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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To never fly long haul again

131 replies

wondering7777 · 19/10/2019 19:00

I recently went on holiday for a week. The flight was eight hours long and so uncomfortable - economy class seats have very little leg room/space and it’s almost impossible to get any kip.

I’m now back home and the time difference is killing me - I had two hours sleep on the plane and have been in bed all afternoon drifting in and out of sleep and feeling very achey, sneezy and generally crap. I’m also 12 weeks pregnant, which I’m sure has made it 10 times worse (has anyone else found that it does?)

AIBU to just stick to UK holidays and short haul from now on? There are so many amazing destinations in Europe just a 2-3 hour flight away, not to mention the reduced (admittedly still bad) impact on the environment of only flying short haul. As it is, I feel like I’ve come back from holiday more exhausted than when I left!

OP posts:
mbosnz · 19/10/2019 20:11

Oh, and that's around 39 hours nose to tail.

On the other hand, flying to Canada economy was hell!

misspiggy19 · 19/10/2019 20:16

8 hours isn’t long haul. And you only went for a week so don’t see how you could be that jet lagged

Hallloumi · 19/10/2019 20:20

I'm curious about the the people who need to fly somewhere for 'a religious reason'. Other than to go to Mecca I can't think what this could be?

JemSynergy · 19/10/2019 20:22

I've flown lots of long haul flights with my 12 and 9 year old in tow since they were babies. I agree with those who have suggested not sleeping. The last time I flew long haul I slept during the flights and for the first time ever I had terrible jet lag for about a week afterwards and had to take medication to sort it out.

Oriunda · 19/10/2019 20:22

My 7 yr old son loves flying (longest he’s done is 10hrs). He eats, watches movies, helps himself to snacks and maybe sleeps a bit).

I like flying but unfortunately I just can’t sleep - not even on a 14 hour flight. I just resign myself to eat, and enjoy the chance to watch a shed load of movies.

Unfortunately if you want to see amazing places like Japan, or take the kids to Universal, it’s a necessary evil. We just make the best of it.

We fly economy btw. I’ve flown Club for work and it’s a different experience altogether!

JellyfishAndShells · 19/10/2019 20:25

We have family in NZ P, so long haul has been a constant in our lives. I also had a job that involved a lot of transatlantic travel.

DH had many, many air miles from his constant long haul travel job so much of our leisure travel has been in the comfort of Business or First.

I still loathe it and the jet lag that accompanies it and am so very happy that our holidays now focus on Europe or the UK. DD1 said her boss looked surprised at her lack of delight when she was told her schedule for next year would include several 8+ hours flights for client conferences. Nobody in this house takes the brain fog of jet lag lightly .

LadyLanka · 19/10/2019 20:30

8 hours is not long haul.
Economy may get uncomfy over 4 to 6 hours.
However, whether or not you travel like this is YOUR choice.

AutumnalBliss · 19/10/2019 20:31

I used to live overseas and drag my DC everywhere on long haul flights. I've learned before it is too late that my DC are happiest when we stay in the UK and drive. They are happiest when we stay in Devon, Cornwall or North Norfolk and go down the beach, have nice days out and work out which flavour ice cream is best in that area.

OP, when your DC is born save your money and stay in the UK for a few years.

winterisstillcoming · 19/10/2019 20:32

I wouldn't discount long haul forever just after one bad experience.

Obviously you know your own limitations but hopefully there will be one day when the appeal of the destination will outweigh the discomfort of flying.

We personally fly day flights with the children long haul and sleep when we land. We all wake up refreshed the next day. Yes we have to entertain them but it is quality time with them without any distractions, and I don't sleep well on flights either so prefer to rest at the destination. We have taken them both since toddlers.

Original poster
wondering7777 · 19/10/2019 20:34

8 hours isn’t long haul. And you only went for a week so don’t see how you could be that jet lagged

Eight hours IS long haul! And I’m no expert, but surely if you went for longer you’d be less jet lagged as there’s more time to adjust and rest between two very long journeys? Confused

They are happiest when we stay in Devon, Cornwall or North Norfolk and go down the beach, have nice days out and work out which flavour ice cream is best in that area.

