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Original poster

Surviving a long haul flight in economy

139 replies

Bobsledgirl · 31/10/2023 06:54

How? We have a 8 hour overnight flight next month. Can’t afford an upgrade and the last time I had a flight like that it nearly killed me!

The seats are so uncomfortable, you can’t recline unless everyone does. I recall being desperate for sleep but couldn’t find the right position. A neck support cushion didn’t help because the seats are too upright.

Any tips? It’s putting me off the trip tbh. ( Can’t change the flight)

OP posts:
cravingmilkshake · 31/10/2023 06:59

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Original poster
Bobsledgirl · 31/10/2023 07:04

This is funny because…….

OP posts:
MagpiePi · 31/10/2023 07:04

Why don’t you put your seat back? Ask the person behind if you’re worried; they’re not going to say no.
I can’t sleep on flights but have just come to accept it. Watch films, read a book, listen to podcasts, keep going for free snacks and drinks. You aren’t actually going to die.

Humpfree · 31/10/2023 07:05

Well you cant can you? Thats what you get with economy - its shit for everyone

FormerlySpeckledyHen · 31/10/2023 07:06

Book a day time flight?

Overthebow · 31/10/2023 07:06

You just accept that you won’t get much sleep if at all. It’s only one night.

Weesiewoo · 31/10/2023 07:06

Next time try not to book an overnighter. But it's done now.
Drink lots of water, choose an aisle seat so you can walk around. Layer so you can be the right temperature. Don't drink alcohol. Ask for a blanket. And use the eye mask.
I regularly travel to Australia and back from the UK.

sleepyscientist · 31/10/2023 07:06

Economy is fine, we usually have a few drinks and food in the airport then settle in for films on the plane. Take snacks like Pringles etc and sleep once you get to the resort. 8 hours isn't that long we have a 16 hour flight coming up.

Pipistrellus · 31/10/2023 07:07

If it's not take off, landing, or meal time then yes you can recline. Especially if it's night time and they turn the lights off. The person behind you can also recline.

FormerlySpeckledyHen · 31/10/2023 07:07

Sorry just saw you can’t change your flight.

Original poster
Bobsledgirl · 31/10/2023 07:07

Yes I realise I’m not going to die. 🙄

I thought more frequent travellers than me might have some ideas of how to make it easier.

OP posts:
Mumwithqs · 31/10/2023 07:07

This is a joke right?

But I recline regardless what anyone else does.

Dammitthisisshit · 31/10/2023 07:07

You can recline - why not? Just don’t do it at meal service time (or takeoff/landing).

Daytime flights are fine just boring. overnight flights are shattering but take a pillow or roll something up to support your head and get some naps in as much as you can. Enjoy a film!

rookiemere · 31/10/2023 07:07

Who are you flying with- some airlines are better than others?
Least worst situation is take the window seat so you have something to prop yourself against. Assume you won't sleep so organise nothing for the next day and take Boots sleepeaze tablets for a few nights to get back to normal.

LubaLuca · 31/10/2023 07:08

Take something that will make you drowsy, carry a big scarf you can use as a blanket and recline the seat.

Original poster
Bobsledgirl · 31/10/2023 07:08

Mumwithqs · 31/10/2023 07:07

This is a joke right?

But I recline regardless what anyone else does.

Why is it a joke?

OP posts:
Original poster
Bobsledgirl · 31/10/2023 07:09

AerLingus.

OP posts:
MaryBennettsBonnet · 31/10/2023 07:10

Get noise-cancelling headphones and buy an adaptor to use them with the plane's AV system. You will still be uncomfortable, but it'll be nicer.

BoardOfMuffins · 31/10/2023 07:11

I have done several long haul night flights, after the meal service pretty much everyone reclines their seat because it is a night flight, you know, when most people sleep.

Did you wear the neck pillow on the front of your neck or behind your neck? I think you just have to accept you are not going to get much sleep. Dh and I usually just watch movies etc.

chipsandpeas · 31/10/2023 07:12

if you can get the bulkhead seats that will give you more space, downside is all your stuff will have to go in the overhead bin for take off and landing, plus your tray comes out of the arm rest, however having the space to stretch further makes a difference

CobwebsAndCauldrons · 31/10/2023 07:12

Recline (after the meal).
Take a small pillow.
Take a warm shawl.
Take warm socks.
Take an audio book that is only mildly interesting (or one you've heard before) and read in a calm, monotonous tone. No exciting sound effects.

Use the free blanket on your legs, wrap the shawl around your arms, put your socks on and use the pillow to make your head comfortable.

Lie back and listen to your audiobook. Don't try to sleep but don't fight it either.

If you are me, imagine you've been put into sci-fi stasis while you have reclined and cocooned in blankets Grin

PivotPivotmakingmargaritas · 31/10/2023 07:14

Oh lord really!! Trying being an Australian 8 hours gets us no where!! Recline your chair slightly and watch movies … it’s temporary and worth it

MAY324 · 31/10/2023 07:14

I’ve done a few over night flights and they’re tough! I take an inflatable foot rest, good neck pillow and comfy clothes. I just accept I don’t get much sleep and then anything else is a bonus!

Original poster
Bobsledgirl · 31/10/2023 07:14

Thanks. Noise cancelling headphones are a good idea.

im travelling with my son. We’re both tall. I tried to get extra leg room seats but they were gone. It’s not a holiday, I’m travelling for family reasons and flights can’t be changed.

I seem to recall etiquette was not to recline but if everyone does it then I’m sure it will be ok.

OP posts:
rookiemere · 31/10/2023 07:14

Bobsledgirl · 31/10/2023 07:09

AerLingus.

Ah ok probably not great seats then.
Just accept you won't sleep. I didn't sleep at all on two flights of 24 hr s to NZ. I had a nap in the afternoon and took my Boots sleeping tablet when I went to bed at 8pm and had 12 hours sleep and felt ok again.