For many people, flying can be a stressful and unpleasant experience. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Understanding what contributes to an optimal flight and taking specific steps ensures your next air journey is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. This article will explore the secrets behind having the best possible flying experience.
Choosing the Right Airline
One of your most important decisions is which airline to fly with. Here are some tips for selecting a carrier that prioritises passenger satisfaction:
Research Safety Records and Ratings
While flying is statistically very safe, flying with airlines with stellar safety histories still pays. Consult objective third-party ratings that score airlines on their accident fatality rates, pilot training, and maintenance procedures when deciding who to book with.
Seek Out Comfort Offerings
Some airlines incorporate more legroom, wider seats, personal entertainment screens, power outlets, WiFi, and other comforts. While you may pay a little extra, having these amenities can enhance your flight exponentially.
Consider Reliability and Customer Service
Some airlines excel at running efficient, on-time operations and handling customer issues carefully. Tracking metrics like on-time arrival percentages and reading customer reviews can give insight into an airline’s operational reliability and service commitment.
Picking an Optimal Flight
The timing and duration of your flight also impact the quality of the experience. Here’s how to select a flight optimised for comfort:
Choose Direct Flights When Possible
Making a connecting flight doubles the opportunities for delays, cancelled flights, tight transfer windows, lost baggage, and other hassles. Prioritise nonstop routes if available.
Book Morning Flights to Start Fresh
Early flights can be unpleasant with prep and airport commutes before dawn. However, morning flights encounter fewer delays and cancellations than later flights. You also arrive with a whole day ahead at your destination.
Keep Flight Length Reasonable
Flights over 5-6 hours immunosuppressant the risk of deep vein thrombosis from lack of movement and poor air circulation. Until recirculated air became a thing with commercial flights, anything more than 6 hours was extremely taxing on the human body. Consider breaking up longer journeys into multiple flights whenever possible.
Preparing Yourself Physically and Mentally
Flying can weary your body and mind. Making these preparations can help fortify your physical and mental resilience before and during your flight:
Get Plenty of Rest Beforehand
Being exhausted makes everything about the airport and flight more draining. In the days leading up to your trip, prioritise getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Going to bed a little early the night before travel helps, too.
Stay Well Hydrated
The low cabin humidity aboard flights leads to dehydration, compounding jet lag and fatigue. Drink extra water starting two days before and avoid alcohol. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill at water fountains past security. Stay hydrated by sipping water regularly in flight.
Have Ways to Relax and Unwind
Tensions can run high when flying between uncomfortable seats, unpredictable flight conditions, and crying babies. Prepare relaxation techniques like mindfulness apps, music playlists, movies downloaded onto your devices or old-fashioned books. Having enjoyable distractions makes unwelcome stimuli more manageable.
Packing Strategically
What you bring onboard and how you pack it dramatically affects your physical comfort, ability to access necessities, and stress levels when flying:
Travel as Lightly as Possible
Heavy bags are burdensome to lift into overhead bins and increase hassles if you need to check them at the gate. By packing light, you avoid feeling weighed down and stay nimble.
Have Essentials Handy
Put travel documents, small toiletries, medications, earbuds, eye masks, sweaters, and other in-flight essentials into your carry-on where you can access them readily. Having what you need on hand prevents frustration rummaging through packed-solid luggage with limited overhead space.
Use Compression Bags
Using lightweight compression packing cubes, bags, and wraps allows you to fit more into carry-ons and reduces creasing. Arrange contents so clothes can be accessed without entirely unpacking. Well-packed, wrinkle-free belongings preserve your fresh, put-together look on arrival.
Flying in an airplane miles above the clouds may seem inherently unpleasant. However, by selecting the optimal airline, flight and seat, readying yourself physically and mentally, and packing correctly, you can have a smooth, enjoyable crossing each time you take to the skies. Follow these tips outlined above to unveil the secrets behind the best flying experience possible.