What do you do on long haul flights (13+ hour flights)?

Posted by rscash15@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 353 comments

Hi I am going to Australia soon which includes a stopover. The flights are definitely a lot longer than what I used to i.e. quick European getaways. What do you advise to do on long haul flights? As in do you take a laptop and do stuff on it / watch TV on the infotainment screen or sleep Just curious to know Thanks

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353 Comments

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Oryxx71@reddit

Genuinely, how are people sleeping on flights 😭

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pip_goes_pop@reddit

It's hell isn't it. I just can't do it (even with eye masks, headphones/ear-plugs, pillows etc). Doesn't help that I'm 6'2" so seats are really uncomfortable. Closest I got to a snooze was when I treated myself to business class with a lay-flat seat/bed. Still struggled, but did manage a little doze.

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king4aday@reddit

Yeah I can't sleep unless in business with lay-flat seats either. I booked premium economy once and it didn't help. The main reason for me is that I'm a bit taller than average, and I'm a side / stomach sleeper normally, so even if I can sleep, it's either laying against the window or against the seat in front, both of which are uncomfortable as heck.

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notoneforlies@reddit

id end up falling asleep on some strangers shoulder knowing my shite luck

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pip_goes_pop@reddit

Yeah even in my comfy bed at home I’ll rarely be able to drop off on my back. I know people who can fall asleep absolutely anywhere really quickly, and I’m dead jealous.

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haikoup@reddit

6'2" isn't that big

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luckeratron@reddit

That's what she said?

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haikoup@reddit

She did.

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EvilTaffyapple@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/afol8l120zcg1.jpeg?width=670&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2354bcdacd8e6b68065e9232d98ac5059604f3cb

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No-Medicine1230@reddit

I wouldn’t want it inside me…

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ilikecocktails@reddit

I love a little plane nap. My neck pillow and eye mask are on before we even hit the run way sometimes haha

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Lance_Operazole@reddit

I think you either can or can't. My body will be tired but as soon as I start to drift off to sleep I jolt awake.

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Major_Toe_6041@reddit

My girlfriend sleeps on short distance trains. I have no idea how, and I have no idea how she always wakes up at the correct station given she sleeps through fire alarms, but she somehow succeeds and never misses her stop. I, on the other hand, can’t sleep in any form of transport.

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OriginalPlonker@reddit

My brother seems to sleep on any car journey longer than an hour. No idea how.

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Clear-Security-Risk@reddit

I joined the army at 17 and spend decades as a field soldier. You learn to sleep *anywhere* and at the drop of a hat. Great skill, my wife hates it as she's a can't-sleep-anywhere light-sleeper type...and I'm usually in the aisle seat!

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Bxsnia@reddit

No one is explaining the real reasons, but it's literally just a matter of being able to sleep sitting down or not. Nothing to do with pills or eye masks.

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DaveBeBad@reddit

Premium economy reclines more. Business costs a lot more but often gives you a flat bed for long haul. First class is better still. Not everyone flies in the cheapest seats - which are difficult especially when you are stuck next to strangers.

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GrimQuim@reddit

>as I start to drift off to sleep I jolt awake. It's the only time I worry about pissing my pants for some reason.

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tuck-your-tits-in@reddit

> you either can or can’t Well….yeah

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InfiniteMacaroon@reddit

I used to fly a lot for my work, and I got a bit bored with it. I used to sit down, and start to feel dozy on the pushback. I'd usually miss the take-off and wake up when I heard the flaps deploy for landing. Long haul flights the cabin crew would wake me for food and then I'd go back to sleep. I can sleep anywhere though. I was working on a traffic-counting system on the M4 once for the new Severn Bridge, and while I was waiting for the other engineer to do his bit I fell asleep lying lengthways on the crash barrier. When he woke me up I fell off.

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3speechnotallowed@reddit

I wonder the same thing, unless you take sleeping pills

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Oryxx71@reddit

Tried that too and they did nothing. It's the sleeping sitting up that I find uncomfortable 😫

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phantom_phreak29@reddit

Diazepam

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farmerjimbob67@reddit

This is the answer! I’m 6’3” so getting comfy is almost impossible, a couple of single malts and a happy pill and I could sleep in a wheelbarrow.

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SSMicrowave@reddit

I once took a Xanax for a flight to West Coast Canada. Got myself a nice fire exit seat and blanket. Next thing I knew the air stewardess was poking me to say we’d landed. Time skipped the entire flight and it was morning when we landed, and I woke up fresh as a daisy. I’m glad they’re not easily available in the UK. Dangerous(ly nice) stuff.

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Circusgypsie@reddit

The only way to fly. When you wake pop another. Repeat until you reach your destination

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phantom_phreak29@reddit

I never take them on flights cos I'm always "what if something went wrong and I was too zonked to do anything to save myself" which is dumb cos I've flown far too many times to know that's irrational but still don't.

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Relativity-speaking@reddit

Plus a couple of airport beers

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jacks2224@reddit

Sounds like heaven

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Sad-Peace@reddit

I wish I knew. I bought melatonin to take on my flights to and from Japan last year, but it did nothing. 13 hours of feeling uncomfortable and restless especially when they turned the lights down and everyone else was sleeping. If only I was rich enough to do business class, I'd be fine.

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clarkey_jet@reddit

Took my sixth trip to Japan this year. Was the first time I flew direct since my first trip. Never going back to lay overs. I’ve told myself that next time I’ll book business class or upgrade to it using Avios.

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Sad-Peace@reddit

That’s interesting as I’ve only ever been direct (twice) but was considering layovers next time. Is it that much worse? I know direct is quicker but it is painful…

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Oryxx71@reddit

I tried melatonin on a flight too and everyone else was snoozing and I was wide awake the entire time 😫

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doegrey@reddit

Every time I do that trip I tell myself next time it will be business class. Every time next time comes around, I look at the price of business class and feel like telling everyone we aren’t going.

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Sad-Peace@reddit

Me too, it was my second time going. My mum said 'why don't you treat yourself and go business' - however I'm not sure my definition of 'treat yourself' could stretch to 3x the economy price, which was already high enough!

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hitch21@reddit

Only once in my life have I had a real mini meltdown and it was flying back from Australia. From leaving my hostel to arriving home it was well over 30 hours and I hadn’t slept. I was on the second flight desperate to sleep and thought ok I’ll drink see if this helps. Started ordering drinks had a few and it just made me feel sick. Then we hit really bad turbulence and my mind just kinda lost it for the first (and hopefully last time). If I ever do Australia again (which I loved) I’m going to get the strongest sleeping pills I can to knock me out.

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Sabrielle24@reddit

I don’t really get *rest*, but I try to close my eyes and drift as often as possible. If nothing else, it passes the time. But it really is hit and miss whether I actually get to sleep, especially if the flight is busy. It’s just so uncomfortable.

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woowizzle@reddit

Drink till you get the tiny eyes.

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tiankai@reddit

I had to fly a lot to China in a period of 6 years and this is the only solution I found, I just get smashed on cheap Jack Daniel’s until the flight is over. Either that or sleeping pills

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woowizzle@reddit

Booze is always my go to, and I can sleep any where. Somehow all my China flights I have ended up in exit rows either alone or with one other pax. Luxury for the 6'4 man.

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ElectricScootersUK@reddit

I know crazy isn't it. I once stayed awake all night, flight wasn't until about 6pm, thought I'd sleep since I stayed up all night and say, nope, just couldn't 🤣🤣 ended up awake for about 30 hours or so. It was only a 4.5 hour flight too 🤣🤣

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TrueCartographer5163@reddit

Drugs.

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folklovermore_@reddit

I've only ever done it when I was really tired, like went out the night before levels of tired - not in a staying out until silly o'clock way but late enough compared to my usual sleep pattern to just mess with it slightly. I think it's a combination of being in an awkward position, trying to sleep at "weird" times, feeling like I "should" be asleep - particularly when the cabin lights are off and everyone else is out of it - and the awareness that the plane is moving but not feeling like it is (compared to a car or train where you can feel the movement).

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One-Writing-7860@reddit

Window seat, good neck pillow and a blanket.

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cowjenga@reddit

This is the way, and I'll add an eye mask, and noise-cancelling headphones too

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One-Writing-7860@reddit

Yes!

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Arbrocultureexpert@reddit

I once thought the same, but on my round trip from Rome to Russia (simple stopover to preserve my cheap flight) then onto Tokyo (taking in the endless night of Siberia all the way) I did not sleep at all from Rome to Tokyo. On the way back, I had a super soft cushion from Japan, the thing is dynamite. Anyway, I went up, leaned up against the window this time (lucky me) and woke up at the plane hitting the ground. Slept for 16 hrs! You have to be tired to sleep on a plane

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zephyrthewonderdog@reddit

I can’t sleep just in case the pilots need my help. ( I know fuck all about planes or flying though)

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sleepyprojectionist@reddit

The only times I have ever been able to properly sleep on long flights have been when I have saved up many, many air miles and have flown business class. I no longer work in a job that allows me to rack up the miles and despite having a decent chunk of points and two “upgrade” vouchers with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin have completely changed the value proposition of their offering and has made it next to impossible to upgrade to Upper Class unless you hold Gold status. Getting a taste for flying business at my old job absolutely ruined me.

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Dinnerladiesplease@reddit

The only way I've found is to sink several pints before the flight

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4x6x8@reddit

Beer makes you pee though. Red wine or spirits for the win

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Perpetual-Pickle@reddit

I once flew to Barbados from London (8.5 hour flight) and slept for 7 hours straight. I didn't even wake up to pee!! Economy seating too. My secret? A blue diazepam.

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Organic_Award5534@reddit

I fly between London and Aus and 6’3 so sleeping is hard - if not in prem econ or higher I’ll probably do an all-nighter the night before the flight, so I’m absolutely destroyed on the plane, and always take a sleeping pill or two after first food service. So I’ll be out for maybe 7 hours at least, and then should wake up around last food service feeling refreshed. I also try to extend the stopover or at least 6 hours and walk around Singapore or whatever, then redo for the next flight. Basically timing any and all rest, downtime, sitting, sleeping for the plane only, and making myself as tired as possible for the flight. Works all the time!

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sjcuthbertson@reddit

Nytol (diphenhydramine) and noise cancelling headphones. I only use it for flights that span a nighttime at the destination, but it works great for me. Take just after take off, then get a good 4-6 hours eyes shut. Makes a big difference to jet lag!

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takesthebiscuit@reddit

I just close my eyes and empty my mind of thought Which is pretty easy! Just before Covid I slept 12 hours from Costa Rica to Amsterdam! My wife was awake all the way

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pintperson@reddit

I couldn’t even stay asleep for 12 hours in my bed at home, let alone on a plane!

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doegrey@reddit

With great difficulty.

