Travel: 6 Expert Tips from a Flight Attendant

Heading off on holiday is always an exciting time. But before you’re beachside in Hawaii or shredding the slopes in Switzerland, you first have to survive the tricky travel part. From long haul flights to customs queues, sometimes travelling can be pretty taxing. But what if you had some inside tips from someone who flies for a living?

Connie Ting, Flight Attendant from Cathay Pacific reveals her top travel tips to keep in mind for your next holiday.

1. Be Organised

The process of preparing for a stress-free trip begins long before you grab your passport and arrive at the airport. Showing a little digital discipline is one way to dodge stress while travelling. First up, email yourself a copy of all your travel documents which you can keep on file. This should include your tickets, accommodation reservations, and travel insurance details. Then make sure your gadgets are ready to go at 100% battery – phone, iPod and laptop. Also triple check you’ve packed chargers and adaptors.

2. Think Before You Eat & Drink

You might be on holiday mode but it’s wise to avoid overindulging too early. Eat before you head to the airport so you’re not tempted by the fast food options at the terminal. For coffee lovers, ditch the caffeine on the day of departure as that may keep you up throughout the flight – which isn’t ideal if you’re flying at night. Always stay hydrated in flight and opt for water as your key drink of choice.

3. Wear The Right Shoes

When country hopping, comfort is crucial so choosing the right footwear can make or break your transit experience. When flying, opt for something that can slip on and off easily, this will make cruising through customs a breeze. It also pays to remember that airports can be big and connecting flights can require urgency – choose a shoe that allows you to move quickly!

4. Time Your In-Flight Routine

Timing is everything when travelling and getting your schedule right during a flight is an art form. The best way to handle a long haul flight is by breaking it up strategically. If you’re flying long haul (10+ hours) at night, watch movies in the first and last 2 hours of the journey – that’s when the cabin lights are on and air crew are preparing for dinner and breakfast respectively. If you’re flying during the day, wait until meal time is done and dusted before getting some shut eye. The lights will be dimmed and you can recline your seat.

5. Beat Jetlag with Fresh Air & Exercise

After the airport and flight component there is the dreaded jetlag to contend with. There’s nothing worse than being struck by exhaustion just days into your getaway. Instead of succumbing to sleep, try to schedule in a little exercise and fresh air. Hit the hotel gym or set off for a run/walk around the city to do some sightseeing. This can help reset your body’s system and get it used to a new time zone.

6. Follow The Air Crew for Culinary Direction

If you’ve got quite a lengthy layover on your hands, then sooner or later you’ll want to refuel and find something to eat. Rather than risking it while in a foreign country and trying to figure out food options yourself, follow the flight crew! Chances are they’ve been through this airport before and know exactly where you can get the tastiest airport treats.