Flight Fright Fascination

Growing up in the South Island of New Zealand is different to anywhere else in the world. In order to see other parts of my country, such as the North Island, I have to take the ferry across sea or fly. New Zealand has one airline, Air New Zealand, yes how original, who dominate the Pacific skies along side the odd Qantas plane or two. So after only flying Air New Zealand (ANZ) all my life, its only natural that i feel safest and most at ease with this airline. Yet somehow i managed to develop this ridiculously minor fear of flying. Upon take-off i have to squeeze my eyes tight shut and draw my legs up to my chest, so that i can't feel any engine failure vibrations through the floor of the plane (duh). I then push my earlobes inside my ear, attempting to block out any freaky rushing plane sounds and picture myself lying on a calm tropical beach, with my feet safely digging into the sand. I recently learned it is best not to crush the hand of the person sitting next to me as it may result in further discomfort on my behalf. Surprisingly though, i love landing and find it hilarious when my plane bounces or skids upon contact with the ground at eye-watering speeds. I believe this unnatural joy has to do with the concept of arrival and the desired action of getting off the plane.

Yet this small issue with flying has not managed to tame my wild passion for travel and new adventures, as i seem to forget i am 30 000ft. above sweet stable ground once we are airborne. I get distracted by the large variety of up-to-date movies and that delicious airplane food we all know and love. The drive of the destination fuels me, keeps me coming back for more personal torment in order to sample the flavour of every culture our world offers.

Air New Zealand fly daily from London Heathrow and have recently opened up new routings to Auckland via Hong Kong or Shanghai. Other popular stopover options include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands way out in the middle of the no where, Osaka and Tokyo, along with many more code shares and connecting airlines within the Star Alliance. The airline also offer Economy, Premium Economy and Business class airfares with the most comfortable seat pitch and that friendly Kiwi service with a smile.

Long Haul-10 essential items

New Zealand is miles away. About 12 000 miles actually. 26 hours of pure unadulterated flying. For some reason, this seems to put some people off the trip of a life time. I can't imagine missing out on experiencing those sculpted mountains, serene mirror-like lakes and rich historical Maori traditions.

So in order to get through the long haul nightmare, you need to be a Flight Geek, such as I am. Preparation is the key. With Air New Zealand you are allowed a 7kg limit of cabin baggage. This gives you enough room to strategically fit everything you need into your pack. Here's an idea of my survival kit when in the air;

1. WATER! The hostess never gives you enough, and I have issues with sleeping on planes so its good to have a ridiculously over-sized bottle with you to prevent dehydration.

2.Ear Plugs. I still can't sleep on planes but it is nice to rest and escape the loud hum of the engines.

3. Eye patch. I really do try, still no joy but and this helps when the person you were forced to sit next to wants to read into the night.

4.Socks. Yes socks. It gets cold, even if you are wearing some, take an extra pair for when you want to sleep, especially if you're seated by the door. Brrr!

5. Snacks. This should really be at the top! Im always hungry and having to wait to be fed like a caged animal frustrates me. So i carry nuts, seeds, raisins and fruit with me. Just be sure to eat it before you disembark, or place the remains in the correct bins upon arrival.

6.Music. Now days most people have iPods, or Mp3 players. I love to turn on some tunes and drift away with my thoughts (of getting some sleep in an actual bed). The Airline always have a wide range of 'radio stations' to listen to on their provided headphones.

7.Book AND Magazine. If you're like me, you eventually get bored with reading one thing for so long. I like to take several choices with me and give myself time ranges in which to read each. It gives me something to look forward to in the later part of the same flight. Normal people usually just take a book.

8.Pad and Pen. On a 26 hour flight you get a lot of time to think. In the past i have listed things to do when i reach my destination,  re-arranged my room on paper, and discovered a new found passion for sketching people while they're asleep. Handy.

9.Face wipes. On a long haul, when the crew wake you up for breakfast, they bring round a hot face cloth to freshen up. In seconds it is stone cold but great while it lasts. I recommend bringing your own face wipes to freshen up whenever you feel like it. Helps to remove make-up etc before trying to sleep. Or as a face repair if you are lucky enough to drift off before you knew it.

10. Toothbrush/toothpaste. Last but definitely NOT least! Helps to give you some kind of routine I guess, brushing 'em before and after bed.

Remember to wear comfy, lounge clothes and get plenty of fresh air and exercise before the flight. Taking fish oil tablets for the week leading up to the flight is an idea to help circulation. Hope this helps, just keep your eye on the prize!