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SDUK94@reddit

Edibles

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No_Doughnut_3315@reddit

If you really want to sleep, take sleeping pills.

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sock_cooker@reddit

Antihistamines and red wine

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Darthblaker7474@reddit

I tend to fly early in the morning, so I'm usually knackered and will fall asleep upright in the seat.

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Best_Needleworker530@reddit

Preface: that was me and I never slept on a plane, any public transport, cars etc but my long haul was when I was 19 and my body took it well. At 33, I didn’t sleep at all on my flight to Japan. I was ready to cry by the time we landed in Osaka. I was worried for my safety on the train to my hotel as I was passing out and only hold on with some hard rock and metal. Hotel staff took one look at me and offered early check in (I only went to leave my suitcases). 5 days of a jet lag (with bonuses like almost empty fushimi inari at 5am but also semi conscious phone calls to friends at 3am). Zombie mode. I couldn’t do it on a flight back as I was back Thursday and at work on Friday. So I took full advantage of Japan. Ergonomic sleeping pillow, eye mask, my massive noise cancelling headphones. Oceans 11 as my in flight entertainment. To my amusement, I slept through almost the whole flight. How? Can’t tell you. Probably George Clooney.

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archangel12@reddit

Noise cancelling headphones and a sleep mask.

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FireBun@reddit

Sleeping pill and gin

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indignancy@reddit

Most of the airlines now have a white noise/relaxation radio option on the inflight entertainment system and that really helps for me. Even if you’re not actually asleep, sitting there with your eyes closed doing nothing is generally better than nothing.

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HonkyBoo@reddit

Eye masks and headphones

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Ship_Happens6@reddit

I would say sleep is always the best choice !

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Choice_Technology791@reddit

Nosie cancelling headphones, iPad with downloaded shows. If your flights are in the same month don't watch everything good on the way out, can be very boring flight back if you do.

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Worth_Strain1806@reddit

Take a laptop and do some work, even if it's not work for your job, have some tasks to do on your laptop, such as planning holidays, sorting through your photos etc

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rscash15@reddit (OP)

Now that is a good idea, thanks! I may try and study for some IT exams in the future or do some other work on the laptop

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GingerPrince72@reddit

* Watch films * Sleep * Read * Listen to Music * Surf the net * Eat * Do stretching exercises * Watch downloaded Youtube videos

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Unusual_Sherbert2671@reddit

I buy WIFI package if available so I can browse, watch YouTube, WhatsApp people

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SnoopyLupus@reddit

I do them a lot. I listen to audiobooks and go into a catatonic state.

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Illustrious-Snow-638@reddit

Lots of great answers here already. May I hijack this thread to ask: what are people’s views on reclining your seat in economy class, when attempting to sleep? I always thought it was rude to the person behind you as it encroaches on their very limited personal space, so I never do it - but I don’t fly long haul often so I might be out of the loop. I did a long haul flight recently and the (different) person in front of me in both directions did recline as far as possible. Made me wonder if most people think it’s OK? It did also make me feel quite a lot more uncomfortable/hemmed in though!

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Nightowl_1786@reddit

My partner just come back from Australia to watch the ashes. He took his pillow & change of clothes. He took his iPad & Nintendo switch. He always buys magazines & takes books. Watch any movies on the flight he been meaning to watch

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Princes_Slayer@reddit

I flew to Japan and broke up how the flight would be into X number of films or tv shows (the plane had a decent amount of both, some is seen but was happy to watch again if needed to, but a lot of recent releases I’d not seen). This is what I do on long haul flights. Think about how might be best to pack your carry on luggage for the order you might need things so you are not struggling to find stuff. Take some nice quality travel size face /hand wash and creams. Take a small pack of anti-bac wipes. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Settle in and check out what entertainment is on pop a film on (or podcast, or book). You’ll get a drink/snack probably soon into the flight. Use an anti-bac wipe over your table and any buttons so you know it’s clean. Pause your activity when you have your meal. Do what the plane staff say. They’ll dim the lights to indicate time to try and have a sleep….follow this as it should help you gradually adjust a bit to the new time. An hour before you land, go and take yourself to the toilet. Give your hands & face a good wash to freshen your skin. Apply some new moisturiser. It’ll make you feel more alert and ready to face the next bit. By all means have booze, but drink plenty of water as well. It’ll force you to go and pee which lets you stretch your legs and back. And definitely get over ear headphones. I got a cheap pair for maybe £15 that are great. FYI some apple earphones don’t hook up to inflight systems so you end up with the naff plane ones. Don’t make that mistake!

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OriginalPlonker@reddit

Sleep (or doze, in my case) for one hour, stay awake for two. You'll be able to go to sleep or stay up when you reach your destination, whichever local time dictates.

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Little_Narwhal_9416@reddit

download a series (Das Boot last time I flew to OZ) to watch on my tablet & a good book job done

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ASY_Freddy@reddit

Did you finish the film on the flight back?

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Little_Narwhal_9416@reddit

5 series of it . Will be picking up on series 3 when we fly out to OZ again next month.

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VipKitten@reddit

As someone who did the 14 hour flight to Tokyo recently, and was prepared to lose my mind at hour 9 (there was a brief panic) I went in PREPARED. Comfy clothes, comfy NC earphones, dark eye mask, lipbalm, loads of water, 3 series of White Lotus on my iPad, a 9 hour audiobook downloaded and a paperback. Mostly importantly if you can't sleep, don't force it but if you can, save it for later in the flight (I got an hour of sleep early on and regretted it!). Doze if you can't sleep and try not to wind yourself up too much. I looked over at my partner at hour 9 and said 'I think I'm going to lose it' and he smiled and told me to change entertainment and not stress about it. He was, of course, right. Sometimes the psychology of it is the worst part; the flight back felt like a dream because I survived the first one!

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Competitive-Fig-666@reddit

I played Who Wants To Be A Millionaire for hours on my way back from Tokyo last year. At least 3 hours getting up to the second last question but never quite winning. Good way to kill time if you like to win at quizzes

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Joe85739@reddit

Comfortable clothes. Go for a walk at least every hour. Drink plenty of water. Variety of entertainment (Watch/Read/Do). Oh, and you only realise how good proper overear ANC headphones are when you take them off. Take a device powerpack too.

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Wanderlust01234@reddit

Having done UK-AUS a number of times I’d recommend getting into a new series rather than watching films. If you can find one with lots of series, then you can binge watch and I find it makes the time pass quicker. And you’re not having to get into brand new plot/characters every 2 hours like with a film - so easier to switch in when you’re tired. We usually travel Emirates and I love their in flight entertainment system. Also comfy clothes plus a warm layer as I find it can get chilly. Noise cancelling headphones. I have a little bag I keep with me with stuff to freshen up with. Flight/compression socks. I also try and walk about a fair bit as I get very achey legs if I sit for too long. Water bottle - cabin crew will fill it for you- very important to keep hydrated. Emergency book/trashy magazine if I want a change from tv.

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kindaadulting87@reddit

I've done UK-Aus a lot as well, going next month with Emirates - never flown with them before so glad to know about the entertainment!

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Mysterious-Bid-9446@reddit

I've done UK to aus on Emirates and it's highly recommended

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Wanderlust01234@reddit

I love Emirates! Food, entertainment & cabin crew are 👌🏻 If you’re travelling economy & have a longer layover, there’s usually some good deals to be had in the Dubai lounges so see what a pass will cost you (independent not emirates affiliated but they’re usually pretty good esp as eating/drinking in Dubai airport is spendy)

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TheTackleZone@reddit

And take different types of series. If you take something the The Diplomat (excellent, highly recommended) then also take a light comedy show as well. You'll surprise yourself how you want to flip around to different styles and tempos as you sit immobile.

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znv142@reddit

I am self employed and I do a lot of video editing. I always make sure I have a project before a flight. Video editing is incredibly absorbing and I love the idea of making money while I am travelling. When I don't feel like doing that I genuinely cherish being in my own thoughts and enjoying the flight. Too many screens and notifications in our lives.

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Mysterious-Bid-9446@reddit

Try to sleep, take regular little walks up the plane even just to the toilet to prevent blood clots. Flight socks are a must. You will be sitting by someone so say hello and be friendly, having someone to chat to helps. Be polite to the stewards and they will go the extra mile for you. In between planes walk around the airport as you are already sitting a lot Time I find goes faster on planes compared to cars or buses or trains

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ConnectionPlus7415@reddit

Zopiclone- Diazepam and a couple of beers.

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Opposite_Wish_8956@reddit

Masturbate in the toilet as soon as the seatbelt light goes off. Cry for the remaining 12 hours 55 minutes.

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Inevitable-Care@reddit

Apart from watching films (agree TV series help pass the time better) I use the time to delete unwanted photos & emails etc on my phone. Makes me feel like I’ve done something useful!

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GeneralMedia1282@reddit

I have family in Australia and have done the flight about 8 or 9 times. I hate long haul and use to survive it by taking valium, lots of snacks, tablet, puzzle books, colouring, anything to occupy some time. Since having a child the valium is no longer an option but to make yourself feel more human, I'd recommend a change of underwear and top and face/body wipes, toothbrush and paste and Mints. At the stop over I get changed, clean teeth, wipe down etc, anything to feel like a refresh reset. If you can, avoid a stop over in Dubai, UAE etc, a stop in south east Asia is preferable. I found with Dubai, you are hardly flying before having to stop and get off the plane. I'd rather have a stop which is more "in the middle" and getting a longer chunk done first on way over. 1st time I went with a child, was an evening flight and by the time flight took off, they did meal service and then dimmed the lights for "sleep", it was only a short time till they were lights up and prepping for snack and landing. It meant I literally got no sleep on that leg so ended up being awake for over 30 hours and then maybe a couple of hours sleep on next leg so was absolutely fucked by the time arrived.

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IrritablePowell@reddit

Like others have said, a variety of boredom-busting activities is essential. I knit whilst listening to audiobooks or podcasts (with comfy noise-cancelling headphones); read actual books; watch the IFE; go to the bar if I'm in the appropriate cabin; chat with cabin crew; eat; sleep.

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candynickle@reddit

Just got off an 11 hr flight overnight. I had a few glasses of champagne , slept for 7 hours , had breakfast and read the newspaper online then settled in with a book until touch down . Very rarely will I watch the entertainment system- I generally nap, read or knit in rotation.

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Famous-Print-6767@reddit

Have you never stayed home on the sofa all day? Just do that. Watch tv, read a book, nap, have a cup of tea.

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UsefulExpression9041@reddit

I take my tablet with downloaded shows to watch, a book, and plenty of snacks. Comfy clothes help! I have been on long haul where the built in screen didnt work so I always bring my tablet with downloaded options now.

