What to for an international flight

In My Humble Opinion
21

Wear comfy clothes. I have a couple of outfits that I call “work pajamas.” I wear them to work when I don’t feel well, and on plane trips. Soft oversized knits with elastic waistbands that aren’t tight. Nothing itchy.

I hate wearing jeans on a plane - they just aren’t comfortable.

Wear (or bring) a watch, but throw any other uncomfortable jewelry in your carryon.

Bring a few books. If you are the type to reread - bring a book you know is good that you can devour. If you aren’t, bring the type of book you are known to read cover to cover in a sitting.

22

Good stuff here, one thing I haven’t seen mentioned is that if you have trouble sleeping, Melatonin will help you sleep. Melatonian is also supposed to help with jet lag. YMMV

23

Irish Girl wrote: "perfume (for freshening up), "

I have travelled from the east coast of America to the Philippines about 10 times, and it usually takes about 28-30 hours, all the above info is great, but one comment about what Irish Girl wrote is Please, Please do not use perfume on a plane. With my allergies I am in agony whenever ANYONE on a plane uses perfume. The air is recirculated, and the smell travels throughout the plane.
Sorry Irish Girl, but I would much rather smell whatever natural smell you create then suffer allergy attacks on a plane.

Also, almost every airport has a money changer as soon as you clear customs, check the rate, and at least get enough of the local currency to last a couple of days until you find a place with better rates.

24

**simple homer ** I wouldn’t use perfume on the plane, but will in the airport ladies’ room, it’s a solid block (grapefruit essential oil) so shouldn’t really affect the allergy-sufferers around me.

I’m really not dim enough to spray lashings of Shalimar in a confined environment, promise.

(I’ve spent an entire 4 hr flight trying not to vomit because the person beside me had such bad BO, that experience is what makes me bring the perfume stick, it’s not really to make me smell nicer, more to give me something to smell, other than my fellow pasengers).

25

Second everything said above.

One thing I like to do is carry on a tootbrush and toothpaste. If you feel really yucky (for me, when I wake up (if I’ve slept)), go and brush your teeth. It’s marvellously refreshing.

Remember: if you decide to catch some Zs (more power to you), buckle your seat belt on the OUTSIDE of the blanket (if you’re using a blanket). If there’s turbulence, the flight attendants are required to make sure everyone’s seat belt is fastened. If you’re alseep, and yours isn’t, they WILL wake you up. It doesn’t have to be tight, but fasten the darn thing before you nod off.

26

Ok, a lot of very different advice here. Most travel things depend upon your own personal preferances. A few things that I can think of off the top of my head:

  1. I second what someone said about taking food. With your location it might not be too bad, but I discovered fairly quickly, that I didn’t like any of the food available in the Tokyo airport, and was pretty hungry by the time I got someplace I could eat something. I reccomend something small, and filling. I like Combo’s myself, because they are pretty filling for the amount of room they take up. I call this stash my “keep alive” food. Because airplain food in general is pretty bad, and occasionally you’ll get a flight with two meals that you really just don’t care for.

  2. Rethink your idea about an aisle seat. Trust me, a long international flight is a lot different than anything you might have encountered domestically. There’s something about reading your magazines, eating a meal, going to the bathroom, listening to some music, then looking down and discovering that you still have like…8 hours to go. Trust me, a window seat so you can sleep is a godsend sometimes. You can check out the seating chart of your particular plane here and see where you’re sitting. Near the front is better than near the back. You can be off the plane, and through imigration before the people in the rear have even gotten off the plane.

  3. Speaking of sleeping, I usually take dramamine on my long flights. Not only because I’m prone to motion sickness, but also because it makes me just drowsy enough to nod off during the flight, but not enough to feel “drugged”, and not able to wake up. Don’t get the non-drowsy kind…for obviouse reasons. You may want to take a few one weekend before you go, just to see how you handle them. Don’t forget enough to get you home too…and dramamine is one of the few things that you can’t find in an airport for some reason.

  4. Agree with taking a change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpast, and trying to shower if you can on one of your legs. I know for a fact that in the Detroit airport, you can go to the O2 Spa around gate 50, and use their shower for about $10. They also offer a wonderful foot massage. Won’t do you much good on the way down, but if you have a layover on the way back, think about getting one. It helps get the circulation moving in your feet again, and reduce swelling.

  5. Since we’re talking about detroit, the Mediterainean Grill around Gate 57 or so has the best cheeseburgers. Try one if you have time.

