Long Haul Flights

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I've not flown long haul since they used to offer you a choice of smoking / non-smoking seats and I'm quite a nervous flyer and haven't even been on a plane for about 7 years.
I'm wondering if any of you kind folk would fill me in on what to expect, in order to calm my nerves a bit please, as we will be going out to New Zealand next year for a one off visit to relations out there.

Just wondering if there is anything you would recommend to make life a bit more comfortable...... down to simple things like should I take an inflatable neck pillow?

Someone suggested earphones - don't they issue them to watch films anymore ?

Last time I flew any distance was before internet and mobile phones. Is there a way of charging a mobile between leaving home and arriving at destination some 36 hours or so later ?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but can you use your phone on a flight (I don't mean make calls, but to faff around on to pass the time) ?

Anything else you can tell me please, that I haven't thought of. Thanks.

I was going to suggest NZ airlines have an offer to buy 3 seats for 2 people to allow more room, but see you have booked with Singapore Air. Do you have a stop over? If so, how long? Singapore air used to offer free tours when I last flew with them.

I agree with the layers and a thin scarf/pashmina which can be wrapped around your neck or shoulders, or rolled up as an extra pillow.

There are limits on liquids on flights now, but taking an empty bottle on board, you can usually fill it in flight and at the airport refuelling stop (presumably Changi?)

If you are indeed stopping at Changi in Singapore, they have (or did when I last travelled) a roof top bar/garden. It was open air (something rare in an airport) garden/bar. Certainly worth a visit even if the bar is shut- to just get outside, see the stars and walk around.
www.changiairport.com/en/discover/attractions/cactus-garden.html

In addition to eye mask, I find ear plugs a must! Have a fabulous time.

@Justcannot don't apologise - this is all so helpful. Really appreciate you taking the time to type all that out for me.
Thanks @pandora206 and @MarmiteCoriander too - not things that would ever have occurred to me.

I forgot! I don't know what is provided by Singapore air nowadays in terms of blanket, eye mask, ear plugs, slippers, socks etc?

Without knowing this, I always take on board a pair of cheap, hotel style slippers. Those thin, white things. On board, I take off my shoes, then add either the free socks or another pair I brought along. Then use the hotel slippers for any walking up aisles or to the loos. .

I often found random 'liquid' drips on airplane toilet floors so when I return to my seat, I remove the hotel slippers and remain in my socks till I was up walking again.

Also, take a pair of comfortable shoes on board to wear when you get off.
I don't have any heart, breathing or health problems, but I used to end up with very swollen feet after a 25+ hr. flight. To the point I couldn't fit shoes on at the end of the flight! I now take shoes that can accommodate a larger foot/more flexible in size etc for when I get off. I've also used compression stockings to see if they helped- which they did to a degree.

This website might help in terms of where your seat is, how impacted it is by the toilets, galley etc: www.seatguru.com/

Seconding the seatguru.com recommendation.

Plane air is drier than regular air, so hydrate hydrate hydrate. Bring a half litre water bottle and get refills from flight attendants. Heavy body cream and lip balm - make sure to apply before flight and onboard as necessary.

Long haul flights cause lots of crinks and tension all over so take anti pain medication or possibly even a muscle relaxant. I take a couple ibuprofen before boarding. Aisle seats are good for letting you do some yoga stretches standing the the aisle. Good neck pillow is a must. Extra lumbar support helps as well. Comfortable clothing is a must. I also take off shoes and replace with slippers or Birkenstocks if I've packed them.

Clothing/packing: a photographer's or hiking vest is invaluable. Safe place to stash your valuables and also for anything heavy so it doesn't count towards baggage weight. Laptop chargers and similar can go in outerwear zipper pockets. If you have a Barbour coat this is the only time those weird game pockets are actually useful...!

Singapore Airlines are lovely. But DO NOT FLY WITH THEIR CHEAP OFFSHOOT, SCOOT.

I've flown to NZ many times - regularly since I was 8, and just did the trip with one leg a code share with Scoot. It was the worst flight I’ve ever taken. Long story about a seat not reclining, no inflight movies, and surrounded by a family with noisy children one of which started by hitting me on the head from behind. The parents just clicked and laughed. And spent their time getting in my space … It was awful.

Think RyanAir conditions for 8 sodding hours.

If you're flying through Changi (Singapore) and going through immigration to see Singapore or The Jewel, you'll need to complete their health questionnaire within 3 days of arrival. www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore

Try and spend some time in The Jewel if you can. Basically it's Singapore in miniature in a massive dome, linked to the airport.
www.jewelchangiairport.com/

I like an Isle seat in the middle row of 4 seats. It means I don't need to disturb anyone as I'm up and down to the loo and only get disturbed by 1 person. Food on long haul can be funny, I had chicken curry at 8am last week, and you don't get a biscuit with your coffee, so I take small snacks. I also don't drink alcohol on long haul as I feel really rough after and it makes my jet lag worse.

On lay overs I put my hand luggage on a trolley and get a good walk. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to get to your terminal, it can sometimes be a 45 min walk in Dubai.

Take an eye mask. If you're flying into Singapore you might have to wear a face mask on the plane (sorry, can't remember latest regs) last time I flew into Singapore it was compulsory for the whole flight, so take one just incase.