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ErinClaymores@reddit

Noise-cancelling headphones are a must for me to drown out distractions, especially for sleeping. Comfy eye mask for sleeping too. Also some downloaded music playlists or podcasts when you want to switch off.

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Famous-Print-6767@reddit

Ear plugs are almost as good. Ear plugs plus nois cancelling is unbeatable.

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ofthenorth@reddit

Yep, noise cancelling over ears, very comfy clothes, water bottle and some type of sweets. Also extra layer of clothes as sometimes it’s bloody freezing

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Eckieflump@reddit

Don't forget to get a cable and airplane adapter for the headphones. It grates when you're ears are sore and the sound naff as you try to watch a movie on the entertainment systems as your £200 bose sit in your lap...

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Floz1989@reddit

Snacks and comfy clothes are essential.

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wildOldcheesecake@reddit

People that dress up for flights scare me. You want to dress down! We regularly fly to Nepal to visit family and then a few other trips throughout the year. You’d be surprised at how many people dress up. Last flight I was on, the two little girls were kitted out in skinny jeans and cable knit jumpers. Can’t have been comfortable for a 12 hour flight!

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Major_Toe_6041@reddit

You may find me strange for this but I feel more comfy in a smart shirt and smart-ish jeans than anything else. I never change into ‘comfy clothes’ when I get home.

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wildOldcheesecake@reddit

I enjoy wearing nice clothes and as a 20 something female, I’m into fashion. That being said, sitting in skinny jeans for 12 hours does not appeal to me in the slightest.

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Major_Toe_6041@reddit

If they were jeggings I would understand, but skinny jeans is definitely a no-go. I tend to use regular. But then, my degree basically just requires me to sit at a chair and draw props on a screen all day so it’s all I ever really sit in, might just be exposure that has caused my preference.

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Cally83@reddit

This is good advice. Regarding snacks, you stock up at the shops following check in, I assume? And then keep in it with hand luggage?

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UsefulExpression9041@reddit

Yep! I bring some from home too but mostly because I am coeliac and very cautious about contamination when flying for obvious reasons 🤣

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Cally83@reddit

Definitely sensible

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Viking-Bastard-XIV@reddit

Travel quite a bit for work. It’s laptop, iPad, a puzzle book, and a book for me. Although I have to break it down into chunks. Watch one movie, do some puzzles, read a little, back to a movie. I can’t sleep on a plane, just does not happen. I also, always, on a flight of 3+ hours wear shorts and a baggy top. My wife seems to be able to fall asleep within 20 minutes of being in the air.

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Alpacaliondingo@reddit

Download shows/movies ahead of time on tablet/ipad Noise cancelling headphones are a must, ideally over ear Bring snacks incase the airplane food is gross Bring an empty water bottle to fill up past security to stay hydrated on the flight. They do come around with water on the flight but not very often and cups are tiny If you're a light sleeper then earplugs and sleeping mask may help.

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genetic_nightmare@reddit

Melatonin, I can never usually sleep on planes but it’s a game-changer. I buy it from Piping Rock in America, the gummies actually taste pretty good too. Fortunately there’s no side-effects as it’s a natural hormone - afaik!

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Justan0therthrow4way@reddit

Done this trip many times as an Aussie. Depending which way you are going(via Asia, direct to Perth or via the Middle East will depend on when you should try to sleep so you aren’t exhausted at the other end). You’ll be able to look up what movies are on your plane on the airline website, if none take your fancy download a bunch to watch on your phone/laptop/tablet. I like having stupid games on my phone so I can do something else for a little bit. Bring a neck pillow and noise cancelling earphones but prepare to get very little sleep.

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WhatAGoodDoggy@reddit

Laptops don't really work in Economy class any more - the seats are now too close together to give you the space to open up a laptop. I take a tablet loaded with entertainment. A console like a Switch. A lot of planes have WiFi now so you could just browse Reddit the entire time.... I have a kid now so I'm either entertaining the kid or sleeping (because the kid is sleeping).

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jameshobi@reddit

get yourself airfly - plug into the back of the seat, connect via bluetooth to your own (noise-cancelling if possible!) earphones, do away with the uncomfortable/flimsy airline ones. i also always read a book and bring a clip-on light rather than use the Big Light.

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jayh1864@reddit

I just watch movies until I fall asleep, or feel my eyes dropping and turn it off. I’ve done London to Sydney via Singapore like 12 times. I cannot plan to sleep, so I just try to do it naturally. I’ve learned you’re going to sleep at some point so don’t force it. I take a packed lunch, I find airline food had too much sodium, so I get bloated. Since I’ve taken my open food, I don’t as much. Orange juice works for me, since I always get a window seat it doesn’t go through so quickly, so less of a need to get up. I just pretend there’s no time while in the sky, like a no man’s land, you’re going to be tired regardless of so much planning you do!

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Regular-Foot-1179@reddit

Stay Home.

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sliminho77@reddit

I have flown between the UK and Australia probably 10 times so I’m used to it tbf. Advice would be as others have said a variety of media. I never use the inflight entertainment, the screens are awful and I want to use my own headphones and the announcements pause the video. I always pay for YouTube premium so I can watch downloaded videos, similarly TikTok you can download like 3 hours of for offline which burns time easily. I buy OTC sleep pills which could be a placebo and I use them if I can’t sleep. tbh after your first meal service and clean up that’s burned a good couple of hours. Also I like to try get the back row of the plane where it’s 2 wide, youre next to the toilet which is annoying but you get much more space, you can get rid of your dirty meal stuff before anyone else and can recline the whole way. In my experience, economy is economy it’s never going to be amazing so the cheap airlines vs expensive are much of a muchness. Nicer food but it’s airline food at the end of the day. Maybe a hot take but I love a 12-24 hour layover, time permitting. Gives a chance to have a look around see some sites and then be absolutely knackered for the next leg which I will sleep most of, also helps with jet lag recovery

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PuzzleheadedLow4687@reddit

Flew back from New Zealand just last week. The flights back were the worst part. The flights out weren't so bad as it was exciting going away. The flights back were a drag. I don't sleep well on planes so I find it's best to try and just enter a bit of a dazed state where you don't really care what time it is or how much sleep you are getting. Eye mask and neck pillow help for dozing. I find listening to audiobooks/podcasts/radio 4 comedy programmes works fairly well as it requires less concentration than watching TV. Noise cancelling headphones help too. Drink plenty of water. Recommend the "Cabeau The Neck's Evolution, TNE S3" neck pillow (weird name, great pillow) and Myhalos eye mask (both off Amazon). The best I've tried.

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Advanced_Couple_3488@reddit

Or take an empty bottle with you and fill and refill it on the plane.

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Kaurblimey@reddit

Suffee

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3speechnotallowed@reddit

Yup!

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Super_Development150@reddit

I toss and turn and daydream of a life where I could afford business class seats

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3speechnotallowed@reddit

This is the truth. I'm not an envious person but I definitely envy people who can afford to not endure the hell of economy seating

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3speechnotallowed@reddit

Suffer!

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Shitelark@reddit

Watch Prof Brian Cox documentaries. Beautiful, but he will lull you to sleep talking about Uranus' Moons.

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clarkey_jet@reddit

Download several hours of podcasts to listen to on noise cancelling headphones. Have an audio book or two as back up. I’ll find something on the in flight entertainment that piqued my interest before but not enough to see it at the cinema. The John Wick sequels are great in flight entertainment fodder! On the last couple of flights I’ve gifted the staff a box of locally made chocolates. They’ve brought us champagne and snacks from business / first class. When the seatbelt sign is off I’ll go for a leg stretch and chat with the staff.

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Negative_Map4650@reddit

Movie, meal, movie, movie, meal, movie, wake up sleeping wife for landing 😕 your other option is break the flight, unless your doing the Chinese airlines from London, even then 144 hour visa on arrival for China and see the sites.

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Lil_Miss_Scribble@reddit

Movie, meal, nap, stretch - repeat x3

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BewareTheMoonLads@reddit

Been to Thailand last four years due to marrying a girl who has family there and because I’d never been….12 hour flight so I watch an entire season of Clarksons Farm….there before I know it

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MaxximumB@reddit

I haven't done long haul flights for a long time so entertainment was either a book or hand held console like the Gameboy advance SP. So I took both. We also spent a week adjusting to the time difference in Australia while we were still in the UK. This meant a lot of the flight was 'overnight' so we slept a lot of the flight and arrived in Melbourne in the morning and we had had appropriate sleep

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Brido-20@reddit

Sleep, watch the in-flight movies, eat. I try to sleep as much in line with destination time as I can as this helps reduce the jetlag, especially when travelling eastward. Noise cancelling headphones are a must. I have an adaptor that let's me plug them into the two pronged seat jack so I can use them to watch films and also run the noise cancellation I'm sleeping.

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Charlie-Big-Bananas@reddit

sleep, snacks, watch movies

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LayerTrick@reddit

Dont check the time Play games Binge series Read Sleep Have a few drinks if thats your thing Get a head start on jet lag and align yourself to your destinations time

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ThatsMeOnTop@reddit

I flew to Australia in 2025 and found I needed a variety of stimulus to break it up. Even if you have over 20+ hrs of say TV downloaded you'll get bored of doing that continuously. What worked for me was having a mixture of content which could vary the stimulus, including podcasts and audio books, physical books, magazines, videos and films, something creative like a puzzle to solve, meal times, time spent standing and stretching. Each bit of content I'd try and fill half hour to an hour and move on to the next bit of stimulus. That allowed me to break it down into bite size chunks of 30 mins to an hour.

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Succotash-suffer@reddit

I did all of this but also had a couple of cheeky wanks under my blanket.

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Efficient_Chance7639@reddit

I also find downloading movies I’ve seen before but am happy to re-watch can consume lots of time. Godfather 1/2, Avengers Infinty War/Endgame both consume about 6 hours. Harry Potter 7/8 is about 4 hours. Trilogies like Star Wars also consume about 6 hours. For Aus/NZ the extended versions of LOTR are over 10 hours!

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memcwho@reddit

I would recommend NOT doing a lotr marathon. You'll just wish you had taken the eagles from the start.

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4x6x8@reddit

The taxis of middle earth.

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LlamaDrama007@reddit

Will Freeman, is that you? (About A Boy - buying CDs, 2 units. Lunch, 3 units )

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gjs78@reddit

Download shows and films onto your phone/tablet and have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. For using the inflight entertainment, check if your airline supports Bluetooth headphones, as they are infinitely better than the shitty cheap earphones they supply. If not, you can buy an adapter for the two socket plug most use. Get stuck into a series you’ve never watched. I watched 2 series of Welcome to Wrexham on my last flight to NZ, before watching the whole Hobbit/LOTR on the way home. Take your own water and some snacks, for when you can’t be arsed to move.

