How I Survived a 16 Hour Flight

I recently flew non-stop from Dallas-Fort Worth to Hong Kong. The flight was scheduled to take 16.5 hours. Our flight took about 16 hours, not that it made much of a difference.

Even though I have made a some flights similar to this, it had been a few years, so I felt intimidated about submitting my mind and body to this test of endurance.

I did my best to prepare myself and my traveling companion, who was making his first such trip, to make the most of the experience.

I decided to make a few notes about how I survived (that is an accurate assessment) the 16 hour flight. I did this for two reasons really. One reason was to hopefully help someone else survive a flight such as this…the other was to help me overcome the temporary trauma.

So buckle your seatbelt and put your tray table up, we are about to take off!

Upgrade to Economy Plus or whatever the airline calls it.

Of course the type of seat you book greatly impacts the travel experience, but since most of us don’t have the cash or airline miles to fly in business or first-class, my suggestions I share here pertain to a more confined seating arrangement—either economy or economy plus (or whatever the airline calls it).

If your airline has, which most do for international flights, an upgraded economy option, it is worth the extra dollars to book this seat. At the very least you will get a few extra inches of legroom and seat width. But most will give you perks like early boarding, amenity kits, nicer pillow, better food, and so on. Plus it is closer to the front of the plane. It is a decent compromise between basic economy and business class.

I also book early so I can select a bulkhead seat. That usually means it is on an exit row. That has pros and cons, but I prefer the ability to get up and move around anytime I want without asking someone to get up. If you can’t get one of those seats, get an aisle seat.

Carryon Suggestions

First of all, I check everything I can rather than carryon as much as is allowed. The only time I didn’t do this is when Danielle and I went on a three-week Europe tour with only carryon luggage and backpacks. But that was more so that we could travel lightly around Europe.

But when I know I won’t have to lug my luggage up and down narrow roads and stairs at my destination, I prefer to have one backpack as my carryon. One reason is I don’t want to have to look for overhead space, because I want my stuff to be right above me. The other reason is I don’t want to have to lug a heavy bag around the airport.

Here is a picture of my backpack.

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The important thing about the backpack is multiple pockets and compartments. This allows me to organize things. I want anything I need to pull out for security checks to be all together in one pocket.

Then I organize into different compartments something like this:

Gum, toothbrush/toothpaste, mints, wipes (for freshening up), and other toiletries.
Snacks
Reading material, including paperbacks and digital devices like a Kindle.
Change of clothes (at least underwear).

Pay attention to where you put things, because it will be dark on the plane, and you will be groggy.

How to pass the time

Rather than thinking about 16 hours or however long your international flight is, think in blocks of time. I block it out kind of like this:

Settle into your space; introduce yourself to who is sitting next to you if you don’t know them; get ready for take off.
Between takeoff until the first meal is served is usually about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to do some real work, this is the time to do it. Later you will be probably be too tired.
First meal time. I always fully participate in the meal times. It takes time to get your meal, eat at least some of it, and be in no hurry. Where do you need to go?
Now you will have about a 4-6 hour block of time before the next food service time. Great time for a bathroom break. (This is why I want at least an aisle seat. I take a bathroom break at least every couple of hours). Then settle in for a movie or if you are still alert, do some more work or read.
When you do take a bathroom break, take a little stroll to the other end of the plane and back. Stretch your legs and back. It is important to move as much as possible.

I think you get the idea about breaking up the time into smaller chunks. As for sleep, I sleep or doze if I get tired. I don’t take any sleep aids. I don’t like the groggy feeling I get, and I want to be alert when we land.

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How did that little guy take that picture?

What helps physically

Wear loose clothing. If you prefer to dress nice when you travel, take a change of casual clothes to change into before the first meal. At least loosen your shoe strings or better yet put on some slippers. You probably will get some if you are in the upgraded economy section.
Invest in a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. Whether you want to listen to music, watch a movie, or just block out a chatty person or crying baby, you will thank me for this suggestion.
Stay fresh. Remember the wipes and other toiletries? At least half way through the flight use one of your bathroom breaks to freshen up.
Drink lots of water. The air on airplanes is very dry. Staying hydrated will help you feel better. And it will remind you to get up for a bathroom break!

Ok, last meal time is served about an hour before landing. That last hour will go by fast. Time to eat, freshen up, gather my things, and get ready for landing!