What items should I not forget to bring for a 15-hour flight? Also, as a non-gamer, are there iPad games you'd recommend to make the flight go faster?
January 22, 2012 9:02 AM Subscribe
What items should I not forget to bring for a 15-hour flight? Also, as a non-gamer, are there iPad games you'd recommend to make the flight go faster?
I keep thinking there are small things I'll wish I'd thought of -- earbuds, neck pillow, etc. But I've never been on a flight this long and don't want to feel anxious or bored. I'm loading up the iPad with some reading, and maybe some games. Heck, not even sure if I can plug the thing in to recharge on the flight. In any case, are there items you wish you had brought on a flight this long?
I keep thinking there are small things I'll wish I'd thought of -- earbuds, neck pillow, etc. But I've never been on a flight this long and don't want to feel anxious or bored. I'm loading up the iPad with some reading, and maybe some games. Heck, not even sure if I can plug the thing in to recharge on the flight. In any case, are there items you wish you had brought on a flight this long?
Clean underwear and socks. Toothbrush and toothpaste. Lotion and lip balm. Snacks.
posted by argonauta at 9:07 AM on January 22, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by argonauta at 9:07 AM on January 22, 2012 [4 favorites]
An empty water bottle to fill up while you're waiting in the airport, so that you don't have to pay exorbitant amounts for drinks in the airport, and so you have something to sip on while you wait for the flight attendants to come through the cabin.
posted by honeybee413 at 9:09 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by honeybee413 at 9:09 AM on January 22, 2012
flip-flops
posted by yoyo_nyc at 9:11 AM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 9:11 AM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm not much of a gamer, but love Plants Vs Zombies.
I've noticed in the last year that airlines aren't giving out eye covers for when you want to sleep. At least they don't in bog-standard class. You might want to get one of those in case your airline is equally stingy.
posted by TheDonF at 9:12 AM on January 22, 2012 [5 favorites]
I've noticed in the last year that airlines aren't giving out eye covers for when you want to sleep. At least they don't in bog-standard class. You might want to get one of those in case your airline is equally stingy.
posted by TheDonF at 9:12 AM on January 22, 2012 [5 favorites]
booties, so you can take off your shoes and still walk around. soft, cloth, light and easily packable.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by the man of twists and turns at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012
I second Plants v Zombies, it's awesome. I also recommend the ever-popular Angry Birds.
posted by insectosaurus at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by insectosaurus at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
Came in also to suggest Plants Vs Zombies - you won't even look up from the game until you get there, 15 hours later :)
posted by mazienh at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by mazienh at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012 [3 favorites]
If you use earbuds with removable rubber ear adapters (like these), bring two extra sets. At least one book, in case the iPad battery runs out. Lotion, snacks, and ibuprofen.
posted by neushoorn at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by neushoorn at 9:13 AM on January 22, 2012
Fieldrunners
Ragdoll Blaster 2
Soft sweater or fleece to wrap up in or bundle into a pillow
Fuzzy socks
Water bottle
Peppermints or altoids
I usually take a sleeping pill and/or have a nice glass of wine but YMMV.
posted by mochapickle at 9:24 AM on January 22, 2012
Ragdoll Blaster 2
Soft sweater or fleece to wrap up in or bundle into a pillow
Fuzzy socks
Water bottle
Peppermints or altoids
I usually take a sleeping pill and/or have a nice glass of wine but YMMV.
posted by mochapickle at 9:24 AM on January 22, 2012
I really like oranges when I'm on a long flight. If you don't want the mess of peeling them, peel in advance and keep in a sealed plastic bag.
A really nice sandwich (acquired somewhere outside of the airport) is also divine in the middle of a flight.
I don't like to fly without earplugs. Airplanes are loud as hell and sometimes I don't want to layer over that noise with more noise from my earbuds.
I've never done this, but it was pointed out to me that one could throw a few airplane sized liquor bottles in their toiletries bag since they are less than 3 oz.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 9:25 AM on January 22, 2012 [3 favorites]
A really nice sandwich (acquired somewhere outside of the airport) is also divine in the middle of a flight.
I don't like to fly without earplugs. Airplanes are loud as hell and sometimes I don't want to layer over that noise with more noise from my earbuds.
I've never done this, but it was pointed out to me that one could throw a few airplane sized liquor bottles in their toiletries bag since they are less than 3 oz.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 9:25 AM on January 22, 2012 [3 favorites]
baby wipes to combat airplane swamp ass.
posted by elizardbits at 9:48 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by elizardbits at 9:48 AM on January 22, 2012
If you like European-style board games, Catan and Ticket to Ride are both pretty great on the iPad.
If you like solitaire, mondoSolitaire is a pretty exhaustive one.
posted by box at 9:55 AM on January 22, 2012
If you like solitaire, mondoSolitaire is a pretty exhaustive one.
posted by box at 9:55 AM on January 22, 2012
I like to bring a cheap, fresh face-cloth, so I can go to the bathroom and give myself a proper head to toe, soap and water wipedown. I always feel 1000% better afterwards.