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CANDLEBIPS@reddit

Colouring book and coloured pencils, or just look out the window if you can

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MaxBulla@reddit

flew shitloads for about 2 decades, a lot of it longhaul. here's my list of non negotionables Comfy hoodie Noise cancelling headphones - Eye mask a fully loaded and charged tablet a good book / kindle some fruit / a musli bar a good meal before you get to the airport (the food is often crap at airports and doesn't get better once you are on the plane) a bottle of water \---- a little spliff outside the airport to make checkin/security less of a faff is optional:) once on the plane, ideally window seat, i am in my own bubble and don't need anything from anyone. Fully self sufficient. Doesn't make travelling any less draining, but infinitely more comfortable.

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ReditMcGogg@reddit

Last one I did I took a bunch of work with me and cranked up some overtime. Flight went quickly. Logged some extra hours. Job done!

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kimba-the-tabby-lion@reddit

I have (just) become an aisle seat person, during my recent trip to Australia. I love the window, but now I want to get up whenever I feel like it, so that's the change I made on the return flights. I find travel to Australia kills my immune system, and the journey exposes me to various viruses, so I have had the sniffles since the 17/12 until now. I used in flight entertainment on the last, long leg and watched S1 & S3 of The White Lotus, of which I am now obsessed. Sleep when you can on the flight. Don't game it, just sleep when you are sleepy. At your destination, do your best to adjust as quickly as you can to local time. Nap if you must, but if it's during daylight, keep it as short as you can. Get the sun on your face (or at least daylight in your eyeballs) as much as you can to reset your body clock. SP 50, because the sun is harsh. If your stop over is in Asia, you will be close to Australian time, so again, daylight as much as you can. Have a fantastic adventure.

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Rekyht@reddit

Considering the quality of sleep is awful anyway, personally I find it easier to try and game the sleep in order to make jet lag easier. Especially when going to Aus. If you can get just enough to make it through to a sensible bedtime on your first day you’re setup pretty well.

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Jimoiseau@reddit

You can use one of those “first defence" type nasal sprays for 2 or 3 days either side of a long flight, really helps with the sniffles. Neti pot is also good when you get home, I think half the problem is plane AC drying out the airways.

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blackberrybonanza@reddit

Rawdog it

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Haunting-Damage5799@reddit

I've been across to Aus a few times from the UK, tonnes of entertainment on board more importantly make sure you wear super comfy clothes and have a spare change of a top and socks you'll def want them it's a bloody long way! But a million percent worth it!

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ZealousidealArm9414@reddit

Masturbation is frowned upon...especially when and where the cabin crew heat up the meals...who knew? 🤷🏻‍♂️

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ahtcx@reddit

People mention taking sleeping pills but how would I get that in the UK where I can’t even buy over-the-counter melatonin? Surely my GP won’t prescribe me as a one off thing to fly?

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Apprehensive_Room29@reddit

Bring up the map on the screen. Look at it for 13 hours.

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Numerous-Abrocoma-50@reddit

Watxh films and sitcoms on the entertainment system. Occasionally games as well. Always read a physical book for takeoff and landing , used to do it to settle nerves but now I am ok flying just part of the routine. Cant sleep at all on flights so usually dont bother trying. Only real thing i hate about long haul is losing a night sleep Not done anything as long as australia but do uk to china a bit as wife is chinese.

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Mister_Cornetto@reddit

As soon as you board the plane, set your watch/phone to the time in your destination. This will help a bit with aligning your body/brain to the new timezone. Won't fully work on such a long flight, but it will be a start. As others have said, noise cancelling headphones are essential.

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Suspicious-Event5722@reddit

I can't sleep on the flight and I have a back pain so I take a lot of stuff with me. That includes memory foam cushion (while not on seatbelt), back support straps(def reducing back pain), nintendo, downloaded game plays, downloaded movies, podcasts, audiobooks, sleep masks, noisecancelling earphones.. i also used to take a cloth mask and make it wet before wearing because it's very dry inside and makes me very anxious. I'm thinking of taking nasal spray next time.

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Jonny2Fingers666@reddit

I put myself in an endless perpetual loop of being half in and half out of sleep for 13 hours and think about all the things I've done wrong in life and the rest of the time about the other 8 hours I am going to have to do it for.

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No-Cherry-6678@reddit

Eat the meals, have a drink, watch a couple of films then sleep for a few hours, listen to music, read a 📕 and do some research on where I'm going. Have fun

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cdp181@reddit

Podcasts, tv shows or films downloaded to my phone. Maybe read a book on my kindle. Almost never use the in flight entertainment would rather bring my own media. Sleeping is also usually on the cards depending on the flight times.

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richardmark561@reddit

I would fly non stop to Singapore fairly regularly and I would make full use of the drinks trolley and NEVER check the time, a few walks around the cabin as well.

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jMeister6@reddit

Sleeping tablet for each leg longer than 6 or so hours. Sorted :)

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OnTheRevolutions@reddit

Having comfortable clothes and a good neck support pillow is essential. Planes can get cold so make sure you have extra layers. Stretchy pants - your stomach always bloats and having a waist band cutting into you for hours… 😱 Basically you are going to look like a big fat dork but that’s ok. If you’re a girl - panty liners are the best - you can change your knickers without changing your knickers 😋 Have a water bottle and make sure it’s filled when you get on the plane - I always buy an extra bottle too - I never feel like they give me enough water. Avoid alcohol, always get an aisle seat as far away from the toilets as possible. Get up and do some stretches every few hours. If you suffer from restless legs - it can be absolute hell - my brother says compression socks really helped him / I’ve never tried them. A few high protein snacks are a good idea too - but remember your stomach does funny things so go easy.

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Haunting_Cows_@reddit

I had flight PJ's just for my flight experience. Watched a film. Drank a lot of tiny brandy's while listening to the whole of Duran Durans greatest hits. Small amusements. Ours was 8 hours to Doha then like 16 to Auckland. You become one with the plane. They bring you tiny meals. If possible find the dietary requirements section in your booking and change it to more exciting things (e.g. "vegetarian Jain" for one stretch led to an extremely good fruit platter for breakfast. "Vegetarian south Asian" for another section = curry, which is much better plane food than like a grim little omlette)

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AbbreviationsCold161@reddit

I fly to Australia perhaps 4 or 5 times a year and do all of the things you mention. As its for work, I typically do a good stint of 'catching up' in the relatively undisturbed environment of the plane too. As a tip, try and time your sleeping time, to have a couple of short sleeps that will leave you arriving approximately in tune with your arrival time in Aus e.g. arriving in the evening, then try to arrive tired.

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mtrd1986@reddit

Eat, drink, watch a few movies, toss around in my seat trying to get to sleep and a pack of snus to take the edge of my nicotine addiction.

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Vast-Struggle7891@reddit

I tryint to sleep as long as i can. And rest of the time i pre downloading movies and drop then on phone and watching

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Kwayzar9111@reddit

Couple of tramadol and zzzzzzzzzzzz

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Less_Pie_7218@reddit

Book, back up book, random movie you haven't watched before, a movie you have watched before, some random show from inflight entertainment, specific show which you download in advance for the flight and sleep. Most of the times I have used inflight entertainment more than my tablet.

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Kristoff_09876@reddit

I take a laptop and treat it as a marathon work project session. Obviously heavily dependant on what your job is, but for me there’s always projects that I’m putting off on the day to day, that if I had 13 hours to devote none stop to thinking about it, designing it, coding it (or deciding what I want it to do and get someone else to code it later) I’d be able to really improve one small aspect of my business. I used to pull all nighter sessions back when I started my business, to get critical things working, but once it reached a certain scale, I found myself working in it, and not on it. On a long flight I imagine it’s ten years ago and I’ve got a day and a night to smash out some awesome new feature, product, process improvement, marketing content, whatever, and I have at it. Then the flight time becomes “I hope I have long enough to finish it” and not “how long is left, hurry up”. Might not work for everyone, but it works for me.

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KezzaJones@reddit

Get an airport lounge, get pissed, continue drinking on the flight. Eventually you’ll pass out but you’ll have had a great time for 75% of the journey. Then the last 3 hours when you wake up hungover will be awful. But I’d rather a shitty 3 hours than a very bland 13 hours.

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tiffsbird@reddit

I flew UK to Seoul last year, best thing was overnight flights, I was already tired so after food, an alcoholic drink and watching a bit in flight entertainment, I put on my eye mask put in my earphones and slept for a good part of the flight. When I woke I freshened up changed what clothes I could and it was time for breakfast, more in flight entertainment, coffee and landing!

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lapodufnal@reddit

Before going, download the current show you’re watching, a couple of films and a few podcasts (ideally standalone ones rather than a series). On the flight, sit down, get comfy. Take the offered drink (alcohol if possible). Browse through the screen to try and find at least one film and connect to WiFi if they have it. Put the film on on the screen to take you through take off and food service, it’s annoying to try and do that with your own iPad on the table. After the food get your iPad out for a bit (assuming it’s heading to towards time to sleep but not ready yet). When you want to sleep put your podcast on, doesn’t half help me get to sleep having something to listen to and drown out the plane noise. I also like my loops or just keeping my AirPods in to sleep for the noise cancelling. I try and sleep as much of the flight away as possible (I fly quite a lot)

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Particular_Meeting57@reddit

I went to New Zealand last year. Flights flew by, I watched a load of film/series. Meals break up the journey. I never slept a wink, too noisy for me. My advice would be to invest in good comfortable noise cancelling headphones.

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helpnxt@reddit

On the way out on a 10 hour flight at 8am I basically hadn't slept and was out cold for 80% of it On the way back 2 8 hours, I watched films basically

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Smooth-Bowler-9216@reddit

- Movies/shows on tablet - books - puzzles (can be apps) - music (Spotify) - games (apps) - focus app (the type that play bird songs or summer breezes to help you zone out) - eye mask/ear plugs for sleep - noise cancelling headphones - a variety of snacks

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fost1692@reddit

Kindle and read and read...

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Asaxii@reddit

I can’t watch movies while in flight, and I can’t sleep. I used to read a book or study (languages mostly) I usually have the map screen on and just listen to some soundtracks and try to shut my eyes to rest occasionally and think of everything in my mind. But I usually just listen to the hum of the airplane and watching the map is good. I like to have the window shade open a bit. I read a recent article they call it raw dogging a flight these days, but to me it’s because I can’t focus on anything so I try to be involved with the flight as it were. I can’t sleep, because I can’t sleep anywhere that isn’t my (designated) bed. The Last 6 flights (3 to and 3 return), I had a large 18month year old toddler on my lap, who, like his mother can sleep anywhere and slept through the majority of each flight, with the exception of the first one, where he walked around a bit (big Emirates Airbus, so plenty of room).

