I fly every two years (from Manchester airport UK to Orlando) on a 9 hour journey, here's a few tips:
- make sure you pack your suitcase and carry on bag at least 4 days before your fly, this will stop you from rushing around last minute and getting yourself stressed.
- make a list of what you wish to take and tick it off once its packed (last year my sister left a dress she got specially for the holiday at home), remember clothes for the appropriate weather, electronics chargers etc etc.
- if your flight is early in the morning go to bed early at night and get as much sleep as you can (i usually don't get much due to excitement)
- Before you go make sure you know how to get to the airport (sat navs come in use :D)
- Take some snacks such as sweets and if you are a fussy eater (like me) take some sandwiches in case you do not like the plane food.
- if it is an overnight flight i recommend you take your own pillow or a neck pillow (most airports sell these).
- dress comfy for the flight (take into consideration the weather of your home country and the country your going to) - i usually wear halfies and a jumper, i then take off this jumper when we land in Orlando and never wear it till we come home!!
- liquids such as perfumes/deodrants have been mentioned by many people above so i wont go into this.
- when going through secruity make sure you take off all metal including belts, also take off your shoes when waiting in line as this is required and if you do it before hand you will not be holding up the que. (also in america last time i went they asked for tablets and laptops to be taken out bags and put into trays by them selves - you are allowed to keep the cover on though so do this while waiting in line too).
- make sure you have all appropriate documents and have them in an easy to reach place within your carry on bag.
- make sure you are there 2 hours before hand!!
- take anything to entertain you for example a sketch pad, electronic devices, puzzles, books etc.
- if you plan on sleeping make sure your seat belt is on and visible for the cabin crew to see otherwise they may have to wake you up.
- stretch your legs: even if you don't need to go to the toilet (ALL COMMERCIAL PLANES HAVE THEM BTW!!!), walk around the plan a bit or do leg exercises while sat down.
- not to worry but KNOW the exit doors and where your life jacket is etc, the captain will talk you through this and the cabin crew will point to your nearest exit. (Sorry to dissapoint but they are not always like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYA_ivyj3kE
- if your airplane has TVs in the back of the screen use and abuse (don't break them) them, watch a movie, play some games etc it will help pass the time. last year i fell asleep watching battleship but i watched the hunger games and jack and jill.
- once you have arrived there try to get off the plane quickly (but saftley) say thank you to the cabin crew who ussually stand near the door, after all if it wasn't for them you wouldn't be there!! Then continue through security etc quickly so you can get to luggage pickup quickly as this gets busy!!!
- expect long lines, afterall your not the only one going on holiday!!
This is all i can think of for now (also my tea is ready)
Hope you have a safe flight and enjoy your holiday!!
Sam