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:57 AM on January 22, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:57 AM on January 22, 2012 [2 favorites]
Some sort of decent-smelling moisturizer because the recycled air is really low humidity and you wind up feeling all dried out and scaly, doubly so if you wash your hands with the airplane bathroom soap.
posted by jessamyn at 9:59 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by jessamyn at 9:59 AM on January 22, 2012
Earplugs, earplugs, earplugs. A security-approved-sized spritzer bottle of water for spraying your face periodically. (I once was given an Air Canada first-class toilet bag by a travel-journo friend, and it had a really nice spray.) If there's a chunky novel that you've wanted to read but never had the patience to get through, now's your chance.
I think the way to handle it, just in terms of time management, is to break it up into chunks depending upon the schedule -- whether there are set meal times, or set "sleeping" hours, or so on.
iPad games? Ticket to Ride, yes. Not so sure about Zen Bound given elbow-room. Old standbys like Bejeweled and Drop7 can be decent time-sinks in the same fashion as Tetris; likewise, Tiny Wings.
I'll admit that my one 16-hour flight, now 20 years ago, was made more palatable by Mr Jack Daniels.
posted by holgate at 10:13 AM on January 22, 2012
I think the way to handle it, just in terms of time management, is to break it up into chunks depending upon the schedule -- whether there are set meal times, or set "sleeping" hours, or so on.
iPad games? Ticket to Ride, yes. Not so sure about Zen Bound given elbow-room. Old standbys like Bejeweled and Drop7 can be decent time-sinks in the same fashion as Tetris; likewise, Tiny Wings.
I'll admit that my one 16-hour flight, now 20 years ago, was made more palatable by Mr Jack Daniels.
posted by holgate at 10:13 AM on January 22, 2012
The things I would absolutely need:
Water bottle
Neck pillow
Some form of entertainment
Medicine in case of headache/whatever might trouble you over 15 hours
Chapstick
Make for damned sure in packing a twenty item list from AskMeFi that you don't accidentally forget a necessity and not have your [neck pillow] with you.
posted by vegartanipla at 10:13 AM on January 22, 2012
Water bottle
Neck pillow
Some form of entertainment
Medicine in case of headache/whatever might trouble you over 15 hours
Chapstick
Make for damned sure in packing a twenty item list from AskMeFi that you don't accidentally forget a necessity and not have your [neck pillow] with you.
posted by vegartanipla at 10:13 AM on January 22, 2012
A Vick inhaler. You can get weirdly congested on long flights, and the descent can be painful or damaging to your ears.
posted by scruss at 10:20 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by scruss at 10:20 AM on January 22, 2012
A really nice sandwich (acquired somewhere outside of the airport) is also divine in the middle of a flight
An unrefrigerated sandwich 7 or 8 hours into a 15-hour flight might be a recipe for food poisoning.
I never fly without:
- inflatable neck pillow
- eye mask
- booties
- moisturiser
- Vick's first defence (a nasal spray that you squirt up your nose every few hours to kill germs).
- toothbrush/paste
- a few Olay daily facials cleansing cloths - you run them under water and you can use them to clean your face and, if need be, armpits.
- roll-on deodorant
- lip balm
- a banana and some seedless grapes
Try to avoid anything too highly scented - you're in a confined space with other people who might find strongly-scented lotion objectionable.
posted by essexjan at 11:12 AM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
An unrefrigerated sandwich 7 or 8 hours into a 15-hour flight might be a recipe for food poisoning.
I never fly without:
- inflatable neck pillow
- eye mask
- booties
- moisturiser
- Vick's first defence (a nasal spray that you squirt up your nose every few hours to kill germs).
- toothbrush/paste
- a few Olay daily facials cleansing cloths - you run them under water and you can use them to clean your face and, if need be, armpits.
- roll-on deodorant
- lip balm
- a banana and some seedless grapes
Try to avoid anything too highly scented - you're in a confined space with other people who might find strongly-scented lotion objectionable.
posted by essexjan at 11:12 AM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
For simple but addictive games that can be played over and over again (with achievements and challenges to track progress), I'd recommend Tiny Wings (minimalist and soothing) and Jetpack Joyride (crazy and fun).
For a lengthier story-based experience, be sure to get World of Goo. It's a full and flawless port of the PC version of the game, bursting with whimsical wit, excellent music, innovative gameplay, and striking art design.
And if you want to conserve your battery, give Alter Ego a try. It's the iOS version of a port of an old computer game that was a big hit when I posted it to Mefi last year. It's mainly white text on a black background, but very engaging, and each "life" can easily take up an hour or more of gameplay.
posted by Rhaomi at 11:13 AM on January 22, 2012
For a lengthier story-based experience, be sure to get World of Goo. It's a full and flawless port of the PC version of the game, bursting with whimsical wit, excellent music, innovative gameplay, and striking art design.
And if you want to conserve your battery, give Alter Ego a try. It's the iOS version of a port of an old computer game that was a big hit when I posted it to Mefi last year. It's mainly white text on a black background, but very engaging, and each "life" can easily take up an hour or more of gameplay.
posted by Rhaomi at 11:13 AM on January 22, 2012
Shoes that easily slip on and off, plus warm, clean socks. Podcasts to listen to - it can be good to give your eyes a break from reading/movie-watching/game-playing.
posted by lunasol at 11:17 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by lunasol at 11:17 AM on January 22, 2012
Noise-cancelling headphones make long flights a lot more bearable for me.
