I took a 13-hour flight to New Zealand from LA. Here are 8 mistakes I made.

The author in her business-class seat on an Air New Zealand long-haul flight.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Two summers ago, I spent 13 hours on a plane flying from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand.
Before, during, and after the flight, I did things that increased exhaustion, jet lag, and discomfort.
Between forgetting my toothbrush and eating sugary snacks, I made mistakes I won’t make again.

New Zealand is known for its incredibly stunning scenery — and an incredibly long flight if you live in the US like me.

I set out to see those views in June 2022 and embarked on a 24-hour journey to the country.

I boarded a flight in Denver heading to Los Angeles and arrived at my final destination — Auckland, New Zealand — two days later.

Between time-zone changes, a 13-hour flight, a 2.5-hour flight, and layovers, I spent nearly 24 consecutive hours in airports, airport lounges, and airplanes.

I was lucky enough to have a business-class seat on my Air New Zealand flight, but even with the added comfort of business class, I still made plenty of mistakes. Take a look.

Business Insider received a press rate for the round-trip flight from Air New Zealand.

I didn’t spend long enough in the airport lounge.

A quick stretch break before a 13-hour flight.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Before any flight, I try to squeeze a few laps around the terminal and a quick stretch break.

While I did a little stretching before my 13-hour flight, it wasn’t enough. With such a long layover, I should’ve spent more time walking around the airport and exhausting myself for the upcoming flight.

Looking back, I also wasn’t active enough during the flight. The only times I left my business-class seat were for a few bathroom breaks, unlike some of my fellow passengers who were smart enough to take a few laps around the cabin.

This left me with avoidable achy legs and restlessness throughout the flight and into my first day in Auckland.

My toothbrush and toothpaste were inaccessible from my business-class seat.

The author struggles to fall asleep on the flight.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The luxury of an Air New Zealand business-class flight is that I was able to sleep horizontally instead of reclined upright in a seat.

I assumed since I was sleeping in a normal position, staying asleep would be easy.

It wasn’t, and I still struggled to keep my eyes closed in the unfamiliar space.

When I struggle to fall asleep at home, I often take a bit of melatonin to help. While it’s not for everyone, I’m not going to forget to pack melatonin for future flights.

I forgot to pack chocolate, which is a mistake I guarantee will never happen again.

A cinnamon-sugar pretzel wasn’t the ideal snack before a 13-hour flight.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

No matter how nice the plane cabin is, I find it nearly impossible to disembark from a long-haul flight feeling refreshed or energized. Unfortunately, the cinnamon-sugar pretzel I devoured at the beginning of the flight didn’t help.

I should’ve remembered a tip I heard from a flight attendant: Don’t forget to pack healthy snacks.

My future packing list will include healthier snack options since fiber and protein can help travelers feel better after a long-haul flight.

I didn’t drink nearly enough water during the 13 hours in the air.

A king-sized bed at a hotel in Auckland, New Zealand.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I made an error and took a nap when I landed at 6 a.m. local time in Auckland.

I knew it was a mistake, but after the long flight, the hotel’s king-sized bed was calling my name. As a result, I spent the next few days struggling to adjust to New Zealand’s time zone.

Fingers crossed future long-haul flights won’t involve these same mistakes.

The author on an airplane.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

With healthier snacks and pre-flight exercise, my fingers are crossed that future long-haul flights won’t involve the same mistakes.

Read the original article on Business Insider

source:https://www.businessinsider.com/long-haul-flight-mistakes-new-zealand-2022-7