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flying non stop

so............, Our tour begins next week, the 3 of us are excited but the one thing that pops up most is what's the flight gonna be like ? we fly United, non stop thru the night from Chicago to Rome. is the food gonna be ok ? leg room, ? Wi-Fi ?. any tips on jet lag when we get there bright and early ? Many Thanks for any info.
Chuck

Posted by
7175 posts

Excuse me while I have a little chuckle here.
Chicago to Rome - approx 9 hours.
Sydney to Rome - approx 22 hours.
Gee I envy you guys.

Posted by
2613 posts

You can look up your leg room and seat information on seatguru. Get your flight into, get your seat info and look it up on seat guru to see your leg room, Wifi at the seat, other entertainment options etc.

Food - eh....it's never great...I'm just happy when it's not awful.

Posted by
2699 posts

Food- it's airplane food and you have to pay for it, adding insult to injury. Eat a light meal before you leave, no heavy fried foods, get a soda and plenty of water on board. Avoid alcohol. It will dehydrate you and worsen your jet lag. WiFi-why do you care? You want to avoid computer or cell phone screens. They deplete your melatonin, make it harder to sleep. Leg room? Have you flown in the last 20 years? You have no leg room. If it's available and you can afford it upgrade to Economy Plus. That few additional inches can make a huge difference. Ambien has changed my transoceanic life, but it's not for everyone. I sleep a solid 6-7 hours, it leaves me refreshed. When you get there, go to the hotel, drop your bags (or check in and wash up if you are lucky) get breakfast or lunch. Use the day, walk, see the neighborhood, have an early dinner, but most of all, stay awake! Go to bed 8-10 o'clock, and you will be on Rome time the next day.

Posted by
19654 posts

Where are you sitting? Business First? Lay-flat seats, good food, wonderful service. Oh, your in the back of of the plane. A little cramped, adequate food, "If there is anything we can do to make your flight more enjoyable, please keep it to yourself." The entertainment systems are pretty good these days. The wifi uses gogo, which is a service you pay for. Check out the seats on www.seatguru.com

Get as much sleep/rest as you can overnight. Stay active after you land until you get through dinner.

Posted by
1068 posts

No offense, it all depends on you. I like a lot of airline food (there is some research that shows when people don't KNOW it is airline food, they like it) but struggle with leg space because of my height (over 6'), general size (L not XL) and various muscular-skeletal problems. I don't sleep on planes (well okay, if you consider 2 half hour naps coming back from India sleeping.......) So how will YOU react, who knows? I take it as it comes, flying is a necessary evil if you want to see the far corners of the world. WiFi costs extra. Jet-lag hits everyone differently and if you are like me, you can never tell how it will hit you on a particular trip. Despite that, I seem to keep on traveling! Good luck with your adventure.

Posted by
3586 posts

On our most recent int'l travel on United (May), the food was tolerable and free. I think one glass of wine was included. We now always opt for economy +. You may find that because of worries about world events, the flights will not be full. We took a chance on our return trip and just bought regular economy tickets. Sure enough, we each were able to stretch out across 3 seats and sleep a good part of the time.

Posted by
5697 posts

Further to Rosalyn's comments, our United flight SFO-CDG in early April was spookily empty (about 20 people in Economy, we each had a 3-across) ... but the same flight this week shows only 1 or 2 empty seats. Maybe people have overcome their fear of flying.

Posted by
489 posts

Flew Chicago to Amsterdam in May. We always fly out of Chicago and have done so on a number of airlines. Last one was United..
If you must ask about the flight, I'm going to presume you're in Economy. OK, Food not good... bring something to eat for those hunger pains. leg room ... depends on how big you are... Economy is close... WiFi.. depends on the air craft. As they had wifi on board for the entertainment, but our flight didn't work well. and the seat back displays were not good. no free wifi on the air craft in Economy. They will offer drinks first (I think beer and wine is free). then they will feed you the "dinner" and another drink. then they will turn off lights. Try to get an hour or two to sleep. a hour or 2 before landing then they will turn the lights on and probably try to serve you a breakfast (usually inedible) again bring a protein bar. When you land so just stay out in the sun and walk around as much as possible try to eat at the normal time (but the Italians eat so late, that you will not be able to stay up that long..) Go to bed set alarm and get up and have a great time in Rome. Drink as much water as possible on the plane and get up and go to bathroom as much as possible (clorox wipes a must) Small talk to the flight attendants can get some perks.. always smile and thank the attendants...