Casual games I like that don't require much elbow room (or the ability to hear clearly) include Drop7, PathPix, Azkend, Cut the Rope, Toy Balls, Sporcle, Heroes of Kalevala, Push Panic!, RoboSockets, Orba, Dizzypad, World of Goo, Scribblenauts, Contre Jour, Osmos, Sparkle the Game, RoboLogic and Tiny Wings. I seem to have spent rather a lot of time playing casual games. Most of those have HD versions or are universal; Tiny Wings is the exception, but it's such a charming game that it's worth playing even at iPhone-screen-size.
Also, bring a book, so that you've got something to read for takeoff and landing, and in case the iPad's battery doesn't hold out.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 11:30 AM on January 22, 2012 [4 favorites]
Casual games I like that don't require much elbow room (or the ability to hear clearly) include Drop7, PathPix, Azkend, Cut the Rope, Toy Balls, Sporcle, Heroes of Kalevala, Push Panic!, RoboSockets, Orba, Dizzypad, World of Goo, Scribblenauts, Contre Jour, Osmos, Sparkle the Game, RoboLogic and Tiny Wings. I seem to have spent rather a lot of time playing casual games. Most of those have HD versions or are universal; Tiny Wings is the exception, but it's such a charming game that it's worth playing even at iPhone-screen-size.
Also, bring a book, so that you've got something to read for takeoff and landing, and in case the iPad's battery doesn't hold out.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 11:30 AM on January 22, 2012 [4 favorites]
Nthing good (but unscented) chapstick and lotion. Make sure your shoes and socks aren't stinky. Dress in layers and wear the most comfortable pants you own. If you have long hair, have something to hold it back.
Regardless of the length of the flight, I bring on as many forms of entertaiment as I can reasonably take with me. At least one or two of them should be non-electronic. If you write or doodle, take pens and paper; if you're fidgety at all, take some sort of craft or toy to keep your hands occupied, provided it doesn't make noise and you can keep it in your space.
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:41 AM on January 22, 2012
Regardless of the length of the flight, I bring on as many forms of entertaiment as I can reasonably take with me. At least one or two of them should be non-electronic. If you write or doodle, take pens and paper; if you're fidgety at all, take some sort of craft or toy to keep your hands occupied, provided it doesn't make noise and you can keep it in your space.
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:41 AM on January 22, 2012
Noise cancelling headphones are great. Get comfy ones and you can sleep in them, you don't even need to be listening to anything just have them turned on. Planes are surprisingly noisy and I find the noise gets grating and tiring after a while.
Lip balm.
Water bottle.
Headache tablet
Saline spray (as my nose dries out and bleeds, also keeping your nose moist helps stop the bugs getting in).
I never bother with the neck pillows they make me feel like I am being choked but lots of people like them.
Small travel pack of wet wipes for a quick cat wash in the toilets before landing. You can wash the old "top and tails" before landing and throw them away with a travel toothbrush, hairbrush and makeup (if you wear it) and a quick dab of deo can help you feel human before you disembark.
I like word games and the like for plane trips, but I have taken mountains of things to entertain myself with on flights, but most times I just sit there and stare zombie like at the movies playing on the little screen in the headrest in front of me. Heck some airlines even have games built in to those, I killed a pleasant 4 hours on a long haul flight from Australia playing tetris on one of these. Mindless puzzle games like that I find the best.
posted by wwax at 11:46 AM on January 22, 2012
Lip balm.
Water bottle.
Headache tablet
Saline spray (as my nose dries out and bleeds, also keeping your nose moist helps stop the bugs getting in).
I never bother with the neck pillows they make me feel like I am being choked but lots of people like them.
Small travel pack of wet wipes for a quick cat wash in the toilets before landing. You can wash the old "top and tails" before landing and throw them away with a travel toothbrush, hairbrush and makeup (if you wear it) and a quick dab of deo can help you feel human before you disembark.
I like word games and the like for plane trips, but I have taken mountains of things to entertain myself with on flights, but most times I just sit there and stare zombie like at the movies playing on the little screen in the headrest in front of me. Heck some airlines even have games built in to those, I killed a pleasant 4 hours on a long haul flight from Australia playing tetris on one of these. Mindless puzzle games like that I find the best.
posted by wwax at 11:46 AM on January 22, 2012
Layered clothing. Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than being trapped somewhere with no control over whether I'm warm/cool enough.
posted by Space Kitty at 11:50 AM on January 22, 2012
posted by Space Kitty at 11:50 AM on January 22, 2012
Book and magazine
Empty water bottle
Neck pillow (one with microbeads or similar, not inflatable)
Toiletries: Wipes, moisturiser, toothbrush/paste, deodorant
Cardigan/jumper/pashmina
Clean underwear/socks/leggings in a medium-sized ziplock bag
Earbuds
Nurofen Plus
Notebook and pen (pen especially useful for completing landing cards prior to arrival)
iOS Games: Jetpack Joyride, Temple Run, Tetris and Harbor Master
External battery pack (I have this one for my iphone)
posted by hot soup girl at 12:00 PM on January 22, 2012 [2 favorites]
Empty water bottle
Neck pillow (one with microbeads or similar, not inflatable)
Toiletries: Wipes, moisturiser, toothbrush/paste, deodorant
Cardigan/jumper/pashmina
Clean underwear/socks/leggings in a medium-sized ziplock bag
Earbuds
Nurofen Plus
Notebook and pen (pen especially useful for completing landing cards prior to arrival)
iOS Games: Jetpack Joyride, Temple Run, Tetris and Harbor Master
External battery pack (I have this one for my iphone)
posted by hot soup girl at 12:00 PM on January 22, 2012 [2 favorites]
I twentysecond Plants vs Zombies and Tiny Wings. Carcassonne is also a pretty good Euro game.
