The following are Independent Traveler tips about what to do prior to booking a future international flight:
Do not select your flight based on cheapest price alone. A more expensive decent flight on a comfortable plane with a superior entertainment system and delectable food may be worth more than a cheaper cramped flight with overhead screens showing bad movies. Make certain you weigh price vs. amenities.
If you will have to connect, make certain that your connection time is sufficient. Particularly when you are on an international flight, clearing customs, picking up luggage, moving to a different terminal, rechecking bags and clearing security can take far more time than an airline might require. A website called Hipmunk has what it calls an Agony index which ranks flights using a combination of price, duration, and number of connections.
Be aware that all airlines are not created equal. The three most factors which tend to differentiate different carriers are food, entertainment, and comfort:
1. Information about airline meals can be found on their websites and at a website called AirlineMeals dot net.
2. Regarding in flight entertainment, try to find an airline that offers seatback screens vs. overhead screens. Seatback screens are far less physically demanding to view and usually offer much greater variety.
3. There are a variety of websites including SeatGuru that provide information about seat locations, sizes and whether the plane has seatback or overhead screens.
Select the type of plane you will be flying carefully. For example, a plane with a 3 -3 configuration is less desirable than some other setups such as a 3 5 3 configuration because there is only one aisle in a 3 -3 plane.
Do your very best to get an upgrade. Consider using airline miles to upgrade or paying at least for upgraded coach seats that come with more space and other benefits.
Review loyalty programs and try to select an airline whose program you already belong or at least one that has an alliance to the airline you have a membership with.
Select travel clothes that wont look terrible after you sleep in them, will stretch when you move, shoes that can be easily slipped off and back on again, and shoes that will be comfortable and easy to balance in if turbulence is experienced.
If you are depending on your tablet to help your survive multiple long distance flights, you should add at least a couple of movies to your tablet that will completely absorb you. Also add a few books in digital form of different genres.
Approach planning for an international flight like you would prepare for a holiday. Unless your flight offers Internet access your flight may be one of the few true days off you get all year. Prepare yourself for a full day off by selecting favorite clothes, special books and movies, plan a nap, and make certain you will be enjoying good food.
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