Long haul flight - any tips?

[Sundaychiller]

I am going on a 14 hour flight at Christmas and then a further 2 hrs, excited about the holiday but not the flights! any one got any tips to make it bearable please?
Thank you!

All great tips thanks, no longer stressing about it. I will use the time to unwind and rest after the busy run up to Christmas and long days at work. Might have to see if they serve Singapore slings on board! 😊

It's no big deal, really: I've flown to NZ and Australia several times: 12+ hours followed by another 8-10 hours at a time. I'd always choose an overnight flight if possible. People are quieter, they turn the lights down and are more relaxed. I'd rather travel economy and spend a few grand more on my holiday than waste it on business class. It's still 14 hours in a seat with the same background noise.

Take an audio book and a tablet with a couple of downloaded TV programmes/ films perhaps, but every time I've flown there have been recent movies I've enjoyed watching. Water, mouthwash/ spray all helps you feel fresh. I use a panty-liner in my undies and then remove it to give me fresh knicks. Easier than trying to change clothes in a loo. Earplugs and noise-cancelling earphones are useful but you'll survive without them.

I wouldn't take a sleeping pill or anything that might make me drowsy, particularly when doing a stopover at an unknown airport. Easy enough to leave a bag or jacket or tablet behind at 4am when you're a bit fuddled, even worse when you're feeling woozy.

Is it ok to take empty bottles to refill airside? Any issues going through security?

If you are flying on the A380 the the upstairs seats in pairs are the most spacious in economy.
Singapore Airlines is great, usually, although the advice about water and snacks still applies as hydration is important and having something to eat that you like is always a good plan.
I don't do economy any more, however a neck pillow, mask and earplugs/headphones would be a must for me. Singapore are good at having a quiet dimmed cabin after food service and it is usually quite restful.
When you get to Changi airport, assuming you have a layover go for a walk it is a lovely space.
@Shopaholic100 yes you can take empty bottles through security, I always travel with mine, there are fountains immediately after security or I fill mine in the lounge.

@Onthegrid thanks for clarifying, I didn’t want them to take my favourite water bottle off me😀.

A regular NZ-UK flyer.
Definitely noise cancelling headphones and an eye mask and pillow. Comfy clothes and socks.

I personally enjoy my meal with some wine and watch some movies, then pop a sleeping pill with some more wine 😁

I read an article written by Cabin Crew about filling water bottles.
They really want you to fill them airside before boarding. They have limited bottled water and really hate using it refilling passenger's bottles. There is "tap" water on board but they revealed that the water tanks on the plane are fairly grim...

They do! Flew with SA in October and had the Slings lined up on my tray table whilst binge-watching 'Phoenix Nights' 😆

Final thought. First time I flew with SA we thought we'd try the local menu, thinking it would be interesting noodly things with a bit of flavour. Instead, everything, even the savoury dishes, seemed crazily sweet and not at all appetising so since then I've stuck with the western menu. I guess the first time might have been bad luck but I wouldn't risk it.

@Jewelanemone brilliant can't wait to try one! How was the food, like @pattihews we planned on trying the local food not the western menu

Don’t eat the plane food! I always order a fruit platter for long haul, your gut will thank you for it.

a neck pillow and layer up your clothing. Noise cancelling headphones if you have some.
Don't drink alcohol, make sure you have the things you need to give yourself a quick once over every now and again, and clean your teeth.

Watch all the things. Enjoy your trip

One of those fluffy neck pillows - but wear it backwards so the space is at the back of your neck and the pillow is under your chin, it stops your head rolling about so much and waking you up.

@Honeyroar this is genius!

The Trtl neck support as mentioned upthread is a game changer. I have the original version.

Absolutely nothing useful to add but @runwithme, that sticker tip is going to improve my life. Tenfold. I cannot thank you enough!!