If you like puzzle games, I very strongly recommend Trainyard (the free version, Trainyard Express, has entirely different puzzles) and Helsing's Fire. There are approximately infinity free sudoku/calcudoku/etcdoku games, so you can get a few of those as well. Drop 7 is very good; Push Puzzle is a suddenly free game that is fun.
Bring podcasts or books on tape so you can shut your eyes. Bring fuzzy socks so you can take your shoes off. Bring drinks. Bring gum for takeoff and landing. Bring a pen, a pencil, a notebook, at least one paperback book, and at least one book of crossword/logic/whatever puzzles.
posted by jeather at 12:07 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
If you like puzzle games, I very strongly recommend Trainyard (the free version, Trainyard Express, has entirely different puzzles) and Helsing's Fire. There are approximately infinity free sudoku/calcudoku/etcdoku games, so you can get a few of those as well. Drop 7 is very good; Push Puzzle is a suddenly free game that is fun.
Bring podcasts or books on tape so you can shut your eyes. Bring fuzzy socks so you can take your shoes off. Bring drinks. Bring gum for takeoff and landing. Bring a pen, a pencil, a notebook, at least one paperback book, and at least one book of crossword/logic/whatever puzzles.
posted by jeather at 12:07 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
It's often very cold on the floor on international flights, so the most important things for me are warm socks and trousers. Don't put on clothes that are tight because you want all the flexibility you can get.
posted by flif at 12:08 PM on January 22, 2012
posted by flif at 12:08 PM on January 22, 2012
An unrefrigerated sandwich 7 or 8 hours into a 15-hour flight might be a recipe for food poisoning.
Pack an extra ziplock bag and ask an attendant for ice as soon as you're in air. Change out when needed. If you have an insulated lunch bag, everything will stay cool for quite some time.
posted by rhapsodie at 12:10 PM on January 22, 2012
Pack an extra ziplock bag and ask an attendant for ice as soon as you're in air. Change out when needed. If you have an insulated lunch bag, everything will stay cool for quite some time.
posted by rhapsodie at 12:10 PM on January 22, 2012
Bear in mind that games are one of the fastest battery drains for iPods and iPads, so its going to be tough to keep it charged on a 15 hour flight. Definitely bring other forms of entertainment, like a book and some magazines. Check your flight on seatguru.com to see if you will have power at the seat (if you're flying in economy, then sadly its unlikely).
posted by Joh at 12:45 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Joh at 12:45 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
Notebook and pen (pen especially useful for completing landing cards prior to arrival)
Oh, very good point. Make sure you've got the address of the place you're staying in your carry-on too - you'll almost certainly need it for the landing card. And the details of your return flight.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 12:46 PM on January 22, 2012
Oh, very good point. Make sure you've got the address of the place you're staying in your carry-on too - you'll almost certainly need it for the landing card. And the details of your return flight.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 12:46 PM on January 22, 2012
Response by poster: This is fantastic guys, thanks so much. Not sure which responses to Favorite first, they're all pretty helpful.
posted by critzer at 12:46 PM on January 22, 2012
posted by critzer at 12:46 PM on January 22, 2012
Lip balm
Eye drops
Saline gel for your nose
Clean underpants
Earplugs
Noise-cancelling headphones
A real live actual no-shit book printed on dead tree pulp
An Apple --> USB cable or two, and a AC/USB adapter
Baby wipes
Some of those disposable single-use pre-pasted toothbrushes, I like the Wisp kind
Extra hair thingies if your hair is long enough to require thingies
A plastic grocery bag or two to use to corral garbage
As for the ipad, spend the money to put movies or whole seasons of TV on it. Also download the free kindle app and throw some books on it. Angry Birds is awesome but SUCKS out the battery life, so use caution.
posted by KathrynT at 1:24 PM on January 22, 2012
Eye drops
Saline gel for your nose
Clean underpants
Earplugs
Noise-cancelling headphones
A real live actual no-shit book printed on dead tree pulp
An Apple --> USB cable or two, and a AC/USB adapter
Baby wipes
Some of those disposable single-use pre-pasted toothbrushes, I like the Wisp kind
Extra hair thingies if your hair is long enough to require thingies
A plastic grocery bag or two to use to corral garbage
As for the ipad, spend the money to put movies or whole seasons of TV on it. Also download the free kindle app and throw some books on it. Angry Birds is awesome but SUCKS out the battery life, so use caution.
posted by KathrynT at 1:24 PM on January 22, 2012
Having done many, many.... many long-haul flights, I have adopted a minimalist approach.
iPads and earphones and books are all great, but keeping everything organized is a huge pain in the ass, especially when it comes time to disembark. I find that something always falls on the floor, and other things get mixed up with the plastic glasses and other plastic trash that accumulates during the flight.
So, I usually bring a book and that's it.
