One of the best things about flying is that you get to travel to amazing places all over the world – and sometimes even getting there is half the fun.

But if you’re someone who gets a little anxious about taking to the skies, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In fact, according to Australian Aviation, around one in three Australians suffer from some form of aerophobia (fear of flying).

The good news is that there are plenty of experienced flight attendants out there who are more than happy to share their top tips for making your next flight as smooth, comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

So if you want to make sure your next journey is as pleasant and stress-free as can be, read on!

Two veteran cabin crew members – British flight attendant Kris Major and American Allie Malis – revealed their best secrets when it comes to getting comfortable seat upgrades.

Flight attendants Kris Major and Allie Malis shared some expert tips to make your next flight as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Credit: Pexels/Pew Nguyen.

Delayed flight

We all know how frustrating it can be when our plans suddenly get derailed by a late or cancelled flight. No matter what the reason is for the delay, it's always a pain.

But did you know that there are things you can do to make the situation better? We're not saying you'll be happy about the delay, but at least with these tips from flight attendants, you'll be able to make the most of a bad situation.

The first thing to remember is that delays happen and they're nobody's fault. So instead of getting angry and taking it out on your fellow passengers or the hard-working flight crew, try to remain calm and understanding. After all, we're all in this together!

'If we can’t go, we can’t go,' Major said.

'We will be doing everything we can in our power to go - because it’s in our interest too.'

If you find yourself on a delayed flight, don't hesitate to ask your friendly neighbourhood flight attendant for information and updates. They're usually more than happy to help out and will do their best to keep everyone in the loop about what's going on.

Delayed flights can't be helped, so it's best to ask the flight attendant for more information about the flight and your next steps. Credit: Pexels/Vinh Lam.

Additionally, despite what some passengers may believe, flight attendants do not withhold information from them.

He pointed out: 'There's no point in hiding information.'

So, if you're worried about missing a connection while waiting for a delayed flight, don't be afraid to ask your flight attendant for as much information as you can.

Major promises to send travellers to the appropriate desk for a flight rebooking and inform them of 'the questions you need to ask'.

Beating the jet lag

Jet lag is one of the most common issues that people face during their travels. This is the body's natural reaction towards the unusual schedule of crossing time zones. Indeed, it can be quite exhausting!

If you have a trip coming up, here are some tips to get rid of your jet lag.

Major explained that after arriving at your destination, you should immediately try to stay up until night falls instead of going to bed right away.

Crossing time zones can cause jet lag for many people. Credit: Pexels/Pixabay.

'Don't just go to sleep and just sleep your way through, because you're staying on your own time, you're not helping your own body clock to readjust your circadian rhythm,' he said.

While this may seem counter-intuitive, it actually helps the body to adapt to the new time zone and to avoid what experts call 'circadian misalignment', which is the process by which the sleep schedule does not align with the circadian clock.

Malis, another travel expert, recommended that travellers consume plenty of water, eat well, and get sufficient exercise during their travels.

These three basics for health and wellness will help you stay hydrated, grounded, and physically fit, regardless of whether you're jet-lagged or not.

She also emphasised the importance of prioritising rest when possible, saying: 'Being tired can affect everything.'

'The holidays can be stressful, so give yourself the best chance of proper rest to enjoy the season in the most positive and celebratory ways.'

Upgrading seats during boarding

Seat upgrades usually happen on the ground before boarding, but there are exceptions – sometimes a ground agent will let an attendant know certain travellers can be moved up to first class or business class if there are empty seats available. However, these decisions follow a specific process and order (i.e., Parents with small children will be upgraded before single flyers).

However, once the flight is in the air, passengers will only be moved in rare circumstances, such as when one passenger is bothering another.

Seat switching

If you want to move seats so you can sit next to a friend or family member, go right ahead! Flight attendants support this kind of switching about but try not to interfere unless absolutely necessary.

'If a passenger wants to ask another passenger, we can’t stop them,' Major explained.

'It’s in our interest to get people together because you don’t want the grief of people being separated.'

