Flying Without Stress

Overcoming Fear of Flying

• See the article in the "Health and Travel" guide

Although flying remains by far the safest mode of transport, one in four passengers experiences significant stress and anxiety at the thought of taking a flight. This can happen both before departure and during the journey. Understanding and analysing this fear, along with a few simple tricks before departure and once on board, can greatly reduce this anxiety.

Jet Lag

• See the article in the "Health and Travel" guide

Jet lag, also known as "jetlag," is a problem faced by three out of four travellers after a long-haul flight. However, not all flights have the same effect depending on the destination.

Onboard Comfort

Clearly, the longer the flight, the more important it is to seek the best possible comfort during the journey. Logically, the quality of aircraft and their fittings have improved significantly in recent years for passenger comfort. However, depending on the airline, the aircraft, the destination, or the type of ticket chosen, the quality of the flight will vary greatly. Especially since many airlines have now introduced a real passenger shakedown for any onboard service or comfort element...

Some General Rules

Pressurisation

Cabin pressurisation in the air is not the same as at ground level. Depending on the aircraft or flight characteristics, it can be equivalent to what is found between 1,200 and 2,500 metres. The main consequence is the usual ear problems, particularly during descent, which can be easily alleviated by frequent swallowing (such as chewing gum). Therefore, it is best to avoid flying with an ear infection or a heavy cold.

Dry Air

To combat dryness inside the aircraft, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids while avoiding alcohol, which increases dehydration.

Immobility

To combat immobility (and even more so Economy Class Syndrome), which causes heaviness in the legs, it is important to get up regularly to walk around, and not forget to loosen your shoes during the flight.

Rest

For good rest, you can also bring loose clothing, earplugs, an eye mask, a neck pillow, and a blanket to combat the often very cold air conditioning. Don’t forget your toiletries for long-haul flights either.

Air Sickness

Finally, for those who suffer from air sickness (nausea, sweating, dizziness), there are tablets available. You can also recline your seat as close to horizontal as possible and remain still with your head tilted back, avoiding any rotational movement.

Choosing the Right Seat

A key point, especially on long-haul flights: choosing the right seat in Economy class to be as comfortable as possible during the flight (not really an issue in higher classes).

Of course, it is best to arrive early at check-in to be able to choose (unless you can check in online beforehand, which is increasingly the norm). Don’t hesitate to ask for or choose a specific seat or type of location. At the very least, checking the aircraft configuration beforehand can be useful to get an idea. On this topic, the site SeatGuru shows configurations, good seats, equipment, etc., by airline and aircraft.

Depending on Your Preferences

As for the "ideal" seat, it will depend mainly on what you want:

• Quick Exit: sit at the front of the aircraft. This is usually where boarding and disembarking take place.

• Maximum Comfort: the area over the wings is where you feel the least turbulence.

• Less Noise: the front of the aircraft is where you are least disturbed by in-flight noise.

• Stretching Out: the best seats are those near the emergency exits, which are always clear. However, to get these, in addition to the fact that some airlines now charge extra for them (no small profit!), you must also meet the airline’s conditions (being of age, sufficient physical ability, speaking English or the airline’s language) to be able to open the emergency exits.

• Reclining Your Seat: this is not always possible, or at least limited, for the last row(s) in each section.

• Sleeping or Not Being Disturbed: the best seats are by the window (unless there are empty rows). However, the back of the aircraft is not recommended due to the constant movement and queues for the toilets after meals.

• Avoiding Being Trapped: avoid seats in the middle of rows.

• Moving Without Disturbing: choose an aisle seat.

• Enjoying the View: the ideal is by the window, except at wing level.

• Enjoying the Screens: unless there are individual screens, try not to sit too far from the screen, which can sometimes be small. Depending on the aircraft configuration, in some side rows it is also difficult to see well.

• Being Served First: it’s better to choose rows near the "galleys," often the first or last in your section. However, when service starts at the other end, you may be served last with fewer choices...

• Travelling with Babies: the first row of each section has enough space to place a bassinet on the floor. For safety reasons, seats near emergency exits are not assigned.

• Empty Seats: finally, boarding last can help spot empty rows for better comfort.

Service and Equipment

The evolution of aviation, along with the development of new technologies, has brought many innovations in terms of onboard equipment and services in recent years. All for the passenger’s enjoyment.

The Impact of New Technologies

In the past, impatient passengers had to constantly ask the flight attendant how long until landing. Now, with most airlines and on long-haul flights, this is no longer an issue. Passengers now have access to all necessary flight information on personal or shared screens. Location, altitude, speed, remaining journey, and estimated arrival time, as well as outside temperature, are no longer a mystery.

On long-haul flights, more and more airlines offer individual screens that allow passengers to track their flight, watch movies, play video games, receive TV news, and even shop via video or gamble. Additionally, on some aircraft, there is a video system that lets all passengers see the landscapes they are flying over on screen.