I also try to buy a big bottle of water at the gate. Slippers or flip flops are also good, as is clean underwear, but my god it's a hassle to change in an airplane toilet, and my god, airplane toilets get fucking filthy by the end of a flight (when you want to change your underwear).
So, I just rely on a book, and whatever is in the entertainment console (these days there are tons and tons of movies to watch).
But keeping it simple actually removes a lot of stress.
posted by KokuRyu at 1:33 PM on January 22, 2012 [3 favorites]
iPads and earphones and books are all great, but keeping everything organized is a huge pain in the ass, especially when it comes time to disembark. I find that something always falls on the floor, and other things get mixed up with the plastic glasses and other plastic trash that accumulates during the flight.
So, I usually bring a book and that's it.
I also try to buy a big bottle of water at the gate. Slippers or flip flops are also good, as is clean underwear, but my god it's a hassle to change in an airplane toilet, and my god, airplane toilets get fucking filthy by the end of a flight (when you want to change your underwear).
So, I just rely on a book, and whatever is in the entertainment console (these days there are tons and tons of movies to watch).
But keeping it simple actually removes a lot of stress.
posted by KokuRyu at 1:33 PM on January 22, 2012 [3 favorites]
As someone who flew this week, on a full flight, in the middle seat, next to someone using an iPad, I suggest you think carefully and make sure you're not one of those people who holds one like a steering wheel.
posted by rhizome at 1:48 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by rhizome at 1:48 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
Frankly, what works best for me is an mp3 player and a generous dose of sedating over-the-counter medicine.
posted by thirteenkiller at 2:14 PM on January 22, 2012
posted by thirteenkiller at 2:14 PM on January 22, 2012
Adding to what KokuRyu said, consider that some airlines provide slippers/socks, disposable toothbrush and toothpaste, hot facecloths, lotion (in the bathroom though), newspapers, magazines and have over 100 channels of video on demand. After awhile you are setting in a nest of debris and possessions. With all that, the only things I definitely require are an inflatable neck pillow (half-inflated) and a pen to fill out the landing card.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:19 PM on January 22, 2012
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:19 PM on January 22, 2012
An ipad will play video for 15 hours on a single charge (Sons of Anarchy seasons 1-3 FTW!). That plus noise-cancelling headphones sets me up for the entire flight.
However, as backups, I have:
- water
- spare batteries for the headphones
- airplane headphones adapter, so I can use my noise-cancellers with the plane's entertainment system
- a dead tree pulp book (for takeoff and landing)
- snack (nuts or chocolate)
posted by cogat at 2:55 PM on January 22, 2012
However, as backups, I have:
- water
- spare batteries for the headphones
- airplane headphones adapter, so I can use my noise-cancellers with the plane's entertainment system
- a dead tree pulp book (for takeoff and landing)
- snack (nuts or chocolate)
posted by cogat at 2:55 PM on January 22, 2012
If you've got an iPad, load it with movies. TV shows are good, but you can get tired of a marathon. Carcassone is a great game, as is Angry Birds (and AB Seasons, too). There are many, many levels to work through, and when you fail, the snide laughter of the pigs motivates you to keep going. Before you know it, you'll be asked to stow your iPad. There are a good number of battery packs available (insert four AA batteries, plug into iDevice). They're not the cheapest, but they keep your apple thing alive for the flight.
Empty water bottle, or a bottle of water that you pick up after going through security. You're going to become dehydrated flying for that long, and it's important to drink as much as you possibly can. The more (non-alcoholic, non-caffeine) you drink, the better you'll feel when you arrive.
Dress comfortably. Some airlines still provide disposable slippers, but it's hard to tell if you'll be lucky or not. Some folding travel slippers will take up less space than flip flops or sandals. A neck pillow can be nice (though I never really use mine). If you're on a flight that has a lot of empty seats (more of a rarity now), ask to change your seat to an open row right off the bat. People descend on those like vultures once the flight is in the air, and stretch out and go to sleep almost immediately.
It can be nice to bring some non-perishable food (dried fruit, string cheese, crackers) in case the meal you get on the flight is god-awful swill. I agree with the sandwich thing above. If you're going to eat it in the first couple hours, go ahead, grab a sandwich (a lot of airports have some great sandwich shops), but maybe otherwise don't.
Books always seem nice, but personally, with the constant activity on the plane, the noise, and the awkwardness of reading while sitting, looking straight down (strains the neck) make it hard to concentrate on anything but, well, airport novels. A couple good magazines are a good alternative, as you can read in bursts.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:48 PM on January 22, 2012
Empty water bottle, or a bottle of water that you pick up after going through security. You're going to become dehydrated flying for that long, and it's important to drink as much as you possibly can. The more (non-alcoholic, non-caffeine) you drink, the better you'll feel when you arrive.
Dress comfortably. Some airlines still provide disposable slippers, but it's hard to tell if you'll be lucky or not. Some folding travel slippers will take up less space than flip flops or sandals. A neck pillow can be nice (though I never really use mine). If you're on a flight that has a lot of empty seats (more of a rarity now), ask to change your seat to an open row right off the bat. People descend on those like vultures once the flight is in the air, and stretch out and go to sleep almost immediately.
