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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think I physically can’t do this flight?

99 replies

panicky7 · 31/08/2023 08:27

I have no worries about flying itself, but I’m going to NZ in a few weeks to visit a friend.

The longest flight I’ve ever done is 4.5 hours. This time I’m doing a 7 hour flight, stopover, then a 13.5 hour flight.

I am someone who physically can’t sit still and I get so fidgety. I also can’t sleep on planes or any kind of transport. I’m honestly dreading it, I know I’ll have films and music and food but i get restless even in cinemas. I have assessment for ADHD soon.

Does anyone have any tips because it’s gonna be unbearable !!

OP posts:

dudsville · 31/08/2023 08:30

I don't have adhd but I'm a very restless fidgety person who also can't sleep on planes. You can buy fidget things online. I take lots of books, have games on my phone and watch films. Any chance you can out an overnight stop in your journey for the return?

OnAMidnightTrainToGeorgia · 31/08/2023 08:32

I wouldn't put myself....or other passengers..through it!

Sorry, but I would just spend the entire trip worrying about the journey back

alwayscrashinginthesamecar1 · 31/08/2023 08:32

Valium and booze. Its the only way I can deal with long haul,😀

Oakbeam · 31/08/2023 08:33

Pick an aisle seat. Then at least you can get up and move around without disturbing other passengers unduly.

Whataretheodds · 31/08/2023 08:34

Book yourself an aisle seat so you can get up and stretch/move around.

Do you do yoga? I found it helped with the stillness ( I also have adhd)

Wear comfy clothes. Fidget toys (silent ones) are a good idea.

Peony654 · 31/08/2023 08:34

Get an aisle seat so you can get up when you want. I use over the counter sleeping tablets on flights, like Nytol. They take the edge off so I can at least relax and listen to a podcast, and sometimes I do sleep.

Jules912 · 31/08/2023 08:35

I'm similar and always get an aisle seat so I can get up and walk around. They don't mind so long as the seatbelt sign isn't on, though I also try to avoid when they're bringing the trolley down

bluetongue · 31/08/2023 08:36

My biggest tip is make sure you get an aisle seat. Not being hemmed in by others (especially if their sleeping really helps).

How long is your stopover for? Even if it’s during the day look at getting a day use room at a hotel. It will add to your costs but makes a huge difference.

I live in Australia and usually do one long haul trip a year so I know how difficult it can be. I’ve tried sleeping tablets but still can’t sleep on planes. There have been some long flights where all I’ve wanted to do is lay down in the aisle and have a nap 😂

Clefable · 31/08/2023 08:36

Well YABU to think you physically can't do it because once you're on the plane there's no choice, you can't just leave halfway through the flight! So you will have to physically do it but it might be shite.

Honestly I would pop a sleeping pill for the 13-hour one.

PauliesWalnuts · 31/08/2023 08:37

Aisle seat for me too. I found the first leg to Australia ok but the second was hard. Helped that I stopped over in Singapore overnight, and bought melatonin over the counter from the pharmacy in the airport.

Southwest12 · 31/08/2023 08:37

I did UK to Aus and went business, couldn't have done that in economy. I get bored on two hour flights to Europe! I took stuff to do, sat and crocheted for the whole flight to Dubai.

The Aus leg they served "breakfast" at 3am not long after take off and then turned the lights off and put all the blinds down until about an hour and a half before landing (5:30pm Aus time).

bluetongue · 31/08/2023 08:37

One more thing. Hours into the flight you might not feel like watching a whole movie so choose shows with short episodes or podcasts instead.

QuillBill · 31/08/2023 08:37

I think it's one of those things that you just get on with when you are on there because there isn't another option. You can't get off, there's nowhere to go so you are just there.

Absolutely get an aisle seat.

I don't go to the cinema either but a flight isn't the same. I've done this flight loads of times. You might not sleep but you will zone out. Or you can take something to help you sleep.

It's not a fun experience I don't think but it's the only way to gets there.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 31/08/2023 08:38

Ditto x 100 to an aisle seat and frequent wanders up and down. Pref. not while they’re dishing out meals or drinks, though.

Testina · 31/08/2023 08:39

Just do whatever you did for the 4.5 hours, for longer.

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername · 31/08/2023 08:40

I'm similarly bad with flights. I nearly lost my reason on a 17 hour trip back from South Africa a few years ago. I actually cheered, all on my own, when we finally landed in Dublin, from sheer relief.

I'd talk to your GP about drugs, honestly.

GrumpyPanda · 31/08/2023 08:41

Get an aisle seat. Comfy clothes. Change into Birkenstocks. Get up regularly. You can do stretches in the aisle if you don't mind funny looks. I get rather stiff and sore on long flights so take a couple of ibuprofen when boarding. If you get REALLY stiff maybe get some muscle relaxants? Also, make sure you're well lubricated inside and out and take done chapstick for dehydration. Empty water bottle through security and get frequent refills on board.

Meredusoleil · 31/08/2023 08:42

Despite not having ADHD and always booking aisle seats, reasons like the OP say is why I won't book long haul anymore!

GrumpyPanda · 31/08/2023 08:43

Re jet lag. If you have a chance to do a sauna session after arrival it really helps to reset my body clock.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 31/08/2023 08:44

Can you upgrade so that you can have a better chance of sleeping?

Long haul flights have films etc in every class so that might help you be entertained. Think of other things to keep you entertained in advance - books, a tablet with things you find entertaining downloaded etc

I would also go for an aisle seat so you can get up and down. I’m a bit of a fidgety person so I get where you’re coming from, but I think you can do it with some forethought.

Loopytiles · 31/08/2023 08:44

You’ve booked it so need to do it!

NailyDale · 31/08/2023 08:45

Sleeping tablet?

Or Melatonin?

ZadocPDederick · 31/08/2023 08:48

If you don't already crochet, learn to, and take a fairly complicated project with you to do on the flight. Before anyone asks whether they allow crochet hooks on, yes they do.

ittakes2 · 31/08/2023 08:49

I have adhd - book an aisle seat preferably one with leg room - no reason why you can't walk around the plane as long as you are considerate to others especially staff serving. Also you do sleep at night at home - you need to work out how you can sleep on a plane. If you have the money try and upgrade so you have more space.

Coolblur · 31/08/2023 08:50

Don't do yoga or exercises in the aisle, it's really odd and makes other passengers uncomfortable. Plus it blocks the aisle for others trying to move around the plane, including the cabin crew, while they wait for the yogi to finish whatever move they're doing. I doubt it would be very relaxing to be stared at and asked to move or sit down every couple of minutes

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