Sorry, I'm sure this has been addressed before but perhaps I'm not looking for right search terms. I tried "packing list", "packing essentials", and others and I'm just not getting what I'm looking for. What I need is some help packing my and my 12-yr old son's carry-ons for a flight from LA to Sydney. Now, I can figure out the obvious (lens case, tissues, etc.) but any advice about useful things to include (to survive this looooong flight) would be GREATLY appreciated!

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

Bring:
Aspirin or Tylenol;
wet wipes;
moisturizers;
a noise reduction headphone or ear plugs (they work great to reduce the ear-popping symptoms);
digital camera;
extra batteries;
a good book or two (travel guides are great);
snacks in case the food isn't up to par;
your own neck pillow;
your own earphones if you don't have noise reduction headsets (the airline headsets in economy are awful);
spare travel shampoo or soap & bathroom kit if you get stranded somewhere;


That should do it. Less is more, often times!
Enjoy your flight.

Thanks....What about things to pass the time (besides books?)

Often times the entertainment in the air will help you pass the time.

If you are into music, often times there are a lot of different channels of music and talk shows as well.

I carry my laptop everywhere, so I record my journal / thoughts when I fly (it's a great time for personal reflection).

I also play electronic chess to keep the mind sharp.

Just think about what you like to do on the ground, and see if you can do the same on the air to pass the time.

Also, it doesn't hurt to being writing a Trip Report so you can let us know how your trip was (and your relatives who are dying to hear the scoop).

Only 2 things missing from UALOneKPlus's list:

Nytol (recommend 2+ x recommended dose)
Gin (in Y the FA's just don't get enough out quick enough).

And a good book for yourself!

[This message has been edited by Wingnut (edited 10-28-2002).]

I'm not sure what Nytol is...

I wouldn't recommend alcohol on any flight, let alone a long flight. I have been guilty of taking a few sips of wine, however...

Alcohol thins your blood and reduced the oxygen in your blood, which is the last thing you need on a long flight.

Be sure to get up and walk regularly to get the blood flowing, so you don't get any blood clots.

Evian spray (not the water, but an aerosol can). This is the single best and most important item I take on any long flight: every hour or so, give your face a shpritz from the can, and you'll feel amazingly refreshed (and your skin will thank you, too). It's just6 water in a can, but it does a great job of keeping you hydrated in a very dry atmosphere.

Drink lots of water (take a 1.5 litre bottle on the plane with you), as well.

I bring my gameboy on board, works great if you don't feel like watching a movie or listening to music.

Forgot one more thing - eye covers...

I only travel domestically, but here's a few other things to consider:

DVD's & CD's

At least two liters of water - you've got to stay hydrated, and the severe dryness of the cabin goes against you. If you drink airline water, make sure it's bottled.

Sweatshirt in case it's cold

Change of clothes and toiletries - you never know when you'll be seeing your luggage for the last time.

Food. I prefer Trader Joe's various trail mixes.

Enough fast-reading trash novels to pass the time.

Ear plugs - makes sleeping easier when you can tune out the engines and the background conversations.

Sunglasses - also helps the sleep.

Prescription decongestant - sometimes one's ears have a hard time on rapid descents.

Laptop - mandatory - I can concentrate on an aircraft like nowhere else. I get more work done on a four hour flight than I can do all week.

Lip balm for cabin-dry lips (especially like Bag Balm in the small tins you can buy at animal feed stores). Also hand lotion and for dry cuticles a small tube of Neosporin does wonders.

Noise canceling headphones

Believe it or not..the time your flight departs LAX can make a lot of difference in what to take.This is a regular flight for me as I live in Sydney and my husband lives in USA. I find the later the flight goes the better.

If you do have a late departing flight keep your son awake as long as you can and he should sleep most of the flight...with any luck I think the latest goes around midnight.

If he has a gameboy etc..take that, plus extra games and batteries as mentioned before. Activity style books are also handy for kids. Most airlines hand out kits to children with several things to do in them. A pack of playing cards is also handy.

I usually take a book, my PDA, a bottle of Nutrimetics green tea mist to spray my face etc. and a crossword book. I also take a couple of Benadryl tablets just before I get on the plane. I usually stay awake long enough for the first meal..then it's good night Phoebe. Next thing I know we are about an hour from landing in Sydney.

Good luck and have a great time in Sydney

Phoebe

Kids should consider bring some food and not depend on the airline's food. Consider bringing a xerox of passport, surgical mask (in case the next passenger is coughing a lot), even water.

tweezers, nail files, clippers, and corkscrew