Tips to get through a long haul flight.

[Franklymydearidontgiveadam]

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...

To someone who is scared of flying, of course 5+ hours is long haul! OP, I'm an awful flyer, think full on panic attacks, but I've just managed 4 x 7hr flights in a fortnight and am so bloody proud of myself. My GP gave me some diazepam and it stopped the anxiety for long enough for my rational brain to kick in. I also found that not looking out of the windows on take off (headphones and eye mask on) really, really helped as I couldn't actually see the angle we were at - on the third flight, I didn't even know we,d taken off until the 10,000ft bells went off for the cabin crew.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday

@SJaneS48 yes normally the actual eating takes about 10 mins, then it’s another 45 before the meal gets cleared away, and you have your space to yourself again, so just factoring that in (there’s a chance I overthink this sort of thing)

Hi OP. @Madvixen makes a great point. Familiarise yourself with the cabin sounds you'll hear on takeoff. There's lots of them and it's good to expect them or know what they mean.

There'll be bongs for cabin crew on seats, for active runway, gear up. Bongs when cabin crew can leave their seats, particular altitudes all well before you are at cruising altitude. There might be weird whirring noises which is normal hydraulics.

I’m cabin crew, and it classes as long haul on my airline. But they’re right in that it should probably be seven hours or under to jfk. It will be quicker coming home. Airlines always make it seem longer in their schedules.

By the time you’ve taken off and had food and drink you’ll probably only have two or three hours to fill anyway. It will fly by! Don’t worry about it. Think of the great time you’re going to have.

I know, thanks guys. I was sat at me desk for 7hrs yesterday so I'll just think of it as a day in the office too 😊 xx

I usually pre book a sear by the emergency exit (good) but they are usually colder so I always take a thick pair of long socks to keep my feet warm.
Good ear plugs for overnight flight back.
Podcasts to. pass the time - I recommend No such thing as a Fish. Easy listening, funny,, each is about 45 minutes so a 3 or 4 of those will fill in a fair whack of time.

New York isn't too long. I flew back two years ago in 5hours 30!
Just enjoy the peace, relax plan your trip and nap. And lots of Prosecco xx

My tips:

Comfortable clothing - I usually have joggers, some layers on top and take a big scarf/pashmina type thing in case I get cold or want to use it as a pillow.

A full charged power bank - anker do decent ones which will keep your ipad going.

I find it difficult to concentrate for too long when flying so I download a mix of films, box sets, books and music to give a bit of variety. I might go through the photos on my phone and delete/sort them.

Lots of snacks. Get a big bottle of water at the airport. Some hard boiled sweets for take off and landing. Hand cream.

Always have noise cancelling headphones.

I love going to New York - enjoy!

Charging pack to recharge the iPad.

A good book.

A book of favorite puzzles - sudoku, word searches, crossword Sw etc.
Or a craft project - x stitch, crochet, coloring etc.

Plain paper and pen/pencil. Make lists of where you want to go/want to buy etc. Prep for Christmas. Write letters etc.

Bring your Christmas cards and get those written!! (I do this on flights most years!).

Bottle of water to drink. Some favorite snacks to supplement the plane food offerings.

Wear comfy clothes. Set your watch toNYC time as soon as you take off and try to get a snooze to align with that.

I'm with you - not as nervous but I don't like it. And anything over six hours is considered long haul.
I'm flying to east coast myself next week. Once I'm on the plane it's out of my hands so I actually calm down, but I do have a couple rituals (three Hail Mary's and an Our Father on take off!). For me the stress is in getting to the air port on time (I live on an island so have to get a ferry) plus I'm the only adult so I'm in charge if everyone and every thing.
Can't wait till I'm finally there and can start e enjoying the holiday! Hope you do too!

I'm on a day off tomorrow so I'm heading off to the works for copious amounts of puzzles and maybe a lighthearted chick lit.. Xx

It won't take 8 hours, Shave about an hour off that and about 6 hours coming back.

I hate flying as well.

Put all your favourite shows on a tablet. I have to watch Friends on take off as it's the only thing that relaxes me.

I also put lots of game/challenge apps on my phone to keep my mind off the flight.

You also can't beat a Take a Break/That's life mag and do all the comps.

Have a lovely trip NYC will be bloody lovely this time of year.

I have a few of the Liquid Mind albums downloaded on my phone. I’m on the west coast so it’s about 11 hours back to the UK from here. I put my headphones on and start the Liquid Mind album and I’m always asleep before the third track starts. Works every time. I wake up just before we land.

It won't take the 8 hours but it is most definitely classed as long haul, anything over 6 hours usually is.