Ah, the dreaded long-haul flight—nature’s way of testing human endurance, patience, and how long one can survive without proper legroom. If you’re bracing yourself for the 17-hour flight from JFK to Beijing, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. This guide will help you not only survive but maybe even enjoy (okay, tolerate) the experience.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Embrace the Mental Challenge
Seventeen hours is a long time. That’s enough to binge-watch an entire season of a TV show, read a couple of books, and still have time to contemplate your life choices. Accept the fact that you will be spending nearly a whole day in a metal tube hurtling through the sky, and mentally prepare for this odyssey.
Step 2: Choose Your Seat Wisely
Before you even step on the plane, the battle begins—with seat selection.
- Window Seat: Ideal if you enjoy leaning against something to sleep, love staring at the sky, and hate being disturbed.
- Aisle Seat: Perfect if you have a small bladder or like stretching your legs without climbing over strangers.
- Middle Seat: Avoid at all costs unless you enjoy human sandwiches.
- Exit Row: Extra legroom, but comes with the unspoken responsibility of assisting in an emergency. If you feel heroic, go for it.
- Bulkhead: No seats in front of you, but sometimes, this is where parents with babies are seated. Risky move (did I ever tell you about the time I sat here and a baby cried the entire full flight from NYC to Dubai? Torture).
Pro Tip: If the flight isn’t fully booked, you might score an empty seat next to you by choosing a spot strategically. Aisle seats near the back are often the last to be filled.
Step 3: Dress Like You’re Attending a Pajama Party
You may be tempted to dress fashionably, but trust me—a 17-hour flight in jeans will have you questioning your life choices. Go for:
- Loose, breathable clothing
- Compression socks (to prevent your feet from resembling balloons)
- A hoodie or cardigan (airplane temperatures can be wildly unpredictable)
- Slip-on shoes (because no one wants to wrestle with laces in a cramped space)
Step 4: Master the Art of Packing Your Carry-On
Your carry-on bag should be a survival kit. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essentials:
- Passport, visa, boarding pass (yes, people still forget these)
- Phone, charger, and a power bank (so you don’t have to fight for that one working outlet)
- Noise-canceling headphones (the best investment for drowning out crying babies and chatty seatmates)
- Eye mask and earplugs (because sleep is sacred)
- Neck pillow (trust me, your neck will thank you)
- Water bottle (on this Air China flight, it will come in handy) – be like the Chinese travelers on the flight; be shameless and fill up your water bottle. Drink service on this 17-hour flight was a rare sight to behold.
Comfort & Hygiene:
- Travel-sized moisturizer and lip balm (airplane air is drier than the Sahara)
- Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes (do not trust those tray tables)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (because morning breath doesn’t care about time zones)
- Face wipes and deodorant (stay fresh, my friend)
- Change of underwear and socks (because feeling clean makes a world of difference)
Entertainment & Snacks:
- Downloaded movies, books, podcasts (because in-flight entertainment can be… questionable)
- A Kindle or paperback book (old-school but reliable)
- Healthy snacks (airplane food is an acquired taste—bring nuts, protein bars, dried fruit)
- Gum or mints (to keep your breath fresh and help with ear pressure changes)
Step 5: The Food Strategy (Air China Edition)
If you’re flying Air China, prepare accordingly because food service is sparse. Here’s what to expect:
- You will be served two meals and one snack during the 17-hour flight.
- Beverage service is only offered when meals are served, so if you don’t want to make trips to the service area, be shameless and have your drink poured into a water bottle. Many seasoned Chinese travelers do this, and it’s a game-changer.
- The snack service is a sandwich—and only a sandwich. No extra snack variety. If you’re hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for seconds.
- Alcoholic beverages are very limited. Beer ran out during the first meal service, so if you enjoy a drink, plan accordingly.
Pro Tip: If you’re a big eater, don’t be shy—ask for extra food when available. After hours in the air, those extra bites will come in handy.
Step 6: Mastering the Sleep Game
If you’re lucky, you’ll sleep through a chunk of the flight. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
- Adjust your watch to Beijing time as soon as you board and try to sleep accordingly
- Use your eye mask and noise-canceling headphones
- Take melatonin if it helps you regulate sleep (consult your doctor if unsure)
- Lean slightly forward on your tray table with a pillow if you can’t sleep upright
Step 7: Move or Risk Turning into a Pretzel
Sitting for 17 hours is unnatural, so:
- Stretch in your seat (ankle rolls, shoulder shrugs, neck stretches)
- Walk to the restroom area every few hours
- Flex your toes and move your legs frequently to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Step 8: Dealing with Your Seatmate
Ah, the wild card in this experience—your seatmate. You could end up with:
- The Talker: Engage politely but have an “exit strategy” (headphones work wonders)
- The Sleeper Who Uses You as a Pillow: A gentle nudge should suffice
- The Armrest Hog: Establish dominance early but subtly
- The Fidgeter: If all else fails, swap seats if possible
Step 9: Conquering the Final Stretch
The last few hours can feel like forever. Here’s how to push through:
- Watch a light-hearted movie to distract yourself
- Freshen up with a quick bathroom break and a face wipe
- Remind yourself that you’re almost there—adventure awaits!
Step 10: Beating Jet Lag Like a Pro
Once you land in Beijing, your body will be confused. Here’s how to adjust faster:
- Get sunlight: Natural light helps reset your internal clock
- Stay awake if it’s daytime: Resist the urge to nap immediately
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- Eat at local meal times to get in sync with the new time zone
Seventeen hours on a plane is no joke, but with the right mindset and preparation, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Follow these tips, embrace the journey, and before you know it, you’ll be touching down in Beijing, ready to explore.
Bon voyage, and may your 17-hour flight be turbulence-free!