  6. When they come by to give you a drink, be sure to phrase it “I’d like a can of ____” I’ve noticed a tendancy on some airlines to only give you that little cup filled with ice, and 3 oz. of soft drink. Sure you can get more, but it’s a pain.

  7. Pack smart. You want to take enough stuff on your carry on that you can last a day or two if your baggage gets lost, but it’s a pain to sort through that to find what you want during the flight. So I always go with a “bag in a bag” plan. One larger bag with everything I “might” need, then a smaller one inside that filled with the stuff I know I’ll want during the flight. The snacks, batteries, mp3 player, magazines, books…whatever. This smaller bag fits under the seat in front of me, and makes life easier when I’m bored, and want to switch entertainment options.

  8. Take a pen with you to fill out the customes forms. Nothing worse than having to wait, and ask to use the pen of the person next to you, or worse, seeing all the people pass you by at imigration while you fill it out.

  9. Don’t take so much stuff that you can’t easily wheel it by yourself. If you have multiple bags, make sure you can stack them in a way that lets you haul it by yourself.

  10. Agree with taking off your shoes during the long leg…feels a lot better. I have a pair of small slippers that I slip on and off when I go to the restroom during the flight.

  11. Try and time your restroom breaks with the flow of the flight attendants. It’s almost impossible to get by them if they’re in the middle of serving meals. Also, time it with the people in your own row, if they get up to use the restroom, do the same…at least give it a try, even if you don’t have to go.

  12. Take lots of pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. These will be great for reminding you of images and memories long after you’re back, and the details are sketchy in your mind.

  13. Take at least $100 in cash with you for spending money on the trip, and possible expenses as soon as you land. It usually takes a day or so to get the lay of the land, and find an ATM, or a bank, having enough money to see you through that easily is a blessing.

  14. Be sure you know exactly where you’re going on the other end. What buses, or trains you may have to take, or what a taxi should cost to get there.

  15. Customs has never been an issue for me, but take anything of real value with you as a carry on. I’ve lost more than a few items to the TSA folks that like to “shop” through the bags. If you’re at a larger airport, the chances of their being a huge line are pretty big, that’s when they’ll say “just drop it here, unlocked, and we’ll take care of it”. If you can watch them search it, do so, if not, make sure anything that can’t be replaced is with you. The TSA really isn’t held accountable for your luggage at all. (Gee, no bitterness here, is there…grumble…theiving bastards)

Thats about all I can think of off the top of my head…more if I remember, or you ask more detailed questions. Good luck, have fun, and travel safe.

27

You’re packing list looks pretty good. I’m not sure if this is included in “toiletries,” but be sure to bring some chapstick/lip balm with you! You really dry out on those planes.

28

And don’t forget a couple of postcards from your hometown, winter scenes are always a hit in tropical places. The people you meet will really appreciate seeing your family and dog and hometown more than you might imagine.

Of course that won’t help with the long flight really.

Here’s what I’ve learned going back and forth from SE Asia to N America.

Consider a complete change of clothes, y’know nicey ones for going through customs and comfy ones for on the plane and hanging about between flights, there’s a lot to be said for arriving in fresh clothing. Layers are your friends, so many airports in tropical countries are kept cold enough to hang meat, extra layers can always go on or come off as required.

Lip gloss, toothpicks, toothbrush and paste, deodorant and upset tummy remedy, also headache cure I find absolutely essential, I would never get on a plane without them.

I find I never read the literature I bring from home, too hard to focus on a book for me. So I just pick up a new book or mag before getting on the plane the bonus is you have something to do at the airport to kill time.

Hoping you have a great time,
Peace

29

Probably not a problem for you, but definitely one for tall people like me: check the seat pitch. Last year I travelled from thr UK to Brunei and when checking the airline’s website, realised that I could not actually sit comfortably in a cattle-class seat. Since they couldn’t guarantee me an exit-row seat, I had to travel business class - an extra £1300. Out of my own pocket. Ouch. But it was better than getting DVT.

30

I like to bring a pad of paper and a pen. Sitting and thinking can be boring; sitting and writing feels productive. And you have your own pen for filling out customs forms, too, as someone already said.

This has nothing to do with your flight, but make sure you’ve written down the customer service number and your credit card number on a piece of paper and stored it somewhere safe, separate from your purse/wallet. If your credit cards are stolen it can be difficult to cancel them without knowing the numbers.

