Question by Madeleine W.: Can I get sleeping aids once i get PAST security in the Vancouver Airport?
I’m in the vancouver airport, and have a 9 hour flight ahead of me soon…anyone know if you can get sleeping aids after security, in the international terminal?
OR
any other helpful hints to surviving a 9 hour flight?
Cheers! 
Best answer:
Answer by thinkingtime
A good book, an ipod to cut out noise, an inflatable neck pillow and comfortable clothing.
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9 hours really isn’t that bad. Listening to music is a good way to pass time, or reading. You can always watch movies on the plane too. If you’re flying air canada, you should have your own screen in the back of the seat in front of you. You’ll probably fall asleep at some point, especially if the flight is overnight.
Well, from memory, although I have only been on the US side, not the international side where I assume you are at, there is no place where you could get any sleep aids unless they are very mild. The most they sell are headache tablets and similar items. As for a 9 hour flight, that is not too bad (try LA to Sydney, Aus…a 14 hours flight) but some hints are:
First, relax and do not get stressed out about sleeping.
Get up, if possible and stretch from time to time. Take a walk to the washrooms as you need to exercise your muscles and keep the blood flowing properly.
Drink a fair bit of water and not too much alcohol as dehydration can occur on longer flights which contributes to jet lag.
If you have a book read it or you can look for a book while waiting for your flight to depart. Depending on the airline you will be flying with you will have a choice of music to listen to and a movie to watch (some airlines have individual screens on the seat backs allowing you to choose from a variety of movies or shows).
On an overnight flight they will turn out most of the lights to assist people in sleeping. If you have a sleep mask use it and just relax. I have trouble sleeping on planes however I have found that I will doze off for short periods if I do not worry about sleeping. Of course if you are luck enough to have an empty seat or two beside you then it is easy to stretch out and sleep.
I find earplugs in places like that help me sleep much better. Perhaps short-sleep yourself a little the night before so that you’re more sleepy on the plane. Take an iPod and buy a relaxing sleep nature sound album on iTunes, or one of those meditation albums where you are guided to continually relax until there’s little tension that may normally keep you awake.
Perhaps if you have a small, sealed, travel sized container of a sleep aid, security would let you take that through in your hand-bag? Worth checking into.
Good luck!
There should be some gift shops or small convenience stores within the airport even past the security that should have some supplies like this. If you’re unable to find them, then when you board your flight ask an attendant for the things that cover your eyes so that you can sleep.
Here is a very simple sleep aid that you can take through security and customs etc. Tylenol and Gravol. An Extra Strength Tylenol and a 50 mg. Gravol and you will get a great sleep. Leave them in their original package and you will have no problems at all.