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International Flight tips/advice (26hrs to Melbourne!)

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VanMelle
Posts: 1277 - Karma: 1,140
Hey guys, so I'm thinking there has to be a decent amount of people who have flown internationally and have endured LONG flights.

Details: Im heading to Australia for 10 days in 2 weeks. Three layovers, longest flight is from LAX to Melbourne which is 19hrs. I am booked in Business which they say has no in headrest TV and apparently no power sources for charging my laptop/cell phone.

Looking for tips or advice from people who have done 6+hr flights..

What to expect?
What to bring?
What you learned?
What you wish you knew?
HOW DID YOU SURVIVE THE LONG ASS FLIGHT!?!?!

Also if you have any suggestions on things to do while I'm in Melbourne pass them along!

Cheers guys!
Jan 21 2014 9:50PM
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Dylan_
Posts: 9824 - Karma: 1,403
eat edibles, falls asleep, arrive in Melbourne.
Jan 21 2014 9:52PM
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steep
Posts: 6063 - Karma: 297
You're booked in business, but have no amenities such as tv, power, etc? What airline are you flying?

Anyways, bring a good book. Get some good movies on your phone/laptop.

Business class should be pretty comfortable seating... Get some sleep to help combat jet lag.
Jan 21 2014 9:57PM
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MontanaMountains
Posts: 385 - Karma: 699
I would like to know some international fight tips
Jan 21 2014 9:57PM
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steep
Posts: 6063 - Karma: 297
Also, stretch before you board. And get up every once and a while to avoid cramps/soreness. I've always found this be very helpful and I'm sure it will be helpful for you, especially on a 19 hour flight.
Jan 21 2014 10:00PM
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Halo1junkie
Posts: 202 - Karma: 435
This is true. Or get drunk on the plane. Thats what i did on my trip to japan.
Jan 21 2014 10:00PM
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VanMelle
Posts: 1277 - Karma: 1,140
Flying United in a 744 (747)...they have in flight Movies on the spread out monitors but nothing like frontier that i've flown where they have a monitor in every headrest...maybe they will surprise me...Ya I plan on heavy doses of sleeping meds but I dont sleep well in cars or planes so drinking will be my other option haha
Jan 21 2014 10:00PM
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liftedresearcher
Posts: 1140 - Karma: 1,774
free booze on international flights homie
Jan 21 2014 10:11PM
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Dr.Dealgood
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 1,352
I have suffered through the opposite. 5euros for a fucking nipper. F u Icelandic Air.

Books, preload movies, extra laptop battery, really long books, really good books, excellent noise canceling headphones, ear plugs for sure, sleep mask, doodle pad, pencils/markers/pens, magazines, sudoku/crosswords etc.

Other important advice:
For those grueling flights I often will get wasted the night before, barely sleep at all, shuffle my carcass through security and boarding and promptly pass out for the majority of the trip.

I always feel bad about who I sit next to as I am probably a drooling, smelly sponge full of whiskey and beer.

But hey!--I slept.
Jan 21 2014 10:16PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
Flew from NYC to Israel, 14 hr flight. I slept for about 9-10 hours and just walked around/played games.

Just sleep as much as you can. Take sleeping pills if you need to
Jan 21 2014 10:21PM
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Jewschoolers
Posts: 1785 - Karma: 1,142
i would definitely snort some cocaine before you go through security so you can be super wired for the whole flight
Jan 21 2014 10:23PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
best advice you can get. just dont fuck up at any of your layovers.
Jan 21 2014 10:29PM
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gotti
Posts: 4269 - Karma: 4,548
i blazed right before i got to the airport at 6 in the morning. It was funny because security was hilarious and i forgot to take my computer out of the bag and my shoes off. By the time my flight actually left i was on the come down so i got free lufthansa beers ftw
Jan 21 2014 10:29PM
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Dr.Dealgood
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 1,352
I have a question -- wondering if any of you guys could answer this:

So, with airport prices for booze being ridiculous and the liquid size limit being small, would be perfectly legal to bring a sleeve of nips on the plane as long as they're in a plastic bag in your carryon?

I've never tried this but I'm curious if any of you other travelers have?
Jan 21 2014 10:33PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
i'm flying to hong kong next wednesday. longest leg is new york to beijing - 14 hours. longest on the way back is hong kong to newark - 15+ the following thursday. i'll try to remember to let you know how that goes. i will for sure have my neck pillow and sleep as much as possible. books and movies and sleeping pills (+booze) is the plan.
Jan 21 2014 10:37PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
^^ in coach :(
Jan 21 2014 10:38PM
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roddy116
Posts: 10622 - Karma: 7,397
No, do not sleep or the entire trip will suck because your off of time schedule. If you have to sleep try to sleep on the plane at your destinations time zone.