Just be considerate of other travellers who may have paid extra for their current seating arrangement.

Malis affirms that she works hard to keep parents and children together and advises that if at all possible, these issues are settled prior to boarding.

'It puts a lot of pressure on us to ask favours of passengers to switch around and it’s a very time-sensitive part of the flight when we’re boarding,' she remarked.

Moving seats to a location on the plane where other passengers have paid more to sit can also cause controversy.

Malis added: 'From a practical standpoint, I understand - if you have three people crammed in one seat and an empty row up there, shouldn’t everyone just be able to spread out?'

'What a treat that is when the flight allows you to.'

'But then (there’s) also respecting that there are people who have paid extra to be there and that someone hasn’t, and that’s unfair.'

Malis also finds it ironic that the premium seats can occasionally be found in the rows closest to the emergency exits.

She continued: 'People that are asked to be willing and able to assist in the event of an emergency are maybe more likely to have a couple of drinks if they’re sitting there.'

'But that’s how it is, that’s how those seats are marketed.'

'Thankfully, we don’t have a lot of emergency evacuations.'

Key Takeaways

• Be understanding and patient during delays – they happen to everyone and nobody is to blame. Immediately try to stay up upon arriving at your destination to avoid jet lag.
• Drink plenty of water, eat well, and get exercise – these will help you stay healthy and minimise the effects of jet lag.
• If you want to move seats to be next to a friend or family member, go right ahead! Just be considerate of others who may have paid extra for their current seating arrangements.

There you have it, folks! The next time you fly, just keep these expert tips in mind so you can make the most out of your travelling experience.

Do you know other tips for making your flight as comfortable as possible? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[Macarj]

I know how to make it more comfortable, I sleep
I can sleep anywhere anytime I'm lucky that way my wife can't not even on a 13 hour flight

 

[Luckyus]

One of the best things about flying is that you get to travel to amazing places all over the world – and sometimes even getting there is half the fun.

But if you’re someone who gets a little anxious about taking to the skies, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In fact, according to Australian Aviation, around one in three Australians suffer from some form of aerophobia (fear of flying).

The good news is that there are plenty of experienced flight attendants out there who are more than happy to share their top tips for making your next flight as smooth, comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

So if you want to make sure your next journey is as pleasant and stress-free as can be, read on!

Two veteran cabin crew members – British flight attendant Kris Major and American Allie Malis – revealed their best secrets when it comes to getting comfortable seat upgrades.

Flight attendants Kris Major and Allie Malis shared some expert tips to make your next flight as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Credit: Pexels/Pew Nguyen.

Delayed flight

We all know how frustrating it can be when our plans suddenly get derailed by a late or cancelled flight. No matter what the reason is for the delay, it's always a pain.

But did you know that there are things you can do to make the situation better? We're not saying you'll be happy about the delay, but at least with these tips from flight attendants, you'll be able to make the most of a bad situation.

The first thing to remember is that delays happen and they're nobody's fault. So instead of getting angry and taking it out on your fellow passengers or the hard-working flight crew, try to remain calm and understanding. After all, we're all in this together!

'If we can’t go, we can’t go,' Major said.

'We will be doing everything we can in our power to go - because it’s in our interest too.'

If you find yourself on a delayed flight, don't hesitate to ask your friendly neighbourhood flight attendant for information and updates. They're usually more than happy to help out and will do their best to keep everyone in the loop about what's going on.

Delayed flights can't be helped, so it's best to ask the flight attendant for more information about the flight and your next steps. Credit: Pexels/Vinh Lam.

Additionally, despite what some passengers may believe, flight attendants do not withhold information from them.

He pointed out: 'There's no point in hiding information.'

So, if you're worried about missing a connection while waiting for a delayed flight, don't be afraid to ask your flight attendant for as much information as you can.

Major promises to send travellers to the appropriate desk for a flight rebooking and inform them of 'the questions you need to ask'.

Beating the jet lag

Jet lag is one of the most common issues that people face during their travels. This is the body's natural reaction towards the unusual schedule of crossing time zones. Indeed, it can be quite exhausting!

