5 Tips For a Better Flight
We have all heard horror stories about long delays, lost baggage and limited luggage allowance but are flights really all that bad? It would certainly seem from the media and perhaps even word of mouth that in recent years, unless you can afford to pay top whack for an executive or business class flight then you have to accept that your experience is going to substandard.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case. It is certainly possible to book yourself onto an economy, normal flight and have a smooth experience in which nothing (or at least as much as is preventable by you) goes wrong.
These tips will help to ensure that your flight is a hassle and stress-free as it is humanly possible to make it:-
- Preparations
The main way to avoid any unnecessary delays is to take the time to prepare in advance of your flight. This means more than just making sure you take your passport to the airport with you! Keep all travel documents and your passport in a secure zipped compartment in your luggage, where they can be easily reached. It is remarkable how many people ‘pack’ their important documents away and then have to rifle through their luggage once they have arrived at the airport.
Make sure that your luggage does not exceed the allocated weight limit as charges can be excessive. If you know that you need more than you have been allocated, you can usually purchase extra ahead of time which will work out significantly cheaper.
Additionally, in your hand luggage ensure you pack essentials such as tissues, a book to read or something to keep you entertained and once you get to the airport buy a light snack and a bottle of water. That way, if you suffer unnecessary delays to your flight you have something to occupy your time. If you are travelling with children then consider putting together a travel pack which could consist of small treats, a game and/or a colouring book. Airports are notoriously boring places for children, particularly with all the queuing so having some way to entertain them will help to keep you sane.
- Arrive On Time
Make sure that you arrive at least 2 hours before your flight time. With increased security measures being in place at most airports, not to mention the sheer volume of people who will be passing through if you are flying from a major airport, getting checked in and through customs can take a lot longer than you might think.
Plan your journey carefully and take into account the time you are travelling; is it likely to be rush hour? Will you meet with traffic jams and delays? Make sure you take these factors into account when planning your journey.
One of the best ways to ensure that you arrive on time for your flight is to book overnight accommodation, for the day before your flight leaves. You should be able to find good value accommodation situated around most airports, such as an executive stay near Heathrow airport, for example, and it will take one element of potential stress away from your journey when you can just hop onto the shuttle bus and travel directly to the airport the next morning.
The other great thing about booking a hotel, such as an Executive Stay near Heathrow airport is that you will be much more refreshed ahead of your flight and more able to deal with any potential problems or difficulties which may arise.
- Book Seats
Although with many budget airlines you have to pay extra for this service, if you are travelling in a group then it is well worth the extra cost. Not only will you avoid the mad rush towards the plane when it comes to boarding time but you will also reduce the risk of having to sit rows apart from the rest of your party. This is particularly important if you travelling with children.
Although children under 2 can travel free providing they sit on an adult’s knee, if you are flying long-haul then consider booking them their own seat. The difference between having a 6 month old on your lap for 8 hours and a 2 year old is quite significant and it will give you more space to manoeuvre without worrying about disturbing the person sitting next to you.
- Label Your Luggage
If your suitcase is of a generic colour and type then the chances that someone else will have a similar case to you is incredibly high. There isn’t much time to study each case as it passes you on the luggage carousel, especially when there are crowds of people also trying to reach their bags so make sure that you label it clearly, and obviously, so that you can easily identify your bag. This could be by making use of coloured stickers, or by tying a brightly coloured thread around the handle. Alternatively, buy a brightly coloured suitcase and you will be certain to never lose it!
If you think that your luggage has been misplaced, then make sure you inform the airlines asap. The sooner you let the airline staff know, the better chance you have of identifying where your luggage might have gone to.
- Book Transport
Take the headache out of your arrival by booking an airport transfer before you even leave the UK. Don’t assume there will be taxis available, as you may end up paying over the odds. If you are hiring a car then research various companies online to ensure that you get a good deal, and don’t wait until you have landed in the airport as you will undoubtedly pay more to hire from a company situated within the airport itself.
- Relax
Being cooped up inside an aeroplane is never going to be a peaceful experience but if you have take as many steps as possible to try and prepare then the final piece of the puzzle is to try and relax. Don’t get overly worked up if something doesn’t quite go to plan and instead try to embrace the situation. Not always easy, but it will certainly help to keep you calm!