Bring a computer and tons of spare batteries with a bunch of movies so you can watch them the entire time.

Bring a toothbrush so your not having nasty ass breath for the people around you.
Jan 21 2014 10:41PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
i read about this recently somewhere- the answer was yes. haven't tried it myself. a quick google search seems to think it's possible too (within the past few years)
Jan 21 2014 10:42PM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
What time do you get to melbourne? I did that flight a month ago and it wasnt oo bad. I got into melbourne in the morning so i basically had time to watch 2 movies on the plane then get a night of sleep. worked great and wasnt jet lagged. my advice: sleep as much as possible to get on the right sleep schedule.
Jan 21 2014 11:19PM
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VanMelle
Posts: 1277 - Karma: 1,140
great advice!

I am looking into the bringing airplane shooters on the plane as well cuz that would be PRIME if they dont mind!

I arrive in Melbourne around noon 2 days later (their time)

I bought an external SD charger for my phone which should get me 3 charges on the long leg of the trip. Need to snag a sleeping mask and neck pillow and hopefully some strong sleeping pills as I stated I dont sleep well sitting upright.

Im hoping its not a packed flight. My buddy got away with laying down across all seats to sleep on his ski trip to finland. Doubt I'll get that lucky tho.
Jan 22 2014 12:14AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
Upgrade to F.

Enjoy, Balik Salmon, caviar and Krug.

Click for larger image
Jan 22 2014 12:21AM
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Spagett+
Posts: 3499 - Karma: 14,884
LOL or just dial up NET JETS cause ur not a peasant.
Jan 22 2014 12:26AM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
I can't believe that business class doesn't have a TV, I fly long haul at least 5 times a year and I have never been on a plane without a personal entertainment system.

I don't do anything special to prepare, just get some fresh ebooks, watch the movies, sleep when I can and enjoy some complimentary booze. If you have access to some valium or sleeping tabs that'll work well too.
Jan 22 2014 12:28AM
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VanMelle
Posts: 1277 - Karma: 1,140
Ya I'm finding it hard to believe they dont have personal entertainment either but looking thru the flight information through the United site it says there isnt personal TV's or power sources for business class. I could upgrade to First Class for a measly $15,000 haha

I've looked over forums and laws on bringing your own booze online.

You can bring your own airplane shots in a 1 liter? ziplock bag...you are allowed to drink them legally as long as the flight attendant pours it for you. Obviously what they dont see wont hurt...figure I'll ask about it on one of my first flights and play it by ear! Probably wont take much to get a solid buzz at that altitude
Jan 22 2014 12:36AM
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steep
Posts: 6063 - Karma: 297
If you're sitting business then it should have entertainment according to this...

http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/inflight/aircraft/747/default.aspx

hmmmm...
Jan 22 2014 12:41AM
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7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
Eat, booze up. Talk to the people sitting next to you. Business should be pretty comfy.
Jan 22 2014 12:46AM
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VanMelle
Posts: 1277 - Karma: 1,140
haha shit...by business I meant economy :(
Jan 22 2014 11:29AM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
you mean for twenty minutes before you board the flight.
Jan 22 2014 11:45AM
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roddy116
Posts: 10622 - Karma: 7,397
oh lord, 26 hr in that kind of seat.
Jan 22 2014 12:22PM
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t_rob
Posts: 6433 - Karma: 11,458
yeah. Too many things in your post didn't add up.


Watch the seating plan, I get free exit rows all the time by watching the seats online. I don't know how I'm doing it, I don't have status but there are many flights I've been on where I've checked the seat map and i've had the option to get it for free.

For a long haul, best case scenario is scoring a row to yourself. It's not always possible but when it is, amazing!
Jan 22 2014 12:35PM
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DERS.
Posts: 6299 - Karma: 1,293
yep try and get a whole row for yourself usually in the back few rows.
also ambien is crucial
make friends with the flight attendant who supplies you with booze to keep it coming.
also for future reference dont fly american carriers internationally as non-american ones tend to be much nicer. im flying air canada from co to toronto to argentina next month with a 9hr layover in toronto to avoid having to fly united internationally.
Jan 22 2014 12:44PM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Reset your watch to local time and sleep/stay awake at normal hours for your destination. That's what I've always done and it helps me get a jump start on jet lag.
Jan 22 2014 12:52PM
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t_rob
Posts: 6433 - Karma: 11,458
That's it. I'm officially flying ANA whenever possible aka I guess I'm going to japan at some point.


