Flying across the Pacific (or Atlantic!)
You can not only survive, but THRIVE during an overseas flight!
You can not only survive, but THRIVE during an overseas flight! Here are my tips for flying across the Pacific so you can have a great start to your trip! We’ve even used these tips when traveling with our kids. Read more about that trip here.
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1. Everyone starts somewhere. Our first time flying across the Pacific.
For most travelers the thought of flying over an ocean, especially flying across the Pacific, (or Atlantic!) can be paralyzing and intimidating. Believe me I have been there myself. My first trip over any ocean was in 2008 when Ryan and I flew from the US to Hong Kong to visit a dear friend and explore China. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing.
As of today I have crossed the Pacific Ocean nine times and the Atlantic four five. I have certainly learned a few things although my first flight wasn’t that bad. We flew Cathay Pacific economy and lucked out with an empty seat between us.
I was in heaven with no kids (they were still very young and stayed home with grandparents) an entertainment screen with the Sex and the City movie loaded and a flight attendant that kept my wine glass full! Uh, can we never land???
2. When sleep alludes you.
Now I have had the flights, flying across the Pacific, where I got zero sleep. I hear ya. Those of us who have suffered get what a nightmare your first day of your trip can be. I remember my first trip to Paris I could not sleep on the plane then basically passed out missing several prime hours of day 1 and then not being able to sleep again that night. Ugh! Time zones can be so frustrating sometimes!
So what’s the trick? It is simple…..trust the airline! It may sound basic, but trust me they do this everyday. They KNOW what they are doing. The airline and flight crew will follow a schedule on every flight that will not only keep you “occupied” for the multiple hour journey, it will put you in the best shape to meet the day when you arrive.
3. Adjusting from the start while flying across the Pacific.
So many trans-ocean flights leave super late at night. I know that I can easily leave San Fransisco at 11 pm which is 2 am my time in Kansas City. As much as I would LOVE to knock off as soon as I step foot on the plane I have learned I shouldn’t.
Warning: Don’t be tricked when they turn off cabin lights for take off. It is so tempting to close your eyes, but please do what you can not to. As soon as you are in the air the lights will come back on and commotion in the cabin will ensue.
4. How the airlines set up the flight.
Transpacific and transatlantic flights are usually set up the same way. After take off settle in for about an hour. Then the flight attendants will begin dinner service. I usually use the time when people are boarding to check out the in flight entertainment.
There is typically a way to “save” things you are interested in watching. This way you won’t have to keep scrolling, but can set up a “game plan” for your viewing. I usually start a movie after take off. I think binging TV episodes is too tempting to keep on binging right through the designated sleeping time.
5. The pre-sleep flight routine. To drink or not to drink?
During dinner I allow myself 1 – 2 glasses of wine. I know some people are anti drinking on flights, but hey I’m on vacation! It does also help me sleep.
Depending on what ocean you are crossing the flight crew will dim the cabin lights 1 – 2 hours after dinner. I try to “beat the rush” and use the restroom shortly after dinner and before everyone else gets the same idea.
On another post I will share my seat back packing secret “survival kit” for the flight. For now know that after I’ve used the restroom I prep for sleep.
This includes an eye mask, ear plugs (the cheap ones) and then noise cancelling headphones with a nature sound loaded. I also pop a pill (your decision as to what) and blow up my neck pillow (I personally don’t like having to haul around a big pillow for the duration of the trip.) I settle in under a combo of a scarf (a long flight must!) and the provided blanket.
6. When the flights start to become too short.
I have gotten to the point where I can sleep 6 – 8 hours depending on the length of flight. I have also been known to complain that flights are too short now. Who would have thought! I really like the 12+ hour flights as you can really follow the system the airline has set up for success.
When I wake up I check on my phone or the in seat screen to see how much flight time is left. Even if the cabin lights are still off, if there is less than 3 hours left I jump at the chance to again use the restroom.
Now I know that potentially 10+ hours into the flight and this being only my second trip to the restroom would stress someone like my husband out. That is why when we fly together I take the window or the middle. He regularly gets up to use the restroom at night at home, the plane isn’t any different.
7. Survival kit a must!
Now the big trick is that I take my “survival kit” with me to the restroom. Usually because I have planned my timing there isn’t a line waiting. I do try to be conscientious that there will easily be a line when I get out so I try to be as quick as possible. Usually 5 minutes.
I go to the bathroom of course, brush my teeth, and put on deodorant. Maybe run a quick hairbrush through. If I have a chance there I will use a face wipe and moisturize and throw on a QUICK makeup, but usually I leave those steps for my seat.
8. Time to start the day!
Soon after my bathroom refresh the cabin lights come back on and the flight attendants start serving breakfast. I take this time to watch my second or third movie of the trip.
When I depart the plane, while I have slept in my clothes, I still feel refreshed and ready to tackle customs. I can’t tell you how much putting on deodorant, brushing your teeth and washing your face make you feel like a new woman!
9. Make the most of day one.
Even if your flight, when flying across the Pacific, lands in the afternoon in the time zone where you land, getting a good nights sleep on the plane will set you up for a better trip (or return home.)
If you can power through 5 – 8 hours in your new country and then go to bed early (melatonin again for the win!) day 2 will be jet lag free.
10. Let the world know!!
I really believe in following the schedule the airline sets up and have passed on these small tips to others who now agree. What boggles my mind is why this isn’t public knowledge?!?!
I know the frequent fliers know, but if you have saved all your life for a trip and are finally going don’t you want to be set up for a win? I see people fighting the set up schedule and when you see them at baggage claim the next “morning” they are a complete mess.
(Tip: If you are looking for ways to save $ while planning that dream trip, check out this great post.)
Take it from the airlines when flying across the Pacific…..Life’s short, travel well!