7 Tips for a Long Haul Flight

Over the last four years, I've taken almost 30 long haul flights in business or first class.  At the beginning, my expectations were based on reading vs. actual experiencing myself.  It didn't take long to figure out that the journey to the destination (the flight) could be incredibly relaxing, enjoyable, and really setup the entire trip by ensuring that I arrived rested and ready to go.  That said, getting on your first international first class flight might require a bit of restraint.  You'll want to eat/drink everything and it's so much fun, it can be a bummer to go to sleep.

I have a couple of friends and ATRP readers that are headed to the Maldives later this year in Etihad first class.  They've asked a few questions on how to prepare and I decided it would be easier to write a post about it and share with everyone.  So here it goes.

Aboard Etihad First Class Apartments

 Before reading this post, check out previous posts about pre-trip logistics as well as pre-flight logistics which focuses more on being organized than actually managing the flight.)

1)  Pack Smart
We try to carry-on as much as possible.  Both Emily and I bring a rollaboard bag and a backpack.  Even for a 7-8 night trip, it's possible to pack everything into a 22" carryon especially if headed to a warm weather destination.  Not only does this save time (checking on the front end, waiting for bags on the backend) but dramatically reduces the chances that you lose a bag.  We'll typically end up checking a bag coming home after doing some shopping but it's not as big of a deal if you end up with a delayed bag upon arriving at home (as long as you get it back).

Also keep in mind that you international first class means lots of goodies.  Pajamas, amenity kits, and more.  So you'll want to leave a little extra room if you're interested in bringing these items home.


2)  Hydrate
I typically start drinking "extra" water 12 hours before departure.  I've found that regardless of carrier, you can never get enough water so it's good to be hydrated when stepping on the plane.  Emily and I will wake up in the middle of a flight and there will be empty water bottles EVERYWHERE.  Flight attendants (especially in first class) will be happy to get you more water - just ask.  Not a bad idea to rotate between water and alcohol especially on an ultra long haul flight like our upcoming Abu Dhabi to LAX flight.

3)  Manage Your Body Clock & Sleep
If you're flying for 8-14 hours overnight, you're skipping a night of sleep in your own bed so you want to ensure you get as much sleep as possible.  As an example, we're flying British Airways from Denver to London.  The flight leaves at 5:40 PM MT and arrives around 10AM London time.  That means you're arriving at 3AM Denver time or departing at 12:40 AM London time (depending on how you want to think about it).  We will eat aboard and try to get to sleep by 8PM (3AM London time).  So it's like staying up really late and then getting ~5 hours of sleep before arriving in the morning.

Etihad First Class Apartment double bed setup

4)  Eat
Upon arriving at your seat (or shortly thereafter) you'll receive a menu.  Look it over and decide what you want to eat.  Flight attendants will be taking orders right after takeoff.  Keep in mind you don't have to eat everything on the menu.  If in first class, you'll likely receive a giant bread basket, an appetizer, soup, salad, main course, dessert, and a cheese course.  On some airlines (like Etihad and Emirates) you can eat whatever you want whenever you want from an extensive menu.  In this case, feel free to mix it up given that passengers aboard are likely to be coming/going from all over the world and thus are hungry for breakfast when you might be ready for dinner.

Etihad Airways signature steak sandwich and fries

5)  Drink
The best part.  Champagne, red, white, cocktails, scotch, beer...most airlines have a very extensive beverage menu.  I usually kickoff a flight with a glass of Champagne and switch to red wine with dinner.  A glass of Johnnie Walker Blue (available on many premium carriers in first class) is a great way to drift off to sleep at 35,000 feet.  Have fun with this part of the flight.  Want to do a red wine taste test?  Just ask a flight attendant.

Krug aboard ANA First Class

6)  Manage Your Temperature
In my experience, you're likely to be hot on a plane operated by an international carrier.  So make sure you have options.  I will typically wear a t-shirt and workout shorts to avoid waking up in a pool of sweat.  You can always ask the cabin crew to turn down the temperature but YMMV.

7)  Enjoy!
Even if you don't love flying as much as I do, you'll love flying upfront for a long distance.  Eat, drink, sleep, watch a movie, listen to music, etc...the journey becomes as much fun as the destination.  Flight attendants will generally do whatever possible to make you comfortable so engage with them.  Many of them have are happy to provide restaurant/bar/activity tips for your designation as well!

Etihad First Class Apartment pre departure Champagne service