If you have a trip coming up, here are some tips to get rid of your jet lag.

Major explained that after arriving at your destination, you should immediately try to stay up until night falls instead of going to bed right away.

Crossing time zones can cause jet lag for many people. Credit: Pexels/Pixabay.

'Don't just go to sleep and just sleep your way through, because you're staying on your own time, you're not helping your own body clock to readjust your circadian rhythm,' he said.

While this may seem counter-intuitive, it actually helps the body to adapt to the new time zone and to avoid what experts call 'circadian misalignment', which is the process by which the sleep schedule does not align with the circadian clock.

Malis, another travel expert, recommended that travellers consume plenty of water, eat well, and get sufficient exercise during their travels.

These three basics for health and wellness will help you stay hydrated, grounded, and physically fit, regardless of whether you're jet-lagged or not.

She also emphasised the importance of prioritising rest when possible, saying: 'Being tired can affect everything.'

'The holidays can be stressful, so give yourself the best chance of proper rest to enjoy the season in the most positive and celebratory ways.'

Upgrading seats during boarding

Seat upgrades usually happen on the ground before boarding, but there are exceptions – sometimes a ground agent will let an attendant know certain travellers can be moved up to first class or business class if there are empty seats available. However, these decisions follow a specific process and order (i.e., Parents with small children will be upgraded before single flyers).

However, once the flight is in the air, passengers will only be moved in rare circumstances, such as when one passenger is bothering another.

Seat switching

If you want to move seats so you can sit next to a friend or family member, go right ahead! Flight attendants support this kind of switching about but try not to interfere unless absolutely necessary.

'If a passenger wants to ask another passenger, we can’t stop them,' Major explained.

'It’s in our interest to get people together because you don’t want the grief of people being separated.'

Just be considerate of other travellers who may have paid extra for their current seating arrangement.

Malis affirms that she works hard to keep parents and children together and advises that if at all possible, these issues are settled prior to boarding.

'It puts a lot of pressure on us to ask favours of passengers to switch around and it’s a very time-sensitive part of the flight when we’re boarding,' she remarked.

Moving seats to a location on the plane where other passengers have paid more to sit can also cause controversy.

Malis added: 'From a practical standpoint, I understand - if you have three people crammed in one seat and an empty row up there, shouldn’t everyone just be able to spread out?'

'What a treat that is when the flight allows you to.'

'But then (there’s) also respecting that there are people who have paid extra to be there and that someone hasn’t, and that’s unfair.'

Malis also finds it ironic that the premium seats can occasionally be found in the rows closest to the emergency exits.

She continued: 'People that are asked to be willing and able to assist in the event of an emergency are maybe more likely to have a couple of drinks if they’re sitting there.'

'But that’s how it is, that’s how those seats are marketed.'

'Thankfully, we don’t have a lot of emergency evacuations.'

Key Takeaways

• Be understanding and patient during delays – they happen to everyone and nobody is to blame. Immediately try to stay up upon arriving at your destination to avoid jet lag.
• Drink plenty of water, eat well, and get exercise – these will help you stay healthy and minimise the effects of jet lag.
• If you want to move seats to be next to a friend or family member, go right ahead! Just be considerate of others who may have paid extra for their current seating arrangements.

There you have it, folks! The next time you fly, just keep these expert tips in mind so you can make the most out of your travelling experience.

Do you know other tips for making your flight as comfortable as possible? Share them with us in the comments below!

When we used to live in Auckland I used to fly back every six to seven weeks for leave and because payoff day wasn't a set day for obvious reasons. I used to go standby and one particular time I got a standby with British Airways on Friday Morning as the flight terminated in N.Z I lucked out and was upgraded to first class as that section was empty while economy my ticket was still full. But when I took my ticket to Air N.Z to come back to work they mistakenly booked me, first class needless to say it kept happening, mind you I would purposely book that flight even if I paid off earlier in the week, got to enjoy my family a bit longer till we came over permanently.