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Post by bearmom on Jul 21, 2014 13:39:27 GMT
We have four 5 hour flights coming up (2 each way) and one of those will be overnight. If you have done long flights before, what are your tips/hints for being the most comfortable?
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Post by shevy on Jul 21, 2014 13:43:08 GMT
I dress compfortably, yoga pants and a t shirt with a zip up sheatshirt. If I'm going someplace important directly from the airport, I take other clothes and change in the airport or just before landing. I buy a big container of water at the airport and I sip it the entire flight. I don't chug it, but sip so that the water stays in my system longer. And I get up about 1/2 way through to walk to the bathroom so that I can move my legs.
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Post by LauraTen on Jul 21, 2014 13:52:26 GMT
Ask your doctor for a tranquilizer prescription : )
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jul 21, 2014 13:53:28 GMT
I second shevy. Comfortable pants and extra water. And I travel light. I used to bring so much stuff in my carry on, too much to ever use during a flight, and now I feel less stressed to just have one smallish bag that I also use as a purse. Then I check my larger bag and don't have to stress about overhead space. It's worth the baggage fee to me.
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Post by spitfiregirl on Jul 21, 2014 14:17:14 GMT
Sit in exit row
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
Jun 26, 2014 15:57:39 GMT
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 21, 2014 14:19:19 GMT
Fly first class. On a more serious note, I vote for a skirt or dress. Very comfy and when you're using the facilites, it's much better to hike it up than let your pants hit the nasty floor.
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grinningcat
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,663
Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Jul 21, 2014 14:23:12 GMT
I always dress comfortably, in either super comfy (aka loose) jeans or yoga pants and a t-shirt. Regardless of the time of year, I pack a hoodie so that I can cover up if I am feeling cool in the plane.
I also bring a few different activities because I tend to get really ADD on some flights, particularly if I am tired. For example, I always have my book, a journal to write in, headphones for the in seat TV and, though I have recently stopped, I used to bring some crochet on board with me. I'm not much of an inflight sleeper so I keep myself active. Or try to. I have two bags for carry on, one is my purse/activity bag which goes under my seat. The other is my computer and camera bag which goes in the overhead. That way, I'm not getting up to get into my overhead for things inflight.
Another tip, is to get up and walk every couple hours. Even if I don't have to go, I get up and go to the washroom. I almost prefer to go and stand when there's a line for the washroom because it means standing instead of sitting. I tend to have a package of facewipes to refresh myself towards the end of the flight. I also walk a lot around the termimal before getting on the plane. I'm not much of a sitter.
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Post by auntkelly on Jul 21, 2014 14:24:18 GMT
About the only thing that makes a long flight bearable to me is to have a really great book to read.
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conchita
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Jul 1, 2014 11:25:58 GMT
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Post by conchita on Jul 21, 2014 14:28:19 GMT
Important Information! Every time I travel I get constipated. Oops! I meant "Too Much Information!" So I second drinking water slowly and steering clear of sodas and yes, alcohol, too. Unless you chase the alcohol with water.
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Post by AN on Jul 21, 2014 14:28:38 GMT
1. Compression socks. I love them for long flights. My legs and feet feel awesome when we land. I wasn't sure but I am a total convert now.
2. I like an eye mask. Get one with molded cups. I am a very good plane sleeper, but an eye mask makes it easier to fall back asleep when you wake up. It sort of disorients you and makes you feel rested even if you don't have deep sleep.
3. I do well taking over the counter Unisom Tabs. Not sure 5 hours is long enough to justify taking one though.
4. Keep your own water bottle with you. Much better than waiting for them to come around or getting a little cup (that can spill).
5. For me, what to do with my arms is always a little uncomfortable. It is easier flying with someone you know because you can lean into each other, but I usually am flying alone. I have found I can wrap a pashmina sort of like a sling and it supports my arms and also gives me a very cozy/blanket feel. That helps me a lot when trying to relax.
6. Usually longer flights will have entertainment, and for me, it does help me fall asleep, so I bring my own headphones.
7. Again, not sure this will be an issue on a 5 hour flight, but air can be really drying on a plane. For me, on my first really long flight my nose got terribly dried out. Consider some NasoGel or saline spray to help keep your nose moist. The pain from a dry nose kept waking me up. Chapstick & hand cream is good too, but for me it was all about the nose.
