Hidden Hacks in Airports and Long Haul Flights

NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 08:19
Last edited 20/02/2018 - 08:20

Hi all

Got a 23 hour long haul flight to Europe next month from Melbourne on Qatar economy, I consider myself a savvy traveller but wondering if anyone has any hidden hacks or tips they have for long haul flights or airports?

Yes, I've chosen my aisle seat way in front (don't ask me to pay for business), with an empty seat in between. Yes well equipped with a good travel pillow and I know what to wear. and Yes I know aisle seat armrests can be folded up with the hidden button to get more legroom. Yes got Dragonpass to buy cheap lounge access and a shower while in transit in Doha.

Travel

Comments

  • Adz81 on 20/02/2018 - 08:28
    +2

    Wine on the plane, a few of those to help you sleep and then power nap through it…

    When I flew back from the UK, I'd had a few wines before dinner came around…
    "Would you like chicken or fish?"

    "Umm, chicken please."

    "Oh, I don't have chicken. You have the fish, it will be ok, I'll bring you more wine."

    :D

    A few more wines, watch a couple of TV series, or a movie and job's right… Take advantage of the lounges on stop overs for a shower, some fresh fruit and a few gin & tonics and you're good to go again.

    • marcusv on 20/02/2018 - 10:43
      +60

      Just make sure you have a glass of water for every 1-2 glasses of alcohol. Flying is incredibly dehydrating and alcohol makes it worse, having plenty of water will ensure you don't arrive in Europe feeling like crap.

      I find saying hello to the flight attendants and smiling (without being too over the top) as soon as you get on rather than shuffling past as fast as you can to put your bags in the overhead lockers goes a long way. They will be friendly in return and make sure your drink is always replenished. It's amazing how many people treat them like crap and then wonder why they haven't got another drink.

      • R4 on 22/02/2018 - 16:14
        +1

        Drink plenty of water if you must but my experience is that alcohol makes it better

        • abuch47 on 23/02/2018 - 18:42
          +3

          dehydration can also put you to sleep. hence my nap every day after work on the couch, dining chair, toilet or the ground.

    • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 21:41
      +1

      I like this lol. Fish is ok with more wine!

    • cameldownunder on 22/02/2018 - 08:58
      +1

      In that case I would have said I have an allergy to fish, and waited for a Business meal to be served. Lobster and prawns !

      • Adz81 on 22/02/2018 - 09:45
        +5

        Nah, she knew my weakness…

        "I can shut this guy up with wine…"

        • cameldownunder on 22/02/2018 - 10:18
          +2

          On a flight from Sydney to Zurich, on Malaysian Airlines, about 1/2 hour before landing the Flight Attendant gave me another 2 beers, probably totalling 10 beers from KUL to ZRH. Arrived pissed in Zurich at 6:30 am !

    • KLoNe on 23/02/2018 - 16:53
      +1

      Wine on the plane, a few of those to help you sleep and then power nap through it…

      think you may be getting roofies mixed up with wines.

  • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 08:30

    yeah,never been much of a drinker but I think i need to have some, otherwise it'll be tough to sleep…..

  • Hellfire on 20/02/2018 - 08:45
    +22

    If you want to maximise your chance of a free seat next to you then book it further back in the plan. MIddle seats are automatically filled from the front first.

    • bobbified on 20/02/2018 - 10:59
      +4

      I always try to select the aisle seat at the very back of the plane for that reason!

      • a22andrew on 21/02/2018 - 17:15
        +33

        Long haul= poo smells at back of plane

        • DingoBilly on 22/02/2018 - 10:10
          +5

          What..? I always sit at the back of the plane near toilets and have never experienced this myself (flying from Europe to Australia etc.).

        • KB2 on 23/02/2018 - 09:55
          +1

          Yes! We were on a flight with Qantas from BNE to LA and didn't have a choice in seat selection. We were the last row next to the toilet with a nappy change table…it was not a fun flight!

        • rentonc on 24/02/2018 - 16:42

          Decreased sense of smell up there so perhaps not an issue.

