What is the best way to occupy yourself on a long haul flight?

Question

I have only ever flown short haul 4 hours max, this was difficult as I get really claustrophobic and impatient to get there after 3 hours.

I have an 11 hour flight next week and am pretty concerned I will be going dilerious. Would be very grateful for any Tips from experienced travellers.

Answer 1

I've flown quite a bit of longhaul and I have to say that upgrading is the only thing that makes it truely bareable. Ask at check in if there are any seats available and be really nice hoping you'll get it for free. Depending who you're flying with depends on how to dress. If it's scheduled like BA, Continental, Thai Airways then dress smart. If it's charter it won't matter but be really nice!
If you have a PSP or Nintendo DS then take it stocked with lots of games, although they are doing ok deals at the airports these days once you're through to the depature lounge for some new ones.
Also some airlines rent out console handsets so you can play games on the seat back tv's.
Never be afraid to go for a walk around the plane too, it's extremely important to stretch regularly with DVT and helps avoid insanity too.
The best tip I can give is sleep though. Flights go faster if you're not awake so take something like Calms when you're about to board and get some shut eye. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe something stronger too.
Best magazine is the BBC's Mind Games one also, so buy that which will keep you quizzing for hours, it lasted me 2 weeks in the Dominican in September.

Answer 2

What you can do is not get any sleep on the previous day, and sleep a solid 5-6 hours on the flight. Bring a good book that will keep you entertained. Or head out and buy an MP3 player, put your favorite music on it, and sit back and relax while on the flight. You could talk with whoever you're going with, or even meet someone while on that long 11-hour flight. Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

A good thing to do is to bring somethings to keep your mind at ease. If you have a cell phone download some games or activities on it. Check to see if there are any inflight movies on your ride. I'm not sure of the latest restrictions in air travel but try to bring something to do like a puzzel book or if you are the creative type bring some paper to draw on. Have a music player with some tunes that can help you relax. Wear clothing that is very comfortable. If you still think that you may have an extreme anxiety episode talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe you something to help you through your flight.
I have flown to Europe so I know what a long haul can be. Good luck. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

If need be, go to your doctor and see if you can't get a prescription for Valium, sleeping pills, or some other drug. Explain that your claustrophobic and you have an 11 hour flight (and point out that you will have to fly back...another 11 hours). If you can't get a prescription, take benydril. Chewing gum might help. If you're of age, get some booze.
Bring your mp3 player (or CD player) and a book. If traveling with a friend, bring playing cards. Bring a few mechanical pencils and a notebook to write in. Bring your laptop if you have one. Get an aisle seat.

Answer 5

Had an 18 hour trip to Cape Town , took a large book and slept the rest of the time.

Not sure if you can bring your ipod on board with you or if it interferes with the plane , but I'd bring that as well. Program some radio shows you like into it. Depending on the flight there may be also be movies , or tv shows or news on board.

Bring a small travel game with you that isn't electronic and maybe whomever you're traveling with would like to play a game with you.

Bon voyage.

Answer 6

Take a good book, wear flight socks, do NOT drink alcohol, try to stay up the night before so you can sleep for 1/2 the flight. Do not go to sleep untill after they have fed you though! Most long hauls have on board movies with a personal remote that you can choose what to watch...these play games too!...good luck.....I hate long hauls!

Answer 7

I'm afraid there is not much you can do! I read, but you can't read for eleven straight hours. Take a laptop if you have one. At least you can lose yourself in some games for a few hours at time. Watch some TV, sleep. Ask the captain if you can visit the cockpit. Go to the toilet, but don't use the outside loo.
Otherwise it's all boredom, plastic meals and deep vein thrombosis! Have fun!

Answer 8

I suggest you order an aperitif, then wine, then the spirit and skip the coffee. If that is not enough to put you to sleep, then bring your own or start your duty free booze. This should take some of the hours ahead of you.
When you awake, well, there's always the Ilse where you can stroll to and fro (it is recommended to stretch your legs anyway for that duration of flight) not to mention the trips to the loo.

Answer 9

Best to follow you hobbies of reading or watching movies...etc if you have. But if not its quiet good to get up from the seat and walk around every half an hour... worst is to sit still for a long time. Easiest way to remain active is drink more fluid offered so nature calls and you need to get up and go... it works like a magic....

Answer 10

get to see a movie make sure u take an mp3 player read a book magazines crosswords are good for taking your mind off things make sure u drink plenty of water also try some relaxation recordings before u know it u will be there. have a nice pleasent trip all the best.p.s your making me jealous i love taveling. LOL