Posted by
9363 posts

I have never flown on an international flight where you had to pay for food, but I generally fly Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, or Delta. Have your meal, then plan to sleep. Don't worry about the entertainment on the flight over. The more you can sleep, the better you will manage the next day. Once you arrive stay outside, if possible, and keep moving. Exposure to sunlight will help you adjust to local time. Plan on a relatively early bedtime, then you should be fine the next day. I have more adjustment problems coming back than I do going to Europe. Adrenalin and excitement will take you a long way.

Posted by
15679 posts

we fly United, non stop thru the night from Chicago to Rome.

We've done that one as a connector from Minneapolis: 9 hours from O'Hare to Fiumicino.
United is better than Alitalia. I love the Italians. Their airline? Not so much.
Hopefully you get one of the fancy-schmany planes with seat-back entertainment. Neither of us can snooze enflight so we watch movies and read. I like the screen that shows you where you are along the route.

is the food gonna be ok ?

Edible. Barely. I actually had something last time that I could not identify...and I'm not real picky. Look at it this way: ANYTHING is going to taste better in Rome so thou shalt not be disappointed.

leg room ?

If you are a pygmy, you will survive economy coach.

Wi-Fi ?

Not for free so we've never tried it but we've also never felt like we needed it. This is a great time to learn to unplug.

any tips on jet lag when we get there bright and early ?

Stay up and keep moving until it's close to your normal bedtime hour. We head immediately for the nearest cafe for a bracing cup of cappuccino (YUM!) and avoid indoor attractions that demand a lot of attention, like big museums. Walking and fresh air does wonders. Drink a lot of water on the plane.

Many Thanks for any info.

You're welcome. Have a great trip!

Posted by
489 posts

You do not have to pay for anything in Economy on United unless you would like a cocktail. Food is free on International flights.

Posted by
4495 posts

Pay for food transatlantic: Icelandair, Wow, & Norwegian? Only sure about the first one.

Posted by
2699 posts

My mistake, correct the food is free international on United. And for the most part, terrible. I always eat a light dinner in the airport or take a sandwich from home. If you choose to dine with United I suggest taking some almonds, dried fruit, trail mix as a snack in case the chicken you ordered taste like an eraser.

Posted by
3514 posts

Leg room = economy is tight, economy plus is not so tight, business is OK and 1st is good.

Food = You get a free meal and a pre arrival snack anywhere in the plane. What it is and if it is good depends on which class you are (sometimes even 1st is pretty bad these days). Best part is your house beer and wine is free as much as you want until they run out for the whole plane on United international flights! This video shows exactly what you get now on United in economy : https://youtu.be/Vub1bdVAoS0

Internet = depends on the plane. All United planes have internet as long as you are close to the 48 states. If you will have it once you are out over the ocean depends completely on which specific plane you end up on as United has several Internet providers for their planes.

WiFi = Yes, even if it is only watch the provided movies on your personal device you have it. Doing anything else like get to the internet depends and will cost you.

Posted by
630 posts

I always bring food with me on a plane - I would rather have it and not need it, than not have it and need it. We bring a sandwich, trailmix and fruit. Then if United does give you something half decent - then it's a bonus and you can save your snacks for the hotel room later.

Posted by
2767 posts

On United Intl, food is provided. I've found it...adequate. You can bring food (buy it at airport or bring from home - from home it has to be solid, no liquids like soup, yogurt, drinks, in order to get thru security. If you buy it past the security check you can bring anything). Bring water (fill your own bottle in the airport or buy there). There is drink service, but it's just easier to have your own in case you get thirsty when it's not time. Plus dehydration amplifies jet lag.

