Question:

Do's and Don'ts for long plane trips?

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in summer to a country that's in it's rainy seanson but still like 85 degrees???

no tanks, short skirts- religious reasons

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  1. Do bring something to read for long plane trip. Also maybe bring an IPod.

    Do pack light. Airlines are becoming very strict about that sort of things.

    Do get to the airport early. Especially for international flight.


  2. before you go make a checklist of things like boarding tickets(if you print them ahead) passports?, other neccessities....leave wayy ahead of time because of traffic jams, and go to the bathroom before you leave :)

    don't bring more than two (maybe 3, idk *gulp*) bags, or weapons or anything that would not go through security good.don't over pack either because it will be hard to lug a heavy suitcase around until you get to your gate,  plus it's harder to get on the plane. put a ribbon or tag on your suitcase so it will be easier to find when getting it from the carousel, a ribbon or tag. make sure, if your suitcase does get lost, that you have a tag that says your NAME,AND/OR  ADDRESS OR PHONE #, labeled clearly

    don't pack more than 3 oz. bottles of your liquids, and put them in a clear ziploc bag, when you get to the airport take it out BEFORE you go through security

    wear comfortable clothes!!! (example- sweatpants, sweatshirt, sneakers or flip-flops)

    try to not where much metal things (EX- necklaces, jewlry, chains, belts, earings..)it can be a HUGE hassle to take it all of in front of the security people, and you can hold up the line *gulp* EMBARASSING

    go to the bathroom before you board the plane, but DO NOT go at the last minute. the planes have bathrooms but there small and crammed

    most airports have small fast food resteraunts before the gates so you can get a small snack before you go on the plane, but buy snacks that wont upset your stomach, when they serve food and drinks try to order water or a non-alcholic beverage, and avoid soda. don't drink too much because you don't want to have to go to the bathroom in the small, and crammed bathrooms.

    bring entertainment. iPod/portable CD player,laptop,portable DVD player,books/magazines...in airports their are small stores that sell candy, magazines, and also little like pillow type things that wrap half-way around your neck, those are comfortable...gum is a must because ypur ears pop!!! (dispose properly (lol) ) you can also take a nap (lol)

    that's about it, have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

  3. Make sure you have an aisle or window seat. I found out the hard way that my travel agent had arranged for the flight, but not the specific seat. My husband and I took our first long flight--nine hours--in middle seats that were not even next to each other. I would suggest taking a book along for the ride.

  4. Dress to be comfortable,not fashionable.  Old Levis, T shirt, sneakers are good.  

    Use the rest room as soon as you have an urge to avoid waiting in line while in the 3rd Movement of the old Pee-Pee Dance.  

    Choose simple foods for the flight that are sure to agree with your system.  

    Report obnoxious behavior immediately.  It never gets better and a scolding early is more effective that after the 6 year old has been kicking the back of your seat for the past hour.  

    Take your own magazines/newspaper for flights over 8 hours.  That stupid flight magazine gets old quick.

    I try to sleep away as much of the time as possible to help get over jet lag.  8 or more hour changes can mess up a trip until you adjust.

  5. don't sit in the airport bar drinking bloody marys and eating chips and salsa for two hours before your flight.

    your legs will swell up like sausages and you will seriously contemplate poking yourself with a pin to relieve the pressure.

  6. Wear linen on the plane. It's easy, light and very comfortable, and doesnt get all wrinkled easily.

    It completely covers you and is really light so you won't get too hot in the warm weather.

    Take a sleeping mask and ear plugs for the trip if it is overnight.

    Bring a big pashmina - you can use it as a blanket / scarf / sit on it if youre uncomfortable / use it as a pillow.

    Take plenty of entertainment - a gripping book is amazing on a long flight.

    Take plenty of water (you'll have to buy it past customs) - or you can bring your own drink bottle and fill it up once you pass customs.

    Eat light meals before your trip. there is nothing worse than being bloated and feeling sick before you fly!

    Take an umbrella in your hand luggage - if it rains you want to be prepared and you dont want to be wearing a raincoat that retains all the heat.

    Have a safe trip!

  7. Bring a small neck pillow.

    Don't eat "gas" causing foods

    Go light with the alcoholic drinks and heavy with plain water.

    Planes tend to be cold, anyway, so dress comfortably.

    Check you ticket, if it says "no meal", or only "snacks", then bring a type of food that doesn't release a heavy smell when you open it.  

    If a long flight (5+ hours), bring saline solution to spray your nostrils to keep moist.

  8. Join the frequent flier program for the airline, unless you already belong to a "partner" program.

    Check www.seatguru.com for seat suggestions.  I usually try to get a window seat on really long flights and gather some extra pillows & blankets to make a "bed" that I can lean against.  Call the airline and request a seat as early as allowed.  Also ask if the aircraft has power ports that you can use for i-Pod, etc.

    Consider getting a sleep mask (ex. www.mindfold.com) and some earplugs, which may help you sleep (they work for me). Luggage stores and airport shops also sell sleep masks.

    I-Pods and portable game devices are great on planes, but the batteries won't last more than a few hours.  Pack one or more books that you have started, or that are from an author you know.  It's really annoying to realize - too late - the book you brought for the flight isn't a good read. Other options are crossword puzzles and similar.  A laptop is practical IF the aircraft is equipped with power ports (which can also re-charge an i-Pod or game device).

    Pack a complete change of clothes and basic toiletries in your carryon bag.  Check the security requirements at: www.tsa.gov

    Dress in comfortable clothes and shoes that are not too tight (or overly casual).  Your feet will swell during a long flight and tight clothes can make it harder to sleep.

    I try to shower just before leaving to go to the airport.  It reduces the grungy feeling you get by the end of a long flight. Use conditioner to reduce hair frizziness.

    Tag all of your bags (inside and outside) with your name, e-mail address (but not your home address) and a USA phone number someone will answer.  The free tags from the check-in counter are fine.

    Make sure you have your passport and other documents on you before leaving home.

    Get to the airport 2 full hours before departure so you don't have to stress.  

    You can take something to help you sleep, but try it first.  Many meds can leave you groggy long after you need to be awake.  I just use aspirin.

    Chewing gum can help with relieving the pressure in your ears.

    Drink lots of water and juice:  The air in the cabin is very dry and causes dehydration.  Avoid too many drinks with caffeine (including colas) as they can increase the dehydration.

    Get up and stretch every few hours.

    Try to awaken just before breakfast is served and use the bathroom to wash up.  You will feel a lot better.

    The time change can be a problem, and a long flight will produce a lot of "jet-lag". At your destination, try very hard to eat meals at local times and stay awake until local bedtime.  If you MUST take a nap then sleep for no more than 3 hours.  Falling asleep at 3:00pm may result in you waking up at Midnight - wide awake and unable to go back to sleep.

    Hope you have a great trip!

  9. Ensure that you get up and walk every 20 minutes. No kidding. Cheney almost died because he foolishly didn't do this and got an embolism.

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