Off to Japan tomorrow - need help from experienced flyers

[Rabrrrrrr]

How do I keep myself entertained, and not feel closed in, on a 15.5 hour non-stop flight? I now the plane has movies and TV, and I have some books, and I'm sure I'll fall asleep at some point, but I don't sleep on planes.

Also, looks like I'm stuck with a fershlugginer window seat which means, since I hate bothering people, I'll likely be sitting in agony most of the flight afraid to ask people to get up so I can go to the bathroom or walk around and exercise the legs.

I'm gonna ask tomorrow if I can get an aisle seat - on international flights, do they leave the emergency row seats unassigned like they do domestic flights? Can I request one of those?

Suggestions for entertaining myself and not going crazy are solicited and welcome.

[Insider]

1. have a safe trip

when i went to korea both times, as soon as they closed the doors, they let us move around to better seats. japan may be more crowded tho.

i like magazines since they break the reading up into 30-60 mins segments. nap, movie, music, book, nap, done.

have a great trip. :hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

19. I have a feeling this one is gonna be fairly full

:-(

I like your rhythm - I, too, find that even when I bring a book I can't read it for more than about a half hour before needing to do something else.

[oneighty]

2. Sayonara

I need (We) need complete report when you return! Yipppppeeeeee

You will have a great time!

180

[Submariner]

3. I just finished a 21 hour

trip from Dubai....you need an aisle seat. Call the airline now and request a change because your "leg circulation problem" requires that you get up and move around often. If not tonight, you may be okay with the Tues flight that is not filled having an inside aisle seat where you get to lay down on an empty seat. Good luck.

[WilliamPitt]

4. Pharmaceuticals

Be asleep.

[Striker Davies]

5. Do try for the aisle seat - tell 'em you have prostate problems, or someth

Don't drink much alcohol - it has a dreadful dehydrating effect over those long flights. Do drink lots of water. Don't eat too much at dinner.

Do exercise - particularly legs. Even simple toe-waggling, pulling back the toes to stretch the calf muscles, etc. Get up and move around as often as possible. Deep vein thrombosis is an issue, so wear loose clothing and shoes that can easily be slipped back on after the feet have swelled up overnight.

If you have a friendly GP, get some heavy-duty sleeping pills, but try and time the sleep period to that of the destination.

Melatonin is excellent - it helps adjust the body clock to local time. Ask the doctor for specific doses, but I found that taking a hefty dose before going to bed the first evening after arriving was very effective.

I spent years doing these sorts of flights - Detroit to Seoul, LA to Sydney, Auckland to Hong Kong, etc. The body does get used to it, but if this is your first flight of that duration, it can be hard.

[psychopomp]

6. I've done that trip more than a dozen times

The plane will likely be almost full so you will probably have somebody next to you. You will need to stretch your legs at least once.

Not sure about the exit row seats though they are probably assigned.

I find that getting a little buzz helps the trip but you are in for a long flight nonetheless.

Safe trip.

[Ready4Change]

7. I LOVE window seats.

I get annoyed when there's an inflight film and I have to close the window. I like looking out, watching the clouds pass, the wings ailerons and flaps moving, the ground passing by.

You'll mostly be over water, which I haven't done, so I don't know how interesting that'll be. Maybe keep an eye pealed for islands, which in the pacific are often the tops of undersea mountains, and try to see as much of the underlieing structure as you can?

[DustMolecule]

8. Timing is everything!

You don't mention what time you're leaving - morning or evening, but you're probably gonna get two meals....one near the beginning of the flight and then one at the end. Movie is usually soon after first meal is finished and cleaned up. Nap time is after that.

As long as your seat-mates are awake and don't have a meal tray open in front of them, don't feel embarrased to ask to 'get out'. They know it's a long flight. After the meal, after the movie (before THEY go to sleep) are great times to get up and move around. They won't take a nap until you come back - remember they're bored and 'killing time' too.

If you get lucky, you'll have an interesting seat-mate to talk with. I have had many enjoyable flights talking with my seat-mates (some ppl don't want to talk though, and that's oki. You'll know in the first few minutes if they're 'open' to such a thing).

Have a wonderful trip!!

P.S. Window seats are my favorite :-)

[Rabrrrrrr]

17. Thanks! Many good tips there

Very helpful!

Window seats are kinda fun, though when I lived ni Hawaii and started taking LONG flights (though nothing like tomorrow's is gonna be) I realized how much I prefered the convenience of the aisle.

And flying over the ocean? Boring - didn't need a window after the first time, when I realized that water looks like water all the way from LA to Honolulu. Though I did like the flights from Chicago to SF and seeing the Rockies and other land masses.