In-flight internet is also gradually developing via terminals already available in many Business classes, with the expectation that soon everyone will be able to connect directly with their own computer. Soon, passengers should also have access to an "intranet" providing flight information, the duty-free catalogue, or the menu with the option to make choices and place orders.

New Cabin Layouts

Alongside 21st-century technologies, airlines and manufacturers have also worked on interior layouts, starting with the new very large aircraft like the Airbus A-380 and Boeing 777.

Beyond simply "redesigning" Economy class or offering more comfortable seats (often with individual screens) in some cases, it is logically in Business and First class that airlines have focused their efforts.

Thus, major airlines are creating real cabins on board their aircraft. Long-haul passengers with "high contribution" can—or will soon be able to—enjoy a real bed and a dining area, including basic equipment like screens, phones, etc., now considered essential. This makes even the most advanced reclining seats of the past seem outdated. It is agreed that spaces like bars or snack areas (already present with some airlines like Qatar), as well as showers, libraries, and play areas for children, could appear in the coming years. In short, everything to delight passengers... or at least the wealthiest ones.

From Free to Paid

Cost-Cutting

Increased competition, the rise of low-cost airlines, oil price fluctuations, reduced purchasing power, fluctuating traffic, and the greed of major shareholders are all reasons why airlines have been cutting (extra) costs for some time now.

Beyond additional charges for baggage or even booking with some airlines, it is primarily onboard services, including on long-haul flights, where more and more airlines hope to save money. Not by removing equipment—some of which has only just been introduced or is used for promotion—but by charging passengers in Economy class (usually free for others) for their use, following a model originally developed by low-cost airlines. To go even further in saving or making profits, some airlines now charge for what was once free, like a simple blanket! In short, more and more a real passenger shakedown for any service or comfort element onboard...

With or Without Extra Charge?

In Economy class, what can you still expect to be free in terms of onboard services and equipment?

Seat Selection

The best space is still near the emergency exits, which are always clear. Airlines have caught on, and some now charge extra if you want to sit there. You must also meet the airline’s conditions (being of age, sufficient physical ability, speaking English or the airline’s language) to be able to open the emergency exits.

Meals and Drinks

Low-cost airlines started the trend, and now on short and medium-haul flights, most airlines only offer paid options, or at best very basic "snacks." On long-haul flights, it is increasingly common to have to pay for alcohol. Similarly, in mid-2008, United attempted to introduce paid meals on its transatlantic routes. The airline had to backtrack, but for how long? Apart from water, which should remain free (if only as a precaution against dehydration risks for airlines), we are moving more and more towards paid catering onboard Economy class flights. However, when meal service is available, vegetarian, diabetic, etc., menus are usually provided for those who request them in advance.

Entertainment

Originally practised by charter airlines, the principle of paid headphones is slowly becoming widespread, at least where they still exist on short and medium-haul flights. As for individual screens (when available), it may not be long before part of their programming is no longer truly free. Finally, it can be noted that the available press on many flights is becoming increasingly limited.

Communication

Phone, email, and internet have recently appeared onboard. These are paid services, which is understandable given the recent innovation and deployed technology.

For Rest

You sometimes wonder where some airlines’ cost-cutting concerns lie! Thus, some US airlines have now decided to charge for... pillows and blankets.

Baggage

This is more the policy of low-cost airlines: cabin baggage remains free (but heavily regulated in terms of content and dimensions), while checked baggage now requires a paid registration.

Who Buys What?

The first studies (mainly American) indicating which paid services are most consumed and by whom are starting to emerge. For 2015, their conclusions were that people are now consuming more during their flights—almost a third more in two years. When services are paid onboard, 40% of passengers buy food or drinks, 23% rent movies, 19% use Wi-Fi, and nearly one in four chooses a "plus seat" with more space. Those who travel the most, and especially young people, buy the most. The explanation for the latter is that they did not experience the era of "everything free onboard" and therefore see these extras as normal.

Some Remarks

Times change, and so do customs. Air travel has logically evolved over time, including in how it is perceived. Once reserved for an "elite," then later for a minority, flying has now become democratised (for the better) to the point of becoming a mode of transport—and above all a commercial product—like any other.

The rules have changed, helped by the economic situation. Logically, the service and comfort that once contributed to the uniqueness of air travel have also followed this trend. Now, they are no more than simple commercial elements used both to promote the "airline" product and as an economic variable allowing, depending on each situation, to increase profits or reduce losses. As a result, Economy class passengers can now only expect a constant reduction in the services offered by airlines. Unless, of course, they pay to fly in higher classes or pay multiple extras just to regain the free services of the past...

Business and First Class

"Offering the best possible journey": a marketing argument used by many airlines. And the innovations are indeed there, at least for those who can afford it... Because, of course, the situation is not the same between Economy and the other classes in terms of comfort, equipment, and services. Quite logically, airlines favour their "loyal" or "high-contribution" customers; the higher you go in the hierarchy, the higher the level of service.

Business and First

Focusing solely on the flight itself, in addition to VIP lounges and other ground benefits, First class is obviously the top in every aspect and sometimes even goes to excess.