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Kowai03@reddit

Book a seat near the back. Hope there's spare rows of seats. As soon as the seatbelt sign turns off run and claim a row.

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Perfectly2Imperfect@reddit

Tablet full of downloaded movies and tv episodes, phone with music and podcasts downloaded, kindle with a few books, bag full of snacks. Rotate between reading, watching stuff, playing games on my phone and sleeping.

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bogyoofficial@reddit

I read a book and have some shows downloaded in case I need a break from the book.

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Relative_Sea3386@reddit

I can't sleep on planes, so I watch movies until i am red eyed.

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PaintSniffer1@reddit

valium

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rayoflight110@reddit

It's actually fine, I did a 13 hour flight and a return 14 hour flight, sure it is long but you have moments of tranquility when you're just zoned out flying through time, moments when you are bored but overall I'd do it again without hesitation.

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raccoon-overlord@reddit

A change of comfy clothes and footwear/slippers is my first thing for long flights as I want to be as comfortable as possible. I also bring things like baby wipes, deodorant etc as if you end up sweating or running through the airport or anything like that, the last thing you want to do is sit down for a long time feeling a bit gross. Same things good for a tooth brush and tooth paste or at least mints. Entertainment and back ups. I usually have 2 sets of wireless headphones with me and a book as as my phone which I'll download Netflix stuff on. Charging cables and a wireless charger. You can always bring an empty water bottle and ask the crew nicely to fill it up, or at least be able to do it in the airport. If you're not going to get fed on the plane then definitely pack some snacks. But besides those packing things, I usually have whatever big meal is being served on the plane, and I'll work out the time difference at my destination and I'll try and adjust my body clock by sleeping or staying awake at certain times

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No_Document_853@reddit

Alcohol, sleeping pills, comfy clothes and veg out watching movies on the infotainment screen. I love it

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kittykat7931@reddit

Eye mask and headphones or ear plugs a must. I didn’t sleep on the first leg of my flight to Oz at all and the noise really got to me. I watched a couple of films, read and tried to sleep but failed. I then had a few days in Kuala Lumpar and made sure I had my tablet to hand on the next leg and watched a couple of shows then dozed. Flights back I slept a lot more as I had an eye mask and some ear plugs!

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WestleyMc@reddit

Been to Oz several times including the non-stop ~17hr option to Perth. Most stuff probably covered, but my 2 cents.. Pretty much all long haul carriers will have some sort of inflight entertainment with movies etc. A laptop with your own stuff on is great, but it will get in the way when you wanna get in and out, eat etc..An iPad more convenient whilst still being able to bring your own stuff, but even that can get in the way. The term ‘game changer’ is starting to grate on me, but noise cancelling headphones really are just that. HEADphones from Sony or Bose etc are excellent, AirPod Pros might not be as good in all ways, but are much smaller and have the added benefit of being easier to sleep in. If I didn’t have any ANC option before a long flight I would 100% go out and buy something specifically. Window seat! This falls down to preference but i simply cannot sleep unless i can lean on something.. so I always go for window if possible, keep liquids to enough to be hydrated and sleep as much as possible. Various factors will determine if I get almost none or 6+ hours.. It’s like time travel if you get a good stint in! Comfy clothes for sure (not jeans) If the flight is not full, keep an eye out for spare seats.. Ask an attendant if you can move if there’s an empty row or something, will likely need to be after takeoff and when seatbelt sign goes off Pod casts USB cable/s for charging (+ a power bank potentially)

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BaldyBaldyBouncer@reddit

Raw dog the whole thing

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bdog143@reddit

I've seen people do that multiple times. I'm more comfortable with nothing but my own thoughts for entertainment than most people, but even I feel that 12–24 hours of nothing to do but sit and stare into space is just insanity.

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jacks2224@reddit

I’m going direct to aus soon! Plenty of movies and stuff downloaded + puzzles

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whatrachelsaid@reddit

Raw dog it. Stare at the seat in front of me.

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Firm-Painting-9630@reddit

Pop a prescription sleeping tablet to get rid of 10 hours or so

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itsableeder@reddit

I take my Kindle, drink some wine, and have a nap.

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kindaadulting87@reddit

I download music, shows and movies. Crossword books/several newspapers with puzzles I'm going back to Aus next month so looking at getting a ergonomic cushion/pad or something as it kills my lower back nowadays - if anyone has any recommendations that would be fab 😂 Sleeping pill and a glass of wine.

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AubergineParm@reddit

I like to do a few sitcom episodes, then some music, then read a book, then watch a movie, then some more sitcom, interspersed with naps. And don’t forget to get up and have a wander from time to time.

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tmr89@reddit

Rawdog it

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SquareBanana@reddit

I bought a Steam Deck, which is absolutely amazing for flights. Getting stuck into an immersive game with a deep story really makes the time... fly.

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Immediate-Platform59@reddit

I do two 14-16 hour flights every year pretty much and have done so since I was 10. First step is acceptance that it will suck. Then bring water, headphones, and an eye mask. Eat a nice meal at the airport before your flight, the plane food generally sucks and its one last nice thing before you are stuck in a tin can of farts in the air. Download podcasts and shows onto your phone, bring a power bank. Download "sleep music" like a spotify "piano for sleeping" playlist. This will be essential for when you want to rest and the plane is noisy. Bring a big scarf to act as an extra blanket if you get cold.

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CanIhazCooKIenOw@reddit

I’ve done multiple trips to Australia. You eat, sleep, watch some movies/TV shows, do some laps up and down to get snacks and play games in laptop/handheld console. Also, aim to do the long leg during your regular night time. Most airlines that go via Singapore leave at 8pm so most of it is over night.

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Aggravating-Day-2864@reddit

Sleep mask, ear plugs, leg room

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evelynsmee@reddit

I used to live in Singapore and go there and back a lot. 13-14h flight My trick was to get up at 4/5am, then get the latest flight possible out of Heathrow, booking an aisle seat of the middle seat section somewhere in the tail end but not too close to the toilet and kitchen staff bits. Almost always the seat row on this late flight would be empty or near empty. Board the plane half dead tired, get fed whilst watching a film, lie tf down and sleep for 6-8 hours. Trtl neck things are great, I still have mine for coach trips now. Wake up, brush my teeth and wash my face in the plane toilets, get fed again, maybe watch a film. Arrive around 5pm, just early enough to eat and be tired enough to sleep that night. You have a layover/transfer to figure out so you will be awake for one flight. Watch films etc. Which flight you try to have the mega nap and be tired for try to figure out based on the time you arrive in Oz. It is critical that you "wake off" the jet lag. Do not go to sleep at midday in Australia you will wake up at 10pm and fuck yourself right up for days. Stay awake until the night time of wherever you are and get up in the morning. It can be early night time and late morning but you got to get on their timezone ASAP. Use as much caffeine as necessary

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ShinHayato@reddit

Watch a ton of films and tv shows

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EvilTaffyapple@reddit

- Read a book - play my Switch 2 - watch in-flight television - Eat - Sleep - Mile High Club, if you are brave / stupid

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vontdman@reddit

Don't forget: Looking at the time-remaining and crying when you see it's only 2 hours in but feels like 8.

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xxxxxxxxxooxxxxxxxxx@reddit

Masochist behaviour!

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xxxxxxxxxooxxxxxxxxx@reddit

Listen to my mp3 player (Ricky Gervais podcast and XFM shows, that Mitchell and Webb sound, Alan partridge) and try to sleep if possible. Last long haul flight I got the whole economy row to myself so laid down to sleep.

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One-Writing-7860@reddit

Sleep. I used to do this journey fairly often. I can be asleep before take off.

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Current_Scarcity_379@reddit

I actually prefer long haul flights to short haul. You’ll be fed and watered regularly, watch tv/films, listen to music, read etc. The hours soon disappear !

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TokyoJones85@reddit

Movies, books, Switch 2 and as much beer as they'll give me on the flight. I have a UK - Doha - Aus flight coming up soon (not my first time on this route.) I find paying for a shower at the layover airport (if they have one/time permitting) makes the whole thing a lot more bearable.

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theplanetpotter@reddit

If you’ve ever seen the Hugh Grant movie About a Boy, I treat them like that. He splits his life in to units of time to fill his days up. I used to regularly fly to HK which is a 12-13 hour flight. So, get on the plane and do the last few emails/texts, that’s an hour. Read for an hour. Eat takes an hour. Watch movie 2 hours, congratulations you’re almost half way there. Sleep for 2-3 hours. Read. Movie. Eat. Land. Plan yourself 6-8 things that take a couple of hours each and you’re half way there without boredom.

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TheBleepThatCensors@reddit

I have flown numerous times to South America, and what I found helped the most was going for a walk. Going to the back of the plane, getting a beer to stand and drink, maybe a chat with others who do the same. It really breaks the monotony of just sitting there for half a day.

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Nineteen_AT5@reddit

I did a 12 hour overnight flight to Thailand from London in November. For the first two hours I watched a movie on my phone and ate, then slept for about seven hours. I woke up a few times due to comfort, but a blanket and head pillow helped and then for the remaining hours same as before, ate, watched a movie and walked around the plane to stretch the legs. Unless you're in first class it does get a bit tiresome and aching legs, bum etc. but first world problems.

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Prize-Corgi-8692@reddit

Sleep as much as possible

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sandystar21@reddit

Watch the films on the infotainment screen, play the games on the screen, fall asleep and miss half of the films, eat the food, drink as much wine as possible (drinking beer = too many toilet visits)

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Kotetsu999@reddit

Headphones, iPad full of movies, take a looong nap, walk around the plane periodically.

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Bread_is_the_devil@reddit

I take my laptop for gaming, iPad for shows, kindle for books, phone for music and podcasts, and a decent pair of NC headphones. I highly recommend the soundcore range for budget and quality, and you can plug them into the planes headphone socket and ditch their crap ones. Also helps cutout all the background noise. Like others have said it’s better to break it into chunks. 2 hours for a film. Then listen to an hours podcast. Then read for an hour. Game for a couple of hours. Whilst your kit is charging if needed, as most long haul flights have in seat usb sockets, repeat the cycle again. The whole cycle is about 6 hours, so 2 of the cycles will get you most of the way there once you have had as well a couple of toilet breaks, meal times, and maybe snooze as well. I’ve found that watching 10 hours of a show is too much monotony for me and the flight drags

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Reoclassic@reddit

Personally I journal, which I often don't have the time for when I'm not in some kind of long haul travel. I just spew the bullshit in my brain onto paper, it feels very meditative. I go through all of my Anki flashcards on the phone, they consist of many different things; languages, textbooks, UK policy facts, history stuff, botanical latin names etc. I practice my chinese (hand)writing, because I never prioritise writing while learning mandarin, but without internet, I feel more motivated to do it. I read books I don't want to keep around my house, as I'll just leave them somewhere as a treat for whoever finds them. I try to polish my map skills, testing myself on cities of the countries I fly above, listing them alphabetically etc. Basically, just a lot of mental gymnastics I usually don't have the time or energy for when I'm on land, being a full time student, intern and employee

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B179LT@reddit

Eye mask, low level audio book, and no other stimulation. Typically my Brian bores it’s self into a semi sleep odd dream status with aids time passing. I severely restrict blue light and over stimulation.

