Advertisement

How to survive a long-haul flight without losing the will to live

Getty Images
Getty Images

On Sunday, Qantas launches non-stop flights from Heathrow to Perth in Western Australia.

Not only will it be the longest flight in the world operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner but it will be the first regular passenger service to link the UK and Australia directly, smoothing the historic “Kangaroo Route” to a 17-hour zip Down Under.

Although that beats the current speediest travel time of 21 hours (including a Dubai stop) between the two cities, it’s bound to be a sitting marathon for passengers at the back of the plane. Here’s how to cope.

Treat yourself

Clearly, upgrading even just one way is an option, but if not, improve your experience by packing snacks or comfort items. I like to take a pair of hotel slippers — they’re loose and comfy and I can walk around the cabin while keeping my compression socks (a must on a flight like this) clean.

I always put one moisturising face mask in my bag to combat dry air, and attached to my bag is a lumbar pillow that can become a neck pillow.

Put carry-ons overhead

Putting your bag under the seat in front of you eats up legroom but you don’t want to be jumping up and down to the overhead locker. I prepare a small zip case before boarding, stuffing it with the items I’ll need — plus a pen for filling out landing documents. I hook it with a carabiner clip to the top lip of the seatback pocket in front of me.

Take your time

Do everything at a leisurely pace. With meals, I like to eat the salad and main dish when the tray arrives but remove the dessert and save the coffee cup so I can pretend I’m getting a separate service during the fourth film. This is even more important for those stuck in window seats.

Mind your health

There’s no need to host an impromptu stretching class in the galley but turn that two-minute toilet break into 20, and do basic DVT-prevention exercises like pointing your toes to stretch your calves and drawing the letters of the alphabet with your foot to ease ankles.

Staying hydrated before, during and after your flight should ease jet lag. And even though I get odd looks for wearing it, I keep a new, disposable medical face mask folded up in my bag, just in case I’m seated near a chronic cougher.

Watch your belongings

Flying from Los Angeles to Sydney, I once returned from the toilet to find my blanket and pillow missing, with more than 10 hours to go and my seatmates professing innocence.

I now put a book or magazine on top of the pillow and blanket when I step away — if only to underscore that the seat, including its space and amenities, are reserved for me alone.

Stay away from the moving map

Inflight entertainment is light years away from what it once was but you should avoid using the “moving map”. It makes the hours pass slowly.

Embrace the rhythm

How would you spend 17 hours on a normal weekend? Eating, napping, snacking, watching TV and going for a walk might all feature. Abbreviated versions of these can all be accomplished on a lengthy flight