Jaunted

a few things

eye mask, wine, and either two issues of the new yorker or a big fat book. but not too big that it weighs down my carryon!

tv

I haven't been on a flight without a seat-back tv for some time, so I've got to confess to watching inane mtv shows and the occasional episodes of 30Rock I've already seen.

Is it un-PC to say...

sleeping pills? sometimes ya just gotta.

magazines

the trashier, the better!

Bring your comfort with you!

I always bring my own pillow onboard. It's that extra bit of comfort you need. Also, Suduko and an iPod with the snuggest earbuds I can find.

long haul strategy

Look, being stuck on a long flight is usually fun for about 30 minutes -- on the outbound flight. Many disagree with me, but I say grab the window seat. Why? Because you won't be asked to get up 49 times for your seat mates who need to take a walk or go potty. Instead, YOU can be that person. Also, it's nice to have a wall (such as it is) to lean on instead doing the drooling head-bob. Once safely assigned to my window seat, I like to break out my digital music/video device and watch tv shows, movies and jam out until I've bored myself to death and pass out.

Definitely Window

Totally agree with Todd. I do not want anyone bothering me, and I am using that window as a rock hard pillow.

I also enjoy eating Peanut M&Ms until I pass out into a sugar induced coma and wake up to paramedics upon arrival.

Give me liberty

I love the aisle! Also, multiple paperback books in case the one I'm reading sucks and an iPod loaded with podcasts.

Ipods rule!

I love the aisle too! And Ipod - with lots of games, video, podcasts, audio books. and music - and battery life!

aisle aisle

definitely aisle for stretching out in. i always starve myself of cinema visits in the lead-up to a flight so i can watch them back to back. also, i buy every single celeb mag i see at the airport and morph into a gossip hoover (a self-despising one by teh end of the flight)

Grooming

I'm going to go in a different direction and say that I find bringing a few grooming products to be ery helpful. One of the worst parts about flying for 15 hours is feeling like a complete mess at the end. The remedy? A little moisturizer, toothpaste and a toothbrush, deodorant, and some hair product. That way, you walk off the plane looking decent, and hey, you never know who you'll meet mid-flight!

Minimalist

Since i tend to carry camera equipment and laptop on a longer trip, I have learned to survive with less of "everything else" I've learned to leverage airplane stuff, like making pillows from the airplane blankets, etc. The two things i find myself always missing if I don't carry is an eye mask, and ear plugs . On 12+ hour flights, a small travel bottle of listerine and a small pocket comb helps too.

Germ Phobe

I'm a bit of a germ phobe so to get by on long flights I am always armed with plenty of purell, clorox wipes, and (the always controversial) airbourne.

Preparation is essential!

A nurse friend once told me that Gravol and a beer was her ticket to sleeping on planes. For flights where I need to sleep, I always pack ear plugs, eye mask, snacks and water so I don't have to stay up for a meal, and make sure I dress comfortably. For flights where I don't have to sleep, I rely on trashy mags, puzzles, my iPod and (if provided) whatever crap is playing on that seatback - I will drink it up!

My suggestions

How do I survive long flights???
Picking the bussiness class..!! really, the food is the best and the space truly yours... :P

But getting back into reality, I know we can't always afford the ticket for bussiness or prestige class so, here are a few tips I follow when in long trips:

-If you are flying to a country with a difference of 4 or more time zones and want to avoid "jet lag" phenomenon... If flying to the west, try to sleep later the night before (or ot to sleep if possible). To the contrary, if you're flying to east, sleep earlier than usual; this way you can sleep during the flight and get habituated to the time of the new country during flight.

-I love to see the sky and take pictures of the clouds but you know what happens in a long trip, they ask you to keep the window closed, so is better to pick an aisle seat if possible and remember not to be selfish. I always try to say the passengers inside that if they need to go to the w.c. or give a walk, just ask me, no matter if I'm asleep (i've met some shy passengers and people that doesn't speak the language so they do not ask, should be horrible stay there like trapped).

-The food. Try to eat less than usual because being sit so long slow the intestinal movements and may cause cramps, gas and discomfort. However, some airlines (EasyJet, IcelandExpress, United, Korean Air for example) offer healthy products you can choose on their menu. Don't forget to drink water.

-Take a book, an mp3 player, crossword puzzles, sudokus, psp or a pc lap top with you; anything to keep your mind busy. The airline's magazines sometimes features information and interesting facts of the country you're visiting, so its not bad idea to give it an eye.

-When you feel very tired try to sleep, put your sleep mask and tune the classic (or relaxing) music channel.

-Try to adjust your clock (the hand and your internal clock) with the day and hour you will arrive to your final destiny. Don't think in the current hour on the last country you visited, or you will be tired and haggard when you arrive.

-Excercise. When a person keeps sit more than an hour, blood accumulates (estasis) on the legs and feet. Try to walk by the corridor and stretch your legs back and forward and make small circles with the foot.

Other tips: drink as much water as possible. This is best than keep on drinking beer or much wine, because alcohol dehydrates while water keep you moisturized. The temperature in cabin is fresher because of the low humidity to keep air pressure conditions inside the plane, so it tends to de-moisturize your skin. You can fight this by wearing hand cream or any skin mosturizing -the sterilized hot little towels that the hostesses offer you works also, but let them cold before use'em, in general terms cold water hydrates more than hot- and of course, drinking water.

Regards and the best of flights to you,
B.

I love flying

I love flying, and very rarely I get bored on a flight but that's because im not a fussy git. but i do have a few complaints, especially if there is PTV's on board, and the person behind you seems to be punching their touch screen instead of tapping it or even better use the remote. and Im probably the only person who loves economy food :) and they cold hard rolls you get, YUM!

not getting ill

does anyone know how not to get a cold on a flight? i always seem to get ill about 2 days after i come off a longhaul, and it always seems more fluey than jetlag. do i just fill myself up with supplements?

Necessites and luxuries to keep me sane

My must-have list includes: a window seat, water (absolutely no alcohol because it's dehydrating); a small container of hand sanitizer (just in case there's no soap in the restroom); a paperback novel, music (or, at the very least, my own headphones to enjoy the entertainment system); my laptop (which is thankfully small, so that I can work or find other means of entertainment - games, my own videos, etc.); super comfortable slip-on shoes; breath mints (for me and my neighbors); and for longer flights (3+ hours), a small grooming kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, facial soap and moisturizer). Lastly, I'm with Brenda, whenever possible, fly business class!!

Pills

Benadryl and blanket. Actually, I have noticed that outlets on planes are making surviving long flights much easier, same goes for WiFi, thought turbulence + wifi = possible seizure.

laptop

and a few dvds I've really been wanting to see, the time flies!

Aisle Seat A Must

Got to stretch out the legs in between food carts rolling up and down the aisles. iPod for music and overpriced magazines bought from the airport terminal before you take off.

Air time = Good time

The best is to fly with a friend or partner and bring some games, drink some wine, and just have fun.. I am excited for my next long flight with my girlfriend.. Air time = Good time..

a mag and xanex

I'm a fan of a magazine at first and xanex to eventually calm my nerves and knock me out. :)