I'm one of those who prefers not to talk to the people next to me, though I have had some interesting conversations and met some interesting people (in both senses of the word interesting).

[DustMolecule]

24. Glad you found something helpful in there

Another thing, your profile says you are in NYC. So assuming that's where you're leaving from (and looking at the globe), you'll probably be taking the 'northern route' flying over Canada and Alaska over the northern Pacific and then southwest to Japan.

It's really beautiful flying over these northern areas - I believe that you are an artist, so perhaps you can be appreciative of such things. I just know that I have, in the past, found it stunningly beautiful to see the vastness and can enjoy at 30,000 feet how desolate yet beautiful, and (seemingly) untouched by man it all is.

Only bad thing is that the New Moon is on the 19th, so if it's nightime flying over these areas, might not be enough moonlight to see it very well. Again, have a great trip and tell us all the good stuff you saw/experienced there!

[DCDemo]

9. Buy a neck pillow at the airport...they help.

Take off shoes as soon as you get to the seat to let your feet expand and breathe.

Try to sleep....I find sleeping pills (over the counter) or a little booze after a filling meal help.

Enjoy....and make sure to try okonomiyaki (sort of a fritter type of dish....yummy)

And try some ramen...you'll be amazed how good they are compared to the crap we get over here.

I'm jealous...enjoy!

[smirkymonkey]

10. Is it too late for pharmaceuticals?

I need them even for a 6 hour flight - I am very claustophobic and have a hard time sitting still so I need to be pretty much knocked out. Always works for me.

If you can't get them, you could always down a few cocktails in rapid succession and pass out for most of the trip. Just be sure to drink a lot of water afterward so your hangover doesn't last your entire trip.

[Rabrrrrrr]

15. No pharms for me

I won't be anxious or suffering anything psychological, so I don't need to go that route.

I'll only be mostly anxious about bothering people so I can get up and pee. :-)

And because of that, no alcohol for me. I'll bring some water with me, and that will likely be it. I might have one martini, but I don't dare do much more than that.

If people wouldn't get offended, I'd just bring a pee cup.

[BostonTeaParty04]

11. DVD player!!

I would go get a DVD player right now, and grab about 4 or 5 movies.... Or, if you have a laptop... get some DVD movies to play on that.

Drink water the WHOLE time.... you can't get enough....

Bon Voyage!

[Liberal Christian]

12. If it's not bumpy, stand a lot

I've been known to go stand back by the galley. As long as I'm not in the way of the cabin crew getting work done, they are often happy to have the diversion of a little conversation. I have a tricky back, and sometimes it helps to stand up. When I tell them that, they're usually fine. I've been known to read almost a whole book standing up in the back of a plane.

I can't stand as long as I used to be able to, but I still do it on longer flights.

Get to the airport early and see if you can be reassigned to an aisle seat.

[Rabrrrrrr]

20. So I might see you on the flight tomorrow,

if I go stand in the galley? :-)

I loved flying the 747s to Hawaii because they had so much space, and two aisles, and a number of cross-aisles so I walk and do laps and never hit a drink cart or interfere with anyone. And they had large areas for standing around without getting in anyone's way.

I don't know what I'm flying tomorrow, but I don't think it's a 747.

Good idea, though, to walk around.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. Have a great time!

I couldn't survive flying without my cds. I can't sleep on planes either; but if I've got the music on, I can just sit back, close my eyes, and let it take me wherever.

Also, you might want Dramamine or Sudafed or something like that.

[PartyPooper]

14. Don't forget to bring snacks and bottled water!

I'm always hungry and thirsty on airplanes at the beginning of a flight. And, it seems to take forever before I can get something to eat or drink.

So, I always bring bottled water and snacks (usually fruit like apples and small jars of nuts.) This helps tremendously!

Oh, and, I take those "wet wipes" along, too. There's lots of icky germs on those planes when you go to the lavatory, etc.!

Have a great trip!

Sayonara!

:hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

16. Thanks!

I also bring a wet washcloth, in a plastic bag, so taht I can refresh my face and neck from time to time. Amazing what a bit of cold water can do to refresh, AND to wipe off the grease and dirt that gathers in the facial area.

Wet wipes probably a good idea, but too late for that.

Thanks!

[JVS]

18. Read "The Tin Drum" by Gunter Grass.

That worked for me one time.

[Rabrrrrrr]

22. At 592 pages, I imagine it would!

Too bad I don't have a copy - would be kind of fitting to read about the beginning of WWII while on teh way to Hiroshima.

