How can I survive an economy class flight from London to Australia ( Sydney)?
I would arrive early for check in to get a seat on the isle definitelly. I would time my toilet breaks to just before meal times as the lines get long after that in my experience. I would get a non stop (45 minute refuel at Thailand or Singapore) flight leaving Europe in the evening and arriving in Australia the ‘next’ morning (ie there is an extended night period you can treat as your normal sleeping time). Then next day in Australia do your best to stay awake through the day, crash in bed that night, and wake next morning adjusted to the new time zone. It would be a good idea to have everything ready well before you leave and not have any tiring last minute farewells so that you are not exhausted even before you get on the plane.
Try for the exit seat as mentioned in a past reply. Be savvy and check in on-line as most majors then give you the chance to select a good seat if open. Never get stuck on the inside, you will not survive if you are tall. Have a few glasses of red wine, even a bottle, works for me and get plenty of water in between snacks every two to three hours that means getting up and asking for the snacks in the galley and a chance to walk around and relax a little. Cathay Pacific offer great snacks all through the flight. Be up front and ask at the check in counter for a free upgrade with a smile, you never know. Lastly, if you can afford do the one night stop over in a hotel, I do this every month if not on Buiss class due to my cheap company at times. Nearly forgot, take 2 asprin before the flight. Have fun.
