Everyone’s agreed, the days of glamorous long-haul flights are a thing of the past. How sweet they used to be. Even if you’re flying First Class (and if so, please don’t complain as much), trips that necessitate multiple changes are a pain in the butt.
Here are six suggestions to make flying from here to there (and there) a little less painful. Do try to remember, there’s hopefully light at the end of the flight or flights.
Pack smart and light:
Pack smart and if all possible, limit your luggage to a carry-on. Select a suitcase with wheels, because it’s easier to lug and if you have to run from one flight to another, you may save your back. Even though you may feel as if you’re “clothing light,” it’s better to arrive with clothes and other necessities than having your suitcase lost or delayed. Be certain the bag has a luggage tag with your destination and a copy of your itinerary should be placed inside the suitcase. If you have to go through security, as in some nightmarish U.S. airports, try to keep your laptop in a pullout compartment that’s easy to access.
Don’t book tight connections:
Even though hanging around an airport isn’t how most people would opt to spend their time, don’t book a tight connection. Some airlines will allow an hour but unless you’re God and can predict weather and traffic, you’re asking for trouble. If you have a close one, alert the airline personnel. Try to reserve an aisle seat in the front of the plane and advise the flight attendants they may need to quarterback a fast exit for you and call the gate where you’ll (hopefully) be boarding your on-going flight.
Keep documents together:
Keep them so they’re easily accessible. Print out all possible boarding and e-passes. Travelers have their own methods and if you don’t, you may want to buy a pouch that goes around your neck (I try to conceal it under my shirt or sweater) so you can save the greatest amount of time and aggravation. If you’re up in the air for many flying hours, such a system comes in handy.
Knowing where to find your documents was once a no-brainer for departure. But discovering documents is considerably more challenging if you’re flying internationally and have been on and off different flights. This is especially true if you’re sleep-deprived.
Request required entry documents for the country where you’re landing before you disembark. There’s nothing quite as much as fun as waiting in the immigration line and filling out forms while simultaneously doing a balancing act on your suitcase.
Stick to one airline or one termnal:
If possible, try to take the same carrier. If you’re flying on different airlines, you’ll invariably have to change terminals. Airports that accommodate long-haul international flights appear to be expanding each week evolving into mini-cities.
Before departure, access the Internet and print out the airport’s terminal map. Study it and mark where you’ll need to go to board your connecting flight. Depending on the country, you may or may not have to go through customs. If you’re lucky, you’ll be allowed to stay in a transit area.
Dress comfortably:
Most people try to be comfortable but please do not go sloppy. Wear shoes that can easily be removed when going though security, skip the belt if your pants won’t fall down (or put it on after clearing the screening process), wear a sweater, take something that can be a headrest or a pillow. Carry some munchies and a water bottle in the event of delays. Remember to empty the water before going through security and fill the bottle up afterwards. Water fountains come in handy.
You might want an IPod/IPad or the electronic toy of your choice. I’ve just invested in a Kindle for an upcoming trip. Some people swear by ear plugs, earphones and eye shades. Whatever makes you more comfortable and takes up the least space.
Join a lounge, if only for a day:
If you’re not in first class or business class or travel regularly and have a club card, you may want to join Priority Pass for the trip. Just that bit of relaxing and pampering can make an enormous difference in how you feel when you disembark.
Priority Pass gives you access to executive lounges at most airports world-wide. You’ ll be able to sit in more comfortable surrounding, have something to eat and drink while you’re waiting for the subsequent flight. Most lounges have free WiFi, an additional big plus. Some of the lounges even have chaises so you can nap.
Remember some credit cards like Diners Club also provide lounge access, mainly at international airports.
These are just a few tips as to how to travel long distances and not arrive at your destination feeling like a dish rag. Please add your suggestions and know they’ll be appreciated by long-distance travelers.
They’ll even come in useful for people who are going from the East coast of the U.S. to the West coast. How many connections can you make? How I miss the days of wearing white gloves to go visit my grandfather in California. The stewardesses were so elegant, wore hats and looked as if they were models who wanted to make passengers happy. But, who could possibly be that old to remember those days? Pas moi.
Karen Fawcett is president of Bonjour Paris
Photo: © Leocha, all rights reserved
Karen Fawcett loves to travel anywhere. Karen was a founder & president BonjourParis.com while living in Paris for more than 25 years. She has traveled across Europe and the rest of the world. She is now based in Washington, DC.
