AIBU to ask about flying to Australia?

[snapdragongirl]

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!

There’s a programme on Sky Witness channel, called ‘Nothing To Declare’, that’s about the Australian Customs and it’s quite eye-opening about the things that are not allowed to be brought into the country. Obviously it’s concentrating on the most dramatic issues they encounter from incoming travellers (well, it’s TV so they would, wouldn’t they), but worth watching a few episodes if you can, especially if you intend taking any food for gifts or snacks, or medication, even prescription drugs.

I fly to Oz once a year (family out there). Travel time is usually around 24 hours (with time adjustments), so I try to leave Manchester at around 7.30pm and land in Melbourne at 7.30pm. I can't sleep on flights at all, so this means I can go to bed when I land without being wildly unsociable, sleep all night and then wake up already on Oz time.

Yep, I did it a few years ago, but then had a layover of about 3 hours as I was actually going to Melbourne. I would only do it again if my final destination were Perth - otherwise id just break it somewhere else to break the flight more evenly. I've done it via Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. AD transit was a nightmare but this was about 10 years ago!

There's apparently a gadget you can connect to wireless headphones that allows you to listen to the plane TVs, but I keep forgetting to buy one so make do with phone/Kindle for entertainment.

I have got one and I have to say it is absolutely brilliant. You can connect your wire free buds or headphones via Bluetooth with it, no trailing wires getting in the way. It's a Bluetooth transmitter wireless adapter

OP wear layers and have a pashmina or something similar or maybe it's just me because I get cold on long haul.
My DH changes his watch to the local time of where we are going as soon as he gets on the plane and he never gets jet lag!

Thanks for this. My initial destination would be Perth, I've always wanted to visit Western Australia. I'm not too bothered about Sydney, tbh, but would like to visit Melbourne and then perhaps onwards to NZ.

But Perth was my first thought, yes. Thanks!

@FadedRed even prescription drugs

I've not watched this show. What kind of prescription drugs? I'm assuming this means things like strong painkillers etc., rather than hayfever medication!

I really recommend the free Timeshifter app to reduce jet lag . And comfy clothes and shoes , in layers . And a change of underwear and shower in transit if you can . We prefer to eat before flying but the food and almanacs on the plane very adequate if you bring your own water

List everything on the form! I came down with a chest infection on the plane, and bought some medication in Abu Dhabi airport. I listed it on the form when landing in Australia and they did check it.

I considered it this year but in the end went for emirates out (with a break for a few days in Dubai) and Qatar back with few hours in Doha. I think there are pro’s and con’s. If it was cheaper (we are going at Xmas) I would do the direct flight in premium economy

Have just done this flight in the last week with Qatar. We always order the meat/veg Hindu food or the Jain and all are delicious - we much prefer them to the food you get if you don't specify. Also, you get served first, so when you have finished, everyone else is still eating and you get to go to the loo with no queue and have a walk about.
It is a long trip but we dont mind it. We get in the zone and watch films and read. I wear shoes I can get on and off quickly and always bring an extra layer.
Doha is a big airport but the green walkway is nice and some of the food is good.
Have a great trip!

If you have iPads you can download movies, series that you like to that too. I’m a nervous flyer so always have my favourite comfort movie downloaded. Also, I book a seat that has a wall behind it so I don’t have to worry about people behind me.

I travel a lot with work and did London - Doha - Brisbane (and then on to Sydney) with Qatar.

I love flying. I hated this journey. The 15 hour leg was absolutely brutal, couldn't sleep a wink and the lady in front of me reclined from the minute she sat down basically until we landed.

It was my first flight with Qatar and I'd heard great things. They were useless - I asked for help with two things and was forgotten about both times. The second thing, which was to watch the advertised live broadcast of the World Cup (hosted in Qatar!) the attendant first tried to tell me the game was over and that's why it didn't work on my screen (it wasn't - I was following text updates on the BBC website) and then actually walked away from me mid-help and never returned! It was very bizarre!

The plane was nice enough and there was lots of choice of in-flight entertainment (if you discount the live World Cup!) but it was a strange experience. Doha to London was better but only because I was sat next to a kind English lady who gave me a Valium and I slept the entire flight. When I woke up she told me she had had to climb over me to get to the toilet.

Enjoy your flight! Australia's an amazing place!

I flew to Australia and back with Qatar via Doha in the last month.

Each seat has its own TV with plenty of choice.

They provide a blanket, pillow, slumber mask and earplugs to help people sleep. The lights are turned off when it's sleeping time. Personally I don't sleep much, but some people do.

