Resources

How to Survive (Long Haul) Economy Class Travel

These tips apply to travel generally. They've come from years flying in planes domestically and internationally and they form the basis of my personal habits each time I fly.

First of all, have low expectations and simply...relax. Every issue will get solved, every delay will catch up. I generally find the most stressed people have the biggest problems. The seasoned travellers are the ones waiting patiently knowing all will resolve itself and quietly passing the time in the airport lounge or with their noise cancelling headphones on reading a good book to pass the time.

Seat Allocations
Some airlines will allow seats to be prebooked in advance, mostly for long haul flights. Singapore Airlines are one airline that won't allow this. Others will only allow you to do it, others such as Emirates will only allow it once paid in full. Hop on to seat guru, work out the best seats and try and get those. Be aware Exits and Bulk Heads won't be able to be pre-booked. Try and sit further forward, it'll mean you get fed first and get off the plane quicker. Steer clear of the first 3 rows, it's too close to where the kids and the bassinets. Same goes for the first 3 and last 3 rows, too close to the toilets and people waiting in line leaning on your chair or chatting to others waiting for the toilets.

Check In
Always do online check in. Track down your airline booking reference from your travel agent or from your online booking. Most check in opens 24-48 hrs before. Doing online check in will make the process much easier at the airport, you can line up at the bag drop queue which is generally much shorter. If you're at a hotel and don't have a printer don't despair, still do your online check in, line up at the bag drop queue and tell them you're printer wasn't working or you couldn't get to a printer. They're fine with it and will print your boarding cards on the spot.

Fresh Clothes
If you've been out all day and checked out of the hotel at 11am but aren't flying till the evening you need to change clothes and freshen up. We set aside a set of clothes on top of our suitcases and when we collect our bags from the hotel we pop to the toilet with some toiletries and freshen up, put some deoderant on [just in case I'm sitting next to you, please do this!] along with fresh underwear and socks [see below] and you'll feel instantly rejuvenated. Also, it's not a bad idea to wash your face and pop some moisturizer on at this point.

What to Wear
Personally, I like to go for a few loose layers with clothes that breathe. Planes and airports are typically the same temperature with some slight variations so it's quite predictable. I find a pair of linen pants or chinos works well with a polo shirt [never hurts to look a little classy for better treatment or the off chance of upgrade]. On top of that polo I wear a light bomber jacket, I have a great Fred Perry one that I always wear. It's comfy, provides just enough warmth without getting too hot yet still looks good enough to be smart-casual. That's about all you need. I try to avoid jeans on long haul travel and if I'm going somewhere very cold I usually stick to the same formula but I pack a beanine, gloves and scarf in my carry-on...that's enough to get me to the hotel where I can rug up some more.

Boarding
Before boarding get prepared to enter the seat. Take your magazine, headphones, gum etc out and carry it in one hand or in a separate plastic bag. Have everything else except your boarding card packed away. That way, when you get to your seat you don't hold up the whole line and stress out while you try and find your book or eye mask. If you're sitting in the first 5-10 rows and plan on stowing your bag up above then board early even if it means lining up. I used to wait till towards the end of boarding but then found that unless I was sitting near the back that I kept having issues with having my bag in my overhead locker. Get on early, line up and fight for your overhead storage.

In the Seat
Never put your bag below your seat. It severely restricts leg room. Take everything out you need and put it in the pocket or on the floor after you've reached cruising altitude. Another handy hint, take out all the airline magazine [unless you want to read it], the safety card & sick bag and throw them up in the overhead storage. It'll mean less clutter in your seat back pocket and more legroom.

Noise Cancelling Headphones
Ever notice how the first few rows of seats all have executives that look like part time DJs? Well, they are wearing noise cancelling headphones, possibly the greatest travel invention, ever. A decent pair will set you back $150-500, look for something with at least 85%+ noise cancelling. 70% is a waste of money. I picked up a great pair of Sony 90% noise cancelling headphones for $50 out of a BestBuy vending machine in LAX and at 10% of the cost of the BOSE version I'm pretty happy with them. Once you wear them you'll be surprised the difference they make, you don't realise how loud those engines are until they are gone. Plus, it helps with screaming kids too!

