Mileage Run Survival Tips
 

Thanks to another FlyerTalk member who helped me find it, I'm headed out on a mileage run Sun-Tues. It's not terrible, admittedly, compared to what others have done, but still a LOT of flying: IAH-HNL-GUM-NRT-IAH. Besides loading my iPad with movies, getting wifi on the plane, bringing snacks, dressing comfortably having a sense of humor and not drinking too much... can those more experienced than moi offer any "survival tips"? Thank you..

I think you have pretty much nailed it in terms of preparation. I also take aisle seats when I am running alone just to be able to escape the seat quickly, as mentioned before. Noise cancelling headphones can come in handy, I use Bose QC35. And at least one thing I really need to protect my ears from in-flight pain are some earplugs which help me adjusting to the pressure. I usually get them on Amazon. Don't forget your passport, stay hydrated and comfortable :) Happy running!

I'd say hydrate. The air is normally very dry and myself, being sensitive to dry air, I bring a nose gel, a salt water spray (to clean the nose of bacteria circulating in the air), a face spray with thermal water and some face cream.

Good advice on the passport, ear plugs and face cream. I just tossed them into my travel bag. Thank you, all.

I saw others mention ear plugs and neck pillow (assuming you are flying coach...ewww :)), but also take an eye mask. It never fails that someone will leave their reading light on all night or open their window somewhere over the Pacific.

Wow... that's worse than mine. How did you FEEL when it was over? And, yes, I'm on United.

Try to get up and walk at least every hour, if not more often. Plus seat exercises, and standing ones. A bout with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can land you on either expensive ($500/mo pre-insurance) or scary (rat poison) blood thinner for the rest of your life.

On a happier note, toys. Whatever amuses you - sudoko, knitting, crosswords, ?? A variety of reading material. Maybe even an actual paperback, in case of technological failure.

Tooth brush and paste, plus other grooming things. Amazing how much better one feels after using them.

Have to admit I'm jealous. Guam has been on my list for ages, but DL doesn't have such a slick route as yours.

Thanks for this guidance. I always choose an aisle so I can get up without disturbing others/at my leisure. I am bringing a paperback in case of a tech outage. :)

I'm also packing a decent sized 'brick' (Anker from Amazon) in case the outlet isn't available/not working, etc. The layover in HNL is only 45 minutes before the second 8-hour flight, HNL->GUM, so little time to find an outlet and charge up.

I have an overnight in Guam (arrive 6pm/leave noon the next day) so I packed a swimsuit. I can't imagine much will top a quick dip, regardless of the evening hour. Except, maybe, a real dinner.

Compression socks
 

Cough drops, spare glasses, zip-lock bags (usually for spare food), safety pins, Q-tips, adapters, Tums, Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, band-aids, antihistamine, nail-clippers. Pens, lots of pens - they tend to walk away.

Other than prescription glasses, you can of course buy the above list as needed. But ... you get to access the value of having right on hand your preferred whatever vs going cross-eyed in a foreign store trying to piece out the language. Or having to buy a pack of 18 when you just want one.

Therein lies the problem. Sit in the aisle, and you have easy access to the restroom. BUT, you lose control of the window shade, and lots of people refuse to close that thing, even if the scenery for the next six hours will be ocean.