How to Survive a Long Flight

For those of you who have been fortunate enough to travel internationally, you would know that those flights can be grueling! I remember a trip to Singapore required a 14hr leg from New York to Tokyo and then 7 additional hours before reaching the final destination. If there was a window, I would have jumped out right around the third hour. But thank goodness I had the right mind to prepare myself for the flight, just like you should by doing the following.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sleeping mask
• Earplugs
• Inflatable neck pillow
• Magazines/Books
• DVD Player
• Portable videogame player
• MP3 player
• Playing cards
• A Friend

1. Initially, try to get some rest. Get this over with for you will have plenty of time to do other things when you wake up for you can't sleep all the way. Unless you take a sleeping pill, but not everyone goes this route. So huddle up with your neck pillow, brave the sleeping mask and pop in those ear plugs.

2. Upon waking up, try some light reading. Magazines contain short stories to keep your mind interested. Books require a certain amount of commitment, so they might not hold your attention for too long, unless you're involved in a book you simply can't put down. In which case, continue, but there will come a point when your eyelids will get heavy again, in which case, take the hint - go for another nap.

3. If you're a gamer, make sure you're stocked up with either the Nintendo DS, or the Sony PSP, or both if you're fully committed. The good thing about them is that there are hundreds of titles out there. Stock up with games you are interested in before the flight and you will end up for the better.

4. Playing cards are great - but beware of turbulence. If you're alone, you can always enjoy a game of solitaire. If you're with a friend, then blackjack, poker, gin, etc. Make sure you know and learn of these games before travel. Or simply ask a fellow traveler if they know of the rules when you're unsure.

5. Having a DVD Player is great - but you would have to bring an arsenal of movies along with you. This is a good choice for someone without a portable digital video player like an iPod touch or an Archos. In any case, you can always use your laptop to download Divx Movies and watch them on the bigger screen.

6. The ubiquitous MP3 player - they certainly have made their mark. Don't travel without one for the buzzing and humming of the plane's engines won't lull you to sleep. They should keep you entertained for hours, considering the battery life these players tend to provide nowadays. A long flight should be nothing when pitted against them. Of course, with an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can do double duty and watch videos instead of just listening to music.

7. Last but not least, have a friend along with you for the ride if possible. There's nothing like instant conversation - I have had many a laugh when traveling with friends and that sure made the flight bearable. It's nice to be able to not just stare out the window or at the stranger sitting across from you but to actually speak with someone throughout the flight. Of course, carry mints or gum with you - make it a pleasant experience for the both of you.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't panic - you will be landing soon. Try to make the most out of the ride.
• Bring along a pen and pad should you get ideas for something interesting.
• Approach strangers - others are as bored on the ride as you are.
• Share - if you have snacks, share with your fellow passengers
• Don't disturb a sleeping someone - you wouldn't want the same to happen to you.
• Make sure all your batteries are fully charged before leaving for the airport.
• Get up and walk around periodically. You don't want to get DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis.

[CCrock]

on 12/24/2007 Great tips. I haven't gotten to take an international trip yet, but I plan to and this tips will come in handy!

[favefive]

on 12/13/2007 Excellent tips. I love taking long trips with my hubby and daughter. Going back to the Philippines to visit family and friends, flight takes 11 hours non-stop...or 16 hours with connections via Seoul, Korea :)

[favefive]

on 12/13/2007 Excellent tips. I love taking long trips with my hubby and daughter. Going back to the Philippines to visit family and friends, flight takes 11 hours non-stop...or 16 hours with connections via Seoul, Korea :)