Originally Posted by Brick

I'm taking my first trip to Hong Kong later this month. I have an aisle E+ seat going SFO-HKG and a window E+ seat on the HKG-ORD return. I have an upgrade request using SWU's on both flights. I don't want to allow myself to fret and obsess over whether or not the upgrades clear. If I do, then I'm just setting myself up for major disappointment on a trip that should be "fun". So if I just assume and mentally prepare myself for being in E+, I think the trip would be much more tolerable.

The SFO-HKG flight arrives at 6:50pm in the evening. Keeping in mind I'm gaining 15 hours once I leave home, should I just try and stay up for entire flight, sleep at the beginning, or sleep toward the end of the flight? Due to the evening arrival, I'm guessing it's best to try to stay up as much as possible and go to bed at the regular time on the first night.

Same question for the ORD-HKG flight. It leaves HKG in the late morning and arrives ORD in the late morning. Sleep in the beginning (will I miss lunch?), middle, or toward the end of the flight? Or maybe not at all?

What are some tricks for helping those who can't sleep on aircraft very well? An eye shade and ear plugs I figure are a must. Is there anything over-the-counter I can take that will help? Booze is out even though it does make me sleep, but I don't want to have to get up and pee every hour especially if I'm in the window seat.

Finally, what is the nice thing to do regarding the disturbing sleeping aisle and middle passengers to get out of the window seat? Crawl over them or violently shake them awake? I realize I can't do the 14 hr flight without having to get out of the window seat a few times, but I want to be nice about getting out.

Any other tips anyone has about doing the HKG flights more comfortable and tolerable in E+ I'd like to hear them!