Flying long-haul is a way of life for those of us who live downunder and love to travel. What is long-haul - my definition is anything longer than 4 hours flying time. Once you add at least 2 hours to check in for an international flight and 1 hour to clear formalities at the other end - thats 7 hours all up - long-haul enough for me.

So here my top tips on how to enjoy - or at least survive - a long-haul flight.

Wear the Right Clothes For Long Haul Flying

It used to be that you dressed to travel - but that was when there was space to move around! If you are flying economy comfort is key here. I wear trackpants and a T-shirt -its not pretty - its comfortable. I always have another layer to wear, it can get quite cool on a plane and I often have socks with me for the same reason. I wear footwear which is easy to get on or off - my feet swell - as most people's do when flying - but I hate wearing shoes - so I will generally wear flip-flops I can kick off.

Eat And Drink The Right Things For Flying

I don't take sleeping pills - though some people swear by them - my drug of choice is alchol- preferably a mixed drink rather than beer or wine to make sure I don't dehydrate. I try not to eat that much - I eat if I am hungry - or not - I go my interior clock not the time on the clock.

How to Avoid Getting Bored On Long Haul

One answer: sleep - how to do this? Avoid sleeping several nights beforehand - it works like a charm - though it can be a bummer if there are unexpected delays on departure! If sleeping doesn't work for you the new entertainment systems are great - in fact given the same price I always choose an Asian airline becuase they offer great inflight entertainment. Alternatively I am usually happy to bring along netbook to either play sudoko or actually do some work!

Best Way to Survive Long Haul Flights

Go first class - check out the new "cabins" that airlines such as Emirates have. Not only do they look incredible but you get to eat and drink when you want; you are first on and first off the flight, and if there is a problem with connections you can be assured you will looked after before the mob in cattle class!

Pick Your Seat With Care

Seatguru and similar sites will tell you which seat has leg room etc - but be wary of exit rows - the seats won't recline - and if you are near the gallery or WCs you're get a lot of people moving near and in front of you. Also avoid seats which may be favoured by the young and old - i.e. near the basinet row and the WC's. I usually get an aisle seat - so if there are spare seats I can swifly move and claim some once the flight is airborne.