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Ronson-Swan@reddit

I do about 6-10 long haul flights for work each year - I used to try and get work done for about 2 years and more recently I’ve realised there’s very little that can be done to take up more than an hour or so. I’ve also found it’s great focus time because you don’t have any distractions from your phone. My advice would be: - take a book you have started or a new one you’ll know you’ll enjoy - take a tablet loaded with films/TV shows you want to watch but haven’t got round to - if you have a games console like a switch or steam deck, take it fully charged - ALWAYS pack a portable charger - I’ve found a few airlines (BA in particular) have issues with USB charging which is a nightmare for wireless headphones and other devices - prepare for a nap if it’s an overnight flight (I usually stay awake if it’s an early morning/day time flight)

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Ambassador31@reddit

Movies, podcasts & books. A good variety of entertainment because I cannot sleep on planes.

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thehewguy1888@reddit

I have just done the flight from the UK to Australia on friday there with a stop off at Frankfurt then Singapore. I had planned to watch movies and shows I had downloaded and check out the on flight entertainment but....... I spend the most of the journey falling asleep for 10 minutes at a time and being too tired to do anything and had about 9 hours sleep in 36 hours. I really struggled with the flight and am still struggling today with jet lag. We have all been up since 2.30am. Good luck ;)

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Railuki@reddit

A variety of different types of podcasts and audiobooks, games on my tablet/ phone and the in flight films. Bring a portable battery for your electronics. I attempted to sleep and couldn’t. The best I could manage was semi conscious while I had some calming music in my ears

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TwoPlyDreams@reddit

Try in vain to sleep.

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Bufger@reddit

I do around 16 flights a year that are 14 hours or more. Here is my go to list: Ipad/android tab with downloaded shows Good comfy headphones Offline games on your phone Grab snacks and water in the departure lounge Joggers. Big fluffy socks (plane floors are cold) Hoody Beanie hat (including pull this down over my eyes for sleep) Move regularly. Change what youre doing every 2 or 3 hours. Eat/sleep etc based on the time at your destination, NOT your departure! If that means skipping plane meals then do it. Lastly, go business if you can. Ive done all and prem economy is decent , business is lush.

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Old_Shelter_6783@reddit

iPad loaded with enough hours of a show I want to watch that I could do nothing else for both legs of the trip if needs be. If it’s something I’ve not watched before, then I am very careful about checking the nudity and violence content just in case. I don’t want to be watching shows featuring sex scenes or people losing limbs if I’m around kids. Also, my last long haul flight in which I failed to get the window seat I would normally go for taught me the joy of an inside aisle seat (if there’s a middle row of seats on the plane, either of those on the aisle side). Much more space to stretch limbs or stand up for a bit if required, plus there’s only one person who might require you to get up so they can go to the loo or whatever, and even then, there’s a 50% chance that they’ll go the other way.

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alarming_wrong@reddit

drowsy Antihistamines, noise-cancelling headphones, loose waistband, full water bottle. headphones are the most important though, even if you're not listening to anything. I tend to just stare at the back of the seat in front of me, occasionally checking the flight path, lost in my thoughts.

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Reoclassic@reddit

This is the healthiest-dopamine system response lol. Getting lost in thoughts for longer periods of time is so good for your brain. People seem to have forgotten the importance of it.

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wtf_amirite@reddit

Valium.

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MrSpoonReturns@reddit

AirPod pro 2’s or above have crazy noise cancelling plus they fit in your pocket. I tend to sleep on long haul using them with the ambient noises you can setup on your phone. Combine with a good book and you’re away.

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BJWJ96@reddit

Easy answer. Kindle.

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User0301@reddit

Used to love long haul flights. Then I had kids.

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Etheria_system@reddit

If you can afford them, treat yourself to a pair of overear noise cancelling headphones (something like Bose QuietComfort). It will make SUCH a huge difference.

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doegrey@reddit

I’ve done this trip far too many times - it’s exhausting. Take plenty of content, watch movies, TV series are great, read that book you’re excited about and try to get some sleep. Take noise cancelling headphones that are comfortable to wear when you’re sleeping - depending where you are in the plane the engine noise alone can be exhausting.check the tech on your headphones, some plane entertainment systems need the Jack into the system. Some claim to connect to wireless headphones but I’ve never had a compatible set. Re the sleeping, get a good neck rest. If you’re relying on the sides of the headrest it will make whatever headphones you’re using uncomfortable. Make sure any toiletries you need are easily accessible, use the opportunity to get for for the toilet and stretch your legs when you can and if you’re a girl and it’s that time of month, take more than you think you’ll need. Take some wet wipes and tooth brush/ toothpaste* to freshen yourself up and never go to a toilet on public transport without shoes on. (You’ll likely get given toothbrush/ toothpaste but they aren’t great).

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Gav1n73@reddit

Large iPad, charger cables, games (online or offline depending on internet), movies, often pay for internet too which works for Reddit but not great for streaming. AirPods/noise cancelling are great. Earplugs to sleep. Blackout face cover. Jogging trousers so you legs breathe. Change of clothes. Wash bag/toothbrush. Jumper (as you drift off you can feel cold). Face cream to avoid your face/hands drying up in Aircon/low humidity.

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-PW-1@reddit

How are you flying? I fly Qatar business class Perth to Manchester 3 times a year and it’s fantastic, if you can’t afford business I’d still fly with Qatar they are very good, choose an isle seat so you can get up whenever you like

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prettybunbun@reddit

Books, watch tv, eat, sleep. Did a 11 hours to america recently and literally read a book I’d just started, finished it, slept for an hour or two, watched a romcom, slept for another hour, ate inbetween, all good. You don’t feel like you’re on a plane, it feels like you’re sat on the sofa at home it doesn’t move so you can just chill.

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Warm-Reference-4965@reddit

I flew to New Zealand some years back before modern technology of phones, downloads on tablets, individual screens on seats etc. I raw dogged it. I read the whole SAS survival guide during the two flights just in case we crashed.

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massie_le@reddit

Reading, follow the flight map and let mindfulness take hold. Play games on the handset

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Norman_debris@reddit

I've got a 10 h train journey coming up and was going to ask a similar question. I'm thinking of making something like an itinerary. As in, first 3 hours read, then eat, try to move, then watch a film, etc.

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Whitelakebrazen@reddit

I bring a book (or kindle) and otherwise watch the inflight movies.

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_No_Use_4_A_Name_@reddit

Red wine

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abstract_groove@reddit

Get smashed and fall asleep.

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T0raT0raT0ra@reddit

I recommend compression socks to help with feet swelling (and minimise the chance of blood clots, which is small but never zero) For the rest, as others have said, bring your own entertainment as the plane screens might not work, or not be good at all. Noice cancelling headphones are also a must!

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RookieDuckMan@reddit

Perfect time to watch those movies and tv shows you keep putting off

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Necessary-Trash-8828@reddit

Zopiclone.

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9999cw@reddit

If you haven’t seen it before: Watch Das Boot, Uncut, subtitled. 5 hours of the flight over with one of the best films ever.

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straightnoturns@reddit

Pick an aisle seat, drink lots and lots of water, download films and series to an iPad. Get a neck pillow. Comfy clothes. Take extra snacks.

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WhoIsJohnSalt@reddit

Take a laptop and play one (1) quick game of Civilisation VI You might need the return trip

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The_Molemans_bawbag@reddit

I work offshore, do a 10-12 hour flight every month, my advice: Book an aisle seat. If I'm awake I'll get up every 90 minutes or so and just stand at the back or something, it's a pain when you're blocked in. Take your own wired headphones, I travel with Sony MDR 7506 headphones and they're comfortable to wear for hours on end, the airline ones are awful for sound quality and comfort. Plan your poops. Plane toilets are disgusting after the first hour and you don't want to be caught out, so poop before going to the airport. Also, always travel with a packet of wet wipes. This will vary with a lot of people but don't drink alcohol on the plane. Plane air is very dry, you dehydrate very quickly and a headache on a plane makes the journey 10x worse. Take an extra bottle of water with you. If it's an overnight flight take some melatonin before the first meal is served and once you've eaten it should knock you out for a few hours. If you get bored play the trivia game, aim for the high score and put controversial names in.

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Lostinsidequests2501@reddit

Window seat, trtl neck pillow, noise cancelling headphones, blackout eye mask, don’t sleep for 24hrs prior, melatonin gummies. sleep through the whole thing. Feels like a teleport

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Sorry_Astronaut@reddit

Steam Deck, loads of episodes of show that makes time fly (The Office, etc), and some time to eat, drink and listen to a podcast or two

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giblets46@reddit

I e stopped watching movies these days (I’ve a streaming stick at home). Load up a couple of novels on the kindle and decent noise cancelling headphones and that’s it tbh

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VolCata@reddit

Read. Music. Nap. Drink.

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fr1234@reddit

Get drunk on free booze and fall asleep

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MountainMuffin1980@reddit

Steam deck. Inflight movies. Sleep.

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THE-HOARE@reddit

Between watching films and tv series I’d try to sleep or get up have a walk around talk to the flight attendants and have a stretch

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thatgirlish@reddit

Good quality eye mask and sleep, watch shows on the screen/tablet, read books on kindle, play games on phone, do some writing

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thefooleryoftom@reddit

I took my Surface with some downloaded stuff but ended up watching four films on the way to New Zealand, and a good book to reqe.

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TobsterVictorSierra@reddit

Look up "raw-dogging" (just be careful to only click on the links about the aviation social media phenomenon, not remote British rural car parks). Do that and proclaim your resilience.

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smallshinyant@reddit

I generally play a game of civilisation on a laptop(check the power options for your seat). Never done a flight long enough between dozing-off, playing and some random seatback movie. I have done some long flights but none longer than a start to finish civilisation game.

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Apprehensive_Rip7451@reddit

sleep 😂 who are you flying with? I flew SA to UK with Qatar and they give you so much food you don’t need snacks. The movies they have onboard usually aren’t bad either

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hurricane_venuss@reddit

Wear loose comfy clothes and bring extra snacks. Big airlines will usually have a snack basket for you to take from if you go to the kitchen and get peckish during the flight, but they may/may not have anything to your liking. Every time I’ve flown long-haul the movie selections have been great. Some airlines let you create a favourites list so you can line up the films you want to watch and not have to scroll through each time you finish a film. Periodically, I will also get up to just stand in a quiet area of the plane to break up the long seating time.