Don't Dry Out
This one is simple...keep your fluids up. Moisturise. Often. Same goes for lip balm. You'll dry out on a plane so moisturize before, after and during the flight depending on how long it is. Drink plenty of water.

Quit Drinking on Planes
When I first started travelling as an adult I loved the free booze. Why not? I deserved it, I paid my money. It's also the reason I always felt terrible during and after travel. Do yourself a favor, stick to water and the occasional soft drink. You'll feel much better for it. You get de-hydrated enough as it is on flights you don't need alcohol to accelerate the process. This one is more prevalent on long haul flights, for a short haul flight I've been known to enjoy a quiet ale still followed by a bottle of water.

Pillows
Seek and conquer. Grab a few extra pillows from up above or on spare seats. They help when sleeping to fill in the hard bits that are jutting into your sides when you're in weird yoga positions trying to get comfortable. When not sleeping I like to stash them down near my feet to create a little foot bed.

No Shoes- Caution!
Ok if you're going to take your shoes off make sure you've had a shower or changed into fresh socks and clothes before the flight. But sleeping in just socks is by far the best way to go, as long as they don't smell! I usually store my shoes in the overhead storage so I've got maximum leg room. My partner insists on putting your shoes back on before heading to the toilet, not a bad idea or possibly bring some hotel slippers.

Routine
Work out a routine for passing the time and don't keep too much of an eye on the map with the little plane...check in ever now and then but that can be depressing to watch consistently on a 14hr flight. If you're on a long haul flight and you have a steady routine the time will fly. I like to read a magazine while the safety announcements are on and we're pushing back. Once the audio/video kicks off I start with a sitcom or short TV program to get me settled as this will usually run through to the meal. After the meal I'll get stuck into a movie. Then I'll try and sleep if it's an overnight flight, I usually come prepared with a chill out playlist [some airlines have good chill-out music on their systems] as it's best to have some music playing through the noise-cancelling headphones. If I'm not sleeping, I like to break up a movie with a TV program, a game or a short walk up and down the cabin to stretch the legs.

Adjust Immediately
When you get on the flight adjust your clock forward/backwards accordingly to the local time of your destination. You're now on 'their time' but don't think about it till you get there. When you get off the flight you must stick to that time, don't look backwards. Don't mention the words 'jet lag', you're telling yourself you are tired. Sure, perhaps take it easy on your first day but you want to get some sun and have a bit of a walk so don't be afraid to hit the pavement. Try and find somewhere to change, freshen up or even have a shower if possible so that it feels like a start to any day. Have an early night but not too early. If you've arrived at 6am there's no shame with going to sleep at 9pm, just try to avoid taking a nap during the day and definitely don't sleep all day. If you stay focussed on your new time and just think that you are feeling tired as you would if you had any restless nights sleep. Have a little bit of caffeine such as green or black tea and plenty of B vitamins by a supplement but don't hit the sugar-heavy energy drinks or coffee too hard, they'll just give you an even bigger crash later in the day. Eat well, steer clear from greasy, fatty foods and try and have some salad, fruit and vegies to give you a slow burn of energy. You'll be surprised how much better you feel and usually by the next day and a long sleep you'll be adjusted to the local time. Again, never mention what time it is 'back home'.

These things may seem simple but you'd be surprised how many people I see who don't follow these sorts of steps. We hope they make your travel easier and more enjoyable.

How to Survive (Long Haul) Economy Class Travel

13 tips to help you survive the battle of long haul travel in economy class.

Read more

European Destinations Available on the Swiss Airlines Round the World

A list of European destinations available on the Swiss Airlines round the world airfare.

Read more

Book Your Star Alliance Round the World Trips ASAP

Opinion: With Qantas pushing up their OneWorld round the world prices by $200-300 in low season from 1 May onwards, we believe now is the time to book and pay for your Star Alliance tickets...

Read more

5 Reasons You Should Avoid Your Local Travel Agent

Are you rolling the dice with your holiday? RoundAbout Travel has an inside look at the travel industry and why booking with your high street travel agent could be costing you in more ways than one...

Read more