Quote:
Originally Posted by TimT
This....
I've flown from JFK to Beijing many times... 13-14 hours... after a few trips I started asking my DR for a script for Ambien for the flights..
Take an Ambien after the first meal service... and wake up refreshed and ready in Beijing (Seoul)
Hydrate... and before you pass out do laps of the aisle.. back and forth who cares if someone gives you side-eye
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I'm not a big fan of prescription drugs for this sort of thing but yes solid advice. Of course depends on your physical and mental being. I find it impossible to sleep on a long flight, I just cannot get comfortable and turn off my brain. If you are flying coach the seats do not recline much and if like me your neck will be savaged trying to rest. Get some of the newer neck support devices...research online. The pillows and braces they sell in the airport is exactly worthless.
Like many folks here I have many miles flying, like a million on one airline and lots on another. It was mostly for work but now also in my later years for vacation. I agree with the compression socks suggestion and also getting up every couple hours to walk and stretch. If my long haul flight arrives in the evening I make a point of staying awake the entire flight so I can go to sleep local time. If I arrive in the AM I try to focus on rest (again I don't sleep on airplanes) and limited disturbances. Noise cancelling head phones are great but some simple foam ear plugs from local store work in a pinch.
Now most of this advice is flying steerage (coach) class. If you are in business or first with lay down seats then your task is easier. Have a couple pre-meal drinks and recline with noise protection when the meal is over.
All options include soft clothing, no belts or heavy shoes, and yes a small kit for hygiene maintenance. Also pack some OTC pain killers and some cough/cold medicine just in case.