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MaestroCodex@reddit

Watch a lot of movies and box sets. Especially try stuff you never would think to watch. I've discovered some great stuff on long haul flights because they often have tons of stuff on the in flight entertainment system. Case in point I discovered Portlandia on a flight to Australia and watched a whole season. Also get up and walk to the back from time to time, grab a glass of water from the cabin crew, stand around and take a break from sitting. And make sure you have some really good noise cancelling headphones. It makes such a difference to be able to retreat into your own bubble for a bit.

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legosophie@reddit

Movies and bring my Switch. Played Life is Strange on there recently really immersive and took up loads of time

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Superb-Ad-8823@reddit

Fidget all the time. Can never sleep so just watch films.

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JoeBagadonut@reddit

I went to Australia last year and can't sugar coat it: The journey is brutal. 7hr flight followed by a 14hr flight. Once you factor in the stopover and the time spent getting to and from the airport, you're on the go for close to 30 hours. What I found helped most with passing the time was making sure I had a variety of things to do. I brought a book, my Nintendo Switch and had my headphones to listen to music/podcasts. This was in addition to having all the in-flight entertainment options. If you can sleep on planes, try to get some sleep because it will pass the time a lot quicker. If you can't make sure you get up and have a move around every so often.

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CatMillennium@reddit

Movies on the screen are best for me, if I'm feeling tired after too long I'll pick something I've seen before but enjoyed in case I drift off for a few minutes. However as backup I downloaded a bunch of (very nerdy) podcasts on my phone and brought some earphones so I can close my eyes instead of looking at a screen the entire time. Better to download them in advance so you don't have to worry about turning on your wi-fi.

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audigex@reddit

Steam Deck Pick the right games and you’ll be sitting there in Sydney asking the flight attendant if you can have 5 more minutes before you have to get off

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Kaylee__Frye@reddit

Watch the map view for 12 hours.

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cgknight1@reddit

Cocktail while waiting to talk off, look at the food menu. Change into the PJs they give you and then chill with a film while waiting for more food.

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Remote-Pool7787@reddit

Essentials are blanket, pillow, noise cancelling headphones and sleep mask

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PM-ME-UR-BMW@reddit

Space cakes before hand.

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Vaniky@reddit

I do regular 12+ hour flights. Imo the biggest life changer was noise cancelling headphones.

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ubiquitousuk@reddit

I try always to fly overnight and sleep. On an 11 hour flight can usually manage about 5 hours of fitful sleep. A couple of hours is spent during the period immediately after takeoff and before landing (when stuff is happening) plus eating. That leaves about four hours to spend on reading plus watching a movie.

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lavayuki@reddit

I travel to Japan fairly often and I always do a mix of sleep, play video games or watch movies. I always fly with emirates and they have some great in flight entertainment, so it's usually enough to keep me entertained outside sleeping. I also use it to watch foreign movies that are not readily available to watch in the UK without a VPN etc. I also bring a kindle to read, and have spotify for podcasts

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Nkhotak@reddit

I’ve just come back from Australia. The flight out was fine with White Lotus (I don’t have Sky) a book and intermittent dozing. The jet lag is the right way round in that direction so the lack of sleep wasn’t too much bother. Coming back I took promethazine (Sominex is available OTC). It knocked me out for about six hours. The sleep quality probably wasn’t great but at least it passed some time.

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TheNotSpecialOne@reddit

Sleep for several hours, play a game I've downloaded into my phone. Also several episodes of whatever I'm interested in as well downloaded on my phone. That's enough for 12 odd hours. The rest is me staring into space

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hoogilyhoog@reddit

I wouldn't advise taking Melatonin for the first time and sleeping for both legs of the 20hour flight unless that is you want to return from your holiday with a blood clot and spend the next 6 months on blood thinners and routine ultrasounds on your leg from the groin down. That made the return from holiday blues much much worse for me! I'd recommend compression socks and regular movement!

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GuybrushFunkwood@reddit

Rawdog it! Just stare unblinkingly at the screen showing your flight location for the full 13 hours. If you drink you fail

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shaunphil@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/twkhwktwcycg1.jpeg?width=334&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0d8699bbfb72160c97b4a5610b5b51c8859414b

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cactusdan94@reddit

Personally id raw dog it, no digital media, no books, not even a conversation. Sat up straight, hands on knees, staring at the back of the seat in front of me.

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banisheduser@reddit

Watch The Hobbit on the way, Lord of the Rings on the way back.

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shaunphil@reddit

Stare directly into the seat in front of me, no tv, no phone, no headphones. Just perfect posture, eyes forward, chin up and only blink when needed. The hours go by like minutes.

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nicrrrrrp@reddit

A where's wally book was surprisingly fun tbh!

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BG3restart@reddit

I watch films, read books and crochet. There are usually a couple of meals too. The time soon passes, I find.

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EldritchCleavage@reddit

Read, eat, sleep, repeat.

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AxisOfAverage@reddit

I was quite lucky as there was a 13 episode box set I'd always wanted to watch available. I managed to fit 12 of them in during the journey!

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Tildatots@reddit

Go absolutely bonkers. Q4 hours is the max I’ve done and I felt ill by the end

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Ashamed_Housing7489@reddit

Late night flight medication and sleep

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eat-real-chips@reddit

Valium and vodka works 🫠

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v00g@reddit

Also a recipe for blacking out and doing stupid shit so be careful!

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Kewoowaa@reddit

honestly best suggestion I've seen so far! My answer is 'slowly lose the will to live' - long flights are the necessary evil to get to the destination.

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TopDonutPlainsGopher@reddit

If you're into football, try flying on a Saturday/Sunday if there'll be plenty of live football on. Some airlines put online in advance what their in-flight entertainment will be. I went to Dubai last year from Newcastle with Emirates. There were two live Premier League games on and we flew at approx 1pm, so the 6h 40m flight felt a breeze because after the last whistle of second game it was approx just an hour until touchdown. Easy and actually enjoyable with the 'free' food and drink being brought to us along the way.

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Spiritual-Bison-2545@reddit

If its a night flight I dont even turn on the tv, I have the in flight meal and a sleep aid, earphones in and sleep, wake up for breakfast and have a strong coffee to try and power through the day If its a day flight I will maybe have a nap or 2 out of boredom, a movie, play some games on my switch, if arriving in the evening I will be sure not to have had any coffee after lunchtime in destination But i travel alot for work so I'm used tk sleeling on the go and have went on like 5 trips to south America in the last 4 years so I have found a system that works for me Also deleting stuff from my phones gallery in both cases, as is tradition

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No-Oil-9548@reddit

noise cancelling headphones, a neck pillow, audio books or podcasts.....but really it's a mental game. You need to almost meditate your way, it's just a long time to be sat still on a plane

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Ok_Chipmunk_7066@reddit

Last 10 hour flight I took, I watched all 3 Lord of the Rings films. I ran out of time as Aragorn charged the black gates. I suck it up and pay the £25 for Internet access. Doom scrolling to break up the monotony of films on a tiny screen.

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Jaded_Ad_6658@reddit

Sleep.

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Speedbird223@reddit

Depends on the route and departure/arrival time. If I’m heading longhaul eastbound from US to Europe or Europe to SE Asia then I’ll typically eat and then sleep for as long as possible. On westbound flights I’ll typically try to stay awake as much as possible. North/South routings such as Europe to Africa or North America to South America just depends on the flight times. I’ll typically pick overnights for these so will just eat and then sleep unless it’s a dayflight.

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heartpassenger@reddit

Be uncomfortable for 14 hours. Usually watch stuff on the entertainment screen and then use my travel neck pillow and eye shade + sleeping meds to get a few shitty hours of sleep.

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redbullcat@reddit

I'm going on a 10 hour flight next week. Will take my Steam Deck and play on that - need to get a battery bank for it - read my book, maybe watch a film on the infotainment screen, maybe do some writing on my laptop, and just chill.

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___Scenery_@reddit

Try and optimise the time you sleep to your arrival time. If you leave at night and arrive in the morning, you may as well try and get as much sleep as possible. I usually end up sleeping half the total flight time, and either play games or watch movies the other half. More sleep really is better

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Baby8227@reddit

iPad with downloaded movies and games is a must. A book or kindle. We take a pack of cards and a word search. Plenty of snacks but eat them or ditch before customs. Decent flight socks, eye mask, earphones and neck pillow. Make sure you wear the neck pillow back to front with the two open ends to the back and the curve to the front as this is how they were meant to be used. Toothbrush, small tube of paste, wet wipes, roll on deodorant, clean underwear, socks, top & shorts to change into just before descent. A see through zippy bag for the dirty laundry. Travel comb or brush.

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rocketscientology@reddit

Some people will say alcohol, but I honestly really advise against that for true long haul. You’re more prone to dehydration in the air so you will just end to feeling gross and headachey. If you’re the kind of person who is comfortable mixing sleeping pills with alcohol then cool, but as a veteran long haul flyer (I’m from New Zealand and fly the 30+ hours home to visit around once a year) I think it’s best to just take a sleeping pill with lots of water if you’re taking that approach. I also second everyone else’s advice about bringing a tablet, book etc. And a change of comfy clothes and some toiletries! Also, they never give you enough food on the plane, so definitely bring some extra snacks.

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silentdragoon@reddit

This is what is in my backpack for most long-haul flights: * Steam Deck (or Windows-based equivalent), ideally with open-ended games like Balatro or Vampire Survivors * A few good books, in paperback or on a phone/tablet/Kindle * Notebook or phone with stylus for jotting down notes and doodling * Good noise-cancelling in-ears or over-ear headphones * Some small snacks, painkillers, bandages * Small portable charger, big one if the flight doesn't have USB/AC ports * Eye mask or baseball hat to help sleep in Otherwise, it helps to bring a friend/partner to talk to, wear clean, comfortable and presentable clothes, be extra nice to airport and flight staff, and get as much sleep as you can.

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steveakacrush@reddit

A really long audiobook is my go to for long flights.

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Conscious-Ball8373@reddit

Depends a lot on how you fly. Personally, my plan is to take a stack of books, drink as much as I can convince the stewards to give me as soon as we take off and sleep for as much as I can. If I wake up, I read until I sleep again. This is not what doctors recommend; it works as long as you don't die with a DVT blood clot. If you're flying through Singapore, there is a little-advertised swimming pool on top of one of the terminals that's well worth the price of admittance. You don't need to go through immigration and it gets you a swim and a hot shower before you have to get back on a plane.

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prustage@reddit

Read real physical books at the same time as listening to music on headphones. 16 hours is enough time for two or three novels. Ive tried watching TV or movies and playing games but dont find that the time goes as quickly and I get bored too easily.