I second the idea of having a bag-within-a-bag in your carry-on. Just having stuff you’ll want on the flight floating around randomly in your carry-on bag is a hassle; it’s really nice to be able to pull everything you want out in one go.

Make a point of washing your face at some point during the flight, it’ll help you feel less grungy.

I always bring lots of kleenex, but that’s just me. YMMV. (Your Mucous May Vary)

Comfy clothes are a must.

And snacks. I do so love snacks on a long flight. It gives me something to look forward to. My fave is bringing pizza. (This requires a bit of packing with foil and a ziploc bag) There’s nothing like having delicious cold pizza halfway through your flight.

I also always bring noise cancelling headphones. They can be worn over earplugs for excellent soundproofing, or they can be used for watching movies or whatever the airline is playing, for free, with much better sound quality than you’d otherwise get. Just make sure you have various adapters for all the different styles of headphone plug there are.

31

You’re very welcome. I’m glad they were helpful. Don’t forget a journal!

I agree about getting a window seat, for those reasons, as well as one other… you can’t cross your legs in an aisle seat! Just try it. After the 10th time your foot is knocked around by passersby, you’ll be annoyed as hell, trust me.

Indeed – I’ve never flown without getting dry lips. If you’re someone who’s sensitive to dry air, you might also want to consider getting some saline nasal spray to keep your nose from drying out, as well.

32

Some great suggestions, but as someone else pointed out, a lot is personal preference. I fly 11-hour trans-atlantic flights 5 or 10 times a year. My behaviors might be a little different then some but hey, maybe you are like me.

IMO the window seat is a lot better than the aisle. You can sleep against the window, and you don’t have to get up for other passengers or have people kick you when they pass thru the aisle. I can go 12 hours or more without needing the restroom so I just sleep the whole flight and never get up (except sometimes for meals). Most people can’t do this, and it may be better for you to get up and stretch your legs to ward off deep vein thrombosis (at least one person has died from this after a long flight.) But there are exercises you can do while sitting to ward this off.

I much prefer the back of the plane to the front. You’ll be assured a carry-on luggage space that is right over your seat, you’ll also be close to a lavatory and to the flight attendants if you should need something. Also, I personally feel more comfortable being close to the emergency exits in the back of the plane-- should there be a fire, most folks will run forward.

IMO one of the reasons seasoned flyers often choose the back of the plane is because the front is where everybody else wants to sit (the amateurs, so to speak). So if the plane isn’t full, you will probably have empty seats next to you when you sit in the back. A BIG deal on a long flight.

Avoid the very back row, however. Depending on the type of aircraft, your seat-back may not tilt back.

NOTE-- in 747s the last 5 or 7 rows have only 2 seats on each side. This is kind of nice because there is no middle seat, however in mosts of these rows the window seat is about a foot from the cabin wall. It’s a great place to stash extra stuff, but it means you can’t lean against the window. (Its like this in the front of first class on the upper deck also).

Do drink lots of water-- carry a liter bottle with you on the flight. Do NOT drink any alcohol.

Sleep is the key to passing the hours of a long flight. Not reading, not movies, not talking–sleep. I take Xanax (alprazolam) when I fly. It helps me sleep and also calms me down during bad turbulence.

I find planes too warm early in the trip, and then a little chilly later. A down coat is something you may consider. It makes a great cover or pillow, plus it is fall/winter in Argentina these days and depending where you are, you might need it there.

WEAR IT ON THE PLANE! That way, it doesn’t count as carry-on AND it doesn’t fill up your suitcase plus you can use it for pillow/cover as mentioned above.

Take off your shoes after you are at cruising level. I’d leave them on during take-off, on approach, and landing-- at the risk of sounding paranoid again, if something were to happen, you’d need your shoes to escape the plane and minimize foot injuries. NO High-heels of course

It may be too late for this trip, but I’d take a bus or a car from Lansing to Detroit. It’s one less take-off and landing, you avoid the possibility of flying in a prop plane, there’s one less flight for your luggage to get lost on and it may be cheaper, and counting layover etc, quicker too.

Have fun!

33

Ex-flight attendant checking in: Actually, the first thing you’ll be told in an emergency is “Take off your shoes” (or a variant thereof), so you might keep them off the whole flight if you’re so inclined. Shoe soles and emergency slides don’t mix.

