Five Insider Tips to Know Before Your Trip

 

Once upon a time, travelling by air was a luxurious experience. Nowadays, most flights are stressful journeys that test your patience and tolerance for close human contact.

But humans adapt, and frequent travellers have, through experience, honed their skills to find the best ways to prepare for each flight. If you are not a frequent flyer, this knowledge can make a difference in your experience aboard.

Curious? No need to—these frequent flyer tips will ensure a leisure experience at a fraction of the cost.

 

01. Flying on certain days can be cheaper.

 

By now, it’s a well-known fact that booking flights in advance is an excellent way to find the best deals—ideally from one to five months ahead of your scheduled date.

However, did you know the day you fly also plays a role?

Booking flights that take off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is often cheaper, as they are off-peak and mid-week days. In contrast, Sundays are the most expensive days to fly, and the difference can be as big as 24% between each.

Many believe booking your flight on specific days can make a big difference. You may  find cheaper deals during certain times of the week.

 

02. Aisle seats are better. Sometimes.

 

Choosing between aisle or window seats may seem a matter of preference, but certain advantages and disadvantages may change your viewpoint.

For example, expert flyers agree that aisle seats are better for long flights. The reason? You are free to stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, or walk around as you please without having to disturb anyone. Likewise, you have extra leg room towards the aisle if you do not obstruct the path.

On the other hand, window seats might be a better choice for overnight flights, as you have more room to lean against during your sleep, and you won’t be woken up by seatmates trying to go to the bathroom.

 

03. Carrying devices and batteries needs special attention.

 

Many people now fly with cellphones, laptops, tablets, power banks, and a spare battery or two. However, despite being everyday items, they require special attention regarding airport regulations.

As it turns out, lithium batteries—the ones on most of your devices—are deemed dangerous goods since they are a potential fire hazard. As such, airlines have strict policies regarding how and how many batteries you can take with you.

There’s a good reason for such measures—more than one battery has exploded on flight.

 

[Check out our article on more information on travelling with batteries!]

 

04. Your skin will suffer.

 

Flying is far from being a relaxing experience, but did you know it can wreak havoc on your skin? It’s not precisely the stress—although it can play a role—but the lack of moisture.

When you are on long-haul flies, the cabin’s humidity levels drop to 20%, which is far below the average for most households. This continuous exposure dehydrates your skin and can make you look worse once you land.

Window-seaters must also beware—UVA exposure is higher in the skies, and the windows do nothing to protect your skin. Flying with a travel-size moisturiser, sunscreen, and lip balm may be a great idea.

 

05. Things are dirtier than you might think.

 

The pandemic taught us something: We are surrounded by germs, and every surface is a potential petri dish. It gets worse inside an aeroplane.

Any given plane can have hundreds or thousands of passengers within a day, so germs and bacteria accumulate quickly. And while the bathroom may seem like the most obvious choice for dirtiest place, it isn’t—it’s the tray you eat on.

The seatback trays are the dirtiest objects in an aeroplane, hosting approximately eight times more bacteria than bathrooms. Your seatbelt, headrest, and blankets may also host a bacterial colony without you knowing.

Solution? Bring disinfecting wipes with you! A quick wipe may make the difference.

 

Ready for Your Flight?

 

Flying is not a universal experience; what works best will always change according to your circumstances. However, knowing some of the general advice given by others can help you save time, money, and stress whenever it’s your turn to board a plane.

We hope these tips can make a world of difference during your trips. Whether it is preventing a bout of sickness or giving you extra comfort, your flights will never be the same!