Getting to LOS in one piece, tips for surviving the flight

[chuckrivera]

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Edited July 5, 2009 by chuckrivera

[maggicman]

Terrific info fellas.....one thing to add is that in addition to all the wonderful items y'all suggested I like to bring a handtowel.I do this for two reasons...the first is that before you slept in the seat,somebody else was resting their head on the seat back for the previous twenty something hours.I cover the area where my head will be and it feels better than the material from the seat....or the second reason,great sweat cloth when you step out of the arrivals hall into the unbelievably humid air of T-land.To make it easier I buy towels with two different sides so I will know which side is up in case I wake up with the towel in my lap....see ya in LOS...Maggicman

[LMNOP]

[quote name='nus01' date='Jul 7 2008, 06:19 PM' post='367967'

 

 

I really need to invest in a gameboy or PSP something with FIFA2008 , I can get cuaght up playing games like that for 15 hours without blinking.

 

 

Nintendo DS with an R4 card in it has to be the best investment ever.

[azlizard]

Let me just lose my forum virginity right here, right now. First time poster, been going to LOS since '93 and recognize a few people on the forum already. Looks like some great stuff and a good way to stay abreast of what's happening when back in Arizona.

 

I have 3 rules when traveling long international routes.

 

1. Don't use American Carriers

2. Don't use American Carriers

3. Don't use American Carriers

 

And remember if it Float's, Fly's or F's RENT IT!!

 

Woody

[wgates20]

I think I have perfected the best way to endure "my" 17 hour flight. Flying from NYC to BKK can be hell if you are not prepared for it. Here is my check list that I stick to

 

1) Stop by your family doctor and ask for a sample pack of sleeping pills

2) NEVER sleep the night before

3) Once you are at the gate wait till there is about 15 minutes left untill your plane boards and stop in the bar.

4) Have 2-3 drinks (Depending on your drinking ability) DO NOT GET DRUNK!!!!!!!!!!!

5) When you are in line to board the plane take 2 of the sleeping pills

6) I promise you will be OUT before the plane even leaves the ground

 

I wake with about 3-4 hours left in the ride, put on a movie or listen to my ipod, and when you land grab your ride, two hours later you are in Patts ready to party b/c you just had a 13-14 hour sleep. The reason I do this is it helps with the time difference as well, bring that it is 11 hour difference.

 

ALso like to add that when your are not awake for meals they put a sticker on your seat, so when you are awake ring the stewardes and she will grab your food for you. At least that is what Thai Airways has al;ways done.

Edited August 28, 2008 by wgates20

[tigerstail]

I have back problems and always tell them when I get to desk-so far-this is helped getting more leg room on overseas flights.

[.Q.]

I just munch on 3 vallium.

[.Q.]

Also anyone telling people to drink any kind of alchohol is stupid. Don't touch it before or during your flight.

[Strike]

FYI, I usually request a vegetarian or Kosher meal. I've had some pretty shady meals on my flights, and those two usually aren't as hard on my stomach; plus you get served before everybody else. You'll have to request this when you purchase your ticket; asking at the gate or on the plane may be to late.

 

Joining the loyalty program is free, and if you have booked your first flight but are not a member yet, I urge you to sign up with your respective airline BEFORE you fly. To my knowledge, they will not award mileage for flights taken before you joined.

 

Hey Chuck,

Thanks for putting this thread together. Like you, I fly United a lot and am a Premiere Elite. I am a big fan of the Economy Plus seating, and it seems that even when regular economy is packed solid, there are usually openings in E.P. Of note, as well, is that P.E. allows 3 free checked bags vice 1 for straight stick travelers. I realize that many do not want to check bags, but for me, I prefer them to handle my big bag(s). To each his own.

 

I stopped requesting the Kosher meals after my November trip to LOS. Simply, because it was obviously pre-frozen, and tasted unsatisfactory. I find United's meal service to be quite good, otherwise. I also fly, American, Delta and Southwest frequently, and can honestly say that United's is the best of the 4.

 

Most airline's frequent flyer programs will allow you to request a "mileage credit" for flights earned up to 30 days in the past. It is not always offered, and much easier to have your number registered at check-in, but it is an option in case.

 

For those like me that have multiple F/F accounts, there is a website called points.com that allows you to shift miles (and hotel rewards points, etc.) from one account to another, as well as cash miles in on giftcards, and such. It is worth a check if you are in a similar situation as me.

 

Personally, I always enjoy a sm. bottle or 2 or 3 of the complementary cheap red wine on offer. It is decent tasting, and allows me to relax and rest without needing pills. Plus, it is free on trans-oceanic flights which is a big plus for a cheap charlie, such as myself.

 

Regarding which F/F programs are the best/worst. I would have to give United high marks, as long as you can book 6-7 months in advance, and do not change your itinerary. I paid $47.10 (like you) for my trip to LOS this Sept (w/ 60K miles). Hard to match that. IMHO, American Airlines F/F program is a distant second. It is easy to use, but does not offer free flights to BKK or MNL (it does offer flights to POP, however). IMHO, Delta, Southwest and Airtran F/F programs are bollocks, YMMV.

 

See you in Patts this Sept/Oct.

Cheers,

Strike

[chrissyboy76]

Great post full of good tips. Not everyone has flown so far before, most of us in England just have only ever done a 2 or 3 hour flight to somewhere hot in Europe

[laidbackguyhk]

I'm lucky enough to be living in Hong Kong, so LOS is just a 2 1/2 hour journey away from me.