      • matt-ozb on 23/02/2018 - 07:11
        +1

        almost .. not the very back .. but about 5 rows up to avoid the vapours from the toilets.

      • raiseyoursteaks on 23/02/2018 - 11:46

        safest place in the event of a crash.

    • TimboAus1234 on 21/02/2018 - 18:33
      +3

      could be a double-edged sword tho, As I have kids I always pick the back of the plane. :)

      • HeartFeltAxe on 22/02/2018 - 19:42
        +3

        Many hacks such as this require sacrifice, sacrifice only true OzB'ers are willing to take.

    • macrocephalic on 23/02/2018 - 12:32

      Try to stay away from the bulkhead; they put the infants there.

    • Thatbargainhunter on 24/02/2018 - 07:09

      Actually the seats at front are usually for those with status and the middle seat is blocked if their is space.

    • bargain ben on 24/02/2018 - 09:59

      The back of the plane is the most turbulent.

      Near the wings is the smoothest ride

  • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 08:47

    Yeah, i know….i figure its worth the risk, given the first leg is A380, and I really really prefer the front section near the cockpit, very quiet and private.

    • ronnknee on 20/02/2018 - 09:44
      +4

      the front section near the cockpit, very quiet and private.

      That's the first/business cabin in the upper deck.

      • Hellfire on 20/02/2018 - 09:51
        +4

        The A380 has a small economy class cabin on the lower deck just before the cockpit. It has a private feel and less engine noise than further back.

        • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 11:38
          +2

          Yes thats the section. I had it when I was on Etihad a year back, almost seems like premium economy in there. Its near the stairs leading to the upper deck.

        • marcusx on 21/02/2018 - 21:30

          @NotAnAudiophile: Same experience, it was brilliant.

        • cameldownunder on 22/02/2018 - 10:20

          @NotAnAudiophile: Etihad now sells those seats at a premium.

        • abuch47 on 23/02/2018 - 18:55

          it also has slighty, I mean slightly more legroom.

        • mr6ix on 24/02/2018 - 07:19

          @NotAnAudiophile Qatar actually have a small economy section upstairs on the A380 which is better than any of the downstairs economy IMO. Directly behind business, quiet cabin, quick service. The only downside is I think you can only select it if you have FF status.

        • nzthunderboy on 24/02/2018 - 16:16
          +1

          @mr6ix: same on Qantas. Economy section on rear upper deck. You get 2 cabin crew serving just that little section. Brilliant.

        • MathNerd on 25/02/2018 - 10:17
          +1

          @nzthunderboy: I've got a QF7 and QF8 flight on the A380 in 35D which is in this small upper deck economy cabin. This is great to hear, thanks for that information!

    • donotuse on 21/02/2018 - 20:13

      Prefer the Front section it's super quiet and feels more private because the middle row section is missing (occupied by the staircase).

    • cameldownunder on 22/02/2018 - 08:59

      Yes, the 380 Front Part is Super quite.

  • RockyRaccoon on 20/02/2018 - 08:48
    +12

    Aisle seat. Good choice, but will that empty seat still be there when you fly. Also is it an Aisle in the middle or on the side? Centre aisles are better as, say in a XXXX configuration you get YOOO then the O passenger next to you(Y) can also go the the bathroom if you are sleeping, via the other side. Less chance of being woken up, whereas in OOY (Side seating) the both others have to climb over you.
    Up the front. Good choice on short haul.
    Long haul its a trade off.
    Save time getting thru immigration as you are one of the earlier deplaners.
    More likely to have empty seats the further back. On a recent trip from US. Stuck down the back with 4 rows of empty seats. The steward even reserved a row for me before takeoff. (Not often they will do this).

    Alcohol on a long haul flight with time zones, can add to jet lag, You tend to dehydrate in planes as they keep humidity low (preserves the plane from corrosion) alcohol also dehydrates you. So if you want to tipple make sure you drink plenty of water. There is also a school of medical thought that thinks DVT is accentuated by Alcohol consumption.

    A sleeping pill would be better, if thats why you are drinking.
    Noise cancelling headphones help a lot. Ipad loaded with books and magazines, and movies, TV shows are great. Work well in transit lounges.