It can be nice to bring some non-perishable food (dried fruit, string cheese, crackers) in case the meal you get on the flight is god-awful swill. I agree with the sandwich thing above. If you're going to eat it in the first couple hours, go ahead, grab a sandwich (a lot of airports have some great sandwich shops), but maybe otherwise don't.
Books always seem nice, but personally, with the constant activity on the plane, the noise, and the awkwardness of reading while sitting, looking straight down (strains the neck) make it hard to concentrate on anything but, well, airport novels. A couple good magazines are a good alternative, as you can read in bursts.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:48 PM on January 22, 2012
I have adopted a minimalist approach.
This. All I want on the plane is my tablet and a good pair of noise cancelling earphones. Anything else is just more to carry, keep track of and potentially lose. Dressing comfortably, a little warmly, as airplanes are often a bit cold and that's enough for me. Water and a bit of food, bought somewhere after the gate.
posted by bonehead at 7:16 PM on January 22, 2012
This. All I want on the plane is my tablet and a good pair of noise cancelling earphones. Anything else is just more to carry, keep track of and potentially lose. Dressing comfortably, a little warmly, as airplanes are often a bit cold and that's enough for me. Water and a bit of food, bought somewhere after the gate.
posted by bonehead at 7:16 PM on January 22, 2012
This is dorky, but I totally use my long-haul airline time as spa time. So I'll bring on a full toiletries set (washcloth, wet wipes, samples of designer face products) plus a moisturizing face mask. So relaxing, plus my skin looks great afterwards.
Coupled with my earphones, books and magazines (the New Yorker was meant for long-haul flights), and assorted fruit, I'm a pretty happy camper. I also bring a few tea bags of my favorite herbal tea with me since the teas that are usually provided are either horrible or have a lot of caffeine.
posted by so much modern time at 7:16 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
Coupled with my earphones, books and magazines (the New Yorker was meant for long-haul flights), and assorted fruit, I'm a pretty happy camper. I also bring a few tea bags of my favorite herbal tea with me since the teas that are usually provided are either horrible or have a lot of caffeine.
posted by so much modern time at 7:16 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
Check to see if the expected plane has power outlets; for that flight length, it likely does.
Pashmina or large scarf; it can be cold, and the airline blanket might not be enough.
Bandanna; lots of planes now have a video screen on the seat backs - it may play ads and it's nice to be able to cover it. Also used as washcloth, napkin, whatever.
sleeping pill if you can use one; sleep whiles away the time.
I always bring clean underwear and toiletries. Being able to wash face, brush teeth, use deodorant, and change panties on the plane or in the arrival airport makes me feel nearly human.
Hand sanitizer or wipes. planes are grubby.
posted by theora55 at 7:18 PM on January 22, 2012
Pashmina or large scarf; it can be cold, and the airline blanket might not be enough.
Bandanna; lots of planes now have a video screen on the seat backs - it may play ads and it's nice to be able to cover it. Also used as washcloth, napkin, whatever.
sleeping pill if you can use one; sleep whiles away the time.
I always bring clean underwear and toiletries. Being able to wash face, brush teeth, use deodorant, and change panties on the plane or in the arrival airport makes me feel nearly human.
Hand sanitizer or wipes. planes are grubby.
posted by theora55 at 7:18 PM on January 22, 2012
I just got out of 20+ hours of flights yesterday. Here's a list of what I wish I had known or brought:
Don't worry so much about being entertained, worry about being comfortable. If you are thinking of buying stuff for the long flight, put that money towards upgrading your seat. Even an "economy plus" seat is miles better than economy. Also, don't get a window seat. Get an aisle seat or the middle seat in the middle section. You'll have two ways of exiting AND flight attendants available to you from both sides. Check seatguru to see which seats are best.
The in-flight entertainment system offers hours of movies and tv shows. Bring a real book to read for take-off and landing, or grab a newspaper (some airlines will offer you a variety of papers on the way in). Bring a pen for the crossword puzzle and sudoku.
Skip bringing water. It's good advice for shorter flights, but for a 15-hour flight, you will be fed and watered at least every 2 hours, so bringing your own is just extra weight in your pack. If you're thirsty, ask for more water at the galley (usually at the back of the plane) or sometimes there's a fountain on the wall outside the bathroom.
2nding a fresh orange or some fresh fruit for the flight. Something with high water content.
Definitely bring a neck pillow. I think the filled ones are more comfortable than the self-inflated ones. Wear socks that cover your ankles or slipper socks. It gets cold on the flight, and it's a pain to put your shoes back on when you go to the bathroom.
I found a Buff to be super useful for my last long flight. It's pretty versatile, you can use it as a hat, neck scarf, eye cover, hairband or a face mask (in case you get seated near a stinky bathroom). It's also useful for covering your mouth, if you sleep with your mouth open.
Unscented lotion and lip balm for your hands and face. Put it on everywhere before the flight, before you discover your back is itchy in an unreachable spot. Definitely get unscented, since the liquid soap in the bathroom can be quite smelly.
It might be too late for this, but my doctor recommended that I get a flu shot. 200 people sharing the same air for 15 hours? One of them is bound to be sick or just getting over the flu.
Panty liners are also good, if you don't want to bring a second pair of underwear. Also, a disposable toothbrushes help you feel refreshed, without the need for toothpaste or water.
Pain-killers. Something to help deal with the pain of leg cramps and a sore butt. Alternatively, remember that alcohol is free for international flights.
