China Travel Forum

[Mitchell]

This is my first International flight. My wife and I will be flying direct from Chicago to Beijing. I believe the flight is about 13 hours. Can someone provide some tips so I don't go crazy sitting in a plane for this long? What do you bring with you? What kind of entertainment do they have on the plane? What kind of food do they usually serve?

[Raphael]

Long flights are the best part of traveling. Unless you are one of those lucky people I see fast asleep most of the flight you need something to occupy.
I like bringing a thick book to read. This makes the flight a relaxation rather than unbearable. I continue reading at those times in my hotel when I am left with nothing to do or worked up from the day and can't sleep. Usually I finish it on the way home.
I also go on frequent walks in the aisle and do exercises. There are usually one or two others in the rear of the plane doing the same to talk with.
The air gets very dry so it helps if you bring frozen grapes to suck on and nibble. Don't worry about the food. You get what they serve. If you want better food chose a restricted diet meal when you get your ticket. These are things like Diabetic, Low Salt, Kosher, Vegetarian. I always get Asian Vegetarian when I travel on Korean Air to China or Japan. It is various Indian (not always curry) dishes.