    EDIT BTW if you have the centre YOOO and the seat next to you is vacant when you get on the plane, sit in the vacant centre seat, until take off, that stops the other centre passenger from claiming that when you have taken off. If there is an owner of that seat, just shift back to your aisle seat

    • ronnknee on 20/02/2018 - 09:30
      +24

      YOOLOO

  • try2bhelpful on 20/02/2018 - 09:30
    +7

    Get block out or noise cancellng headphones or better ear buds. If I'm doing an overnight flight I put in the earphones and crank up some classical music; even if I can't sleep I can zone out. With block out earphones, and music, I don't hear the people around me.
    Aisle seat is good, but you want to be away from the toilets. People congregate and it gets distracting.
    Make sure the technology is charged up and ensure you have connections to let you charge up on the plane - sometimes the USB outlet doesn't have enough power to charge a tablet.
    Lounge is a good idea as you get a shower and wifi - the shower is really good when you are travelling.
    Create your own amenity kit with mask, scuffs, lip balm, and paste, moisturiser (all liquids travel size), headache tablets, etc.
    Be prepared for delays etc, don't get stressed about them and make sure you keep across what the departure boards are telling you, the gate/times may change.
    I usually watch the blockbuster no brain movies on the plane, you just want something that is distracting. If I'm flying during the day then movie after movie usually makes the time go quickly.
    Flying long distance in economy is a pain. The food is pretty average, you are stuck with the tray in front of you until someone takes it away - unless the seat next to you is empty - people will need to get past you to go to the loo and you might end up with screaming children or bad drunks. Just breathe and let it wash over you.
    Try to get into your destination later in the evening, if you can. You are going to be tired after the flight and if you can go to bed at a time that aligns with the new place then you will reduce jet lag.
    Be nice to the hosties, they have to deal with a lot of morons and they probably appreciate a smile and thank-you.
    Enjoy the trip.

    • raging on 22/02/2018 - 19:50

      Second the noise cancelling headphones. I consider it the biggest factor in getting good rest on a plane.

      Also download stuff you've been waiting to binge on on Netflix or Stan.

      • abuch47 on 23/02/2018 - 18:51

        or just earplugs or soft earmuffs. I like my budget sony noise cancellers but cant sleep with them on, too hard and foul on the pillow.

        I found for OS travel that the biggest help was not sleeping the night before. Helps too sleep on the plane, the first day is a bugger but the excitement keeps you going and then you crash early that night to cancel jetlag as much as possible.

        other small things were comfort, shoes on/off, socks on/off, blankets into a cocoon when its cold, down to a shirt when its hot, keeping hydrated but also dehydration puts me to sleep. Bring water they barely give you any, exit row for more legroom and no passenger distubance but bags cannot be stowed in front.

  • ronnknee on 20/02/2018 - 09:32

    I've chosen my aisle seat way in front (don't ask me to pay for business), with an empty seat in between.

    If the plane starts getting full, I would imagine the empty seats at the front start getting filled first.

  • NacGhey on 20/02/2018 - 09:37
    -1

    Qatar Airways is one of the best airline, you will be mostly fine. Duty-free in Qatar is big enough to spend time, they are various facilities. after takeoff you may find 3 empty seats in back to sleep on.

    • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 21:43

      I think so too thats why i chose qatar. Doha is also presumably a much better airport to transit than abu dhabi for etihad which is truly terrible….

      • cameldownunder on 22/02/2018 - 09:01
        +1

        Of Singapore, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi ranks the lowest. Mind you, there is a Burger King ….
        And Dubai is incredibly expensive, even for a burger and chips.

  • RandomNinja on 20/02/2018 - 09:55
    +2

    A couple of tips from me:
    * Make sure you're wearing comfy clothing, bring a change of clothes if you need to. Don't be afraid to wear PJs, they do it in the business/first sections!
    * As RockyRaccoon mentioned, sleeping pills are better than alcohol if you're trying to sleep.
    * If you really need to block noise, use earplugs then over ear noise cancelling earphones.
    * Moisturisers are important, just about the only time I proactively need to use them (particularly the nasal passage)

    • desert eagle on 20/02/2018 - 10:31

      Just be weary not to use disposable earplugs too often or leave them in for too long as prolonged use can result in higher amounts of bacteria and possibly infection. Source

      • singlemalt72 on 20/02/2018 - 13:05
        +3

        A couple of flights hardly counts as regular use.