Leg room - people say it's tight. I'm 5'3 and average weight and find it fine in coach. Taller or heavier people have more trouble. My husband is 6'0 and thin and can tolerate it but books an aisle seat. Choose your seats wisely - if you are traveling as a couple and the plane has a 2-4-2 configuration (2 seats, aisle, 4 seats, aisle... you are golden. Get the 2, and you can kind of share space without worrying about being squished by a stranger.) Regardless, choose seats ASAP to avoid a middle seat!

Jet lag- don't plan a thing too strenuous for day 1. After landing stay outside if possible. Don't nap, or at least not very long. Go to bed at an early but reasonable time and the next day will be better. What you don't want is to sleep for the night at 5PM because then you will be up at midnight wanting breakfast! Fight that and go to bed at 9 or later.

Posted by
715 posts

My last four have been on Swiss, lufthansa, Alitalia and Emirates. Swiss and Lufthansa the food was ok. Alitalia was not too bad and Emirates the food was quite good. I also tend to stick with chicken or pasta as they always seem to be prepared better, IMHO. Drinks have always been free.

Posted by
8377 posts

woof you asked what to do about jet lag when you get there. The best thing you can do is prepare for it before you leave. Look at the time difference from where you are to where you will be, and see your goal is to get your body clock to get on to the day/night schedule where you are going to be. To me, that means avoiding caffeine, alcohol and eating lightly, for a couple of days before the trip. Start sleeping earlier if you can.
On the plane, you need to see that when you arrive in Rome, your body is going to think it's late night bedtime, so you will be messed up. If you eat a big dinner on the plane, have a couple of drinks, watch the free movies all night, you are going to be devastated when you arrive. The best thing to do is eat lightly, put on your eye mask and ear plugs and try to sleep as much as you can. That's hard to do when you are so excited about your trip and want to party.

When you arrive in Rome (remember your body is thinking its now around 1:00 AM) have the breakfast, coffee, juice, etc.., to start a new day. The worst thing is to take a long nap when you get a chance, as then your body will be really confused as to what time it is, and you can be messed up for days.

Some people don't get bothered with jetlag, and for many of us, its worse on the return flight. But its manageable.

Posted by
2297 posts

Yes, food and drinks are usually included. However, as much as I like my glass of wine with dinner, I never ever drink alcohol during a flight. It guarantees a splitting headache for me - especially as it's sooo dry on the plane. Drink water and more water. Have a bottle with you that can be refilled so you don't have to depend on the rare times the flight attendants come through to offer you something to drink.

Posted by
12 posts

WOW, lot more replies than I expected, Thanks for what to expect. Im 6 foot so I knew it was gonna be tight, and the food is about I was hoping for something better but I'll survive, Again, Many Thanks, Chuck

Posted by
7049 posts

Chuck,
Non-American airlines have better food, sorry to say. My favorite is Turkish Air - I order a special meal (vegetarian) which is delicious (I'm not joking)...they actually have a chef on board preparing the food, even for the paupers in Economy like me.

You'll be fine. You're already golden for getting a direct flight. Try to sleep and just hit the ground once you get in..take in all the sunshine you can get, grab an espresso for a pick-me-up, and just do some low key stuff like strolling around and getting your bearings on your first day. Rome is magical, you'll have a great trip.

Posted by
19654 posts

if you are traveling as a couple and the plane has a 2-4-2 configuration (2 seats, aisle, 4 seats, aisle... you are golden.

Unfortunately, its a 777, 3-3-3.

Posted by
15679 posts

Unfortunately, its a 777, 3-3-3.

When we have to fly those, we book aisle seats across from each other.

