Traveling by plane between France and Japan is exhausting due to the 13-hour flight. To make this experience as pleasant as possible for yourself and other passengers, it’s important to prepare well. In this article, we’ll provide practical tips for managing a long-haul flight to Japan.
If you need information on airport procedures, we have a detailed article on that topic.
What to Expect During a Long-Haul Flight
Understanding how a long-haul international flight works can help you prepare. The 13-hour journey typically unfolds as follows:
1. Takeoff and Safety Instructions: ~1 hour
As with all flights, takeoff is preceded by safety instructions provided by the cabin crew. This includes safety protocols, information about seatbelts, emergency exits, and other essential details.
2. First Meal After Takeoff: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants will offer a cold drink and a light snack (like cookies). Depending on the airline, you may have one or more meal options. For example, ANA usually offers two menu choices. You'll receive a meal tray with an appetizer, a main course, dessert, and a small bottle of water.
Keep in mind that your sense of taste changes at high altitudes, which can affect how you perceive the quality of in-flight meals. Additionally, the food is generally of average quality, so don’t expect gourmet cuisine.
The cabin crew will then collect the trays and any trash about an hour after the meals are served.
3. Nighttime: ~7 hours
After the meal, the plane’s windows will be closed to allow passengers to rest. You’ll be provided with a small pillow and blanket for added comfort during the night.
You can ask the flight attendants for water at any time, as they frequently pass through the aisles. The air in the plane is very dry, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
You can also take advantage of the in-flight entertainment options available on your seat’s screen, such as watching movies, listening to music, or playing games.
4. Second Meal Before Landing: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Before landing, you’ll be served a second meal, typically 3 to 4 hours before arrival. The menu choices will differ from the first meal, and you’ll receive a new meal tray with an appetizer, main course, dessert, and a beverage.
5. Landing: ~2 hours
The last few hours of the flight might feel the longest as you await the plane’s descent. Before being required to stay seated until the aircraft comes to a complete stop, make sure to gather your belongings for disembarkation.
10 Tips for a Pleasant Flight
Long-haul flights can be challenging due to the plane’s vibrations, engine noise, and other passengers. Here are 10 tips to make your flight more enjoyable!
1. Choose Your Seat Wisely
If your airline allows you to select your seat, choose based on your preferences:
- To minimize turbulence, opt for a seat near the center of the plane, slightly behind the wings. However, these seats are usually the loudest.
- If you need more legroom, select a seat near the central aisles where you can stretch out. But keep in mind you won’t have a window view.
- If you need frequent access to the restroom, pick a seat near the cabin transitions, preferably on the aisle side.
2. Take Off Your Shoes!
Once the plane has taken off, consider removing your shoes to improve comfort. Your feet tend to swell during the flight, which can be uncomfortable. Just remember to put your shoes back on if you go to the restroom, as it may not be the cleanest spot on the plane.
3. Bring Headphones or Earplugs
The noise inside the plane can be quite loud and may become bothersome after several hours. For better comfort, bring noise-canceling headphones or, at the very least, earplugs to reduce the noise.
4. Pack Music and Videos for Entertainment
Most long-haul planes are equipped with seat-back screens offering in-flight movies. However, language options may be limited, and not all movies might suit your taste.
It’s a good idea to download movies, series, and music onto your phone for personal entertainment. This can be especially helpful if you're traveling with kids to keep them entertained.
5. Bring a Sleep Mask
Having a sleep mask on your flight can be useful. Other passengers might turn on lights or watch movies, which could keep you from sleeping.
6. Avoid Bringing Books in the Cabin
Reading a book during a flight may seem appealing, but with the plane's noise, it can be difficult. Additionally, since most of the flight will take place with the windows closed, you’ll need to use your seat light, potentially disturbing your neighbors.
Books can also be heavy and add to your carry-on weight. It's better to avoid them or opt for a digital reader.
7. Bring Charging Cables
Most planes now have USB 2.0 ports (rarely USB-C), so don’t forget to bring a charging cable for your phone.
This will allow you to keep your phone charged during the flight and ensure you have a full battery when you reach your destination.
Some planes also have power outlets under the seats, but make sure to have an international adapter.
8. Opt for Water Over Soda and Alcohol
During in-flight meals, flight attendants will offer drinks, including mineral water or apple juice. You can also choose soda, wine, or beer, but it's best to avoid these during a long-haul flight.
The effects of carbonated drinks and alcohol can be unpleasant during a long journey. It's advisable to refrain from consuming them, even in the hours leading up to your flight.
The air inside planes can be very dry, which can lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink water regularly throughout the flight to stay hydrated.
9. Stretch or Move Around Regularly
A flight to Japan means sitting for at least 10 hours straight, which can cause muscle stiffness and discomfort. Try to stretch regularly in your seat or take a walk to the restroom to maintain blood circulation and avoid heavy legs.
10. Wear Comfortable Clothes
A long-haul flight isn’t a fashion show, so it’s better to opt for loose, comfortable clothing and easy-to-remove shoes for moving around the plane.
How to Avoid Annoying Other Passengers?
Certain behaviors can inconvenience other passengers on a plane, even if you don’t realize it. Here are some tips to avoid disturbing others during your journey.
1. Listening to Music or Watching Videos Without Headphones, Talking Loudly
Some passengers may listen to music or watch videos without headphones or speak loudly on the plane. This can be very disruptive to others.
The use of noisy toys for children can also irritate other passengers, so it’s best to avoid bringing such toys on board.
2. Too Much Light
During the night portion of a flight, the windows are closed to create a "night" effect in the cabin. However, some people might have their seat screen or phone brightness set too high, which can bother the passengers seated behind them. Be sure to dim your screen brightness, especially during the flight’s nighttime.
Similarly, avoid opening your window during the night portion of the flight, especially if it’s sunny outside, as this can light up the entire cabin and disturb other passengers’ rest.
3. Avoid Abrupt Seat Movements
When reclining your seat, do so gently and slowly. The person behind you may have items on their tray or be watching a movie, and sudden movements could cause them to spill or drop things.
4. Be Mindful of Strong Odors
On a long-haul flight, unpleasant smells can be a nuisance for your neighbors. In general, when flying, avoid wearing strong perfumes and deodorants.
Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid eating strongly scented foods, such as those with a strong garlic or spice smell. The odor of food can spread throughout the plane’s cabin and bother nearby passengers, especially those sitting close by. The meals served on board are designed to be less odorous.