Navigating the ‘long haul’ flight without the allure of a free upgrade to a lie flat bed may seem daunting, but fear not. Having spent over a decade in the airline industry, both on the ground and in the air, Steph has gathered some survival tips. Ones that don’t involve upgrading to first class- a rarity unless you’ve gathered a lot of frequent flyer points or have friends in high places (quite literally).
Embrace your purchased seat
Your chosen seat is not just your place on the plane, it’s the hub of your inflight comfort. Research the aircraft features prior – some come with inflight Wi-Fi, some wider seats or recline, others quieter cabins. Seat Guru shows seat maps and is useful for comparisons, although always check the airline’s official website for the most up to date information. Seek insights from well travelled friends and your travel agent and consider purchasing an extra leg room seat if needed.
Strategise your route
Your destination and time constraints may influence your preferences on the way you get from home to holiday. Will you opt for a direct flight, or are you willing to consider a layover for a more budget friendly option? If you do have a long airport stopover, don’t fear, there is plenty to do at most major airports. Spas, salons, bars, pools, hotels, duty free shopping, ice skating, concerts and more – Seoul airport attractions
Explore stopover cities
If you dread the long flight, consider breaking it up with a stay in a connecting city. Some destinations even have free accommodation if you have a certain slip time between flights, check out- Emirates Connect. Singapore continues to remain one of my favourite ‘stopover’ destinations. With it’s blend of culture and modernity, friendly people and delish array of food, I’ll never say no to a few nights on route to Europe if time allows – Visit Singapore.
Check your passport well before you fly
Check (and recheck) the expiry date on your passport. Australia has a strict 6 month validity rule meaning you need minimum of 6 months left on your passport at all times. Passport validity.
While you’re at it, make sure your passport is not damaged – some countries are stricter than others, I have been denied entry to Indonesia with my Australian passport due to a very small tear (that I was actively travelling with and using into many other countries). Had I not also another passport with me, I wouldn’t have even been allowed to board the plane to leave Melbourne, let alone enter Indonesia.
Travel Apps & useful sites
SmartTraveller, Flight Aware, XE Currency and Google Translate are some of my personal favourites and I recommend these for anyone embarking on a journey. Smartraveller ensures safety with essential travel advice, FlightAware keeps you up to date with flights, XE simplifies even the most confusing currency conversions and Google Translate bridges those inevitable language barriers.
Snacks
Australia’s strict quarantine regulations might lead travellers to believe that bringing snacks on board is forbidden. However, passengers can indeed bring snacks with them during the flight, as long as they refrain from taking them off the plane upon arrival in the destination country. While not all countries enforce regulations as stringent as Australia’s, many have some form of quarantine rules. Fortunately, these guidelines don’t impede you from bringing your favourite snacks on the flight—a particularly valuable option for those traveling with children, dealing with food intolerances (or snack enthusiasts like myself). Keep in mind the restrictions on liquids, aerosols, and gels for international flights, so it’s advisable not to purchase drinks before clearing security.
Don’t lose your luggage
If you’re prone to losing important items or the your bag not showing up in your final destination – invest in an AirTag (or another tracking device). AirTags are invaluable for international travellers, offering a seamless way to keep track of essential items like luggage and passports so if they happen to be left behind, you’ll be able to track where they are much more efficiently than waiting on the airline or fellow passenger to find it! Several airlines have recently implemented their own tracking services for luggage.
Prepare for delays
Particularly post covid, there was a noticeable increase in flight delays which in my opinion is continuing to reduce as travel returns to the pre covid norm. While your arrival might align seamlessly with the schedule or even be ahead of time, the possibility of encountering a delay can happen. To ease the potential frustration, consider bringing your own entertainment, such as a book, iPad, Kindle, or a deck of cards. Although delays can be inconvenient, it’s important to recognise that airlines share your desire to adhere to schedules as the financial implications of delays are substantial for airlines.
As you plan or depart on your next journey, armed with these survival tips, may your flights be smooth, your destinations be captivating, and your memories be unforgettable! Please share with us your own flight survival strategies and let’s keep the adventures alive!
✈ Steph
True at time of writing, please always check the airline’s official website for up to date information.