741
Share this Infographic On Your Site
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned traveler, long-haul flights are never much fun! The good news is you can make your life (and journeys) easier and more comfortable. Here’s how to do that:
Get the lowest price for your flight
- Flights are cheaper if you give plenty of notice (i.e. several months)
- Search for the lowest prices online using a variety of comparison tools
- Find out if local travel agents are willing to beat those low prices
- Use air miles to reduce the cost of your tickets
Travel with airlines that offer the best value for money
- Research airlines that have the best reviews and features
- Avoid ones with poor safety records and customer service
- Advise the airline if you’ve got any food intolerances, allergies or dietary requirements
Choose the best seat
- Book your flight as early as possible to have the best choice of seats
- Choose an aisle seat if you want ease of access and more legroom
- Upgrade to premium economy to guarantee extra legroom
- Select a seat near to the front of the plane to leave quicker
- Avoid galley seats
Plan the right times to fly
- Flying from east to west
- Fly in the morning to get more time at your destination for activities
- Fly in the evening if you want to get more sleep
- Flying from west to east
- Evening flights mean you can sleep on the plane
- Morning flights are useful if you’ll sleep as soon as you reach your destination
Preparing for your flight
- Visit your doctor to find out if you need any inoculations before you fly
- Apply for any required visa weeks in advance of your trip to avoid delays when you fly
- Convert some money into the local currency so that you’ve got cash available
- Call your bank and card companies to advise them of your travel plans
- They might decline transactions abroad if you don’t tell them when you fly
The day before you fly
- Get at least eight hours of sleep, especially if you didn’t sleep much on the previous night
- Make sure your tickets, passport, money, and visa documents are in an obvious place so you won’t forget them
- Pack the right clothes you need for your trip
- Pack an electricity plug adapter if you need one
- If available, complete an online check-in to save time at the airport
Flight day
- Go through a checklist of things to take with you (and don’t forget them!)
- Leave your home with plenty of time to travel to the airport and park your car
- Avoid drinking alcohol as this will make you feel dehydrated
- Take some bottled water and snacks with you when you board the plane
- If you’ve got a food intolerance such as Coeliac Disease, take some pre-packed meals with you on the plane to avoid any problems
Sources:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/33-ways-to-survive-a-long-flight
http://www.seatplans.com/choosing-your-seat/