So the day is finally here.. bags packed, tickets in hand and we’re ready to go. Our venture from the UK to Australia was not the easiest to think about; a 7 hour flight followed by a 14 hour flight. Luckily we’ve picked up some tips for this kind of journey that may come in handy if and when you decide to take the plunge and embark on your own mammoth adventure.
Tip #1 Snacks
There is nothing worse than turning up at the airport with a few hours to wait and your stomach growling at you. Especially with the price of food at the airport and the thought of the unpalatable food on the aeroplane (sorry if you are a fan of that food). The night before every long haul flight we have been on, we are sure to make bacon batches ready for the journey ahead of us. You are allowed to take your own sandwiches like this to all different destinations as long as you don’t take them off the plane with you- either eat them in the airport before boarding, on the aeroplane or if you don’t end up eating them, leave them on the aeroplane at the end of the flight. As for sweets, you can usually keep these with you for your whole journey; just be sure to declare these when travelling to places that require you to.
Tip #2 Stay hydrated
Following on from food, drinks are also expensive when it comes to airports. We have learned to always take our own water bottles on all our trips. Although you are not allowed to take liquids through security checks, there is nothing stopping you from taking an empty water bottle. Most airports are full of drinking fountains which are free for everyone to use- make the most of them! There are always places to empty and refill water bottles throughout your journey and so by doing this, you can easily save some pennies.
Tip #3 Make the most of your hand luggage
When it comes to checking in your bags at the airport, there is no doubt your hoping they will make it back to you at the last point in your journey. Unfortunately, luggage can occasionally go missing, leaving you without your belongings for a couple of days. As a precaution, make the most of your hand luggage. Hand luggage can often be the size of a small suitcase and so it is a good idea to pack some essentials in case of an emergency. Shorts, tops, underwear and a swimsuit. These items will often be enough to get you through a few days (depending on where you are travelling to) until your luggage shows up. And you’ll still be able to enjoy some time on the beach!
Tip #4 Entertainment
When we’re taking a long haul flight there is no doubt you are hoping for a personal tv. However, some aeroplanes don’t have the luxury of a personal tv (as we found out on our flight to NYC) and sometimes even if the aeroplane has personal tv’s, you may end up with the broken one. It’s a good idea to take some of your own belongings to keep you occupied. A book, magazine, Music or even download some of your own movies on a tablet or phone.
Tip #5 The dreaded delayed flight
It can happen to any of us. On our recent trip to Australia, we arrived in Doha to find that our connecting 14 hour flight had been delayed by 4 hours! At this point we had already been on the go for 12 hours with the thought of a 14 hour flight to go and now an extra 4 hours on top of what we already had in the airport. It felt as if this day would last forever! The first thing we did was check our hotel check in time and transfer to the airport to ensure we would still have a place to stay when we finally arrived. We then decided to find out the reason for the delay and what they could do to compensate us. It turned out we were entitled to a free meal which saved us some money. Its worth checking because depending on where in the world you are, you could be entitled to a partial refund!
Tip #6 Choose your own seat
If your travelling with friends or family, you will probably want to sit next to them on the plane. Not only is it a friendly face, but it is also someone you can chat to and pass the time with. Some airlines will originally ask for a fee in order to choose your own seats. However, if you wait till closer to your departure date, this luxury often becomes available free of charge. Be patient and keep checking your booking in the days leading up to your trip and you may get yourself a free seat selection.
Tip #7 Wear comfy clothes
There’s is nothing worse than being stuck on an aeroplane for hours on end and being uncomfortable. This tip is simple, dress in clothes that you will find comfortable. Keep in mind that aeroplanes are often a bit chilly and so it is also a good idea to take a warm jumper or jacket.
Rowland Around the World 