Portable battery charger. I don't have an iPad or the linked model, but I have a similar one that runs off of AA batteries and it charges all of my mini-USB powered devices. Super handy for recharging cell phones.
An airline adapter, so that you can use your own headphones to listen to in-flight movies in stereo. Without the adapter, you're stuck either listening with one channel or using the airline's terrible noise-leaking headphones. This might not be necessary for all planes, but some use an asinine two-pronged jack.
Lastly, I think an inflatable foot rest would be really really nice to have on a flight. It seems like overkill, but my legs are just short enough that putting my feet on my bag is just not enough.
posted by hooray at 8:47 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
Don't worry so much about being entertained, worry about being comfortable. If you are thinking of buying stuff for the long flight, put that money towards upgrading your seat. Even an "economy plus" seat is miles better than economy. Also, don't get a window seat. Get an aisle seat or the middle seat in the middle section. You'll have two ways of exiting AND flight attendants available to you from both sides. Check seatguru to see which seats are best.
The in-flight entertainment system offers hours of movies and tv shows. Bring a real book to read for take-off and landing, or grab a newspaper (some airlines will offer you a variety of papers on the way in). Bring a pen for the crossword puzzle and sudoku.
Skip bringing water. It's good advice for shorter flights, but for a 15-hour flight, you will be fed and watered at least every 2 hours, so bringing your own is just extra weight in your pack. If you're thirsty, ask for more water at the galley (usually at the back of the plane) or sometimes there's a fountain on the wall outside the bathroom.
2nding a fresh orange or some fresh fruit for the flight. Something with high water content.
Definitely bring a neck pillow. I think the filled ones are more comfortable than the self-inflated ones. Wear socks that cover your ankles or slipper socks. It gets cold on the flight, and it's a pain to put your shoes back on when you go to the bathroom.
I found a Buff to be super useful for my last long flight. It's pretty versatile, you can use it as a hat, neck scarf, eye cover, hairband or a face mask (in case you get seated near a stinky bathroom). It's also useful for covering your mouth, if you sleep with your mouth open.
Unscented lotion and lip balm for your hands and face. Put it on everywhere before the flight, before you discover your back is itchy in an unreachable spot. Definitely get unscented, since the liquid soap in the bathroom can be quite smelly.
It might be too late for this, but my doctor recommended that I get a flu shot. 200 people sharing the same air for 15 hours? One of them is bound to be sick or just getting over the flu.
Panty liners are also good, if you don't want to bring a second pair of underwear. Also, a disposable toothbrushes help you feel refreshed, without the need for toothpaste or water.
Pain-killers. Something to help deal with the pain of leg cramps and a sore butt. Alternatively, remember that alcohol is free for international flights.
Portable battery charger. I don't have an iPad or the linked model, but I have a similar one that runs off of AA batteries and it charges all of my mini-USB powered devices. Super handy for recharging cell phones.
An airline adapter, so that you can use your own headphones to listen to in-flight movies in stereo. Without the adapter, you're stuck either listening with one channel or using the airline's terrible noise-leaking headphones. This might not be necessary for all planes, but some use an asinine two-pronged jack.
Lastly, I think an inflatable foot rest would be really really nice to have on a flight. It seems like overkill, but my legs are just short enough that putting my feet on my bag is just not enough.
posted by hooray at 8:47 PM on January 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
1. 2-3 liters of water (bought or filled in the airport)
2. Chapstick.
3. Sleeping pills.
4. In case of emergency, book.
It's amazing how much less your body hurts after a long flight if you sleep the whole way. Oh, and they never give you enough water.
posted by bluesky78987 at 9:21 PM on January 22, 2012
2. Chapstick.
3. Sleeping pills.
4. In case of emergency, book.
It's amazing how much less your body hurts after a long flight if you sleep the whole way. Oh, and they never give you enough water.
posted by bluesky78987 at 9:21 PM on January 22, 2012
Ambien, or, in a pinch, two Benedryl.
My very favorite iPad game is Dire Grove. It takes a few hours to complete the game.
Do not forget to take earplugs, eye covers, and visine.
posted by junipero at 9:25 PM on January 22, 2012
My very favorite iPad game is Dire Grove. It takes a few hours to complete the game.
Do not forget to take earplugs, eye covers, and visine.
posted by junipero at 9:25 PM on January 22, 2012
It's been mentioned a few times above, but since you didn't explicitly say "I'm loading up on podcasts" I'll reiterate it: Podcasts.
If you don't currently listen to them, or have any particular faves, there are tons of "Recommend me some good podcasts" type questions in AskMe that you should refer to for advice. If you have the time, find at least one that you really like, download a huge chunk of the back catalog. Ideally you'd have two or three different genres, so if you find yourself getting tired of Human Interest Storycast you can switch to Talking Guyscast or Science!cast or whatever for a few hours. My strategy for long flights is to just try and not be there... as much as possible, I want to have my eyes closed, and my brain mildly occupied with something to combat the drone of the jets and the hell that is other people. Video's too engaging, too bright and flashy, and uses too much precious juice. Assuming you're listening to talky-talky podcasts, you can sort of float along, sometimes dipping into sleep, sometimes being fully awake, often existing in an in-between state where your brain is gently engaged and distracted, but your sense of the excruciatingly. slow. passage. of time is somewhat dulled.
