Tips tricks and ideas for long flights -- help a brother out

I havent yet made my first long flight (just booked the safari and working in the flights)

Couple family members fly long flights a few times a year and they've use ambien but told me to try over the counter Melatonin as for most folks it works quite well especially if not used regularly and has none of the side effects.

I'm leaning towards the ATL to Joburg route via delta because the comfort plus upgrade isnt terribly pricey and leaving around 8 eastern it seems easier to try and sleep on the flight which will be during "normal" night time

We shall see I guess
 
tay50 said:
My first flight over was an eye opening experience for me, wasn't sure how I was getting home, didn't want to get back on that plane. My sinuses were a mess blew my nose while in the immigration line, bleed profusely, I was a mess.
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The saline nasal spray is a lifesaver. I got a bloody nose after several days in the hunting truck. Also look into bromelain. It's a supplement that helps reduce inflammation in your sinuses. I take it religiously on flights. It's sort of hippy, but I think it helps.
 
Lots of helpful ideas here for sure. For someone that likes long flights about as much as everyone else I have found:
1) Noise cancelling headphones are a must (preferably with music) - worth every cent.
2) Take some comfortable loose fitting clothes to change in to.
3) Take something to read or an iPad with stuff that interests you - games - safari stories - whatever.
4) on layovers make use of the bathroom rentals - makes a person feel better if clean and stink free for the next leg.
5) if you have trouble sleeping - see your doc and get some A’s in a bottle.
 
JDMonson said:
I watched about 7 movies on the way there as we landed in joberg in the evening went straight to the Afton Safari Lodge for a good steak and a very well needed sleep for the night with work and family I went a good 40 hours with out much more then a 15 min nap. On the way back I washed down 2 Benadryl with about 4 ounces of Nyquil and woke up about 2 hours short of ATL that was the best 15.5 hour flight ever. I also went into those flights in full comfort mode compression socks sweat pants and a long sleeve t-shirt.

Justin
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Ditto the long sleeve Tshirt. I often wear my Kuiu merino wool shirt and it’s so comfortable for these type of trips.
 
LivingTheDream said:
In my experience, if I fly business class I sleep great. If I fly economy, I have horrible time.

And as previously mentioned, drink early and drink often.
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Yep, yep.
 
If you can afford the business seats..... 100% do it. Makes the trip a breeze. I'm a frequent traveller for work. So I collect a lot of points. I went to Africa in business. Nice lay down pods.

I ate dinner and watched one movie. During that time I polished off a bottle of wine or more. Font judge. And I slept like a baby the entire flight. They actually woke me up a hour before landing for breakfast. I was out the whole way. Mind you. Ever since the military. I've learned to sleep anywhere lol.

And if your a big guy like you said. You will even more appreciate business pods. Listen your spending all this money on this trip. What is a little more to actually be rested when you arrive. Why go a full day with zero sleep and be a write off for two days of your hunt. And then again when you return home. Not worth it. I slept entire flight. And when I arrived in Africa I was ready to rock.
 
No booze. No pills. Lots of water. Buy a good seat. Chill and relax your mind.
 
Like you, I despise air travel and I dread every minute of being on that plane. The only thing that will help you with air travel, or any other thing that scares you or that you don't want to do is to control your mind and to not let your anxiety defeat you. Just suck it up, tell yourself that it is going to suck but that before you know it it will be over. Think about Charles Lindbergh crossing the Atlantic by HIMSELF in a prop plane!

Substances, like pills, booze, etc is a crutch.

Just think about how badly you want to be there and you will over ride the anxiety
 
I have only done 2 trips, both were the Delta 200-201 flights in Delta comfort. The last trip was brutal even tho I had an isle seat. There just is not enough padding in the seats for a big man. My next trip I am doing Qatar business. Comfort and sleep is important I found out. Stay hydrated with plenty of water. Noise canceling headphones are a must along with eye cover. I found putting music and trying to block out everything going on helped me. Get up and walk every couple of hours for blood flow.
 
Just think of it as part of the adventure and enjoy, you’ll be planning your next trip over on the plane ride home!
 
I’ve only been to Africa twice. I flew Delta Comfort Coach both times. As most have previously stated, compression socks and noise canceling headphones are a must. The headphones double for listening to movies and music. I watched several movies and listened to my playlist. Drink plenty of water. Get up and walk around every couple of hours. I also try to stand up for five minutes every hour. I use that stupid little blanket they give you as a seat pad and put on a jacket for sleeping. I use those waterless toothbrushes a couple of times, as they just make me feel fresher.
On my first trip, I just wore jeans, a loose shirt and casual shoes. The second, I wore a full set of hunting clothes along with my hunting boots. Wearing the boots was kind of a pain, so I’d add those to the carry on and wear comfortable shoes.
One good thing about a US to Africa flight is that there are a number of other hunters aboard that you can compare stories with.
As far as sleep, I was able to get a fair amount on all four legs of the trips, but I can at least nap just about anywhere. I like the idea of Benadryl as a sleep aid.
When going thru Johannesburg, I overnighted at Africa Sky. I highly recommend them. Pick you up at the airport. Help get your guns from the police. A great dinner, a good night’s sleep, a nice breakfast and then back to the airport where they help you check your guns and get you checked in with the airline. I think it is about $450. Money well spent.
 
I thought of another tip - use airport lounges. My credit card provides me airport lounge access, which really helps make waiting at the airport very comfortable, and makes the time pass more quickly. Mine is an American Express, but there are a others that have a similar benefit. If you are going to be making international travel a regular habit it is well worth it.
 
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