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Original poster

Tips to get through a long haul flight.

39 replies

Franklymydearidontgiveadam · 09/12/2019 14:02

Hi all,

I'm off to NYC next Sunday (flying from mcr). The flight will of course be around 8 hours and its with jet2.. I've found there's no inflight entertainment and I'll probably take my ipad but it doesn't hold much charge.

I'm a nervous flyer, it's my first long haul and I'm looking for ways to make the time feel like it's no Dragging...

OP posts:
maxelly · 09/12/2019 14:14

For me the key is lots of different things so you can swap between activities, I know some people just watch 3 films in a row on a long haul flight but personally I can't concentrate that long! So I would put a film or boxset onto the ipad, then download some music or podcasts onto your phone, then get a good book on an ereader if you have one or in paperback if not. I'd also pick up your preferred Sunday paper and/or a magazine at the airport, preferably one with supplements and a good puzzle section so you can mix up some serious reading with looking at pretty pictures and doing the crossword Grin . I'd then chop and change between all these as my mood takes me, plus I'd bring/buy lots of snacks (I assume Jet2 don't provide a meal/drinks, but you can bring own food, you'll have to buy it airside but still probably cheaper than on the plane?) and perhaps some booze too (assuming no driving required at the other end), and if I can manage it, have a little snooze mid flight as this definitely makes the time pass quicker!

Nerves wise, long haul for me isn't too much different from short-haul as I find the worst bits take off and landing which is the same however long the flight, not sure if it's the same for you? All the usual advice applies about using breathing techniques and visualisation exercises plus familiarising yourself with what all the various bings and bongs the plane system makes and what turbulence feels like so you don't panic and think something awful is happening?

Good luck and enjoy your hols!

maxelly · 09/12/2019 14:18

The other thing I have heard people recommend - although it does require electronics with charge and preferably wifi (does Jet2 have plane wifi?) - is to use some of the time in the air to do a boring admin task, e.g. sort out and categorise all the pictures on your phone and select ones you want to print or make into a digital album, or write out all your christmas shopping lists and budgets, or go through all your old emails and archive/reply to that chatty email from Aunty Edna that's been sitting there a while etc?

workfup · 09/12/2019 14:20

Wear something warm - layer up, eye mask and comfy socks

graziemille567 · 09/12/2019 14:33

I always make sure I download lots of podcasts and albums/playlists from Spotify to keep me entertained. I find if I put something to listen to on and and shut my eyes I can often drop off for a little while too which passes the time as well as helping take my mind off of the flying nerves. Plus a good book that's not too chunky so it's easy to hold

CMOTDibbler · 09/12/2019 14:45

Get a power bank (Anker are really good) and that will keep your ipad going a lot longer.

Foghead · 09/12/2019 14:48

Check if they have usb charging slots. Take a cable if they go.
Otherwise, as well as iPad, easy read book or a book of short stories.

Original poster
Franklymydearidontgiveadam · 09/12/2019 14:55

Thanks all.

Yep, take off and landing is the worst park.

We have meals booked on the flight and I'll maybe have a glass of prosecco.. As you gain an extra 5hrs there I don't want to feel too groggy.

I'm currently studying sports science so I may even take course work xx

OP posts:
SJaneS48 · 09/12/2019 20:09

Big shawl - doubles up as a blanket! Snacks. Pick up some Rescue Remedy by Bach Flowers in duty free just to help you relax. My DH & DD love the neck support thingies (I don’t) but they might help too?

BubblesBuddy · 09/12/2019 21:55

A book or two. A book on NY to plan. A puzzle book. Yes to power bank and iPhone for music. If it’s daytime I’m assuming you won’t sleep but I actually find planes warm these days! Don’t take work!!! I’m assuming this is a holiday - have fun.

SpoonBlender · 09/12/2019 22:00

I have to have a variety too. Book(s). Music. Podcasts. Nintendo. Sleep. Eat. Make sure you have some work/coursework so that you can avoid looking at it.

8 hours really isn't that long.

Original poster
Franklymydearidontgiveadam · 10/12/2019 05:05

Oh I know 8 hrs isn't that long to some people but it is to a nervous, claustrophobic flyer!

It's my longest flight ever.

