I'm 6'8" tall so flying long haul is always uncomfortable. I mentioned it in general conversation with my GP and he insisted on giving me sleeping tablets. I ended up sleeping so deeply and for so long the cabin crew were concerned.
I like the window seat... bit of extra room (cabin shape) and when I nod off I don't get woken by someone wanting to get out.
Wine with meal, noise cancelling ears (I prefer Blackbox in-ear, but have also used Bose-on-ear ) get up and visit loo when the middle or isle seat does, then movie(s) sleep till breakfast. Repeat the loo routine when others in the row do. Worst case I annoy them, although I try not to.
Sitting in planes for two long flights ain't fun (going to Europe), no matter how you spin it... so don't always take the cheap options (with multiple stops and long transfer times). I prefer minimum stops and transfers (if you don't change planes neither does your luggage, so it arrives with you!!), sitting on long hall flights is no different to a long bus ride... enjoy the journey, but really it's about the destination.
cep32: I'm 6'8" tall so flying long haul is always uncomfortable. I mentioned it in general conversation with my GP and he insisted on giving me sleeping tablets. I ended up sleeping so deeply and for so long the cabin crew were concerned.
My recommendation would be to use www.seatguru.com to find the best seat on your place well in advance. It lists every plane operate by all the airlines and maps out the seats. You can see if the seat you have booked is near the galley/toilet/baby row/door etc. Contact your travel agen and get them to book the seat you want, then reconfirm at checkin and the gate.
Aisle seats are best for me as I can get up when I want. You might have to get up a few times for others but its better than being trapped in a window seat by sleeping people, etc.
Noise cancelling headphones of course and a good neck pillow. Also, some zopiclone/promethazine/hypnovel and a few glasses of wine help a lot :)
I've done loads of 12 hour and some 14-15 hour hauls too. Never get easier as I find it very hard to sleep on planes and am a big guy so don't fit in the seats
At the end of the day, do whatever you can to get out of economy class...
cep32: I'm 6'8" tall so flying long haul is always uncomfortable. I mentioned it in general conversation with my GP and he insisted on giving me sleeping tablets. I ended up sleeping so deeply and for so long the cabin crew were concerned.
I would recommend it to everyone.
How did you feel when you woke?
I'm not sure if it a normal wake up but I found I just woke with a start and was fully alert. The first time complained to my wife that the tablets didn't work as I had only just got to sleep. That's when I worked out I had been asleep for 6 hours of the 8 hour flight. Same again for the next leg.
I have heard that people do feel groggy when they wake up but I haven't had that yet.
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