Hints & Tips for Air Travel
Holidays are all about mixing it up. Whilst most of our clients choose the road less travelled, they also occasionally fly to holiday destinations. Or perhaps, it’s about business trips. But long haul, or local, these hints and tips will make for an all-round better trip!
Book your flights as far ahead as you can – for better rates and the ability to choose which seats you want. The seat allocations used to be free, but that is more and more rare. Some airlines only charge for the more premium seats. You have to decide whether the convenience is worth the money. As a rule, with early bookings, you are able to choose your preference of window (so you can watch the scenery), or aisle (with the easiest access to the bathroom). Or you may choose to optimize your legroom by securing an emergency exit seat. Remember that airlines are legally allowed to change your seat allocation without warning, but checking in early mitigates this to some degree.
Use your airline miles to upgrade if possible. Even if you don’t have enough points for the whole enchilada, even a slight upgrade to premium economy will give you priority check-in, extra room and all-round better seats. Check the website when booking, because you can often manage some of these advantages when making a booking – for a small fee. Failing all else, it’s worth trying for a free upgrade. The most important thing to do when you want an upgrade? ASK! If you don’t ask, you definitely won’t get… Other than that, arrive early, ideally be travelling alone (airlines are more likely to move single passengers to avoid breaking up families or groups traveling together), dress well and be charming for the best chance at success. Your odds of scoring a free last-minute upgrade are better if you have elite / frequent flyer status with the airline. Other factors like having an airline-branded credit card come into play, too.
Why should you download the airline’s app? Well, it saves you time. If you aren’t checking bags, you can go straight to security. It will also give you easy access to boarding passes. It enables you to check for flight delays and get notified about status and gate changes.
Packing a carry-on bag is strategic – both an art and a science. It’s not only about the contents of the bag but ensuring that they are packed in a way that makes sense for access. You’ll not only want to make sure you have the right items but also that they’re packed in a way that makes it easy to get to what you need, like an empty water bottle (fill your empty bottle after passing through the security checkpoint), travel pillow / blanket / sweater, medication with prescriptions, and group some items (electronics, chargers, and cables) in a packing cube. Electronics and liquids (check the rules) should be packed on top, in their own separate bags, so that you can quickly take them out and repack them after the security screening. If you’re on a longer flight, pack a toothbrush, compression socks, earplugs and eye mask, hand sanitizer, facial wipes, and a pen if you need to fill out immigration forms during the flight.
Consider popping an Apple AirTag into your checked luggage, ideally hidden inside your suitcase. It’s really useful if you need to find your case, providing peace of mind.
Particularly on long flights, you would be wise to dress for comfort. Keep it loose with breathable fabrics – and layer! Clothes with a bit of stretch can also help you move around more comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes and limit accessories (also helpful at security). Contact lenses don’t do well in the dry environment of a plane – rather wear your glasses.
Make sure your documents are readily accessible. You are sure to be asked for your passport and boarding pass more than once – right up until you take your seat on the plane. Store important documents safely, preferably in a separate pocket that closes/zips. If your boarding pass is on your phone, make sure your phone is charged and within reach.
Check in early and avoid that last minute panic. There’s nothing worse, and Murphy’s law will dictate that that the lines will be twice the length if you’re behind schedule! Avoid checked baggage if possible. If checking bags is unavoidable, definitely get to the airport earlier and consider adding a strap, ribbon or scarf to the handle of your bag if it’s generic-looking. That’ll help you identify it faster at baggage claim – and avoid others thinking it is their bag!
Consider airport lounges. If you have a long layover, whilst they aren’t free, they are definitely worth it! Wi-Fi, meals and drinks, plenty of power outlets, and comfy seating make it money well spent. Some may even have showers – perfect for freshening up during extended layovers. Your credit card may even grant lounge access or sometimes it is possible to purchase a discounted day pass.
On a long-haul flight, buckle your seat belt over your blanket so that it is visible. If there is turbulence, flight attendants will check that passengers are buckled up. If they can’t see your seat belt, they will wake you.
Charge your electronic devices. Nothing worse than running out of battery mid-flight. Download podcasts and movies that you like before the trip.
Noise-cancelling headphones and an eye mask are useful – and perfect for discouraging a chatty neighbour when you’re not in the mood.
Stay healthy. Flying is not good for you. Dehydration and blood clots are your two biggest risks, which can be mitigated by drinking (still) water, stretching, and walking around the cabin. Contracting your calf muscles (e.g. by tapping your feet) will also moves the shins, thighs and hip joints, and get the blood flowing. Try find a place (often near the back of the plane) to stretch every so often. Compression socks minimise swelling and reduce the risk of developing blood clots during a long flight. Despite the temptation, alcohol and endless coffees are not good for your health. Pack a good moisturizer for dry skin and use it often. Ditto refreshing eyedrops.
Enjoy some silent downtime. Bring a book, a sketch pad or a notebook to jot down ideas. Use your laptop to catch up on work that needs doing (be sure to download important documents beforehand in case the in-flight wi-fi isn’t working).
And, most of all, enjoy the flight and the trip that follows. How lucky are we who get to fly to wonderful destinations??
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
