SOME BASIC FACTS ABOUT FLYING   by Mark Dykstra

Depending on where you live and how long it takes for you to fly to your destination I have put together some prudent and factual points that will help you get to your destination, with dignity. Having had an extensive Airline background and having worked for well over 6 years as a Senior Travel Consultant as well as taking courses in obtaining my Commercial Pilots License, I felt there are some things here that you could well be interested in knowing before you take your seat.

Many people come in and see me and want to book a seat to say Hong Kong. They want to pre book their seat and get the cheapest fare. However not many want to know the type of aircraft they will fly in. In fact many are not interested in this at all and yet having some basic knowledge on the type of plane you fly in can help determine your own comfort in flight. It also determines the seating arrangement, pre seating leg room, where to sit in the plane, where is the safest place to sit, your proximity to the air vent, baby cot facilities, access to toilet facilities, and the list goes on. I also have some tips for those wanting to get what you want when fronting up to your flight and how to go about by doing it, without rubbing the flight crew up the wrong way.

Firstly, let's take a look at some simple tips and information about flying.

1-Wheres the safest part of the plane?

Generally the back part of the plane is the safest part, although the strongest part of the plane is over the wing. However, keep in mind you are sitting over thousands of gallons of Aviation Fuel and even though you may survive a crash you could burn to death more quickly there. As a Travel Agent I sit slightly forward with a window seat and by an exit to get leg room. There's less engine noise and you are served a meal a lot quicker. You will find you will also be served quicker by a flight attendant in this location.

2-Do cell phones really affect the planes controls?

Despite communication agencies currently arguing to free up the cell phone use on aircraft, aviation specialists suggest the frequencies interfere with navigation and communication equipment vital for the aircrafts flying controls. However in saying that I have some doubts due to the fact that cell phones are invariably left on by mistake during a lot of flights.

3-How bad is the cabin air?

The air coming through your vent is reticulated and a filter cleans the air as it passes through each time. I would agree that sitting among a high number of people that due to close proximity, does raise the chance of picking something up infectious. The flight deck and first class get more fresh air than economy class. So you get what you pay for. You might be interested to know that the new 787 Dream liner will allow more moisture pumped around the cabin than what is currently pumped round, and this is due to the aircrafts carbon fibre hull which prevents it from rusting as a result.

4-Can I get an upgrade without paying?

There is no harm in asking. However upgrades are normally reserved for those who hold celebrity status or the staff or crews know you. If you have been treated poorly or you are in a place of discomfort, then you can lodge a letter of complaint to that Airline, and in the future when you make your next booking the Travel Agent or Airline Reservations will place a priority note in your booking that may require you be upgraded.

5-How do I go about getting what I need on a flight?

This is a big question and there are some good suggestions on what you should do. This includes the following:

-Don't complain if you have checked in late for your flight, and you end up with the worse seat on the flight. Make sure you pre book your seat in advance. -Don't whine or complain. Complainers don't get special treatment, they get the opposite. -Feel free to ask for two drinks at a time. It makes the Flight Attendants job easier. However go easy on the alcohol; the airline doesn't want you drunk. -Pay good attention to the safety announcements. You are jeopardizing others on the plane by not listening and knowing where your emergency exit is. You only restrict others who do know therefore it's important you follow pre flight safety announcements. There are alot of different planes you might be catching so pay attention to each flight safety announcement. -Don't keep pushing the call button. If the flight Attendants are serving dinner they cant up and get you a pillow. Follow-up on the call button when things have settled down and meal time is over. -Wear shoes to the toilet. They are not clean. In fact the whole plane is not clean when there are people sleeping down the aisles and passengers drool on the seats and floor, so they are not easy to keep clean. -A safety issue, on take off shutters needs to be kept up on take off and on landing. Most emergencies occur on take off or landing, there fore having the shutters up can save valuable time when passengers need to be off the aircraft in 90 seconds.

6- When is the best time to sleep?

If you are flying long haul, and you have two stopovers it's generally a good idea if you can doze on the first leg and sleep on the second leg. You can take a Halcian sleeping tablet which is very effective, (Ask you doctor about this) or a low dose of Melatonin before sleep time as this will regulate your circadian rhythms.

Make sure you also get some walking done, as this will keep your circulation going and prevent blood clotting. Wear surgical stockings as another suggestion to prevent blood clotting. You should see your doctor before you take your flight for health reasons, if you are in the older age bracket.

7-Will I get the cheapest fare if I book early?

Airlines and Travel Agencies usually put out cheap fares months in advance so it is recommended that you take up the option of booking early. Just remember that Travel Agents and Airlines require payment made by a due date and usually the cheaper it is the shorter the stopover time and quicker the payment time. Also there are a lot more conditions attached to the airfare the cheaper it is. Make sure you know all the conditions of that fare in advance before paying for it in full. Many fares have a package attached to it, and the airlines will give away a bonus to entice you to book. This is most likely with fares to Europe or Asia. There are some really good deals to be looked at if you are thinking of going to Europe.

8-Should I book online or with a Travel Agent?

It is highly recommended that you do go and see a Travel Agent because of the range and options that are available to you. Travel Agents are skilled in destination knowledge and what is there and what isn't. Also they can advise you on the best hotel, rental car, cruise, travel insurance that best suits your budget, and you get the advice all free. Booking online leaves you vulnerable to safety and value for money issues as well as refund issues if the hotel you booked on line ends up being a disaster. Getting free advice about the accommodation you wish to stay at with a Travel Agent means peace of mind. Especially if you haven't traveled to your destination before.

9-What Airlines are the best to fly with?

It is a known fact that the Airlines of the year for 2007 are:

1-Singapore Airlines. 2-Thai Airways. 3-Cathay Pacific. 4-Qatar Airways. 5-Qantas. 6-Malaysia Airlines. 7-Air New Zealand. 8-China Airlines. 9-Emirates. 10-British Airways.

10-Are there any Airports to avoid?

Yes there are. Many of the following have huge waiting times and are known for passenger disruption and non ease of passenger services.

1-Moscow 2-Quebec City 3-Paris Beauvais. 4-Paris (CDG) 5-Manila 6-Los Angeles. 7-Delhi 8-New York JFK. 9-Lviv 10-Chicago O'Hare.

These are some of my recommendations and there are alot more things i could put down but I'm running out of word time so good luck with your travels.

 

About the Author

Author has extensive experience in International Travel Destinations and International Travel Law, having completed IATA and ATTTO qualifications. Having travelled extensively i have visited and stayed in China and Russia, and Europe in recent times.

I have in depth knowledge on New Zealand destinations as well as Defence issues. Having joined the Royal New Zealand Navy i have considerable experience in Defence issues within New Zealand and Globally.