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]]>Days of the Week
Contrary to popular belief, airlines don’t regularly lower their fares on any particular day of the week—at least, not anymore. Some companies were known to offer mid-week specials when online booking first became available, but today, this advice is no longer relevant. What can make a difference is the day of that week that you choose to fly on. For example, mid-week and red-eye flights are usually cheaper than those on weekends or more convenient hours.
When to Book
Most airlines publish their schedules about a year in advance, but when it comes to purchasing tickets, earlier is not necessarily better. Prices typically start high and decrease gradually in the following months, reaching their lowest point two to five months before departure. Last-minute bookings less than four weeks out are on average $200 more expensive, not to mention options are likely to be much more limited.
Be Proactive
Like any major purchase, a little bit of research and proper planning can go a long way in terms of finding a better deal. Rather than book the first flight you find, use third-party sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare fares, and set up price alerts for the options that are most relevant. When you find a good deal, act fast so you don’t miss out.
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]]>The post How to Prepare for a Flight When You Don’t Love Flying appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Plan For All Eventualities
Whilst no one wants to predict that they’ll be stuck in the departures lounge for an extra five hours due to delays, unfortunately this is a reality which is worth planning for. Make sure you have comfortable clothes, extra layers for warmth, water, snacks, and something to distract you other than your phone. If you’re already feeling a bit nauseous from pre-flight nerves, staring at a phone screen will only increase these symptoms. Bring a great book, a mini board game or even a journal so you can jot down your thoughts as you wait.
Consider Paying For Extra Legroom
One of the biggest causes of stress and worry can be sitting cramped up in a plane seat for several hours, next to people you don’t know. If you’re traveling alone and can afford it, it may be worth paying for extra legroom, or for seats in your preferred section of the plane. If paying extra isn’t an option, bring a travel pillow so you can support your neck if you’re trying to sleep, and consider an eye mask and ear plugs too – if you don’t enjoy flying, sometimes the best way to deal with it is to try and nap through it.
Allow Extra Time
One of the biggest causes of flight stress is having a strict deadline at the other end of the flight. Unless absolutely unavoidable, try and allow yourself enough time to get from the airport to your accommodation or your next mode of transport without stress. Nothing is worse than standing in a customs queue, sweating because you have five minutes to make the train into the city centre. Map out each part of the journey, and leave yourself at least half an hour of spare time to get to each transfer.
Flying may not be your favorite activity, but with these simple adjustments, you can make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable for yourself.
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]]>The post Economy vs. First Class: Is the Price Difference Worth it? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>While the specifics do vary a bit by airline, there are a few benefits common to most first-class tickets that can completely transform the travel experience. If you’ve ever wondered about what actually distinguishes first class from economy and whether first-class tickets are worth the splurge, read on to learn more about some things that set the two apart.
Space
First-class cabins typically provide passengers with spacious seats that can recline more fully than their economy counterparts. The extra legroom allows for greater comfort, especially on long-haul journeys. In contrast, economy class seats are designed for efficiency, providing adequate space for shorter trips but often with less legroom and limited recline options.
Service and Amenities
From dedicated check-in counters to priority boarding, first-class passengers tend to be offered a higher level of personalized service before they even get on the plane. Onboard, they may receive more meal options and a wider selection of complimentary beverages. Some airlines will also provide first-class passengers with additional amenities such as cozy blankets and noise-canceling headphones. Economy class passengers receive standard services and complimentary meals or snacks, depending on the airline and flight duration.
Entertainment
Some first-class cabins will feature larger personal screens with a broader range of entertainment options than those available in economy. Additionally, some airlines now offer Wi-Fi connectivity to first-class passengers free of charge. While economy class passengers also have access to in-flight entertainment, the options may be more limited, and Wi-Fi is usually available at an additional cost.
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]]>The post 3 Ways to Support Your Anxious Flyer appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Plan Ahead & Communicate
When planning your trip, consider booking flights scheduled at off-peak hours, as busy airports and packed planes can increase stress and exacerbate anxious feelings. A few days before your flight, sit down with your companion and go over your itinerary, flight details, and any potential triggers for their anxiety. Knowing what to expect can alleviate some of their worries and will allow you to be on the lookout for signs that they’re starting to have a hard time.
Stay Calm & Provide Distractions
Anxiety can be contagious, so do your best to remain calm throughout your flight so as not to feed into your companion’s fears. If you’re traveling with an adult, remind them in advance to pack their favorite books and electronics to serve as a distraction, and consider including a few backup options in your own carry-on, just in case. More than anything, try to be mindful of their needs without overwhelming them with too much attention.
Ask How You Can Support Them
Show empathy by acknowledging their anxiety and validating their feelings. Rather than assume you know what they need, ask open-ended questions like, “How can I help you feel more comfortable?” or “Is there anything specific you’d like from me right now?” This approach empowers them to communicate their needs and allows you to provide more tailored support.
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]]>The post Tips for Getting Through Long-Haul Flights With Children appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Entertainment is Key
Ensuring a smooth flight begins before it’s even time to board the plane. Sitting for hours in a small space can leave kids feeling bored and frustrated, so it’s essential to prepare things to keep them entertained. Pack a designated bag with their favorite books, toys, and electronic devices with headphones. Download movies or shows in advance, and keep chargers handy in case batteries get low. Most important of all, include plenty of healthy snacks to prevent hunger-induced meltdowns.