8. Make your carry on that goes under your seat small enough that you can still get your feet under there and/or use it as a foot rest.
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Post by annabella on Jul 21, 2014 14:33:21 GMT
5 hours is not long. lol I bring a book and usually finish it on the flight.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 15:30:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2014 14:36:40 GMT
Just saw this and had to share...our chorus/drama director is on a flight this morning and posted on FB that a family of 7 brought Popeye's fried chicken on the plane...sitting right in front of him and his wife.
Fried chicken...9:30 in the morning...yukk.
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 21, 2014 14:38:02 GMT
Drugs.
That's all I've got.
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oblibby
Full Member
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Jul 10, 2014 10:30:12 GMT
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Post by oblibby on Jul 21, 2014 14:38:56 GMT
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ginacivey
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refupea #2 in southeast missouri
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Post by ginacivey on Jul 21, 2014 14:42:08 GMT
how far do you drop your pants?
i can't ever recall my pants hitting the floor when i use the bathroom
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Post by mrst on Jul 21, 2014 14:44:01 GMT
5 hours is not a long flight lol,! Buy a magazine at the airport , you'll be there before you know it!
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Post by hennybutton on Jul 21, 2014 14:47:18 GMT
Fly first class. On a more serious note, I vote for a skirt or dress. Very comfy and when you're using the facilites, it's much better to hike it up than let your pants hit the nasty floor. That's awesome advice that I didn't think of. With all the cute maxi skirts and dresses out there now, you can be just as comfy as in yoga pants.
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Post by snappinsami on Jul 21, 2014 14:50:37 GMT
Like others have said, I always wear comfortable clothes when I fly. Something that won't bunch up or bind, but is somewhat stretchy to sit in for long periods. I also wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off. My feel do swell a but when I fly, but it feels so good to be able to take off my shoes and really stretch my toes when I'm sitting down. Because planes can be so dry, when I wore contacts, I never wore them when I flew. I'd always wear my glasses. (Also helps if you are going to try to sleep.) Either buy a bottle of water in the airport or bring an empty reusable bottle that you can fill before you board or ask the flight attendants to fill for you (they usually will). Be sure not to seal it tightly when you take off, though, as it could kind of pop when you do open it (and not much is less comfortable on an airplane than sitting in wet clothes - just ask my mom ). I'm usually good with just a book to keep me occupied, but if you have an iPad/laptop, consider putting some movies on it if you'd like. Or take advantage of in-flight entertainment. Some flights offer DirecTV, and when I travel with my daughter, I consider that money well spent. If you carry anything onto the plane with you, try to put whatever is under the seat in front of you fit over to one side so you have room to stretch out your legs. And - this is the most important thing, IMO - pack an extra bunch of patience. No doubt, you'll need it! LOL!
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
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Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Jul 21, 2014 14:51:14 GMT
Five hours is not very long. I've done a ton of those flights, even red eyes. I dress comfortably, and bring my own water bottle. I make sure my ipad and ipod are fully charged. I always travel with my kids, so we have snacks in our backpacks.
My husband takes long flights (10-15 hours) quite a bit. He always gets the premium seats with extra leg room. He has been reading The Walking Dead comics to help pass the time, listens to his ipod, gets up to walk from time to time. But you pretty much are ready to jump out of that plane as soon as it lands.
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grinningcat
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Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Jul 21, 2014 14:52:22 GMT
Fly first class. On a more serious note, I vote for a skirt or dress. Very comfy and when you're using the facilites, it's much better to hike it up than let your pants hit the nasty floor. That's awesome advice that I didn't think of. With all the cute maxi skirts and dresses out there now, you can be just as comfy as in yoga pants. I had to laugh when I read your response because the least comfortable thing I could think of wearing on a flight is a dress. Then again, dresses in general are uncomfortable in my mind (pants are more comfortable and you never have to worry about flashing anyone), so I had to laugh at a thought process that was so incredibly opposite to my own experience!
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 21, 2014 15:03:54 GMT
Also, make sure to pack some protein bars and fruit. I've been delayed on and off the plane and been grateful to have snacks.
