Are you planning a flight sometime soon? Counting down the days until takeoff? Trying to squeeze all of your belongings into that new suitcase? Today I want to help you and share with you a few points of view from cabin crew and pilots before you book your next trip. With years of experience flying commercial aircraft both domestic and internationally these friends of mine offered to give me some great advice to share with all of you. Listen up passengers! These tips may have you thinking and acting a bit differently when you board your next plane…
A few tips from a cabin crew member…
Tip #1: Travelling together, check in early (in person or online) you’ll almost certainly get to sit together. Going solo? Leave it last minute, you’re more likely to get upgraded (if you look the part).
Tip #2: Minimize jet lag by snoozing lots, eating light and only drinking water…might sound boring but you’ll be glad you took it easy when you leap outta bed day 1 of your trip!
Tip #3: Make the crew love you! Don’t freak cause we ran out of chicken or poke me in the ribs when you need extra sugar. Make my job easy and it’s amazing how often I forget to charge for liquor (I know I said just water but you’re on vaycay. It can’t hurt).
Tips and Advice from a Pilot
Always be at the airport on time, even if the weather is good. Good weather means more traffic at the airport and longer lines going thru security.
During bad weather, give yourself extra time to get to the airport. Check traffic for accidents or construction that will delay your arrival at airport..
Pack necessary clothing. According to destination, but always a light jacket and long socks just in case a warm day turns into a chilly day.
I always put my socks and underwear inside my workout shoes. It gives me more room to take other stuff.
If you forget something at home, like toothpaste, toothbrush etc. most hotels will have it.
Always check the airport van schedules and pick up and drop off locations. Sometimes Uber is a lot faster.
Once in the air..if you like to use the bathroom often, take an aisle seat, if you like to nap, the window.
If gate agents are offering to check your bags to your destination, do it…saves time when you deplane.
Obey the announcements from the crew, be courteous and patient during a delay.
Be nice to the flight attendants, they notice who is not a good passenger.
At the end of flight a good thank you for a great flight or what a nice landing, makes our day better.
Another Pilot’s perspective…
Check weather where you are going and where you are connecting. Final destination may be good but where you are connecting might be snowed in.
If on a cruise allow some time cushion on both ends. Planes fly all over the country or world and a lot goes into the overall experience so if it’s delayed, don’t get mad.
Unless the agent is being rude, always be nice and courteous to airline representatives. Many will go out of there way when you’re nice and compassionate.
Know that a lot goes into flying massive planes with passengers into crosswinds and weather is a big factor. So it’s not always easy to make the smoothest flight or landing.
A ton of work goes into just the flight from creating a flight plan, the dispatch flight release with all the weights/fuel and best route. Not simple get on bus then get off. Proper preplans and execution are a must!
Tips for new pilots…Be prepared and budget for an unplanned overnight at hotel in case flight diverts or breaks down. Have something basic in carry on.
It’s Kelly now…
It’s always great to hear another perspective and point of view isn’t it? This is why I have asked a number of my friends in the travel industry to be involved this week.
For some who travel frequently and perhaps everyday they don’t think twice about all the planning, prepping and safety measures that go into a smooth flight. The flight that you may be on your phone/computer the whole time. Next time you board look up and greet your flight attendant. Don’t stare at your phone. It’s just nice to be acknowledged.
Everyone in any service industry deserves a smile and a thank you. I mean if you’re really excited a high five or hand shake too! In all seriousness, next time you fly be sure to thank your crew and anyone that helped you before, during and after your flight. It’s just the right thing to do…
Until next time…
KAG
PS Do you have an in-flight story you would like to share? Leave it below in the comments. Let’s talk about it!