This is in many ways similar to other strategies proposed above, which involve prescription drugs or alcohol. You can, if you wish, combine them all, but remember that you may have to be suddenly competent when you deplane, so maybe not so much of the Jack-and-valium.
I see from a previous question that you have an iPhone, too. It'll be the more comfortable device for listening to podcasts on — slip it in a breast pocket — compared to the iPad. But, duplicate your library on both devices, just in case battery life isn't what you hope.
Take your shoes off.
posted by mumkin at 10:17 PM on January 22, 2012
If you don't currently listen to them, or have any particular faves, there are tons of "Recommend me some good podcasts" type questions in AskMe that you should refer to for advice. If you have the time, find at least one that you really like, download a huge chunk of the back catalog. Ideally you'd have two or three different genres, so if you find yourself getting tired of Human Interest Storycast you can switch to Talking Guyscast or Science!cast or whatever for a few hours. My strategy for long flights is to just try and not be there... as much as possible, I want to have my eyes closed, and my brain mildly occupied with something to combat the drone of the jets and the hell that is other people. Video's too engaging, too bright and flashy, and uses too much precious juice. Assuming you're listening to talky-talky podcasts, you can sort of float along, sometimes dipping into sleep, sometimes being fully awake, often existing in an in-between state where your brain is gently engaged and distracted, but your sense of the excruciatingly. slow. passage. of time is somewhat dulled.
This is in many ways similar to other strategies proposed above, which involve prescription drugs or alcohol. You can, if you wish, combine them all, but remember that you may have to be suddenly competent when you deplane, so maybe not so much of the Jack-and-valium.
I see from a previous question that you have an iPhone, too. It'll be the more comfortable device for listening to podcasts on — slip it in a breast pocket — compared to the iPad. But, duplicate your library on both devices, just in case battery life isn't what you hope.
Take your shoes off.
posted by mumkin at 10:17 PM on January 22, 2012
I go for the iPad filled with videos to watch, valiant attempts at sleep, earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, and a water bottle. I have never run the iPad out of batteries on trans-pacific flights, but I honestly couldn't stand to stare at the screen for 15 hours straight, so there is definitely some staring at the seat in front of me/out the window times, and getting up to go to the restroom and wandering around the aisles time. But I wouldn't depend on power outlets on planes--very few airlines I've been on have had them, even on the really long-haul flights. I'd look up on SeatGuru to say what might exist for your flight.
On long-haul flights the back galley will tend to have glasses of water available, so I tend to get up a number of times throughout the flight to get a glass of water. I would say that you shouldn't feel bad about getting up a lot, even if you have to climb over people. Go to the bathroom, get a glass of water, chat with the flight attendants maybe.
Oh and some type of lip balm/moisturizer can be helpful.
posted by that girl at 2:47 AM on January 23, 2012
On long-haul flights the back galley will tend to have glasses of water available, so I tend to get up a number of times throughout the flight to get a glass of water. I would say that you shouldn't feel bad about getting up a lot, even if you have to climb over people. Go to the bathroom, get a glass of water, chat with the flight attendants maybe.
Oh and some type of lip balm/moisturizer can be helpful.
posted by that girl at 2:47 AM on January 23, 2012
Games? Peggle. Super easy, super fun, super addicting. Between that and P V Z and Angry Birds you'll loose a few hours, easy.
posted by The Whelk at 9:46 AM on January 23, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 9:46 AM on January 23, 2012
I favourited kokyru's comment hard, because simple is best. I live 24 hours flight from Europe and the absolute best is to have a good book (I take a magazine too, in case I want a change of pace) and maybe an ipod. Take some water too. A light blanket/shawl/pashmina might also be useful as the cabin temp is always low (except when you are sitting for two hours on the runway in KL).
Think of this flight as a very small holiday resort in the sky. They will bring you food and drink (and plenty of alcohol usually, if you are polite and tell the stewards you want it) and you will have hours of audio and video entertainment to hand.
Get up every hour or two and stroll around the plane. Chat to other passengers (quietly) you meet doing the same. Charm the aircrew.
If you are travelling as a couple, mention to the staff it is your honeymoon and you have a fair chance of scoring a bottle of champagne.
One of my happiest lifetime memories was looking out the window on some snow covered mountains in Iran while everyone else was asleep and I had nothing to do or be responsible for - bliss. You can choose to hate long haul flights or delight in them as the gateway to your travels. Choose wisely.
posted by bystander at 4:40 AM on January 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
Think of this flight as a very small holiday resort in the sky. They will bring you food and drink (and plenty of alcohol usually, if you are polite and tell the stewards you want it) and you will have hours of audio and video entertainment to hand.
Get up every hour or two and stroll around the plane. Chat to other passengers (quietly) you meet doing the same. Charm the aircrew.
If you are travelling as a couple, mention to the staff it is your honeymoon and you have a fair chance of scoring a bottle of champagne.
One of my happiest lifetime memories was looking out the window on some snow covered mountains in Iran while everyone else was asleep and I had nothing to do or be responsible for - bliss. You can choose to hate long haul flights or delight in them as the gateway to your travels. Choose wisely.
posted by bystander at 4:40 AM on January 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:06 AM on January 22, 2012