Senior travelers: What is it like to fly overseas in a wide-bodied jet?

I've flown overseas 9 times in the last 8 years - we're in Australia, so any trip we take is usually around 24 hours. Plane seats are very variable in size, width, and depth. A really good idea is to do some research - a great site is www.seatguru.com , which tells you all the seat dimensions of every airline company in the world. Because of using this site, I've been able to select airlines which offer the most comfort for your dollar.

A good tip, is to inquire when you purchase your seat - if you can have an "exit row seat". These are the rows which are aligned with the exit doors, and they don't have any seats in front of them. So you have heaps of leg room ! A real bonus in comfort. Last time I flew, I paid an extra $50 each way for the exit row seats, and it was heaven.

As for the general experience, I find it no different from any other form of travel. You get fed frequently, there is usually a couple of choices of meal and you can get "special diets" if you tell them ahead of time. There is plenty of entertainment with a nice video screen for each person (in the seat in front of you, or if no seat is there, a screen swings out from your arm rest.) These have first-run movies, TV shows, documentaries, and plenty of games. They do while away the time .

As for the "getting up", the best thing to do is to make sure you get either an exit row seat as mentioned above, or at least an aisle seat. All airlines have early online check-in, with seat choices. If you haven't' already booked an exit row seat, make sure you check in at the earliest possible time, and pre-select an aisle seat. It does make life more pleasant, although I've sat in many non-aisle seats,and people are generally very nice about letting you get out.

As for people coughing - I guess that cannot be helped. If you are worried about germs, I'd suggest you take a mask. People in overseas countries wear masks as a matter of course if they are worried about germs - you won't be unusual if you take one along.

All planes have plenty of toilet facilities, some of them have nice products for you to use. I've never experienced a bad one yet. You can go for a walk - in fact they encourage you to do so. There is always someone walking around, or standing and chatting. Its good for your legs and feet.

I love traveling - have had many varied travel experiences, but the best part is - you get to go somewhere you haven't been to before. If you have nerve troubles, see your doc and get some medications to relax you, its well worth it. With a bit of luck, you'll sleep your way across the skies. Best wishes to you.

My living in Honduras makes any and all trips an overseas adventure. Last year to Ohio and in a couple of months to Zurich. I also am somewhat handicapped and must travel with my personal help. We have no problems and the air lines go out of their way to ensure my comfort. As for people coughing, I found that taking something like an Alka-Seltzer Plus a couple of days before and after, helps to relieve that flew like feeling. Enjoy your trip.

I took my grandson to Disney World.

We had to delay our scheduled departure because he got a spider bite.

I had a very nice South West airline employee making the arrangements.

She said, "Oh, I see you have an 8 year old. Would you like the family section?"

Well, that seemed like a good idea, so I said "Yes".

Do you know where the family section is?

Let me tell you.

It's at the very back of the plane; last seat, right beside the toilet.

But on the 'up' side; on all 4 flights, we had the nicest man sitting next to us.

He was an Air Marshall!

Depending on the airlines there is usually a small movie screen on the back of the seat in front of you, with a good selection of movies, tv shows, games to watch and music types to listen to. If it is an evening flight, the flight attendants will serve a meal about an hour or so after the plane is in the air, clean up after wards, people file to the restroom when there is no turbulence. About an hour later the overhead lights are turned off, you can read, watch tv or sleep a bit. People usually cough if there is the flu around, but not all that bad...the drone of the engines tends to make some background noise. You can wear earplugs which are usually included in a little amenities package even on economy flights. I like to sit next to the aisle and it's not a big hassle for me to get up to let someone pass, and much more convenient if I want to walk around a bit to stretch my legs.

I always brought a little vial of lavender oil to help calm my flight jitters, very calming and smells nice. Some breath mints, gum, snacks,Tums and other things to distract myself and a Cryptogram book and pencil to do puzzles, a magazine to read, and if you have neck problems bring a good small pillow, one of those cushy ones with little beads is ideal.

I have been on many planes ever since I went to Hawaii back in the 70's but the first time was scary but not so bad, just a few air pockets, didn't have any problems with other passengers.I kept to myself next to the window so I didn't communicate with other unless I had to..My daughter took her first trip on a plane last June and of course she was scare at first but it was long getting there but coming back was short and she had no problems with anybody..Now she want to go again..LOL..so don't worry it really not that bad, just try to sit near a window will help..and good luck on your trip too..=)

edit-I did make sure I didn't eat or drink anything on my trips, so that I don't have to use the bathrooms.

No noticeable difference. A lot of people want to sit by the window so they can look out, but you're more comfortable in an aisle seat. It's easier to get out and stretch your legs or go to the rest room.

It is fine unless you get a window seat in back of a very tall man who insists that he has to adjust the seat so that it is almost in your lap. He apologized to me, but his excuse was that he need the space. This very long return flight from the UK to Los Angeles was the worst experience on any flight for me. When we returned to LAX I could hardly walk.

Otherwise, I would recommend Virgin Atlantic to anyone. They are great.

I only did this once ... my trip to Hawaii. This happened over 30 yrs. ago but I remember a place where I could stand comfortably.

Flying overseas is not different from flying overland. About as strange as using a bus.

the plane is wider which means it has more seats,no different from flying in a smaller plane.