Posted by
49 posts

Loved all these replies! I also am traveling in a few weeks but taking a night flight. I sleep very well on the plane. But I do have one question? Take a travel blanket or not?
I plan on packing a light pair of slippers and change into them when I get seated and wearing dressy sweat pants for comfort. Luckily I'm a small person and I can fit into a seat anywhere. I have a problem when someone is bigger (which is all the time) taking up some of my space. So I always get an isle seat.
Thanks for these suggestions!

Posted by
489 posts

gloria, I only use the airline's blanket for the small of my back or if my feet are cold. I always bring a large pashimi scarf, that I can use as a scarf when traveling or a shawl or a blanket. I don't use the pillow either, but bring a neck pillow that is half blow up and half padded. It can also be used as pillow in the hotels or on bus/train.

Posted by
362 posts

Another strong vote for aisle across seating. Whether short flights or overnight we always choose seats on the aisle. We're tall and need the leg room. Also if there's a fussy child or weighty person in the next seat it's easier to escape for a breather if you're not crawling over people to reach the aisle. Also, another vote for the vegetarian menu. We usually fly Delta and theirs is decent, even an Asian veg. version. Much better than the warming oven stuff. Yep, bring your own wrap and neck pillow for overnight as you never know where the others have been!

Posted by
524 posts

Food is so subjective. DH and I found it was just fine. I don't think there was anything bad about it really. I worried about the flight, too. Are you flying at night? I took 5 MG ambien right after dinner about 10 pm, and slept probably 3 hours total...jfk to Venice. I was so worried about jetlag, but the adrenaline was flowing upon arrival...local time 11 am, that it didn't hit me until about 8:30 that night. Went back to hotel, in bed by 9:30 and we were good to go for the next 10 days.

Trip back was Rome to Detroit. I was worried again as this was during the day and 10 hours. Turned out well, watched about 3 movies and they feed you constantly. The last 2 hours I was restless, but all in all not near as awful as I imagined.

Posted by
12 posts

were leaving Chicago at about 9 PM, suppose to be a 9 hour flight, most I have ever flown is a little over 3 and it was cramped. I usally bring some thing to eat, going to try and sleep. not like there's any thing to see out side to see any way. hoping they have some sort of movie going but I'll have my tablet to read. Thanks for all the replies, Ill let you all know what it was like when we get there. Last flight plane was broke when we got to the airport, would have been nice to know that before the hour drive to get there early to do the TSA thing

Posted by
17 posts

Make sure you are tired when you get on the plane. Also, charge and download stuff you want to watch. My husband and i do not mind traveling, great opportunity to be lazy and watch movies. If leg space is what you are concerned about get seats with extra leg room or see if you can upgrade the day of.

You will have jet lag but for example if its an overnight flight you make sure you sleep.....stick to what you should be doing so for example if you get there and its their PM then make sure your tired when you get there vs getting their their AM time and going to sleep and being lazy when you check in.

Bring snacks on the plane......water, etc.

I try not to drink coffee as it dehydrates you. Also, nothing like a zanax and a nice glass of wine to put you to sleep or a dramamine if you prefer.

Posted by
524 posts

I did upgrade before we left to more leg space on the way over. Was worth the extra $200 to me. I wanted to lean my seat back more without feeling like I was encroaching on the person behind me and stretch my legs to sleep.

Posted by
11613 posts

Before you take any sleep aids on the flight, try them at home a couple of times, and do not mix them with alcohol.

Posted by
2699 posts

Doubling down on the comment by Zoe. Mixing benzodiazepines of any sort with alcohol is exceedingly dangerous (see Karen Anne Quinlan). Even if you get away with it once, the next time might be your last as the severity of the interaction can vary based on dosage of alcohol, food in your stomach, other medications. Never do this, never.

Posted by
12 posts

OK were here, flight was grueling, I'm 6 foot 200 pounds and my seat was cramped, a 777 seat in economy is horrible, food was OK, they ran out of one of the entrey's before they reached the back of the plane,and then they ran out of wine. flight was smooth, some seats were empty but they wouldn't let any one use them to stretch out, wasn't to chilli, smooth and quick, landed right on time.

