Maybe if you expect the worst, it won’t be so bad. I’ve visited over 100 countries and flying is just something you have to put up with to enjoy the destination. And NZ is incredible and absolutely worth it. I hope you have a decent amount of time to really be there. I avoid alcohol, drink lots of water, read, watch movies/tv, make sure to stand up, bring healthy snacks because I hate airplane food and focus on the destination. There is no way to sugarcoat how tiring it is to fly that distance in economy. At least it will be shorter on the return.

Bring you own headphones that will plug into their entertainment system - on my last long flight they forgot to pack them and it was pretty boring not to be able to watch anything the entire flight.

In first class I sleep. In coach I generally can’t sleep - I read, play games on my phone/tablet, watch movies, listen to podcasts and music. Depending on the trip I do a little work or browse for restaurants etc. I really don’t mind. Just don’t forget to stretch, roll around ankles, hydrate.

xanax

Longest flight of all is JFK to SIN on Singapore Air (SQ). The flight to Auckland is indeed quite long though. Good luck. I would never do such a long flight in economy myself.

That noted, try to sleep in flight. Consider getting an Rx for 2 Ambien (one each way) as a backup. Drink mostly water, rather than alcohol during the flight. If awake, talk a short walk or change positions occasionally to reduce chances of deep vein thrombosis (esp if in economy).

Anonymous wrote:What are your tips for coping on the longest flight on the planet? DFW to aukland, btw. Ugh. solo - no kids in tow! TIA

New York to Auckland is longer. I think there are longer ones than that too.

I’d have to stop at least once, to eat and hydrate. I’d wear a mask the entire plan rides

Anonymous wrote:watch Wicked and the Gilded Age. It is long but in my opinion much better than two shorter flights.

If they have HBO TV series, watch a whole series. I watched True Detective with Jodie Foster, which took a large chunk of time.

Put on sweatpants before the flight. Take an extra t shirt. Hydrate - you'll probably need to keep asking for water. No alcohol. Take comfortable over the ear headphones. Take ear plugs in case of crying babies.

I usually get really bored somewhere over Fiji with five hours to go.

Anonymous wrote:I am doing something similar but with a 11 and 13 year old - we have never taken anywhere close to such a long flight! Here for any suggestions ...

No way I’d do it with an 11 yo. Most kids don’t have the ability to power through if they’re sick or uncomfortable.

watch Wicked and the Gilded Age. It is long but in my opinion much better than two shorter flights.

I still remember the first major international trip I took. 17 hours in the far back of a United 747 to China. I don't think anywhere in the world is worth that torture.

Fly business, that’s how.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you all. 1st world problem I know but i'm terrified.

Terrified of what exactly? Being bored?

I am jealous of those of you who can sleep. I flew to France Europe this summer and slept about 45 minutes going and 0 coming home. It’s torture for me.