Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/11/2003

Question
Hello!
I'm flying from Trieste (Italy) to Toronto (Canada) soon. It's my first time and I don't know what to expect. It's a long flight and I'm taking my child with me (14 years old). Can you please describe me how do these 12 hours look like?
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Barbara,

I have had the great pleasure of flying several times in my life and I have flown several different airlines. One thing they all have in common are the seats. Small cramped seating with no leg room. You may get lucky and sit in a seat with an open seat next to you - (be sure to pre-reserve a seat to avoid airport overbooking) - then you can have a little more room to stretch out. I have never been that lucky. Most airlines supply small pillows and blankets. I would suggest getting at least one pillow and blanket or more if the flight is not full. You can place the pillow under your butt or behind your back. I use it sometimes for my head if I have a window seat. Consider who is sitting behind you before you decide to lay your seat back. Some larger people have a hard enough time as it is with no leg room and their knees really get squished when you put your chair back.

A few other things you want to make sure you have along to make your life a little more comfortable.

Chewing gum really helps if your like me and your ears plug up and pop during lift off and the decent. If you don't have any gum then trying to make yourself yawn helps unplug your ears too. On some flights I have no problems with this at all ,but others it can be bad and even hurt.

Earplugs and/or Walkman's are very nice to have for many reasons. You may be sitting near a screaming child. You may be sitting in the seat near the jet engines or on smaller planes the propellers. Listening to music also helps to relax me. Some flights they have movies you can watch too.  

Other tips:

Move about. Change position often and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in developing clotting disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) whether you're on a plane, train or bus.

Walk around. Get out of your seat and walk around the cabin regularly to improve circulation.

No pills! Unless expressly recommended by your doctor who is aware of your intention to fly, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight - this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish.

Mind your ears. Avoid flying with a heavy cold, sinusitis or ear problems as cabin pressure changes during the flight may cause discomfort. If you experience problems during the flight, suck a sweet, chew or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose, this should equalise the pressure in most healthy people. If you are still experiencing problems, speak to a member of cabin crew.

Drink plenty! Ask a member of cabin crew if you're thirsty and look out for the regular water and fruit juice services. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee or carbonated drinks, as they will dehydrate you.

Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods - air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling.

Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual.

Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes.

Pretend you're already there! To minimise the effects of jet lag, set your watch to your destination time as soon as you board the aircraft and try to adjust your eating/sleeping pattern accordingly.

You can also try bringing some games or books or magazines to pass the time during your flight. Bring a pad of paper and a pencil and write a few opinions during your flight. Don't be afraid to get up and use the restrooms. Or just stand up and stretch your legs a little. When you are seated it is a good idea to keep your seatbelt on at all times. I always loosen mine up during the flight. I tighten it back up once the descent starts.

Just a few tips to try and make your flight a little easier and pass the time. Normaly you will depart from Italy early on the morning to reach Canada in the mid-afternoon. Try to sleep after lunch (pretending you have a "siesta"). Hope you have a safe and on time flight.

Hope this helps !
Best Regards,
R.Gomes