    • cameldownunder on 22/02/2018 - 09:02

      I Took Lemsip, IboBrufene and Travel Sickness pills, and had to use all three of them.
      Own Pillow is a must, own headphones and headphone ( spares ) is a must, as are AA Batteries.

  • Quantumcat on 20/02/2018 - 10:06
    +2

    On the one long flight I had, there was a section at the back with a fridge with drinks and snacks where you can stand around and have a drink and enjoy not being in your seat, near the stairs to the second level. I spent about 3 hours there standing and walking around while playing on my 3DS for a bit then reading my kindle for a bit. It really broke up the flight nicely. Only around 20 people discovered it even though there were hundreds on the flight. If your plane has something like this (walk around and explore) then make sure to use it.

    Also make sure to bring usb charging cables because the seats in front of you will probably have plugs available to charge stuff..

    Also I would have chosen a seat at the back, they seem to be the last to fill up so better chance of having empty seats nearby.

    Last thing, my partner and I decided on a way to get a row of three seats to ourselves (and have one in the middle to put our stuff on and stick our legs into). Take the middle seats each on the two rows at the back of the plane (there were always empty seats back there). If one of us has someone next to them, move to the other person's row. If we each have someone in our rows, ask if we can swap (the two strangers can share 3 seats and we can share 3 seats). If all the seats are filled up then still ask to swap so we can at least sit next to each other (by taking middle seats, we have the chance to ask to swap with all four people, and also, any couples are not going to want this row since they wouldn't be sitting next to each other, bettering our chances of empty seats). In this way we have a good chance of getting 3 seats to ourselves or at worst at least sitting next to each other.

    • PAOK11 on 20/02/2018 - 11:59
      +10

      I love people who book the window & aisle seat and ask to swap with the middle seat haha… I always say no sorry happy where I am

      • RockyRaccoon on 20/02/2018 - 12:05
        +3

        Maybe on a short flight, but on a long flight what would you gain? Two agro neighbours? Enjoy your cutoff nose…

        • Quantumcat on 20/02/2018 - 12:37
          +1

          Cutoff nose?

        • PAOK11 on 20/02/2018 - 12:55
          -2

          On long flights I play hard ball until after takeoff & then when the seatbelt sign goes off I mention to the window seat i'm feeling squished. Usually the aisle seat pipes up but I ignore him/her

        • RockyRaccoon on 20/02/2018 - 13:02

          @PAOK11: Now I understand, but you didn't say that in your first post, you left us hanging… 😎

        • Quantumcat on 20/02/2018 - 13:20

          @RockyRaccoon: how would it upset the neighbours? It would probably be a good thing to swap in their eyes because if I move behind them, I will be feeling grateful and be less likely to do annoying things like stick my knees into their seat etc

        • RockyRaccoon on 20/02/2018 - 15:00

          @Quantumcat: Because thats not what was portrayed by Paok11, when they said " I always say no sorry happy where I am"

          They were talking about the situation where they were seated in the middle and the others were in the aisle and window, effectively meaning the other two were sitting apart, while Paok11 was sitting in between. Or did I misread that?

          Maybe my English understanding is different. But whatever I do in re reading that post, I still cant get past they were saying NO to moving from the middle seat.

          Later Paok11 posted saying that they will swap, looking to me like they dont say no initially but do so, if they can get the window seat.

        • Quantumcat on 21/02/2018 - 09:05

          @RockyRaccoon: oh fair enough. Yeah I can see people wouldn't want to swap to a middle seat

    • star-ggg on 20/02/2018 - 13:42
      +5

      who would swap an aisle seat for the middle seat? that's such a bad trade

      I hate it when people bug me to swap seats. Always happens when I fly out of HK.

      • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 21:46
        +3

        On my etihad a380 flight alone a year ago i was on the front section in a aisle seat with the 2 seats beside me occupied. The great thing is they were occupied by 2 hot blondes (friends) from europe. I didnt interact much with them but believe me that was one of the times i really enjoyed my row being full!

        • star-ggg on 20/02/2018 - 23:37

          Last flight I was on the old guy next to me took his shoes off and placed his bare feet on the entertainment unit then kept bugging me to change seats so he can have the aisle

        • cameldownunder on 22/02/2018 - 09:06

          When I was single and on a long haul from SYD, in a 2-4-2 comintation, I had a FAT MAN ….. walking past, then a small super-cute girl, sitting down NEXT TO ME. A nurse ! OMG ! So happy. She was very nice indeed. THat once in a lifetime

        • lockmc on 23/02/2018 - 13:53

          @cameldownunder:

          Sooo… don't hold out on us. What happened? Mile high??

  • KaTst3R on 20/02/2018 - 11:31
    +3

    I prefer to sit in an aisle seat at the back area so I have unrestricted access to the beer.

    And Doha airport is freaking huge. Be prepared to do some walking.

    • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 11:55

      I'm intending to buy a cheap lounge access to have access to a shower…need it after 15 hours on the A380.

      • KaTst3R on 20/02/2018 - 12:08
        -1

        You cant just buy a lounge pass, you will need to join their program. Dragonpass (and Priority Pass) is US$99 per year (1 free visit). If you are travelling with a partner, then it will cost US$126 (addition of US$27) just for a shower at Al Maha lounge. Another place to shower is at the Oryx Airport Hotel in the Wellness centre. You could check there too.

        • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 12:25
          +1

          you can get dragonpass for free….just buy per access to Al Maha.

        • KaTst3R on 20/02/2018 - 15:00

          @NotAnAudiophile:

          On dragon's website, 1 single access is US$82 which is still pretty expensive. So you just intending to get this i assume

        • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 18:39
          +1

          @KaTst3R:

          i get dragonpass classic free from regus, then 16 pounds to enter Al Maha.

        • KaTst3R on 20/02/2018 - 18:41

          @NotAnAudiophile:

          Sounds like a good deal.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2018 - 10:21

          Most lounges allow you to buy daily access, including AMEX.

      • capslock on 20/02/2018 - 13:12
        -2

        Do you really need a shower? It’s not like you have become sweaty or dirty from sitting in the one temperature controlled spot for 15 hours.

        • NotAnAudiophile on 20/02/2018 - 13:26
          +8

          Personally i find i do. Partly because I'm taking a 10 pm out of Melbourne and reaching Doha 5 or 6 in the morning. The feeling of stepping on the 2nd leg for 7 hours to Europe, all showered and smelling good is beyond words.

        • Brendoo on 22/02/2018 - 04:33
          +2

          I used to travel long haul heaps (Sydney to Europe) for work. And although it was always business class, the biggest positive impact was having a shower and a long relax in the airport lounge at the half way point. Made me totally refreshed and felt like i was only starting my journey. So I definitely agree with the OP there.

        • ChickenTalon on 22/02/2018 - 13:36

          A shower halfway through a long trip like this makes a massive difference in comfort. Maybe not $100 worth, but has significant value.

        • Innately Incognito on 24/02/2018 - 20:21

          @ChickenTalon: Depending on the transit airport as well. A sit-down meal and a couple drinks at a bar will cost you around $40 or so in HK Airport. You can buy a QF Lounge Pass for roughly $50-60 at last check. So the shower's not really the full cost of the lounge.. not to mention you could come out ahead if you ate/drank enough?

          I haven't tried the other lounges in HK Airport either. Usually just use a pass from a credit card.

        • knobbs on 27/02/2018 - 17:48

          @Brendoo: what sort of job had you regularly traveling in business to Europe? Sounds like a job I need haha

  • therooftop on 20/02/2018 - 12:21
    +6

    Black fleece trackies are my go to airport wear - feel like jammies but look presentable enough, they dont actually look like trackies from afar . You also wont need to wear a belt which makes it easier going through the machine.