Click for larger image
Jan 22 2014 12:55PM
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t_rob
Posts: 6433 - Karma: 11,458
OMG THERE ARE POKEBALLS ON THE ENGINES. HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THAT??
Jan 22 2014 12:56PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51257 - Karma: 157,315
Bring nothing onto the plane with you and use that time to look deep within yourself and find the meaning of life.
Jan 22 2014 12:58PM
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please
Posts: 96 - Karma: 600
I did a quick flight search and it says that you are flying on united's 747-400 which if you look on seatguru ( http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/United_Airlines_Boeing_747-400_B.php ) means that you have in headrest video, chargers under the seat if you are in business, Lay flat seats which means you can recline. You will be fine, united's international business class is nice.

My advice is stay up really late and get on the plane real tired, makes sleeping so much eaiser.
Jan 22 2014 1:14PM
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VanMelle
Posts: 1277 - Karma: 1,140
Ya I fucked up and thought I was in business but im in Economy...Its a thursday flight so I'm hoping it isnt packed and I will be able to move seats...I'm going to try and switch seats before boarding to something better

Thanks for all the great advice guys
Jan 22 2014 1:18PM
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SnorkBoard
Posts: 311 - Karma: 821
You can bring those little hotel mini bar size bottles on the plane no problem, as long as they are under the 3oz or whatever the rule is.

Podcasts are the shit for long flights/anything. I listen to a lot of comedy ones but theres also lots of educational ones and everything inbetween, PM me and I'll come up with a list of ones I like.
Jan 22 2014 1:43PM
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ESAND
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 744
I live in Buenos Aires but fly to the US 4+ times a year. Thats a 10-12 hour flight to houston before connecting.

I've got it down to a system.

I stop by duty free and buy a bottle of this

Click for larger image

Once I'm on the plane. I ask for an ice cube and a glass

I take ONE of these

Click for larger image

while sipping on the remy.

When I finish my drink, I put on blinders, and I'm asleep before take off. I get to customs fully rested 11 hours later.

Works like a charm.
Jan 22 2014 1:56PM
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B.Aussie
Posts: 5851 - Karma: 4,522
Not in United Economy anymore. $8 basics. So I bought a bottle in Duty Free before I boarded the plan.

Get a backup battery to charge your phone or ipad. Then watch movies and play games off them. Make sure you bring books or magazines as going into Australia you can't use electronics for the last 15 minutes of the flight.

You might get lucky, you might have internet on your plane. Flying Melb-> Syd -> LA my flight had internet for $16.

Bring a blow up neck pillow.

In Business class you should get a little package with pajamas, sleeping mask, hand cream, toothbrush and toothpaste. (Although seems like you're in economy so bring these)

Bring snacks and if possible eat before you board the plane. The food on United is atrocious.

Be nice and polite to the flight attendants they all seem to be grumpy on United.

If you can upgrade to Economy plus, it's worth the extra $200 (At least that's how much it was from Melb->LA).
Jan 22 2014 2:06PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
pro tip - request an emergency exit row as they have a little bit more room than the standard rows. personally, i'd recommend eating a handful of xanax so you're comatose the whole damn flight.
Jan 22 2014 3:03PM
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DENIM_CHICKEN
Posts: 526 - Karma: 2,558
Are minors allowed alcohol on international flights?
Jan 22 2014 3:22PM
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Miomo
Posts: 4302 - Karma: 14,131
It's because the engines capture the geese, right?
Jan 22 2014 3:48PM
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Hamlet
Posts: 205 - Karma: 1,308
You can play Shredsauce WITHOUT an internet connection! Just load the game while you still have wifi and leave the browser window open and the laptop on stand-by. The game will work as long as you don't close the webbrowser or shut off the laptop.

That should help you kill a few hours :)
Jan 22 2014 6:52PM
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blazer258
Posts: 1097 - Karma: 642
The only really long flight I've been on was Chicago to Hong Kong which was 15 hours, I just brought my ipod, sleeping pills, and some other miscellaneous things in my bag to keep me busy, i slept most of the time and woke up to eat the crappy meals they gave us and watch a movie they had playing, then id fall asleep again or look out the window at the clouds, i'm not 21 so i cant drink but maybe on international flights minors can drink, i flew united too if that makes a difference , anybody know the rules about this?
Jan 22 2014 8:11PM
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cool_name
Posts: 4295 - Karma: 3,131
the last time i flew international i was 16 and the flight attends would serve me beer and wine but not liquor. i was flying klm from Amsterdam though were the drinking age was 16.
Jan 22 2014 9:18PM
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