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Lonely-Job484@reddit

Eat, check out the wine list for anything interesting, possibly a movie or two or some music if in the mood, otherwise a book. Usually get a bit of sleep depending on expected local arrival time, to try to get in sync a little.

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step_scav@reddit

Steam deck

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yepyep5678@reddit

Wireless transmitter and plane adapter (honestly game changer this!) Bluetooth noise canceling earbuds or headphones Eye sleep mask USB cable and adaptor Wired earphones as backup Empty bottle so they can fill it up with water Dog poo bags so you can put rubbish in Tablet with movies download I keep all that in a little go bag so it's faster and I can find it all when on the plane

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Free_Ad7415@reddit

I try and download a show I want to binge. After 4 or 5 hours I am SO ANTSY I feel like I would rather throw myself off the the plane than stay on it. Anyway so I watch the tv show/movies for as long as o possibly can, then I try doing something more creative like writing or drawing on my iPad or doing admin. All the flights I’ve been on have had no WiFi, if there was WiFi I could get so much life admin done and that would be a game changer. I also eat constantly. I being so many sweets and snacks and don’t hold myself back, eating helps the boredom. I never sleep on flights (can’t , bad back) so that’s about it really!

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Jezbod@reddit

Put your watch to the time zone of your destination and follow it. If it is night, try and sleep, if day - stay awake. It will start the process of changing you body clock. If you are not in the aisle seat, get up when anyone in your row gets up and have a stretch, DVT is real. How long is your stopover? If it is more than 6 hours and you are going through Singapore, look at booking a transit hotel room, you can get a lay down on a bed and a shower. When you get to Australia, do not go to sleep until it is night time, a nap will end up being 5 hours and you are then awake in the middle of the night...I may have done this when I first went to New Zealand.

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BingBong358@reddit

Anything to survive 😂 Lots of water, pack sensible snacks. Comfy clothes, but layers as it’s nearly always either baltic or hotter than the surface of the sun. I would recommend good noise cancelling headphones, lots of entertainment on your phone or tablet. Hygiene wise, anything that will make you feel human. Toothbrush, mouthwash, face wash, even those cleansing wipes feel good at hour 10 😩 I’m dry as a husk most days, so I overdo it on the moisturiser, hand cream, lip balm. A good mask, hand sanitizer with more than 60% alc and antibacterial wipes also for the germies.

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tommycahil1995@reddit

Video games. My flight to Vietnam had a plug socket (not just a USB) that gave enough power to charge my Switch 2 so played Star Wars Outlaws for 8 hours, slept for 3 and then you're pretty much there.

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jack_hudson2001@reddit

tablet and stock it up with tv shows and movies to watch... or a language app to learn... there should be usb charger on board the new and major airlines planes, but pack a small portable battery too just in case.

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mas-sive@reddit

iPad with movies downloaded and PSVita

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Danglyweed@reddit

I always set off with the best intentions. Movies, shows and my paperwhite. What happens every single time is I sit there the whole time full of regret, boredom and bloody rage at my husband and kids who just fall asleep.

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Derr_1@reddit

Watch TV and films. Eat, drink, get a bit of a nap in.

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MDL1983@reddit

Do yourself a favour and make sure you're really tired before the flight so you can sleep as soon as you get on, that will eat into it nicely. Steamdeck / music / kindle / books / puzzles / cards / built in entertainment help. Get up and walk around a bit to keep blood flow good. White noise / eye mask / neck pillow

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Double_Field9835@reddit

I read on my phone (Kindle App), as well as watch movies. I try to keep my body clock in check by staying awake and avoiding meals if it helps. I bring a silicone squeezy thing, like [this one](https://www.amazon.co.uk/UBRAVE-Grip-Strengthener-40-50lbs-Blue/dp/B0CS64PRM3/), but a lighter weight 30/40LB. It give's my restless hands something to do and probably helps with circulation.

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Kiss_It_Goodbyeee@reddit

Don't forget to stand up for a while a few times in the flight and do some [in-seat exercises](https://www.travelbeginsat40.com/2024/12/feel-great-after-landing-5-easy-in-flight-exercises/).

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CalafiorisL0cks@reddit

Drink, watch movies, sleep

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Pius_Thicknesse@reddit

Buy wifi and play old school RuneScape

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yourefunny@reddit

Been flying long haul for 20+ years since I was like 12. Books. Laptop or tablet with games and movies downloaded. Sleep. Pray for a 4 seater. In my 20s drink loads of beer. The occasional drinks at the back with random strangers. Met some very cool people this way. Primarily watch whatever is on the info system. If you fancy, I would suggest getting some decent over ear noise cancelling head phones that have the ability to plug in to the info system. Headphones given in economy are pretty rubbish! Get a neck pillow thing.

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smmky@reddit

Wine, melatonin then more wine

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Immediate_Machine_92@reddit

I flew UK to Chicago (and back) which is 7-8 hours each way. On the outward flight, I basically watched the little icon of a plane slowly move west across the map on the info screen. There was unlimited free beer, which may have helped, along with what I think is a form of ADHD 'time blindness' that I benefit from on long, uneventful journeys. The return flight was overnight so I slept (they gave us a little sleep kit with an eye mask and blanket and stuff on that one). I also go to the toilet more than most people on flights, partly to stretch my legs and partly because I find aeroplane bathrooms incredibly interesting 😅 Oh and if it's daytime and I have a window seat I will just gaze out even if all I can see is clouds, but my outward seat was in the middle section with no outside view.

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tomatochameleon@reddit

kindle, download series/films on my ipad, download playlists from spotify

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Druid_at_heart@reddit

Snacks, download games onto my phone (Pokémon), download TV shows through netflix, music downloaded on Spotify, some YouTube videos for good measure (I enjoy long YouTube videos) I have tried bringing books in the past but reading in nonstable areas hurts my eyes so I avoid it now

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the0therw0m3n@reddit

I usually bring some form of gaming device like a 3DS or Switch/steamdeck, if that’s not your thing I’d bring an iPad with some downloaded shows, good snacks, some comfy clothes and a good book maybe :) I also like to pack a toothbrush and some skincare so I can do it before landing to feel fresh!

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First-Golf-8341@reddit

I sleep and read books. I also have many podcasts to listen to.

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MrPogoUK@reddit

My wife and son fall asleep almost immediately with him laying down with head one of our laps and his feet on the other. I then have to stay awake to stop him rolling onto the floor, usually either reading or watching movies while I do so.

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JeremyWheels@reddit

Watch a couple of in house films. Sleep. Read. Eat.

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AftImpressive790@reddit

drink, watch movies, drink, eat, drink, drink some more, fall asleep, wake up, have a drink, listen to some music, drink, eat again, drink, repeat

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thickwhiteduck@reddit

Watch a box set, read a book, try and sleep with some noise cancelling headphones on and some chilled music. Have a couple of G&Ts but not too much.

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Cultural_Tank_6947@reddit

Comfortable clothes, and a decent neck pillow. I'll usually carry my iPad but mostly I try and sleep.

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scarabx@reddit

as others are saying, take a few things to do. You'll have better in flight entertainment (mostly films, so simple games) but books, audio books, music, handheld gaming, all good. Variety is the main thing, you're going to feel tired, maybe a bit out of it from the constant noise etc (I've gone expecting to read lots and just had a headache the whole time so watched a film for example). but the thing id add is get up and walk around a bit now and then. You'll see others doing it. It's good to stretch a bit, especially if it's a busy flight. Drink plenty of water too. Make use of blankets or pillows if offered, they can improve comfort a lot.

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Ok-Leopard-8016@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/4mlql5ge1ycg1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71ac3c3ae4cf851c5d366562987d74b5d97fdfd2

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Disastrous_Yak_1990@reddit

Right stop it now.

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xxx654@reddit

Audiobooks, neck pillow, decent eye mask, plenty of water, watch a few movies on the in-flight. Change of underwear, a clean tshirt, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant handy. Pack extra snacks- there’s never enough.

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Commercial-Choice-31@reddit

Try get front row economy or premium economy. I like stacking my iPad up with some decents series. Nice snacks and sometimes I take a Nando’s wrap ect on if possible

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Optimal_Collection77@reddit

I've recently done it and honestly it wasn't too bad. I had in flight WiFi (it's slow but enough for what's app and the occasional Reddit scroll) and downloaded a tonne of films and TV If you're a gamer a switch/steam deck would be good. Depending on the time of your flight you might be able to sleep. Noise cancelling headphones are a must. I found the jet lag on the return journey incredibly difficult to shake. Took me a week. Also take sweets and pringles so you can eat when you want rather than bother the air stewardesses

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srogijogi@reddit

I put noise cancelling ear plugs in ears, read books on my phone, sleep. I try to sleep as much as possible. If I can, I split my long haul flights into two. I found much easier to survive two 7hrs flights with some break in between than one ie. 12hrs one.

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boquerones-girl@reddit

I use in-flight entertainment mostly and watch movies or sometimes a whole TV series, but will bring a book and have some shows / podcast downloaded on my phone just in case my in flight entertainment screen isn’t working or something (happened to me once on a full flight so couldn’t swap seats). I also try to sleep based on timings of where I’m heading to reduce jet lag but sometimes you just can’t help but sleep on your normal schedule

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oscarx-ray@reddit

Load a pile of movies / shows / podcasts on my phone. Bring a power bank and spear Bluetooth earphones. Stay awake for 24 hours before, have a couple of pints in the airport and try to sleep through as much of the flight as possible, then fill the rest of the time with the stuff on my phone.

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nfurnoh@reddit

I read and listen to music, or maybe watch the in flight entertainment as I am completely unable to sleep on airplanes. Make sure you have several things you can switch between.

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AuramiteEX@reddit

Video games

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Ok-Leopard-8016@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/jq07sppn1ycg1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a3541207a093fae2eef9ddea9ee17ee52457eff

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Ok-Leopard-8016@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/ijsw0jhm1ycg1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6df89272b077fcadaef49d3ebf0de6a4f529a09

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Ok-Leopard-8016@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/saa87ifi1ycg1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d048941ce258ba5097572912c66c356a6b5abe0a

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Ok-Leopard-8016@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/den2rhdg1ycg1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca59f05daebccf32292b0c5832c0203f20ed70e7

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JoeDaStudd@reddit

Only ever done set of 13+ hour flights and I just ate food, had a few drinks while watching a film, slept then woke up to more food and drink then another film or two. It's pretty much the same as the 8h+ flights only you really need to aim for a good sleep in the middle and going with a good airline is a must.

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Efficient_Chance7639@reddit

I play games on my laptop and download movies or TV shows to watch on my iPad. Plus eating, drinking and sleeping of course.

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