That sounds like bliss to be honest Smile

OP posts:
minesagin37 · 19/10/2019 20:35

I can't think of a single person who would fly long haul for one week! Crazy! No wonder you feel rough.

Fink · 19/10/2019 20:36

Of course YANBU, do what you want with your holiday.

That said, I really don't mind long-haul personally (although I don't get the chance to do it often). I like the little tv set with so much choice (loads of films I'd have loved to have seen in the cinema but didn't get the chance because of being a single parent) and the ability to track the flight on it; the dinky little meals; the chance to catch up on sewing and podcasts. Plus I have a reasonably high tolerance threshold for things like screaming children.

On the other hand, what I hate is flights with a stopover. I would much much rather have one longer flight than have to change.

Funghi · 19/10/2019 20:39

We recently did a 12 hour flight with the sound of a young baby screaming for the majority of the 12 hours and when that wasn’t happening, the sound of the toddlers kicking off could be heard. Awful. It put me off even leaving my house.

timeforawine · 19/10/2019 20:42

Each to their own, i personally don't mind long haul, neither does my 3 year old, she's been flying since 10m old.
There are some stunning places in Europe but also the rest of the world.

Mephisto · 19/10/2019 20:45

AIBU to just stick to UK holidays and short haul from now on?

Yes, you're being unreasonable, random off the internet. What an absurd question.

FiveShelties · 19/10/2019 20:47

Right hours is not long haul. I do NZ to UK three times a year and that is seriously a long long way.
If you think you would be less jet lagged travelling 8 hours rather than 27 hours, give it a go and enjoy.

Viviene · 19/10/2019 20:49

At my current employer we are expected to fly 8hrs for a one day meeting and 11+ hrs for three days coference.
All in economy, btw.
It is nuts and I hate it but after few 13hrs flights 8hrs one was really short.
I never fly long haul for pleasure as anything over 7hrs time difference and the jet lag is killing me. I'm with you on the non - flying. I love driving :)

kettlecrisp67 · 19/10/2019 20:53

4 hrs is my max. Hate it

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername · 19/10/2019 20:55

We did 17 hours in economy with 8 and 7 year olds, and on the way back it left at 10pm with a transfer in Addis Ababa airport at 4am.

Outward wasn't so bad, but on the way home I honestly actually got to the stage where I thought I'd lose my sanity before landing. I was wide awake the whole time but too tired to read or watch anything. Time has never passed so slowly. I can actually feel my heartrate going up now, thinking about it.

I will never do that again!

Marypoppins19 · 19/10/2019 20:55

Who did you fly with??

Original poster
wondering7777 · 19/10/2019 20:58

Yes, you're being unreasonable, random off the internet. What an absurd question.

Some people on this thread really need to take a chill pill Grin

@FiveShelties actually eight hours is long haul, as defined by my airline. I’m surprised someone who flies long haul wouldn’t know that!

OP posts:
JellyfishAndShells · 19/10/2019 21:03

With NZ family ( we are in the UK) 8 hours sounds like getting ready for landing, tbh. It’s all relative ( and we used to do it with small children in Economy, frequently )

My DH thought it would be fun to take me to San Francisco for a weekend, for a milestone birthday (including a surprise party with friends who live on the West Coast) It was just about OK as with such a short time you never have to get into the other time zone. Felt like hell the week after, though .

Aridane · 19/10/2019 21:07

The trick is not to sleep on the plane!

I find completely the opposite - the joy of a deep sleep in the plane (well, some sleep) and waking up towards arrival not feeling like the walking dead.

Aridane · 19/10/2019 21:08

With NZ family ( we are in the UK) 8 hours sounds like getting ready for landing, tbh. It’s all relative ( and we used to do it with small children in Economy, frequently )

Exactly!

Glitterypumkin · 19/10/2019 21:08

8 hours may be officially long haul but I personally wouldn’t consider it long haul imo after traveling to oz&nz 5+ times. Just my own opinion .
Bc is worth every penny. Not just for the food on the plane. It’s the whole experience, picked up by a chauffeur, fastrack check in/security. More luggage allowance and the onboard service/lie flat bed which enables me to get a sleep as I normally don’t sleep at all. It’s not in any way comparable to premium economy.