[The Lone Liberal]

21. Be sure to move around some.

Take a break from sitting. Stand at the back and cadge free drinks from the stews. (I know not politically correct, from the male stews. LOL)

[bubblesby2002]

23. Hey there

I have no advice for long plane trips because I get weird just travelling to Toronto. But I'm going to miss your posts. How long are you in Japan?

And when you come back will you post some stories from your trip, if you please? Enjoy yourself and have a safe trip.

[tigereye]

25. have a great trip

what a cool opportunity. Are you planning to see temples,art and such or is it more for work?

[Rabrrrrrr]

26. It's all vacation!

Pure and clear! Lots of photos, some painting, and lots of temple and old place visits and much relaxing.

And a ride on the bullet train! YAY!!

[tigereye]

28. wow that is so great!

have a wonderful time!

[Rabrrrrrr]

27. And many thanks to those I didn't thank personally!

Lots of excellent suggestions and helpful hints, and thanks also for all your good wishes for a fun trip.

And you can bet I'll make a report when I get back. I'll have my digital camera with me, and if I can I'll post some threads while I'm there, but I don't think I'll be able to. I'll be mostly Internet-uncapable, but I'll give it a shot once and see what happens.

Thanks all!!

[mike1963]

29. Just saw your post...a lot depends on the airline. I make that trip often

and of course you have no other choice at this time, but I find JAL to be, by far, the best airline. Try not to eat too much during the trip (or drink -alcoholic that is- have lots of water), and your circadium rhythm is gonna be out of whack for a day or so when you get there. If you can manage a couple short naps that will help and try to move around some (as others have suggested.)

Don't do any business the first day if you can avoid it (or is this just a pleasure trip?)...and try to use these few words liberally when you get there...you can pretty much use them any time

arigato "are-e-gah-to" (thanks)

domo "do-mo" (yes, thanks, you are very kind, I agree, kewl, kind of an all-purpose expression of basic politeness) ;-)

do itashi mashite (you're welcome)..."don't touch my mustache" is close enough

Have a good trip.
:D

[Rabrrrrrr]

30. LOL!

Never heard it said "Don't touch my mustache" - funny!

Thankfully, no business.

I'm flying All Nippon Air, and have recently realized that it *IS* a 747! YAY!!!

I'm so happy, I'm ready to jump for joy, except that would be very F of me, and I'm a T, so I shall simply grin and enjoy the logic of enjoying a larger airplane on a scientific, as opposed to mere emotional, level.

(that last paragraph was for a friend, so if you don't get it, that's okay, and if you didn't, let me say that it involves the Myer-Briggs personality profile)

[Lydia Leftcoast]

36. You lucky stiff!

ANA is the greatest!

I suppose you're already gone, but I love ANA: better than average leg room and the world's sweetest flight attendants, plus decent food and a constant supply of water, juice, and iced oolong tea.

[AngryAmish]

31. Booze

Don't believe these people who talk about the dehydrating effect. Garbage. Have a snoot full before you get on and pass out. Also, drink hard liquor (I prefer martinis) so you will not have to urinate so much. You will wake up eventually, but have a few more to keep it going. As long as you are not going to a modeling competition in Shanghai you should be ok.

[Rabrrrrrr]

32. LOL!

Wonderful advice!

i don't think I'll follow it, but I like the idea. :-)

[vajraroshana]

33. mentally invent stories

about all the people you see. you know create character sketches, what they're doing, why they're going....

[Dover]

34. Wow JAPAN! Whatya going to see, do ? Work or pleasure?

I WANNA GO!

I get cold on long flights and like to wear loose fitting sweats. I can always change before I get there if need be.

[SoCalDem]

35. Once the plane is loaded and in the air, ask an attendant

if you could move to a different seat.. We ended up with a whole row to ourselves on our flight to Tahiti..

With the blood clot issue in the forefront, they will try to make you as comfortable as they can..

As long as your "new" seat is not assigend to someone at a future stop, they will move you..

Take some interesting books..(the movies usually suck)..

Snacks help too.. :)

Have fun :):)

[Zech Marquis]

37. do try to walk around a bit

even if it's just for a toilet break, getting a magazine, or to be totally nosy :evilgrin: Drink water, get those earplane plugs if you need them, try not to be curled up in a ball for too long. Relax and have a safe, fun trip. I'll be doing the same routine this fll, to Osaka!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

38. hey i do 16 hour flights all the time

please dont worry about annoying people...get up ...walk around...stretch your legs often...else you will feel awful when you land...drink a LOT of water...and carry a book...try to sleep as much as possible

[GOPisEvil]

39. Rabrrrrrr, if you haven't left yet...

Change seats when you check in. Ask them if you can switch.

If you can't, just get up when your seatmates get up...