Long haul flight in over 20 years - what do I need?

[xsquared]

This time next week, I will be flying to America and it will be an evening flight, so I may well fall asleep on it!

On the other hand, I can't see myself staying seated for the whole duration of the flight and I may well get up a few times to stretch my legs as well as go to the loo.

What do people tend to bring to make the journey comfortable? Will I need flight socks? I'm running the marathon if that is relevant. What about those inflatable neck pillows, are they still a thing?

See how much more premium economy is…in my 50s and it makes such a difference even for a 7 hour flight. Yes to flight socks. And neck pillow and water.

Honesty, I've done the LHR-BOS flight with BA multiple times and it's just like that. I actually complained about them always using the most awkward gate, and couldn't they switch it up - and they did for a bit! (I'm British but live in the US and have gone back and forth a ton of times in recent years and months helping sick parents.) I thought maybe it was just me, but a couple got onto my National Express coach after returning through T5 one time, and I heard the woman say "We've been walking for an hour." Not fun with luggage and jet lag!

Assume you're talking about T3. Yes, also bad.

Didn't realise OP was running the marathon. She'll be OK then - but will still need to wear sensible shoes!

Ok, fair enough, .

I went through T5 a lot in my career, hundreds of departures (including more than a few BOS off varying gates, definitely not always steps) and I.reckon it's no worse, certainly in terms of walking distance, than many big terminals around the world,.but more off pier gates than many.

And yes you guessed it, I was refering to T3

I have never ever walked for 1 hour at T5. Anywhere! The shuttle trains are pretty good.

im always roasting hot on a plane so deff take layers. Something comfy to change in to. A book, headphones, snacks, water, lip balm

Pashmina, headphones , drink . You won’t be able to get up and down / stretch your legs.
If you are in the middle of/ window seat it’s toilet trips only ( 3 tops) . Anything more than that - book an aisle seat . I hate it when people use the aisle / knocking into people and leaning into the aisle people’s spaces when others are passing . Just SIT DOWN FFS. Book the front row or business class if you really want more space

Planes are like hospitals they are either boiling or freezing and nothing in between.

Plenty to drink, headphones with a wire to plug into the in flight entertainment and you'll be fine 🙂

Yes! Plus socks if you aren't already wearing them, a neck pillow (the non inflatable ones are better, you can buy at the airport for £10-12. Take toothbrush and toothpaste in your hand luggage.

Make sure to apply for an ESTA asap if you haven’t already done so as they can now take 2-3 days to be approved.

Two movies, some food and you will be there. Last flight I managed to watch all of Hacks S3! I used to fly that route frequently. Think about ordering a special meal if you'd like that. I find the BA food normally pretty good.

I like to have an audio book or lots of podcasts downloaded onto my phone - it's a nice break from having to use your eyes of you are tired. Recline after the meals trays cleared to maximise comfort.

Omg

amzn.eu/d/brlHpqn

I loved this hammock foot rest on a long haul flight need to find it before I do another one!

Book an aisle seat so you're not trapped in by someone asleep.
Book an extra legroom seat for the way home (trust me, your post-marathon legs will consider it's worth every penny!)
I would take anything I need for race day in hand luggage.
Eye mask and ear plugs
Neck pillow
Comfy clothes to travel in.
Moisturiser, lip balm, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste and face wipes to freshen up if you've been asleep or before you land.
Water bottle

Hi,

Are you serious about walking for an hour to board the plane after check in? That's 4 miles at brisk walking speed for me.

I will probably check in online the night before. My cabin case should be within the dimension restrictions, so that's one less thing to worry about.

I'll be staying in Irving House at Harvard. I've downloaded th le Uber app but guessing it would be super expensive around the time I arrive, but I don't fancy taking the shuttle, T amd then walking for another 15 minutes!

Thanks for the eating out tips. Everywhere is fully booked apparently, so my friend booked Gufo in Cambridge.

Oh, where can I get a good croissant, bagel, cinnamon pretzel, or any type of bakery item for that matter, please!

@xsquared

Are you serious about walking for an hour to board the plane after check in

If we are still talking about T5 at Heathrow that's not correct, though you can spend quite some time queing at security.

If your flight is departing off one of the satellite terminals it's about 10 minutes actually walking from check-in in the main A terminal to the transit train station (lifts or escaltor in the mix,)then after the little train ride it should be no more than another 10 minutes to the gate.

If you really want to walk and have time you can avoid the train and use the pedestrian tunnel that links A,B and C...that's maybe a kilometre at most. I used to regularly do that on arrival to stretch the legs.

BTW just for info last night's BA late LHR-Boston left from an on-pier stand from the C terminal,

Make sure you fly with your running shoes and race kit in your hand luggage. If your hold luggage is lost or delayed, at least you have your kit to run in.

Also second putting your race essentials in a carry on bag. I also put an air tag in my main suitcase and take a picture of it before you set off in case it goes missing. Have photographs of Passport and driving licence on your phone.

Be prepared to queue at customs (immigration) and have a plan to be able to use your phone - either check your providers daily charge or buy an eSIM.

Perhaps the walking is on the way back, come to think of it. I only walk 2 mph.

As you come through Arrivals, the taxi rank is to the left, a little walk straight down. I don't think an Uber will be much cheaper, and the Uber rank is a pain to get to. The city makes sure that taxis are the best option!

I apologise but I don't know bakeries in the Cambridge area! Modern Pastry and Bova's Bakery in the North End are both amazing, but avoid Mike's. It doesn't sound like you'll be in the places I know, though.

Can I just wish you a fabulous trip.

Good luck! I always take a foot hammock too. I can’t sleep with my feet on the floor.

Good luck!
Re food...too many options but cafe luna st central does good brunch
Flour bakery has a very special place in my heart and is def worth a try..expanded a lot since we lived there but still v good, Tatte has also expanded massively since we lived there and i really rate their breakfast and cake/pastry /patisserie . Japonaise is also good too. These three do take outs. On my lasr 2 x visits stateside this year i have been very impressed with doordash/grubhub options even from 'good' restaurants . Worth a try to your hotel even if placea are booked for sit in. Clover in harvad also well worth a visit too. There is also a reallly great little.bagel place at harvard. Cant remmeber name but bakes own bagels ans youncannseenthem being made. Well worth a try too.

Hth

Well done on getting a BQ - enjoy it!

My tips are ...

Noise cancelling head / ear phones
Eye Mask
Slip on Shoes and non-ferrous or no belt (makes security easier)
Wide neck insulated water bottle, top up with ice from the bar air side.
Plastic carrier bag for rubbish
Clean wipes (wipe all surfaces down)
Download some films / podcasts to your phone / iPad. (+ Stand / support)
Neck pillow

I avoid coffee and tea and managed to sleep most of my last long haul. JOY!

Oh my I’ve just goggle foot hammock how fab! As a 50s shortie whose always struggled with back pain and can’t put my feet comfortably on the floor as the seats are too high I hope it helps.

I like organising my hand luggage into smaller bags so I’m not rummaging around for stuff all the time - just grab the right bag. So one for lip balm, moisturiser, hand cream, tissues etc; one for tech bits; one for socks / layers etc; one for book / pens / notebook etc