Need advice for the flight
 

Hi

We are used to flying long haul, however this will be longer than we have ever flown. Our flight from the Uk is a night flight with a brief stopover in Sing and then onto Sydney. Can anyone advise us, Do we set our watch`s to Sydney time? The kids are notoriously bad sleepers on plane journeys, so was thinking of getting some herbal sleep remedies? Anyone done this before?

All tips gratefully recieved :)

footie xx

Can't advise you on the kids, but as for the time I always set mine to Aus time as soon as I leave the UK. Then you can start thinking in Aus time, and it seems to help with the jetlag. The time in Singapore is so short that it doesn't really matter - just make sure you find out how long you have there, rather than what "time" you leave. :)

Thanks i think we are only in Singapore for about an hour to re-fuel.

footie xx

I'd agree with Pollyana. We do the same and find it's the best way to adapt to the local time.

Hi Footie Chick

I'm a great believer in complementary medicine, have a look at this link which gives some good advice.

http://www.whatreallyworks.co.uk/sta...article_ID=814

I have a friend who I think took night nurse to help her sleep and calm the nerves for her flight to Oz.

Good Luck :)

Re: Need advice for the flight
 

I do the same on the time setting, does'nt help at the start of the flight they serve food on the departure (ie UK) timing

For little comforts I have socks (loose), 'horse shoe' inflatable cushion. wash bag/moisteriser for refreshing yourself near end of flight (to at least kid myself I look great when I get off the plane:D ). I also take my own bottle of water as most economy classes ending up giving little cups infrequently - whilst free booze is v tempting it does not help jet lag and hydration - but we don't always do what is good for us :rolleyes: :beer:

Re: Need advice for the flight
 

Theres a delighful little 'smoking' garden at the Airport in Singapore if you are that way inclined. No good for the kids mind, but a great nerve soother!

ahh fond memories of the sunflower garden where it is so hot outside i needed to pollute my lungs that little bit more

i think that with the flight to oz you just have to grin and bear it really

you will be jetlagged whatever the time wherever you are but singapore airlines are fab with kids they entertain them and turn all the lights out as well so it makes it look like it is night time

arlene x

Re: Need advice for the flight
 

Hey FC
I've a friend who swears by phenergan for her son he's got one of those new behaviour problem conditions that used to be called being a naughty boy:rolleyes: . It certainly works for him he goes out like a light.:D
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/phe1332.htm

I've also used Phenergan in the past as a last resort and always take it with me on long flights just in case. I think it's a cough medicine, but also acts as a mild sedative. If you're going to do that though, you need to have a test run first at home to check the dosage, cos if you give them a bit too much, it has the opposite effect and you have hyperactive monsters on your hands.....

Phenergan as in the hayfever medicine?? Or is it spelt differently?

Yep that's the stuff:zzz: :zzz: :zzz: ;)
Knocks em out big style

Thanks guys for all the tips i am going to pop into Holland & Barratt also and see what they suggest.

Hopefully there will be some good films on that will keep us occupied.

footie xx

Melatonin is supposed to be good for avoiding jetlag. Take some just before going to bed for the first few nights at the other end.

The catch is that I think you can't buy it here. Fortunately it's really easy to buy in Oz!

Also (not to do with your actual query though) don't forget to take aspirin to reduce the DVT risk. Make sure it's pure aspirin though, not adulterated with paracetamol. (Not that there's anything wrong with the latter, just there's no point in taking it needlessly.)

Re: Need advice for the flight
 

Hi Footie Chick,

If you have kids, make sure when you get to the gate that they allow you to board before everyone else, that way you get the chance to rob extra blankets and extra pillows from the overhead luggage racks which always come in handy.

What we also do is nip off to the loo to change into pajamas (or tracky pants and old tshirt) as soon we get on the flight.
Strange possibly, but this gets you (and the kids) in a more relaxed frame of mind and more set to go grab some sleep (than trying to get some kip whilst still dressed in day clothes).
It aslo keeps your normal 'travel' clothes from getting too dirty and sweaty, so when you arrive at your destination and change back, you feel lots better.

Top tip is take on board you own big bottle of water. Also, make sure you pack toothbrushes and toothpaste in handluggage so they are where you can get at them. (Keeps you feeling fresh and less yucky, which reduces your stress levels on the flight)

As for Singapore airport. Just having an hour there is a pity as there is a little known about but totally free swimming pool in the transit lounge. If you have time, there is nothing to compare with stepping off a plane after 12 hours, going off for a lazy swim in an normally completely empty swimming pool in the middle of the night, before getting back on a plane for the next haul. (Remember to pack your togs in handluggage too though as they don't like you going for a dip in the nuddie!)

Singapore airport is lovely to just walk around though. Lots of shops, piano bars, strange fountains etc. If you have a few hours to kill you can even go for a city tour. What they do is 'seal' you into a coach you in concept, being inside the coach is just the same as staying in the transit lounge. Obviosuly there is no stopping or getting off, but you do get to see the sites on the round trip before they bring you back. Takes a couple of hours, but if you ever find your self with 9 hours in transit at Singapore (which can happen) then its better than getting bored.

If you do have this much time to kill though, then there is also a hotel which will rent you a room by the hour with a little person who will come and wake you up at your designated time so you can get back to the gate for your onward flight. With tired and grouchy kids, this is a fantastic way of keeping everything/ everyone all together so no-one runs off away from the tired eyes of mum & dad.

also, make sure you keep a pen in your hand luggage where you can get at it. Makes life so much easier for filling in the arrivals cards etc.

Actually, thinking about it. Singapore airport rocks.

rob