As for the OP, listen to the people who tell you to stay hydrated! I usually take plenty of water, and I also take one of those little spritz bottles and fill it with water to spray on my face. I also recommend ordering a special meal instead of the regular one (most of the time that can be done up to 48 hrs in advance). Usually these are a little higher quality - I always liked the meal consisting of raw veggies with some kind of dip and lots of fresh fruit. Much better than “chicken or beef”. Check with your airline for a list of available meals.

34

I fly quite bit. I also must say that I take exception to much of the conventional wisdom.

Go for the window seat, that way you can lean against the bulkhead to sleep. Pack very, very light in the carryon. I go for travel documents, iPod, and two magazines. One of them is usually a crossword magazine. Forget a laptop. They are impossible to use in cattle class.

Have you noticed how your shoulders hurt after a long flight? A heavy carryon is one big reason.

The thing about airplane seats nobody seems to realize is that the armrests are too low. That is why our shoulders get all achy. Cram pillows under your elbow.

Put your carryon under your knees. This way you stuff is accessible, but you have more foot room.

Avoid sleeping pills. Champagne on the other hand is not just for breakfast anymore!

35

I’ve only made one trip to Europe, but I remember it well. Have also flown commercial at other times.

My list of suggestions:

**Stay hydrated. ** You keep seeing this a lot, right? Water is your friend. When flying, I try to drink 1 glass of water for every one other glass of something else. As pointed out, the air up there is dry. Also, dehydration is a risk factor for DVT, so by keeping wet you help reduce the chances of that. Also, travel is stressful, and stress makes you sweat more, even if it’s not obvious, and you need to replace that water, too.

Pee early and often. I pee before I board the plane. I pee after I get off the plane. This will also make it easier to coordinate with the flight attendants going up and down the aisles, since you won’t be desparate. Pee every chance you get, even if you don’t have to go - just empty out what’s in the tank.

Seating: Me - I like window seats. But then, I am a relatively small person and I can spend hours - literally hours - looking at the weather and landscape outside. But, for more detailed information on your assigned seat consult Seat Guru. You will find it helpful not only to pick adequate leg room, but also in avoiding lavatory odors and excessive engine noise.

**Entertainment: ** This is going to vary from person to person. I can’t sleep on an airplane so I have to do something. If there’s nothing interesting going on outside the window I enjoy good books - but nothing that requires huge amounts of brain power. Word puzzles are good. At present, my information is that both knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed on US flights. However, I’d recommend getting a cheap, plastic, non-threatening-in-appearance tool(s) just in case the rules change before you come back, something you won’t be torn up about if it’s taken by the TSA. I don’t think they allow scissors - but call the airline and ask. Tapes, CD’s, and handheld games are options, too - but please cooperate if the FA’s ask you to turn them off during take off and landing.

Clothing: Just one word - comfortable. Whatever is most comfortable for you. Loose is good. Layers are good, too. I travel light, so I don’t take a complete change in my carry on, but I do recommend clean underwear and socks.

**Personal hygiene: ** Please shower for the benefit of your fellow passengers as well as yourself. Thank you. Wipes are good. So is that waterless handcleaner stuff. A lot of chain drug stores now have a “samples” aisle where you can get minature everything - toothpaste tubes, toobrushes, mouthwash, various other products. Get a few and put them in a ziplock baggie. Also, never go into a lavatory without a travel size package of facial tissue. (Backup toilet paper, dontchya know)

**Food: ** If it’s an international flight double-check what is and isn’t allowed through customs. Fruit, for instance, frequently is not allowed across borders. When in doubt take something sealed in a bag or bottle. Always good to carry food and water on a trip because you never know when there will be delays.

Stress: As I mentioned, there’s a certain amount of stress involved in travel of any sort. Try to get some extra rest and eat well the three or four days before your trip - this will put your body in the best condition for a trip. If it’s a choice between good food and good rest go for the food - if you’re tired enough you’ll sleep on the airplane. Allow LOTS of time for everything - arrive early whenever possible. Be patient If there’s a delay the only choices you have are to be late and angry, or late and calm. I prefer the latter. Always have a Plan B - that’s what all those recommendations about carry copies of your documents are about, having entertainment with you, snacks with you, a change of clothing are all about. Stuff happens when you travel. If you’re prepared to deal with potential problems and they don’t happen, no harm done. If they do happen, you’re ready to deal with them. It will still be stressful, but less so than otherwise.

**Have fun. ** That’s why you’re going, right? Take pictures, enjoy the scenery, buy a few souvenirs. On the way back, if you’ve picked up a lot of goodies, you might consider mailing or shipping them to yourself back home so you’re not overloaded. Where I work we have some veteran road warriors who take almost nothing on the airplane with them - they actually ship their work stuff to their hotel, then ship it back.