If you have dietary requirements your need to request in advance. The food was fine.

The flight was long, but the TV helps a lot. It's a good idea to get up and walk about occasionally and move your legs a bit while sitting down.

At the other end try to stay up until a reasonable bedtime in the new timezone as it helps you adjust to the new time.

@magicstar1 @ExpressCheckout
Most prescription medications are permitted, but there are strict rules about declaring them and bringing the correct documentation with you.

https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/categories/medicines-and-substances

Another vote for the Timeshifter app. You need to enter your journey details about a week before you travel and it gives you a sleep/wake/caffeine/daylight exposure plan for the days before and after your journey.

OP, I’ve done Qatar Airways to Australia via Doha. Biggest tip is that if your flight is a bit late departing from the UK (often the case from LHR), don’t stress about missed connections as the Doha airport team are very good at short transit times. It’s a huge transit hub and they do everything they can to avoid a situation where a load of people need to be rebooked due to a missed connection.

I don’t find their inflight entertainment to be great, so would always have a back-up.

there is always a bathroom stampede before landing, plan around that if you can!

OP I second the suggestion of booking flights that arrive at least late afternoon and ideally evening so you can just land, wine to knock you out, shower, bed. I find that best for pushing through jet lag at each end but appreciate you've already booked.

In terms of other things:
Slip on shoes
Socks and hoody
Comfy trousers
Cabeau neck pillows are the BEST
Listerine, face wipes, deodorant, clean pants or pant liners lip balm, toothbrush helps you feel so much better to freshen up on layover or "get ready for bed" / wake up mid flight
A good book
Water bottle so the attendants can fill it up for you rather than you waiting on the trolley. I second electrolytes but not too many or you'll be peeing non stop
Paracetamol just in case
I fly long haul with a footsling (get one with a hard base). Planes don't have footrests anymore, v annoying

It is a slog but I love it, I just put on rom coms that my husband hates, drink copious free wine, nap and enjoy not being contactable by work

Flown to Australia many times - basically accept that the trip is hell if you can't sleep sitting up - but you just have to go through it. Maybe the kids can lie down a bit across your seats - you can stand for a bit.
You can binge watch movies or tv series to pass the time but it is so long and sleep is really hard.
They try to impose night on you on the flight so will serve dinner then close blinds and dim lights.
Stop over to sleep in an airport hotel is the best but expensive. Doha airport is fun - lots to do. Australia is great though!!

@MotherPuppr which cabeau neck pillow would you recommend?

I watched the first series of Matlock on Qatar which almost, almost made up for the length of the trip! :)

There is in flight WiFi nowadays.

Noise cancelling headphones, eye mask, good neck brace/pillow and 2 gins with dinner always helps 😂

Seriously though, apart from the gin, the rest is essential to get any sleep on board. Wear comfy clothes, take lots of layers in case you get cold, slip on shoes (do not go to the toilet in your socks!!!) and flight socks help with swollen legs affected by the pressure in the cabin. Recline your seat to sleep after dinner- don’t be the person that reclines at the start of the flight!

You should be able to check in-flight movie options and menu before you go but might be worth going for veggie/pescatarian option (you’ll get your food first).

Check how long each leg is - I used to fly UK, Dubai, Singapore, Oz - about 7hrs each leg which wasn’t enough time to sleep much after going through take off, feeding & clean up. I much prefer having a longer leg so you can get more sleep.

Check the customs in Doha - you might want take a top with sleeves to cover up as I’ve seen some female travellers get stared at when showing mid-riff and shoulders while wandering round the airport. Short shorts are also a no no.

Flights that land early morning are preferable to arriving late at night as I find it’s easier to adjust to the time difference. My last flight arrived at 11.30pm and it took me 9 days to get over the jet lag rather than the usual 4-5. Try not to have a nap during the day if you can help it - push through into the evening if you can as it will help you adjust quicker.

Flying long haul is never pleasant- it’s about making it as comfortable as you can so that you’re not a complete zombie at the other end. Good luck!

Depending on how long you stop over for (and facilities available) try and grab a shower at the airport.

makes the second leg of the journey feel much more civilised

I also take slippers to wear on the plane

This kind. Rolls up small like a large cinnamon bun, and comes with a case that you can clip on to handbag / luggage. Cover and case can be washed. Memory foam. You strap it to headrest on seat so your head doesn't flop about while snoozing and you wake up with crick in neck from slouching!

Oh bugger picture did not attach. Search Cabeau evolution s3. Apologies!