bluemooseband

hi, we'll be flying from Toronto to Sydney in March 2024, longest flight we've done.... just wondering if there's any value to staying over one night in LA or SF or Vancouver to break it up ? also, any advice on how to make the best of 22+ hours in the air ? cheers

Bokhara2

Hi & welcome to the Australia Forum!

I've never seen the value in stopovers unless it's somewhere I really want to go and then I'll spend 2-3 nights at least.

Disembarking,especially if you have to go through Customs & Immigration on the way out & back in, for one night is just a nuisance in my opinion. The only exception I make to that is Singapore, which has purpose built transit hotels in each of Changi's terminals. Those I use to change into clothes more suited to my destination as I'm usually travelling between Northern & Southern Hemispheres and having the opportunity to do that without leaving the transit area is useful.

Advice? Don't fuss about it. Yes, it's a long flight. So what? You're going on holiday to a fabulous place! Just download your favourite podcasts/ music/ books and settle in to enjoy it. If you have a choice and the $, Business or Premium Economy will give you a bit more room (Check the configuration carefully - not all carriers are equal). Otherwise, I like the Emergency Exit rows for long haul, but the downside can be that people might tend to congregate there and of course you don't have a seat & TV on the back of it right in front of you then.

Make sure you get your Visas approved well in advance.

Let us know if we can help with any information for your trip.

margo_oz

Like Bokhara, I see little sense in a stopoover, unless it's in a place I plan to visit, and spend some time there.

Otherwise, power through and relax when you get there. Excitement will keep you moving on arrival. Take an easy day, walk around, get out on the Harbour.

Enjoy your time in our country. Ask if you need any advice.

KayF

Agree with the others, a one night stop on the way isn't really worth it. We did that years ago and felt like we'd just left the airport and we had to head back again. It was tiring. If you want a stopover, I'd say have 2 or 3 nights but personally, I think it's better to just get where you're going. The flight is long and tiring, I think the best thing to do is don't continually watch the screen map to see if you've got ten hours left or nine. It will drive you crazy. Accept before you get on the plane that you have a long trip in front of you. Having the right mindset and drinking a lot of water (to help with dehydration and jetlag) is what I'd suggest. I've watched a lot of bad movies just to make the time go a bit more quickly.

marg

Been there, done that. Just grit your teeth and do it in one journey. Comfortable clothes, good book to read, perhaps some chocolate to nibble on. Having a one-night stopover will only lengthen the agony.
There are plenty of Aussies on this forum to give you advice on places to see, things to do, so don't hesitate to ask questions.

northie

wholeheartedly agree with all above.
We stopped over once at Singapore but for 4 days.
as someone says 'JUST DO IT"

millions of Aussies and NZers have done it for years!!