How to Improve Your Travels With International Airlines

People seem to be taking more international flights than ever before.

In fact, some people take up to eight holidays per year these days.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a once a year traveler, taking an international flight can be a cumbersome experience.

Read on to find out the best ways to make your travels wth international airlines more comfortable.

Tips for a Better International Flight Experience

Here are the best ways to have a better flight the next time you fly with an international airline.

Order the Special Meals

International airlines offer different types of meals to cater for various dietary requirements. Even if you don’t have a specific dietary need, it’s worth trying some of those meals. Sometimes, they’re even better than the standard kind.

If you order the vegetarian or vegan meal, you’ll get fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of the dubious, unappealing meat that you’re sometimes served otherwise.

An added bonus of ordering a special meal is that you’ll be served before everyone else, too.

Stay Hydrated

On a long-distance trip, it’s tempting to drink as little water as possible to avoid having to keep running to the bathroom.

Airplane and airport bathrooms are usually less than pleasant, so this is understandable. Nobody wants to have to keep using the bathroom on an airplane, but if you don’t drink enough water, you could end up paying for it with your health.

While getting up to go to the bathroom on a plane is inconvenient, it’s good for you. When nature calls, it forces you to get up from a sedentary position, which can prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis from occurring.

Reserve Your Seat Early

Nothing is worse than being stuck in an uncomfortable seat on a long-haul flight.

To avoid this, reserve your seat as early as possible.

Some airlines allow you to choose your seat at the time of booking at no extra cost, although some do charge for this. Be sure to check beforehand.

Check in as early as possible, either online or in person, to make sure you’re not left with a terrible seat.

Skip the Alcohol

Many international airlines serve free alcohol, and although it’s tempting to take advantage of it, it’s not always the best idea.

As a passenger, it’s easy to think that by drinking the free alcohol, you’re getting your money’s worth. After all, tickets for international flights can be really expensive.

The problem is, alcohol makes you dehydrated. On a long flight where you’re almost certainly not drinking enough water already, this isn’t a great idea.

On top of that, the effects of alcohol can be intensified by the air pressure in the cabin. To stay on the safe side, it’s best to avoid the booze.

Stay One Step Ahead

There’s always a possibility that something might go wrong.

The last thing you want is to get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport and miss your flight. That being said, finding out that your flight has been delayed and you’ve got even more waiting around to do is annoying, too.

Last month, the US Department of Transportation reported that 20% of flights at US airports didn’t arrive on time.

Keep track of things by checking the traffic and your flight online beforehand. You can do that by using on of our recommended flight tracker apps.

Extra Tips for Flying with International Airlines

There’s more you can do to make your international flight a more comfortable experience.

If you’re traveling with children, there’s even more to keep on top of. Read our post on the best travel games for kids for ideas on how to keep them entertained at the airport.