I am flying from the U.S. to France in a few weeks, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I've flown before, but only short flights, and all before 9/11. I'd appreciate anything you could tell me about what the flight will be like, what I should put in my carry-on, and how to pass the time. Thank you so much!
2007-02-07 10:09:01 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Air Travel
In addition to all the above...
-Take your own blanket if you can fit it in your carry-on, or wear a long shawl that can double as a blanket. You can't always count on getting a blanket in coach and personally I wouldn't want the airplane blanket anyway because they're not always all that clean
-Check the tsa.gov website for the most recent carry-on restrictions AND check your airline's site for flights departing from France. The rules are different depending on where you depart from and can even vary between airports.
-Avoid alcohol in-flight; some people sleep better with a few drinks but on a really long flight like that, you'll have to use the lavatory more often if you drink and that will wreck your chances of sleeping
-Show up very tired; most transatlantic flights get you to Europe early in the morning and if you don't sleep on the plane, you'll have a lousy first day in France
-If you can afford it, check with the airline about paid upgrades to business class or first class for the day of the flight. You can usually line these up a day ahead but sometimes have to do it at the gate, and they run around $500 each way. Still way less than the full first-class/biz class fare and you get a LOT more space, a better chance to sleep, better service and a much nicer trip
2007-02-07 11:16:43 · answer #1 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 61⤊ 6⤋
when you get your confirmation of your flight, look on tsa requirements. they won't let you carry fluids over 3 oz. in a carry on. wear comfortable shoes because you'll have to take them off more than once to let them x-ray them. make sure you have your passport and the phone number of the embassy where you are flying to. you may experience a little jet lag, that just means you need a little extra sleep. airlines don't feed you very well any more, you might want an extra snack. good luck, and have fun.
2007-02-07 10:21:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
* Pack liquids, gels, and other prohibited carry on items in your checked baggage. You may carry on up to 3-4 ounces of contact solution and other necessary liquids as your carry on.
* Know the size limit of your carry on bag. Usually 45 linear inches (total size of lenth, height and width) Most airlines allow one personal item also such as a purse, brief case, lap top computer, etc.
* Make photo copies of your important documents, such as your passport, bank info, ID, flight itinerary, credit cards, important addresses and phone numbers. You can also scan these documents and store them in your Yahoo account as an e-mail.
* Pack all your medications in original bottle with lables.
* Pack an emergency wallet with extra money, and important documents.
* Become familair with the currency of the country you are flying to. Some airports have currency converter offices where you can convert your money the the proper currency. Carry a small calculator so you can convert US dollars.
* Visit the website of the airline you are flying to confirm your flight and also to check for prohibited items on board. Be at the airport 2-3 hours before departure.
2007-02-07 10:52:09 · answer #3 · answered by bigschwinger 2 · 23⤊ 0⤋
Many great answers already given, but I didn't see a suggestion for a pillow of your own. The type that wraps around your neck and supports your head. Kind of looks like a horseshoe. I find one very useful whether its a one hour flight to Vegas, or five hours to Hawaii. I also use ear plugs to help block out noise but they still allow for conversation.
2007-02-07 10:50:26 · answer #4 · answered by Papa 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
One thing is to get up and walk a bit every now and then. It's a long flight, and you don't want to risk developing a blood clot in your leg. That is exactly what killed a prominent reporter a few years ago. Take some magazines and pack like you normally would.... call the airline and see if the rules about carry ons have changed. Also, get there very early !! I'd pack some little snacks, too.
2007-02-07 10:16:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 14⤊ 4⤋
Get up and walk to the bathroom ever hour to get circulation on your legs. Some have died of blood clot going to their heart due to non movement. Other than that it's pretty much the same as any other flight, only longer. Check pricing out here, it might be cheaper to go shopping out here than France with the dollar being so low.
2007-02-07 10:19:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 4⤋
Bring those eyeshades and try to sleep or bring a book an Ipod or a computer with DVD or some computer games you like
Try to stay on the aisle - if you have to go to the bathroom you won't have to walk over or wake someone up.
Take some Excedrin PM to help you sleep
2007-02-07 10:16:07 · answer #7 · answered by BAGOFSWAGS 5 · 17⤊ 0⤋