How to Plan For A Long Overseas Flight

Long international flights can be quite daunting. Especially if you're a casual travel and not used to being stuck in a chair for hours on end. However, with a little planning you can endure the ride and maybe even enjoy it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Sample seat guide for 747 Aircraft

   Research the flight to ensure you get the best possible seat.
   Getting stuck in a seat that doesn't recline or smack dab in the middle row between a couple strangers can make a long trip seem even longer. Find the type of aircraft you are schedule to fly on (typically found on the ticket or reservation information online) and research the best seat locations for that particular aircraft. Websites like seatguru.com provide a detailed map outlining which seats are good an which ones should be avoided. A great rule of thumb is to request exit rows, which have extra leg room) or the first row of coach, which offers a sense of privacy.

2. Sleep!
   Review the flight schedule and determine what the local time will be when you arrive at your destination. Avoid sleeping in during the middle of your flight. If it will be early morning when you arrive, attempt to sleep near the end of the flight. If it will be evening when you arrive, sleep first thing.
   Taking a few hour nap at some point during the flight is a great way to relax and pass some time. It may also be helpful to speak to a flight attendant to find out when they will be serving the next meal. Meal time on a large flight can be somewhat of a disruption.

3. Noise Canceling Headphones
   
   If you don't have a pair of noise canceling headphones, you should really invest in a pair before an extended, international flight. They will be worth every penny. They basically cancel out the white noise found on aircraft during flight and make your ears less "tired". It's amazing how peaceful and quite it can become on a crowded flight when wearing a quality pair of these things.
   It's important to note that there is no need to go out and spend $350 on a pair of high end Bose headphones either. There are many lower end brands that will do the trick. Ensure that whatever brand you purchase is comfortable over along periods of time. It may be helpful to test them out at work a couple times to ensure they don't bother you.

4. Bring Something To Do.
   This one is obvious, but don't underestimate how long some of these flights can be. A nice collection of magazines and books is a must. If you have a hand-held game system, make sure it's fully charged and that you have a variety of games to keep you busy. While there are movies playing non-stop during most international flights, they may not interest you. So bringing an iPod or personal movie player may be helpful.
   It's important to note that not all coach seats have access to a power outlet. In fact, most aircraft only allow power to the first twenty or so rows within coach. Even within those rows you will need an adapter to draw power from the aircraft. These adapters may vary from one airline to another, so it's a good idea to check prior to your flight.

Resources

• Seat Guru