1. Fly foreign airlinesAlmost unconditionally, flying a non-American airline to an intercontinental destination will yield a more pleasurable experience. It starts with the booze that's free on virtually all foreign airlines but costs mucho dinero on virtually all U.S.-based airlines. It continues with the attitudes of flight attendants -- while American FA's see their jobs as nothing more than ensuring you get to your destination safely, many foreign FA's actually want you to legitimately enjoy your trip. Plus, when you fly a foreign airline, your cultural experience begins the second you set foot on the plane.
2. Own your misconnection
Airlines will allow you to book a 40-minute late afternoon domestic-to-international connection through O'Hare Airport. Prudent travelers will avoid doing so. Ensure you have plenty of time to make your connection in case of delays. On the way back, or if connecting abroad, ensure you have plenty of time to complete any customs or immigration formalities. Be especially wary if you're taking the only daily flight from a given city to a given destination -- if you miss it, you might be waiting a full day for the next trip. Better to spend three hours awaiting a connection than 24 hours dealing with a misconnection. (By contrast, connections abroad are less of a concern, since once you're already in Europe, it's easier for the airlines to get you where you ultimately need to go.) Flights are late all the time, and while airlines will get you to your destination, they might not be able to do so quickly. Advance planning can reduce such inconveniences.
3. Scope things out in advance
Thanks to the internet, travelers have a wealth of information at the their fingertips which will help them navigate unfamiliar foreign airlines and airports. If airlines allow you pick your seats in advance, visit seatguru.com to find out where you'll be most comfortable sitting on the plan where you'll be stuck for eight to twelve hours. Most airport websites have schematic maps allowing travelers to know where they need to go for check in. Some even have videos explaining how to navigate customs and immigration channels. If you're transferring between terminals, or if your departure airport has multiple terminals, it's helpful to know in advance where your flights will arrive depart.
4. Become an elite-level frequent flierIf you reach a certain annual frequent-flier mile threshold, you can earn elite status. This status grants you such privileges as the right to use special check-in desks with reduced lines, special security checkpoints in some airports, and airline VIP lounges. Not only do these lounges provide better food and drink than you can get on the plane, they have customer service representatives who can rebook you as necessary in case of a misconnection. Furthermore, elite-level frequent fliers improve their chances at upgrades and are more likely to get special attention from airline employees who wish to thank their loyal customers. The 50,000 miles it takes to reach this level may seem like a lot, but individuals who travel internationally three or four times a year can come close just by confining their travels to one airline or alliance.
5. Relax and enjoy yourself
It may be hard to stay positive when dealing with asinine security procedures, cantankerous immigration officials, and never-ending queues. However, the fact of the matter is that the ability to step on an airplane and be transported across an ocean overnight, all for a few hundred dollars, is an amazing feat. It used to take days on an ocean liner to cover the ground that a plane can travel in eight hours. Besides, there is something magical about soaring through the air. To this day, I am filled with excitement anytime an airplane speeds down the runway on its takeoff roll. Commercial flight remains a miracle of engineering and nothing the government or the airlines do can really take that feeling away.
No comments:
Post a Comment