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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to ask about flying to Australia?

78 replies

snapdragongirl · 14/07/2025 11:37

I have never been to Australia, indeed have never even flown long-haul, but will soon be doing so with DC (2 teens and a tween). We are flying with Qatar Airways, economy, via Doha (we have a couple of hours there).

For myself, but also for DC who have (understandably) lots of questions about how it all works, what should we expect in terms of any food/drink that is provided during the flight, and what are your top tips in terms of embarking on a journey like this, eg when to try and sleep, how to manage jet lag, what in-flight facilities/entertainment are there? I don’t even know if we will be able to watch tv/films, having never done this before! Do the seats recline for sleeping? What comfort items could we take to make it more bearable? We also have neurodiversity in the mix to make things more interesting….

Any advice from more seasoned travellers is very welcome as I am clueless!

OP posts:
Original poster
snapdragongirl · 14/07/2025 12:00

Thank you! Will definitely look at their website, I didn’t really think to as presumed some of the things I’ve asked are widely known by most people Grin This is all really helpful, thanks!

OP posts:
lizziejj2102 · 14/07/2025 11:59

Qatar is a good airline. You will get plenty of food and drink and can ask for more drinks. Usual and good advice is to stay hydrated. I always have an aisle seat to be able to get out easily…I assume you are flying economy. There will be a screen in the back of the seat in front of you with movies, tv series, games, music etc. You will be given headphones. The seats will recline, but not lie flat in economy. Don’t recline them at mealtimes. Some people can sleep on planes but most struggle, as I do. A good eyemask and earplugs will help a lot. Some take sleeping tablets which I wouldn’t recommend but something like Nytol may help. Some swear by melatonin. Jet lag, well some suffer more than others but the usual advice is to get on to local time as soon as possible. Depending what time you arrive, power through until an early bed time, a lot of flights to Australia arrive early morning, which can be less than ideal.

Sal17690 · 14/07/2025 11:55

Have a look at the airline website, it tells you lots of this. You will typically be served two meals per leg of the flight (UK - I presume - to Doha, then Doha on to Australia). Drinks and food is all included in the ticket cost. In economy you generally have a choice of 2/3 meals, you need to book vegetarian, etc ahead.

each seat has a tv for shows / movies and earphones are provided. You can also BYO device and headphones for your own content. The airline website will list shows and films available on your particular route - they usually update every month.

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