36

I just checked out seat availability for my flight, and a good 2/3 of the seats are not yet sold. So far, I’m the only person seated in my row of three. I’m guessing that I could probably wait until I go to the ticketing agent at the airport, and see if I could get a seat in an empty row. Is this a good plan?

WaterWaterwater
Check.

I’ve got a couple of great water bottles with insulation that I love to bring with me. I usually freeze water to put in the insulation, and it says cold for a couple of days.

As far as purfume goes, I’m not much of a fan. I’ll take my chances with baby wipes.

I still have to check into the shower situation in Miami.

When I first booked my flight, I found out that it was only an extra $30 :eek: to fly out of Lansing. I could waste that in gas money. I find it easier to check in and get around without feeling panicked when I fly out of Lansing anyway. I do worry about my luggage getting lost, but there is so much time between my Lansing-Detroit flight and my Miami-BA flight that I figure if there were any delays that it would have time to catch up with me.

I’ll go to a craft store to see if they have any flimsy looking crochet hooks.

Only 10 days to go! Thanks for all of your help.

37

I just thought of something else…

You can generally find them in any luggage store for around $20 give or take a few dollars. See here for some examples (the first image isn’t what you want, as those don’t actually convert the electrical current, only the prongs – scroll down just a bit).

38

You’ve probably figured this out already from all of the previous comments, but as far as seating goes, do what feels comfortable for you.

I used to always ask for a window seat, because I preferred them. Then I had a job where I made a lot of travel arrangements for people, and they always insisted on aisle seats, to the point where I decided that there must be something that made aisle seats superior. So for my next five or six flights, I sat on the aisle. While it had some advantages, I found it less comfortable and more annoying, particularly the part about other people climbing over you. At least in the window seat, when there’s climbing to be done, it’s because you want to do it. It finally dawned on me that no matter what anyone else said, I prefer window seats, so I switched back, and I’ve been much happier ever since.

But that’s me. My point is that people on both sides of the row, so to speak, have made their cases, and you should choose the seat that fits you best. I do recommend grabbing the seat in an empty row if possible, it can’t hurt to have more room and the choice of moving around.

39

If you have a decent seat now, don’t bother changing it. When you get to the airport to board you can ask then to see what else might be available and if there’s better take it, but there’s no point to shuffling before the flight.

Yeah, I have people think I’m crazy for taking window seats… but like I said, I’m on the small side so I actually fit the seats, and I like looking out the window. One of the people I make travel arrangements for at work doesn’t like to fly and doesn’t want to look out an be reminded she’s flying (so far as I can tell) so even though she’s no bigger than me, psychologically she is MUCH more comfortable in the center of the airplane. And folks who are six feet tall want aisle seats - I think they stick their legs out in the aisle whenever they can. We have one consultant who always flies first class - he’s like six foot six and pretty broad across, too so once you see him you realize it’s not ego prompting the upgrade, it’s his physical size.

So, yes - what’s comfortable for YOU.

40

I fly on average about 100,000 miles a year.

When you are flying with the goats and chickens (cattle class) always pick an aisle seat. Invariably you end up with some 400lb behemoth sitting next to you and I’d prefer hanging out the aisle than being squished against the window.
In business class, which I normally travel, always the window. Even a 400 pounder usually doesn’t impinge on you there and if they do a judicious use of the elbow frees up some room quickly, or dumping a couple of drinks in their lap works well, too. So, if you are the type of person who fidgets and doesn’t realize that the dividing line between the seats is, in fact, like the neutral zone in Star Trek, then you will need a change of clothes. Flying 20 hours on planes every 4-5 weeks makes me a cranky traveller.

I’ve tried the sock thing, but I find most planes heated for women going through menopause. Most of my flights are with Air Canada which explains this. Although looking at the average age of the typical waitress on AC I’d have thought that menopause would have been over many years before.

Don’t check anything if you can get away with carrying it with you. The airlines will go out of their way to use every excuse to make sure you don’t arrive with your luggage. And the more expensive the items, the more chance you will never see it again. Don’t let them have the chance.

Wear comfortable clothes. Nothing tight or that you can get tangled in.

As suggested before: Take every chance to shower. It is surprising how much this helps.

I don’t use earplugs, but I do have a set of noise cancelling headphones. If you have the money and travel a lot get a set.