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Nink
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Jul 1, 2014 23:30:44 GMT
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Post by Nink on Jul 21, 2014 15:19:18 GMT
5 hours is not a long flight lol,! Buy a magazine at the airport , you'll be there before you know it! Perhaps I misread the OP, but I though she meant she had two 5 hour flights each way. Like everyone else has said, dress comfortably in layers, drink plenty of water, bring a book.
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Post by cade387 on Jul 21, 2014 15:28:29 GMT
I take 8-12 hour flights on a regular basis. While 2 5 hour flights back to back is a longer day of traveling, I wouldn't consider them to be "long" flights. But I guess it is perspective. If you are used to 2 hours flights, then I guess 5 hours would seem long.
I recommend what others have said. I'm guessing with only a 5 hour flight time you may or may not have free entertainment on board as it is usually reserved for international travel (which has free entertainment and free drinks - double bonus). For flights in the USA you will have to pay, so I only bring headphones if I have my own player to use.
A good book and my kindle are all I need. I agree with dressing comfortably and bringing a sweatshirt/hoodie. I'm always cold on the plane, plus in a hitch it can be used as a pillow (especially if I have a window seat). Also, drink lots of water and stretch your legs. I sit on aisles so that I get up for me and for those next to me. I like to stand up to stretch. If it is a red-eye and I want to sleep then I take a window so I don't have to be letting people by me.
Good luck and enjoy your flights.
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tiffanytwisted
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you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
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Jun 26, 2014 15:57:39 GMT
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 21, 2014 15:56:04 GMT
how far do you drop your pants? i can't ever recall my pants hitting the floor when i use the bathroom My pants come down to my ankles, so scooching them down past my rear end drops them down at the very least an inch or two. If I'm wearing something comfy like yoga pants, the cuffs definitely hit the floor.
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Post by sweetpea4utoo on Jul 21, 2014 16:04:22 GMT
I'm watching this thread, too. My DH and I are going back to Alaska to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in about a month. We're taking our 19 year old DS who has never flown before, and we haven't flown for at least 10 years or more. Including the drive to the bus station and the bus to the airport, then the flight from Boston, it's going to be a 14 hour day for us.
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 21, 2014 16:34:04 GMT
Pay for economy comfort of whatever that section is that gives you more leg room. Wear comfy clothes and layers. Bring a blanket if you are going to sit by the window (I get so cold there...and prefer the aisle seat.) Depending on the time of day, I would get a beer or glass of wine when they start serving drinks on the plane. That and reading for a bit and I am ready to fall asleep. I like to pack light too, but always bring my Kindle, headphones, iPhone with music and maybe a rented movie and some trailmix or similar snack. After I pass through security I get a bottle of water and the latest People magazine.
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ginacivey
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refupea #2 in southeast missouri
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Post by ginacivey on Jul 21, 2014 17:19:03 GMT
tiffany
i was thinking about the bulk of your pants hitting the floor
and i will have to look the next time i have on pants...how much comes in contact with the floor
i guess i could tuck the bottom in my socks!!
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valleyview
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Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on Jul 21, 2014 19:42:46 GMT
I like to have a small pillow - I usually leave it in my lap as an arm prop. For some reason, it eases shoulder pain and stiffness for me.
I agree with most other ideas - have electronics fully charged and load movies on the iPad. Compression socks, water, headphones and snacks are good to have handy. Don't forget lip balm! AN had a good list.
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Post by bearmom on Jul 21, 2014 20:52:41 GMT
5 hours is not a long flight lol,! Buy a magazine at the airport , you'll be there before you know it! It isn't the one 5 hour flight, it is the whole leave at 10pm, fly 5 hours, have a 1'ish hour layover, fly 5 hours, have a 1'ish hour layover, and the a 1.5 hour flight to get home. But, we typically only fly 1-2 hours. Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I wish we could upgrade to the economy plus seats, but with 4 of us flying, that adds up. I try to read, but that depends on the smoothness of the flights, I get motion sick pretty easily. Anyone use a neck pillow? Do they help or hinder?
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Post by ctpea on Jul 21, 2014 21:01:04 GMT
I had a neck pillow but found it to be more of a nuisance than anything else.
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