OP posts:
MiniGuinness · 10/12/2019 05:22

NY is not long haul and I actually think that it is the best strategy to keep telling yourself that! I have been stuck on the M25 for longer than that! I have also never known a Manchester to New York flight take anywhere near 8 hours. It will fly by!

christmassymcchristmas · 10/12/2019 05:33

Why is it taking 8 hours? Should be nearer 6.5-7 which really isn't very long. My last flight from NYC to Manchester was 5 hours 50 minutes.

Magazine, book, boxset, sleep and a boots meal deal

nakedavengeragain · 10/12/2019 05:40

@christmassymcchristmas NYC to the UK is significantly quicker due to the jet stream. 5 hours isn't unheard of. I was once extremely annoyed that I upgraded to First for a Boston to LHR flight and we had barely got through dinner before we were landing.

UK to NYC is a different story due to that. However it will never take 8 hours. Usually 6to 7 hours max in the air and the other hour accounts for the faffing that needs to happen at JFK.

OP a NYC hop really isn't long haul but my plan would be.
First hour. Look out window at landscape. Half of this will be takeoff
Second hour. Drinks and chatting
Third hour. Probably food will come round
Fourth hour. iPad films
Fifth hour. Get another drink, read
Sixth hour prepare to land, listen to music.

christmassymcchristmas · 10/12/2019 05:43

I know that Naked Grin that's what I said. It's the OP that seems to think it's long haul. I was trying to give her some perspective.

Totally annoying to have a free upgrade on the way back.

Nononononono33 · 10/12/2019 05:50

I would do as a pp says and split your time into hours. Maybe first hour/two do some coursework, an hour for food, then book, podcasts, whatever else you have. Another trick I have is to buy a treat at the airport (normally nice chocolate), and only allow myself to eat it when we’re at the halfway point of the flight. You’ll be absolutely fine, have fun!

Original poster
Franklymydearidontgiveadam · 10/12/2019 06:54

I'm only off what the airline says and I'm sorry I must be so thick thinking it was last as long haul.

Jeese sorry everyone.

Tips to get through a long haul flight.
OP posts:
SJaneS48 · 10/12/2019 06:55

An hour for food?! I don’t think I’ve had a plane meal I’ve wanted to take more than ten minutes over :-)! But yes yes yes to taking time with some nice chocolate!

How about downloading a series you’ve planned to get through but just haven’t had the time. We went to NYC in October and I managed to get through quite a few of the new Spirals. As others have suggested, take a power bank.

Unless you have a dead line looming, I’d agree with Bubbles and say just leave the work and get into holiday mode! Quite a few people will have their shutters down even though it’s a day flight and depending on where you are sitting & your eye sight, e-readers are better than paperbacks.

christmassymcchristmas · 10/12/2019 07:08

Nobody is saying you are thick. Just letting you know that it's very very unlikely to take 8 hours. You'll either depart later than that or arrive earlier. Bonus either way.

Original poster
Franklymydearidontgiveadam · 10/12/2019 07:09

It actually comes across as though your taking the mick between you.

Oh well.

OP posts:
MiniGuinness · 10/12/2019 07:11

We were trying to be supportive.

cortex10 · 10/12/2019 07:13

Also recommend getting a power bank like previous poster.

WinnerWinnerChickenDinner0 · 10/12/2019 07:20

I like to bring mini travel bottles of face cleansers and a sachet of a face mask and give myself a mini facial. There can be a line for the loo after takeoff and before landing but it gets quiet then.

The flight is very dehydrating for your skin so this helps not feel so groggy and grimy when you land

icelollycraving · 10/12/2019 07:20

Magazines, power bank, download a box set you want to watch, snacks and a big old drink.
I think people were trying to tell you it would be shorter in the air to try to calm you a little.
Long haul is one of the nicest bits of mn I have found, generally no snippiness.
Have fun in NY, I’ve always fancied it.

nakedavengeragain · 10/12/2019 07:25

Not implying you you are thick at all. Just trying to reassure that you will not be in the air for 8 hours. Much more like 6 or 7. The airlines gives themselves masses of wiggle room. A strong jet stream can make a big difference to a flight time both there and back.

I like to make a meal out of the meal. I can easily make an economy long haul meal last an hour!