    Noise cancelling headphones
    I also carry as little carry on as possible. A backpack with my electronics, mini toiletries (nasal spray, cologne, toothbrush, moisturizer, meds) a spare tshirt and underwear in case your luggage goes missing. All that usually weighs under 3 kgs and you don't have to stress if someone has filled the overhead compartment. The less things you have the less chances of losing anything.

    • manshrew on 20/02/2018 - 16:16

      Carrying as little as possible is always the way to go.
      On Qatar they'll give you a toiletry pack for a long flight too.

    • WreckTangle on 20/02/2018 - 22:03
      +1

      I’d go for a onesie.

      • blitz on 22/02/2018 - 16:08
        +4

        I suffice with a loin cloth.

  • Cluster on 20/02/2018 - 12:23
    +4

    I take a melatonin tablet about an hour before I want to get some sleep. Your body produces it to help you sleep but sometimes a little extra help is needed. I believe it's available only by prescription in Australia but other countries (such as the USA) sell it over the counter like vitamins, so it's easy to obtain online.

    Qatar is one of the unusual transit airports where everyone gets security screened on arrival. I had a pack of AA batteries in my carry on which no other airport caused a fuss about, except Qatar. Pack accordingly for a smooth transition.

    • nubix on 20/02/2018 - 14:22

      Not sure about dosage, but they're usually in the vitamins section here too.

    • playswithfire on 22/02/2018 - 12:52
      +4

      The prescription Melatonin was 2mg and $12 for 30 tablets.

      I order 4 bottles of 120 5mg tablets from the US for $50 and it lasts us the better part of a year.

    • ChickenTalon on 22/02/2018 - 13:42

      I personally find melatonin and no alcohol are great for sleep. 20min after taking 6mg and I’m out like a light. Doesn’t work for everyone though, I know friends who’ve tried it and they said they haven’t noticed anything

    • rump parliament on 24/02/2018 - 14:36
      +1

      You can buy sedating anti-histamines behind the counter at pharmacies, restavit or phenergan, but they don't mix well with alcohol.

      • TheProcess on 27/02/2018 - 02:13

        After working in a Chemist Warehouse for 4 years during Uni and being able to try a variety of non prescription sleeping remedies - Can confirm Phenergan works best for me, take 15-25 mg just before boarding and enjoy a good snooze. Make sure your flight isn't <5 hours though otherwise you'll be tired getting out of customs!

        I now do shift work and whenever I need a good sleep, I'll take a Phenergan (also helps with my hayfever allergies). Restavit made me feel a bit groggy / had hungover sort of feeling even after 8 hours of sleep. All of the "natural" vitamin ones didn't really work well for me.

  • altomic on 20/02/2018 - 12:32
    +15

    always preorder a vegetarian meal. usually specially pre-ordered meals are brought out first. so it means you will be eating whilst every one is waiting for their meal.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkGR65CXaNA

    also a neck/travel pillow.

    also, any of the following phrases maybe useful during a hijacking -

    "down with the Government"
    "death to America"
    "As-salam alaykom"
    "Yǔ zhōngguó gòngchǎndǎng dǎjiāodào"
    "libertad, mi hermano"

    • singlemalt72 on 20/02/2018 - 13:05
      +13

      derka derka derka

    • manshrew on 20/02/2018 - 16:17

      For Qatar I think it's 24 hours before the flight to select your meal.
      They have a pretty good selection of meals too.

    • Cluster on 20/02/2018 - 16:18
      +2

      I flew with Qatar from Adelaide to Doha in 2016. About 3 hours before landing a woman walked up and down the aisle saying to everyone "I'm not sure if we'll get there safely tonight. There are some very bad men in the back. I am hoping and praying and you should pray too".

      Passengers looked at each other with surprise. This women was clearly nuts, or reacting badly to sleeping tablets. I was more concerned about crew hearing her and deciding she's a security risk that requires diverting the flight. Fortunately she piped down and returned to the rear of economy.

      • cameldownunder on 23/02/2018 - 16:04

        We had a woman constantly shouting "Water !!" and "I'm flying business" while stuck in Economy. Lucky for us, it was on the last leg of our journey: AMS-LHR.

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