Sitting in a first-class seat for a long-haul flight (or, let’s be real, any flight) is the dream. But for most people, it’s not a reality. International first-class flights can cost far more than their economy alternatives, making them more of a luxury rather than a given. While riding in economy can be a slog, … Read more
On the list of ways people want to spend their time, sitting on a plane for hours on end is probably not very high. But long-haul flights are a necessary reality if you need to travel far. “A long-haul flight can certainly be daunting and stressful,” Casey Brogan, a consumer travel expert at Tripadvisor, told … Read more
Jet lag is arguably one of the worst parts of long-distance travel. From insomnia and exhaustion to digestive issues and an overall cranky mood, few travelers can say they haven’t felt the effects of jet lag at one point or another. Thanks to a disruption in the body’s natural circadian rhythm (or sleep-wake cycle), jet … Read more
People are rarely at their best during air travel. Just look at the mounting number of in-flight altercations and other troubling incidents these days. One aspect of flying that really strikes a nerve with many travelers is seat reclining. In November, a video of a screaming match between passengers over one woman’s choice to recline … Read more
Choosing your plane seat when you book a flight can sometimes feel like a crapshoot. Of course, we’d all love to enjoy the extra legroom and amenities that come with business class or other upgraded sections, but the reality is that most travelers are trying to stick to a budget. So which of the many … Read more
It’s an experience all too familiar with air travelers: One minute the flight is going smoothly, and the next thing you know it feels like the plane is bumping and shaking in all directions. Turbulence is a very common part of air travel, but that doesn’t make it less unpleasant. In fact, research has shown … Read more
A lot of people are frequent flyers these days, but their knowledge of air travel still can’t compare with the level that flight attendants possess. This is especially clear when crew members travel as passengers themselves. “Working as a flight attendant changes your perspective on a lot of things,” Francesco Lentini, a flight attendant with … Read more
As terrible as that tradeoff is, it’s worth noting that the risk of death on a commercial airliner to anyone, lap-held infants included, remains vanishingly low—so let the pangs of guilt subside if you’ve flown holding your baby on your lap. “Commercial aircraft accidents are still extremely rare, and the logistics of having infants in … Read more