 

I always fly Thai Airways. What better way to start your trip to Thailand than to be greeted as you step onboard the plane by "Sawadee Kap".....(Beautiful smile from Thai Strewardess wearing traditional costume.....), I'm in heaven already.

Sit down and relax as she brings you an aperitiff, Campari & soda maybe, then wait for your Thai noodles accompanied by a glass of chardoney or two, followed by a glass of brandy or port. Then settle down to the next hour left before you touch down at the New Airport, (looks like it's still being built, but a massive improvement on the old one).

 

One note of caution.

Be aware of the Taxi touts as you come into the Arrivals hall. My advice, walk straight past and make your way outside where you will find the "Official" Taxi rank.

 

Above all, come in peace, stay in peace and go home in one piece...........

 

Tim

[laidbackguyhk]

Me again. Just returned from my week in Thailand, as as always traveled with Thai Airways. Great flights and even better service. Managed to get to Pattaya for the first time too, but that's for another forum. Happy days.

[coolman]

I only fly qatar airways there the best for me i travel two times or three to Bkk in a year.

[imacman]

Great thread and some handy tips. Just a quick question, quite a few of you have mentioned taking sleeping pills. I've just booked a night flight from London and in the UK you can't really buy proper sleeping pills. Which ones do you use and any idea how I could get them in the Uk ?

[keyser]

I always fly economy and the way I get the best seat is by checking in as early as possible online, most companies have this these days usually opens 24-48 hours before take off. This gives you 2 advantages.

1. you are checked in and can normally get your boarding card and the tag for your bag at a machine at the airport and you don't have to stand in line. Just drop the bag off at a drop off spot.

2. I always check in and choose a seat at the back of the plane if depending on the plane type I usually pick an left aisle seat in the middle row usually the 2nd to last row, airlines fill up the plane from the front at the check in and middle seats last so most empty seats are towards the back and in the middle. Some airlines will allow you to change your seat up until 2-3 hours before take off so I monitor the site and see if someone is sitting next to me or if there are better places to sit, how full the plane is and so on.

When the plane is boarding I am waiting until almost everyone have boarded and already having an idea of how full the plane is I can easily spot the empty seats. Having chosen a left aisle seat I can see when they are about to close the doors and then I move in if there are better seats available and quickly ask the FA if its OK if I move.

 

Doing 5 intercontinental flights in the last 1 1/2 year I have only once had someone sitting next to me once and that time the plane was overbooked.

 

If you are not in a hurry to get to your destination and your plane is overbooked its a good idea to hear what they are offering if you give up your seat, I did this when my plane was overbooked, I was offered $600 credit and a trip around town sightseeing and hotel for the night, but since I live 20 KM from the airport I got a $600 credit and an upgrade instead on the flight the next day, sadly someone with a connecting flight didn't make it so I wasn't needed.

[neo2025]

one word ...

 

XANAX

[likeaking]

Two vicodin and two glasses of wine with the first meal makes for an eight hour nap.

[bobbyg]

Great thread, just read all of it and it contains some great tips. Thanks

[spamme04]

deleted

Edited February 16, 2009 by spamme04

[Johnny Wilde]

Great posts and great tips in general

It also comforts me to hear that i'm not the only precautious flier here. My only addition to this thread is: Always bring a toothbrush and some paste to freshen up the piehole when you wake up, it doesen't matter how well hydrated you are, if I don't feel fresh and minty in my mouth I feel like shit anyway!

On most airlines it's possible to arrange your seating of choice well in time for your flight, in most 747's the best seats in economy are rows 31 & 43 ABC and JKL becaus they are located at the emergency exits/toilets.

Happy flying!

Edited February 21, 2009 by JohnnyWilde

[furryman]

Awesome FAQ. thanks dude

 

I would emphasize the nasal spray! The dry, thin, recirculated air on the planes wreaks havoc with my sinuses, and a soothing (non-medicated) nasal spray really helps.

 

My favorite choice for a good airplane book is a favorite novel I have read before, but not too recently. You can follow the story without having to actually concentrate all that much.

[jasonbalmer]

I'm lucky enough to be living in Hong Kong, so LOS is just a 2 1/2 hour journey away from me.

 

I always fly Thai Airways. What better way to start your trip to Thailand than to be greeted as you step onboard the plane by "Sawadee Kap".....(Beautiful smile from Thai Stewardess wearing traditional costume.....), I'm in heaven already.

 

Women usually say "Sawadee Ka". If the stewardess is saying "Sawadee Kap" ...

[obsrving]

My only hint to add is custom earplugs. I know some of you are going to say "mine are fine" but if you go take the time to get a mold done and plugs made for your head it is an amazing difference. Not only do they block sound better, but they are vastly more comfortable than the regular ones. You can also get custom molds for your earphones to listen to music in actual peace and quiet.

 

Only real downside is that they are expensive if you lose them.

[pipeman350]

Excellent post, I liked it so much I am pinning this thread.

 

I generally have a couple of drinks before boarding the plane and take a couple of gravol. This puts me to sleep for 5-7 hours most times and kills a good portion of the flight. Noise cancelling headphones are a must and my mp3 player must have fully charged batteries before departing.

i agree my MP3 player wasnt fully charged anmd ran out2 hrs before los what apain in the ass

 

booked my serat for christmas in july able to my seat at travel agent seast before bulkhead lots of leg space

Edited August 24, 2009 by pipeman350

[azulblue]

My thanks to all,

 

I'm planning my first trip and have never flown for longer than about 4.5 hours and was somewhat apprehensive about the long flights. Hopefully all your tips will allow me to have a much less miserable flight than I would have.