How to Survive a Trans-Atlantic Flight

1). Prepare your body at least 24 hours before the flight. Set your watch to the local time of the city you will be visiting, and do your best to operate on that time zone. This may difficult for some—you boss likely won’t be amused if you show up to work at 5 p.m. instead of 8 a.m.—but you should take advantage of this if the days prior to your trip fall on a weekend.
2). Book a first-class seat. If your company won’t pony up the extra dough, pay for it out of your own pocket. Your legs will thank you. Some overseas airlines even have seats that fully recline in first class—upping the chances that you’ll actually take a nap.
3). See your doctor about getting a prescription for a sleeping aid. Explain to him that you will be traveling on an extended flight, and ask if he suggests you take a sleeping pill. Sleeping aids can also be useful for when you arrive at your destination—you can take one when it’s time for you to sleep at your local time. Under no circumstances should you purchase or take sleeping pills without first speaking to your physician.
4). Bring a portable DVD player in your carry-on luggage, especially if you absolutely cannot fly first class. Why bother waiting for the airline’s movie selection that you’ll likely have to view on a hard-to-see screen? Make sure the batteries to the player are fully charged before you leave for the airport.
5). Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag if you are checking luggage. Also pack a toothbrush and any necessary medicine or toiletries should the airline lose your luggage. The last thing you’ll want to do after spending so much time on an airplane is look for a place to buy underwear in a foreign country. Carry on the necessities so you’ll at least have a 24-hour window to pick up the basics.
6). Purchase an international calling card before you leave. Although many cellphones now work overseas (check with your carrier to see if yours does), it won’t hurt to have a calling card with you in case of an emergency.