Posted by
69 posts

We have flown to Rome non stop. My husband is tall and so am I. We had adequate seats in economy. We flew Air transat. I found there to be ample headroom which helps alleviate that claustrophobic feeling. It was a pleasant flight. I slept some.

I actually enjoy plane food. I haven't had a bad one yet and we have flown a number of times.

Yes drink lots of water and move your legs by stretching your feet and toes as much as possible. Keep your circulation moving. Use hand sanitizer.

After checking into hotel we immediately went walking and were so excited to see the colosseum we just kept going until the evening. I don't recall jet lag at all being an issue. This was 3 years ago.

Posted by
2097 posts

My wife is a nurse practitioner. She highly recommends you wear compression socks on long (over 2 hour) flights.

We just push through the day when we arrive. You'll be dog tired when you finally get to bed, but it will get you adjusted.

I'm heading to Alaska for work next week. I'm dreading the time change. I'll have to leave for the airport at 5:30 am and won't arrive until nearly 6:00 pm old time, which is 2:00 pm Alaska time. Luckily I'll have Sunday to acclimate before having to get to work on Monday. I have 300 computers to configure in a week so I'll be working long and hard.

Posted by
15679 posts

Glad you got there, Woof. Yep, nothing fun about the getting there but NOW the fun begins!

Have a great time, and wave hello to my bella Italia. :O)

Posted by
12 posts

I got to admit the place is great and the guide is wonderful, no regrets coming were having a fun time. There taking us to a lot of places and teaching us what to look for in the ruins beside just toppled over columns

Posted by
106 posts

Hi Woof, glad you arrived safely and having a good time. Can you give reports on the tour guides you used? My family will be going next early June. Thanks and happy travels.

Posted by
7175 posts

I don't mind 9 hours on a flight - 3 movies, 2 meals, 1 nap. It's when it drags out beyond this that discomfort and impatience start to set in. Of course I'm not as tall as you are. Have a great trip.

Posted by
12 posts

you know, after that horrible flight I told my self I would never do this again, I was wrong, the tour is great, were having a great time and the group is bonding and doing things after hours like walking and checking the local store and food out, the guide has been way better than I hoped, she's been a lot of help anfd just plain fun to hang with.

Posted by
2699 posts

Woof, glad you are having fun! The misery of air travel fades quickly, the memories of your tour will stay with you forever. But, a guy your size need to be in at least premium economy. Why don't you see if you can upgrade on the way home? Money well spent if a seat is available.

Posted by
116 posts

One more thought on the food. Most airlines allow you to choose a special meal. If you are still within the window see what they have to offer. The Kosher, Vegetarian, and Low Fat meal are often much better than the regular food and I have found you may get your meal sooner than the rest of the plane. Bring a good book to read, that helps me pass the time. Also load up on some podcasts as a great way to pass the time.

Posted by
1929 posts

I'll never fly United again overseas. I don't know if it was an old plane or what, but from Chicago O'Hare to Paris CDG it was 8 hours of yuck. No leg room, no movies, cruddy food. I was a zombie when we hit Paris.

Compare that experience to the return flight on Lufthansa, a 10-hour direct flight from Munich back to O'Hare. It should've been worse, but there was at least 4-6" more leg room, multiple movie choices, good food, and attentive flight attendants. I would almost call it a pleasure. That is why for an upcoming late February trip, even though it may cost a tad more, we booked Lufthansa all the way, ORD to Frankfurt to Rome, then Naples to Munich to ORD. And for a few bucks more--which we saved by watching that itinerary for a month & booking at its lowest point--we reserved our seats in rows of two, so no chance of a middle seat.

For what it's worth, part of combatting jet lag is to pick the right flight times in the first place. We usually leave Chicago between 4-7PM, and usually after a connection/layover arrive at our European destination around noon to 3PM local time the next day. FYI, I don't sleep overnight because I have a VPAP for sleep apnea and it's very difficult to use that in Economy, and I won't pay thousands extra for Business or First Class.

