the seating for that on long haul flights is usually 2 4 2 so if there are two of you you can sit together and have a window seat and an aisle seat. Most airlines also have foot rests on premium enconomy seats. The fact that there are fewer people in premium economy is a big advantage as you get better service.

Airlines provide blankets and you can always ask for another, wTer too. Wear trainers you can loosen, thin layers that are big enough!

If your IFE breaks down and there’s nowhere to move you to, you will be bored to sobs otherwise!

Yes, indeed, Kimski! Last time I flew with Qantas my IFE just wouldn't work and couldn't be fixed; luckily I had a fully charged Kindle with me.

Just have to mention about compression socks in that before I was travelling long distances I asked my GP about these and being a diabetic he suggested that the restriction to the blood flow at the knee level would be unacceptable for me. He then suggested a dose of dispersible aspirin, taking one five days before and after the holiday, on both outward and inward flights. This has worked well for me and I have had no problems. Apart for that, I agree with all suggestions. I find the use of eye mask really great for being able to nod off instead of previously just watching my husband, sleep.

Interested topic!

I probably won't be doing any long haul flights any more but I do fly short haul a lot. Somehow I always get recommendations on YouTube for channels that give advice for flyers. Often they are just recommending gadgets that are very tempting and you could spend a fortune on them.

Here are two channels that are helpful, although they are US/Canada based and only give hints for the TSA security system. The general tips are universal though, such as set your alarm to remind you to go along to the toilet 2 hours before landing to freshen up. The crew start preparing for landing up to 90 mins before time, so if you go before the rush, you are unhurried yourself and can take your time, and the toilet will also be slightly cleaner.

Links following in next post because otherwise I'll lose this one.

youtu.be/UCGzfK4OnUk?si=PDCSMrFb0Hl5FiDW
youtu.be/SVhQ9Jdplh4?si=2qMrz9vzy2zP6GLQ

1: Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
2: Move your feet and ankles every 30 minutes (10 flexes and 10 circles).
3: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; avoid alcohol.
4: Take a short walk at least every two hours, be it on the plane or train or at a service station.
5: Do not cross your legs as this reduces blood flow.
6: Wear compression socks or compression stockings to prevent symptoms and swelling

I would also suggest to always put your compression socks on BEFORE you get out of bed in the mornings. Helps me!

These are the ones I wear:
www.leg-care.co.uk/sigvaris-compression-traveno-travel-sock.html

Comfortable clothes in natural fibres -not synthetic - forget looking glamorous and celebrate wearing creased items !
Dark clothes as I once spent a flight covered in coffee (thank you neighbour) on my beautiful white outfit .
I agree about a pashmina . I take one for my legs as well as they get chilly and I get cramp .
Flat shoes plus socks .
Plenty to read , crosswords or puzzles to do .
I write on long trips so a nice big notepad and pens .
Lots of water or fruit juice to drink , some nibbles as liked ( dried fruit and fresh fruit ) and avoid alcohol (dehydrating) and coffee (makes you jittery) .
Neck pillow.
Eye shields .
No to ear plugs - you need to hear announcements .
A change of clothes in your carry - on bag in case your suitcase is lost . It's happened to me .
Extra knickers .
Good moisturiser .
Toothpaste and brush .
Don't take your knitting - you aren't allowed knitting needles .
I had my sewing needles taken so I couldn't do my embroidery .

If you fly to Dubai en route to Australia -please make sure that you have an exemption certificate if you have any medication containing codeine .
Opiates are strictly forbidden .

Have a great trip .

This thread is months old!

Ooooooooooooops !

Still, some useful tips from Esmay

Don't take your knitting - you aren't allowed knitting needles
I watched Death in Paradise 😃

Are you allowed crochet hooks I wonder? They're not sharp like knitting needles.

I remember when we came over in 1975 with 2 babies I knitted a whole little jumper for one of them. Those were the days pre terrorist hijacks! What made me laugh on one of our stopovers in the Middle East was they were selling lethal looking knives at the airport shop- which you weren’t supposed to take on board. Duh. I reckon crochet hooks would be ok, especially wooden ones but probably declare them.

Most airlines allow knitting needles, crochet hooks and small scissors in hand luggage. Check with the airline(s) you're flying with.