I am flying to the usa in less than a month, its the first long haul flight i`ve done and i`m dreading it?

If you can, bring reading material and listen to the music on your earphones or watch the movie. Just bring lots to keep you busy.

If you can, avoid sleeping on the plane, unless a short nap, unless coming from Hawaii (from the other direction, this information is exactly backwards). When you left the Eastern Hemisphere, it was morning. It will be afternoon here when you arrive 8-12 hours later. If you slept the whole time, you will find it hard to sleep that night.

Going back the other way to Europe, try to sleep as much as possible, as you leave here in the morning and it is morning when you get there (due to the 5-6 or more hours difference in time). One flight I flew from Florida to Frankfurt, Germany left the US about 9 or 9:30 AM EST. It landed at Frankfurt, Germany at 7:30 AM CET.

When you leave in the morning and arrive in the morning, try to stay awake as long as possible and then maybe turn in a couple hours early. Go out and do things with friends or site-see. Any active things will do. It will make the jet-lag less than if you give in and go to sleep at 11:00 AM local time.

If your airline still gives free booze on international flights, that can make the sleep easier! LOL!

PS. If takeoffs are your worst fear, let me trade a story with you. I once had the opportunity to fly on a C5A military transport from Dover, DE to Frankfurt, Germany. These planes are so big, they carry tanks (I mean combat armored battle tanks that weigh more tons than I can count?) and cargo on the bottom part, and passengers sit in a very small part at the very top. I say small, but it is very large....just small in comparison to the rest of the plane. Passengers have to climb a DOUBLE set of stairs to get to it. After several hundred people get into this part of the plane, then you get take-off.

The plane taxied to the end of the runway, locked his breaks, and started increasing the throttle. Took about 2 minutes to get full speed, then, he popped the breaks. We rolled for what seemed like 2 miles, and actually left the ground twice and touched back down before he finally got airborne the third time.

After that, a very short takeoff on ANY commercial plane has been NO PROBLEM!

(We won't speak about required combat manevors that military planes must make on take-off or landing in combat zones....commercial planes don't do those anyway)

Bottom line is, relax. And remember it could be much worse than you think it is.

Ive jest got back from Australia for the 3rd in 2 years so i know all about long haul, my advice is set your watch on take off to the time of the place your flying to, sleep at the right time, do int cat nap, keep off the alcohol ,drink fruit juice or water, take a book, mags, and snacks, when your legs get ta ired put your cushion on the seat under your knees, book a seat on the aisle so you can go to the loo when ever you want, good luck and have a great time.

Flying can play on your mind months before you go and as you get closer to the date, the more intense the nerves get. If you are worried because you dislike flying or fear flying, try and remember that a flight lands at heathrow (UK) every single minute and that's just one airport out of thousands around the world. Now how many accidents have you heard of? hardly any? so out of millions of flights there are hardly any problems... that's how safe it is.

I know it's not an ideal solution but sometimes I like to have a couple of units of alcohol before or on a flight and that totally chills me out. Also your Doctor can supply pills for the journey that will calm you down. Really though, if you can get through it on your own, it will be really good for you. Hope this helps?

Are you flying to the east coast or west coast? New York is only 7 hours away. i've done it a couple of times and the flights were a doddle. Travel scheduled flights if possible. Worth it for the comfort factor

I love flying! Just make sure you have plenty to do. There will be films, but take a good book, some mags, plenty water and sweets to keep you going and you will be fine! Good luck. If you are really panicing, go to the dr and ask about something to help.

Easy. Bloody Mary's

It isn't that bad, the worst bits are takeoff & landing when your ears pop. The rest is boredom & sitting watching movies oh joy.

It's not different to short-haul, except you get more meals, more drinks and more boredom. Oh and better seats with good films.

What are you actually dreading?