Subdue The Skies: Tips for Oustanding Long-Haul Flights
Social networks are full of travel tips and travelers’ observations, often with a veil of disguised advertising. After a couple of minutes of you listening to what you thought was a bit of honest advice, headphones, and backpacks of popular brands appear. As a result, you start to feel that without these things your trip won’t be spectacular. Rather than a YouTube sensation, I’m going to interview a frequent flyer whose words I trust. Nick travels for work and beyond. Recently he flew with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways, both of which belong to two major alliances. What are his thoughts about the differences and similarities between the two airlines, and what tips he has for making long-haul flights more enjoyable?
- 2024-09-27
- 6:05 AM GMT
1) Did you notice any difference between KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways flights? Both trips were transatlantic and lasted 8 hours.
Nick: There are more similarities between the two flights in a lot of ways. Despite belonging to different airline groups, both provided reliable service and the crews were approachable when there was an issue.
2) Do you have any tips for navigating busy airports during long-haul international travel? (e.g., security, lounges, avoiding stress)
Nick: Allow yourself plenty of time! Especially at busy airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport and London Heathrow. It is important to get there early enough so that you have an adequate amount of time to navigate a potentially long security line. It is also recommended that if you qualify, take advantage of any programs that may assist you in fast-tracking so that you can avoid these long lines. Also, when going through security, familiarise yourself with the procedures; what to keep on your person, and what is better to be put in your luggage. Dispose of items that you know will not be allowed past the checkpoint. Put everything else inside your carry-on bag.
3) What were the most comfortable aspects of your KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways flights? (e.g., seats, legroom, amenities)
Nick: From my experience, the legroom on British Airways was much better than on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The seats were wider and allowed me to sleep better.
3) How was the food and drink service on both airlines? Did one offer better meals or more variety?
Nick: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offered more options than British Airways. There were healthier options, especially with beverages. On long flights, I recommend avoiding fizzy drinks as the queues for the WC stretch the length of the plane.
5) Did both airlines offer a good selection of entertainment options? Which one provided a better experience?
Nick: The entertainment options were very similar to what in-flight movies and reading material were offered. When I flew British Airways, I did not see any literature other than the safety card in the seat pocket. On KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, there was a magazine that offered tourist attractions throughout the Netherlands. On KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, there was a slight issue with the in-flight WiFi, which resulted in connectivity problems on my return flight. I did not take advantage of WiFi on board British Airways.
6) Were there any aspects of your experience with either airline that could be improved? (e.g., delays, service, comfort)
Nick: Knocking on wood, I did not experience many if any delays with either airline. On my recent flight to London Heathrow with British Airways, there was a family with loud children. Many would agree with me that there ought to be flights specially designated for persons with small children. But then again, that’s what headphones are for!
The interviewer comments: “Nick, did you know, that such a service exists? Corendon is the first European carrier to offer child-free zones on planes, following the lead of some international carriers like AirAsia.”
7) Do you have any seat selection tips for people flying 8+ hours? (e.g., window, aisle, specific rows)
Nick: If you are the type of person who is likely to have to get up in the middle of an eight-hour flight (whether to stretch your legs, use the restroom, etc.) then definitely grab an aisle seat. If you anticipate being sedentary and sleeping for the entirety of the flight, then grab the window.
8) What are your tips for staying comfortable on long flights? (e.g., neck pillows, stretching, hydration)
Nick: A neck pillow would help as far as enhanced head comfort. The seats on both airlines had built-in retractable headrests that allow the passenger to rest their head in either direction. But if you are a taller person, grab a neck pillow with you, since your head will be higher than a headrest holder. It is also a good idea to bring warmer clothing, such as a sweater or even a blanket. A transatlantic flight can get very cold when at cruising altitude.
9) How do you manage jet lag when crossing the Atlantic? Do you have any routines or strategies?
Nick: Sleep redistribution! Before your flight, adjust your sleep schedule in a manner consistent with your arrival time at your destination so that you can sleep on the flight. It helped me many times to arrive at the destination and feel refreshed enough to deplane appropriately, not forget any items on board, and be able to get my head in the game when going through customs and passport control.
10) Can you share any advice for proper sleep on an 8-hour flight? (e.g., sleep aids, eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones)
Nick: Of course. Cannot imagine a flight without noise-cancelling headphones. Most likely there will be small children on board. So for your comfort, invest in noise-cancelling headphones. Also, as I mentioned before, long-haul flights can get cold, especially when at cruising altitude. So it is recommended to bring a warm blanket or a cozy jumper. Sleep masks would also help for the enhancement of a nap.
Nick, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with our readers. I hope these tips will help travelers feel a bit more at ease on long-haul flights, and if you have any flight disruptions, you can always contact Skycop.com. we will be here to help you.
