I mostly echo
abmj-jr's advice. Good stuff there!
Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
Liquor and Ambien are really bad suggestions for a first-timer.
OP: One of your problems will be dehydration. Alcohol dries you out so limit your intake. Drink plenty of fluids, eat lightly, avoid caffeine, [...]
[...]
I like to have a little bag of snacks [...]
a bottle of water purchased at the airport after security
[...]
Plan on getting out of the seat and walking around - at least to the lavatory and back - every few hours to keep the blood flowing.
I would categorize them as follows:
1. Before the flight:
- show up reasonably rested (not after an all-nighter; I tried that and it was brutal), reasonably sober
- don't eat heavy food (or food that makes you gassy) before the flight, try to be reasonably hydrated and whatever you do, do NOT drink beer before and during the flight
- shower as close to the flight as possible
- prepare: get yourself some water and always have a snack in your carryon(nut mix / chocolate / fruit); have your own entertainment (magazine / book / media player / laptop / whatever)
- if you wear contacts, take them off
2. During the flight:
- don't eat too much and stay away from stuff that dehydrates you (e.g. potato chips)
- you can drink alcohol (besides beer); just compensate with water
- stay well hydrated and move around once in a while