We check into the hotel, have a light lunch somewhere, walk around a bit, then take a 2-3-hour nap. Wake up, walk around some more, have an 8PM dinner, nothing too heavy, then go to bed. More often than not, we wake up refreshed the next morning and our internal clocks are on European time. Works well for us.

Posted by
2097 posts

One more thought on the food. Most airlines allow you to choose a special meal. If you are still within the window see what they have to offer. The Kosher, Vegetarian, and Low Fat meal are often much better than the regular food and I have found you may get your meal sooner than the rest of the plane.

Be sure to watch Season 3 of "Orange is the New Black". It seems that some of the inmates have discovered the same thing and start to order Kosher meals. A couple of the inmates are afraid that they'll be challenged about their faith. There's a hilarious scene where one inmate looks through VHS tapes to see if she can find anything that would help if she was challenged. She comes across a movie that she feels will teach her all she needs to know. I'll let you guess the name of the director.

Posted by
396 posts

To me the worst part of the flight is tossing and turning while trying to get a little sleep. I like traveling during the day. If time is not an issue and the flights where you live support this approach, it's something to consider. Sure you may blow some daylight hours at your destination with this approach, but you avoid compounding the time shift with the unpleasantness of hours restless semi-sleep.

+1 on the vegetarian meals
+1 on economy plus seating, it's a revelation after economy class. Still don't sleep well, though.

Posted by
12 posts

tours done, it was great, worth the crappy flight, we fly home tomarrow on Lufhansia (sp) ill let you all know how it compared to United.
PS, it was really worth the bad flight over, the guide was awsome

Posted by
12 posts

tours done, it was great, worth the crappy flight, we fly home tomarrow on Lufhansia (sp) ill let you all know how it compared to United.
PS, it was really worth the bad flight over, the guide was awsome

Posted by
7175 posts

Choosing a day or night flight is just not an option when returning home to Australia from Europe. If you have an evening departure you will fly through 2 nights, and land early on your 2nd day. Of course there is a transit stop en route - somewhere like Dubai or Singapore.

Posted by
752 posts

My best and favorite flight was from Chicago to Zurich on Swiss! Loved it, three times they came around with hot towels for all of us! Lights were low, it was very calming. Food and snacks were OK, and I loved how Swiss moved my checked bag to their regional flight to Florence. It was 3 AM, and it felt like a two mile walk to the connecting gate!

They knew i was concerned about the Notice that appeared directing us to walk straight to our connecting gate. I don't have to fetch my luggage I asked? Love their reply, first a huge knowing smile, then "you're not in the US anymore, you are in Switzerland now!"

Posted by
7175 posts

Yes, it seems ironic to an outsider that despite a competitive environment, the US airlines still have such poor reputations, with inferior product and bad service.

Posted by
15679 posts

... and I loved how Swiss moved my checked bag to their regional
flight to Florence.

Sandra, this has been standard procedure on all of our connecting flights (so far) to/from Europe on U.S. airline companies as long as we were flying the same airline or one of their alliance partners on the 2nd leg.

Posted by
12 posts

came home today, flew home on Lufthansa home, food was much better, service was way better than United, for me flying back home during the day was eaiser , seat still was very uncomfortable, next time we well book business class, they let us look around the top floor of the 747 after we landed, that's the way to travel, US customs at O'Hare was a nightmare, took us over and hour to get thru. most of there passport reader were not working right.

Posted by
2699 posts

Woof, next time look into the premium economy seats. Each airline that has such a cabin class calls them by another name. But if you use Kayak as a search engine and designate Premum Economy that is what you will get. The difference in legroom will make a difference for you, and the cost difference is acceptable. Business and first are, of course, much better all around-room, food, drinks, service, etc. But, you pay a lot more for that. I'm 5'7" on a good day, 140 pounds and I find economy longer than 3 hours excruciating. I don't know how you did it!