Below that, Business class generally offers a good to very good level of service, with attentive onboard service, good equipment, and above all comfort and space suited to a very pleasant journey. This is complemented by some ground services and benefits (private lounge, priority check-in, etc.).

Premium Economy

Launched a few years ago by Taiwan’s Eva Air, a "Premium Economy" class is now offered by some airlines or on certain routes (Alizé by Air France, Grand Large by Corsairfly, for example). It sits between Economy and Business class, with more passengers than in Business but similar equipment, and especially more attentive free service with more comfortable and spacious seats than in Economy. In short, a "mass-market" compromise that is gradually developing in the airline world... even if one day it may be no more than the Economy class of the past.

Is It Worth It?

Still focusing only on service and comfort, is flying in higher classes worth it, or more precisely, the cost? Because, of course, that’s where the problem lies, except for those who travel with all expenses paid. The prices offered have nothing to do with the negotiated fare you usually get for your holidays; the difference can be as much as 1 to 10 between First and a negotiated Economy fare on the same flight.

Some advice, however, for those who might be tempted:

Motivation

What are you looking for in a higher-class flight? Just more ease and comfort for a long journey, or rather a little treat by experiencing an unusual or even unforgettable moment?

In the first case, Business class or even "Premium Economy" is more than enough for a pleasant journey. So, there’s no need to opt for First class given the extra cost. However, if it’s about treating yourself, you should choose First class without hesitation, as the difference in standard is striking compared to the rest with some airlines!

Choosing the Right Flight

If you’re going to fly in this category, you might as well make the most of it. The first thing to know is that on some flights, there is only one class. This is the case, for example, for routes operated by small aircraft, the vast majority of low-cost and charter flights, or many short-haul flights. Also, beware of medium-haul flights that have Business class (but generally no First). Since the flight is still relatively short, you won’t really benefit from the full range of services offered by this class, and the value for money may feel a bit frustrating.

In short, it’s on long-haul flights that the interest (need for comfort, etc.) and the "pleasure" (service, equipment) will be most apparent.

Choosing the Right Airline

If there’s one important criterion for appreciating the quality of a flight, it’s the choice of airline. Because, like hotel stars, just because two airlines offer the same classes on a route doesn’t mean the quality will be the same in the end. Indeed, some airlines’ Business class is almost like Economy on others, or their First class is a few years behind what’s available elsewhere.

So, if you’re going to fly in a higher class, you might as well do it with the best in the category, without forgetting that the type of aircraft is also important; the B-777 and Airbus A-380 are the best choices without hesitation.

Depending on the Class Chosen: for "Premium Economy," most airlines offering it are comparable. In Business class, most major national or other airlines offer good quality, with a special mention for Gulf airlines (Qatar, Emirates...) and Southeast Asian airlines (Malaysia, Cathay, Thai, Singapore...). As for First class, it’s also best to look towards Southeast Asia and the Gulf, though some European airlines like Air France are not bad either.

Getting Informed: to find out more, you can of course benefit from others’ experiences (forums), check specialised sites like Skytrax, which is a reference for airline quality rankings, or take a look at the websites of different possible airlines to see what each offers. Don’t forget to run simulations via price comparison sites either.

The Price Question

Of course, as mentioned, the prices offered have nothing to do with the negotiated fare you usually get for your holidays. Although there can be good surprises...

Finding the Right Price

Business and even First-class tickets work like others in terms of pricing, meaning they are also subject to seasonal variations. They exist both in "negotiated fare" (or even promotional) and "full fare" with the usual advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, as there are airlines known for being economical and others more expensive, the price of these tickets generally follows the same principle.

In short, whether Economy, "Premium Economy," Business, or even First class, the model for finding the best fare remains the same.

For Not Much More...

Is it all still out of reach for the majority? Not necessarily if you already, as always, hunt for good deals or promotions and favour off-peak travel periods.

Premium Economy

Often for just a few dozen euros more than the basic ticket, "Premium Economy" is available. Especially since the increase in things you now have to pay for in Economy further reduces this price gap. Although still quite unknown to the public, it allows for a good travel experience and offers a taste of higher classes.

Loyalty Cards

It’s mainly thanks to these and the points/miles accumulated that you’ll save money. In short, as long as you fly with partner airlines, you can accumulate "miles" that can eventually be turned into free tickets or upgrades. Three alliances (Skyteam, One World, Star Alliance) dominate the airline industry, and it’s good to be a member (it’s free) even if you travel little or only on "negotiated fares." Indeed, in case of overbooking in Economy class, some passengers are then upgraded to Business without extra charge. Being a member of the airline’s Loyalty Programme can sometimes help you be chosen more easily.

But more than that, it’s mainly the accumulation of miles that is by far the most interesting. In addition to special offers (or even free ones) provided to each member based on their points level, the miles earned can then be exchanged for free tickets or the upgrade of your choice. Always a good thing...

Aircraft

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There are over a hundred aircraft types for transporting passengers. From fewer than 10 seats to more than 800, each is suited to particular types of routes.