Stick to Routine
Kids thrive on routine, so try to maintain a semblance of your child’s regular schedule as much as possible throughout your flight. Bring familiar sleep-related items like blankets or stuffed animals and offer them at your child’s regular nap and bedtimes to encourage sleep. If their meal times don’t happen to align with the plane’s schedule, offer snacks, or hold onto their food until it’s time for them to eat later on.
Choose Your Seats Wisely
If you have the option to choose your seats, opt for aisle seats that are close to the bathroom. You’ll be able to get up and down as needed without having to climb over your neighbors and get to the toilet more quickly when your child needs to go. When traveling as a family or group, try to book your seats in a row so you have more space to spread out.
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]]>The post Tips for Airport Travel During the Holidays appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Plan Ahead But Be Flexible
Booking your tickets well in advance can mean the difference between a comfortable seat for a reasonable price and maxing out your credit card to get stuck next to the bathroom. Airlines usually release their holiday schedules months ahead of time, so figure out which dates you’d like to travel and snag your tickets as soon as possible. If you have some room for flexibility with your dates, we recommend avoiding peak travel days, which tend to be more crowded and expensive.
Get There Early
Arriving at the airport with time to spare is a good idea any time of year, but it’s absolutely essential during the holiday rush. If you’re flying domestic, aim to arrive at least two hours in advance, and budget at least three hours for international flights. Keep an eye on the status of your flight before you leave so that you can prepare for any last-minute changes. To avoid getting held up in the security line, plan the contents of your carry-on bags strategically and opt for easily removable shoes.
Embrace Technology
Use technology to your advantage—download your airline’s app for real-time flight updates and convenient access to mobile boarding passes. If your flight includes a meal, consider pre-ordering your selection online at least 24 hours before, especially if you have any dietary restrictions. Finally, stick AirTags to your luggage to help you find it more quickly at baggage claim or in the event it gets lost.
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]]>The post Tips to Conquer a Fear of Flying appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Knowledge is power
Like we said, facts and figures are unlikely to make much of a difference when you’re in the middle of a panic attack at peak altitude. However, reading up on the crash history and safety features of your plane in advance may help curb anxious feelings before they start. Planes go through many rounds of very rigorous testing before they’re deemed safe, and turbulence alone has never caused an aircraft to crash.
Talk to the crew
Flight attendants are required by the airlines that employ them to undergo regular training on the safety features of the plane as well as what to do should an emergency arise. They’re well-versed in how to support passengers throughout all phases of flying and will make a point to check in on you should you need it. If you find yourself feeling especially anxious or uncomfortable, tell a crew member as soon as possible.
Stay calm & comfortable
Doing what you can to keep your body calm and physically comfortable is the best way to show your nervous system that you’re in a safe situation. Wear cozy clothes, bring a “security object,” such as a familiar blanket, and practice techniques like 4-7-8 breathing throughout your flight to reduce anxiety.
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]]>The post Hailey Bieber Says This is the Best Carry-On She’s Ever Used appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>As much as we enjoy traveling, we live in perpetual fear that an airline will lose our luggage. That’s why it is essential to keep a few essential items in your hand luggage. Unfortunately, all the things you need don’t always fit into the little bag that has to accommodate certain dimensions. And, in the case that they do, that carry-on can become super heavy!
Enter Hailey Bieber to the chat.
The model believes she has found the best suitcase in the world.
Sharing the discovery on her Instagram Story, Hailey posed alongside the cases from Béis which is Shay Mitchell’s brand. Calling it the only one she travels with, Mrs Bieber said, “It has the smoothest wheels, it’s so functional and oh so chic.”
Made of durable hard-sided polycarbonate, the bags are covered in vegan leather trim and polyester lining. They also feature a gradient 3D stripe design and the Béis logo.
With dimensions and weight being the main concern when it comes to carry-ons, this bag comes in at only 8.36 pounds and can take up to 61 pounds of luggage. Not to mention an expandable zip so you can create more space if you need.
The smallest of the bags measures 21-inches and retails for $198.
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]]>The post Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Prior to the global pandemic taking over, the Asian city recorded 56 million arrivals in 2019. The last few years have hit the region’s tourism industry hard, however, with visitors still required to undergo mandatory isolation until just a few months ago. As a result, the city’s GDP was 3.5% lower in 2022 compared to 2021.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has now come up with a plan to attract more tourists.
From March 1, 500,000 free airline tickets will be given away in a bid to woo more visitors. The tickets were initially bought to support airlines during the pandemic and are worth around $270 million.
The ticket giveaway, which will be done in phases, is set to last for about 6 months. They will be distributed by Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines, starting with Southeast Asian countries, followed by mainland China and Northeastern Asia. An additional 80,000 tickets have been set aside for Hong Kong residents in the summer.
As part of the campaign, entitled “Hello Hong Kong,” the city will host more than 250 events this year, including the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament, the Hong Kong Marathon, and Art Basel.
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]]>The post US Senators Want More Fair Rights for Air Travel Passengers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Frequent travelers will know all about having flights both cancelled and delayed, and, of course, having luggage lost.
(@charles.auz)Increment weather in parts of the United States have forced airlines to cancel almost 5,000 flights since December. A group of US senators are now pushing for a pair of bills that will protect passengers in the event that something goes awry.
The first proposed bill is the Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights. If passed into law, airlines would be obligated to offer passengers refunds for any airline-caused cancellations, delays of more than an hour, being bumped due to overselling tickets, and lost or damaged bags.
Ghosh Babu Adventures (@yourghoshbabu)The second bill, the Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act, would prohibit airlines from charging unreasonably high fees for things like checked bags, seat selection, and ticket changes.
Here’s hoping these bills both get off the ground.
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