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  1. Amazing airports around the world

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    Sometimes the destination isn’t the only special place on your travels, getting there can be part of the fun. Of course every airport is unique, and pilots will tell you that no two landings or takeoffs are the same; but sometimes there’s an added element that makes the airport just that much more exciting. Maybe it’s not the runway, or a unique feature outside; but rather the terminal and passenger experience that makes the airport one-of-a-kind and a destination in itself. Here are some of the most interesting airports on the planet:

    Gibraltar Airport

    This airport’s runway divides the country; literally. There was no other flat, wide portion of land that was suitable to build the runway for Gibraltar’s airport other than the isthmus between the Rock, and mainland Spain. As a result, the airport bisects the country and there’s even a main road that crosses the runway. Every time a plane needs to land, or take off the road is closed for vehicles and pedestrians.

    Saint Barth’s, Gustaf III airport

    This tiny airport in the Caribbean sees scheduled service and links the French territory with neighbouring islands. You won’t be able to fly here from much further than the range of a small propeller aircraft, considering the runway is one of the shortest in the world, and is flanked by a hill and the ocean. Landing here is a risky manoeuvre with no room for error or second chances.

    Saba, Dutch Caribbean Island

    This tiny island is a destination in itself. Marketed as the unspoilt island, it’s no surprise that everything about coming here is an adventure. From the main road which is simply called “The Road”, you can expect to be amazed from before you even touch down. Regular air service connects Saba to St. Maarten, and charter services are provided to Anguilla and Antigua. Pilots have to make sure they carry enough fuel to get them to the nearest pump, considering there are no provisions for refuelling on the island. At only 400m in length aircraft and operators need special permission to land.

    Courchevel Airport

    Even though this airport does not see regular scheduled service, it still makes our list given its dramatic location on top of a mountain. If you’re a James Bond fan, you may even recognize the airport from the opening sequence of Tomorrow Never Dies. Of course, the silver screen has embellished some of the features, but the fact remains that this is one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

    Singapore Changi Airport

    Very often, this airport is seen as the benchmark for passenger experience. Besides the standard duty-free shops, travellers will find services such as a movie theatre, swimming pool, a cactus garden, orchid garden, a koi pond, butterfly garden; all accessible to the airports passengers. One of Asia’s major hubs Singapore may be a small nation, but it knows how to do things big!

    Madeira Airport

    Another airport that is capable of handling the largest jets that has made it on to this list is Madeira. Soon to be renamed after football player Christiano Ronaldo, this airport’s main runway was built on an elevated platform, because the surrounding land was not suitable to flatten, or raise as was required. When you’re touching down at Madeira’s airport, 180 support columns are holding you 70m above the ground below.

    Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong

    Sadly this airport can no longer be flown in to, or out of, but it lives on in memory as one of the most thrilling airports to fly in to. Apartment residents in Hong Kong could often look down from their windows into the cockpit of an approaching 747. Nowadays, the airport lands are being transformed into among others, a cruise ship terminal; allowing the status as transport hub to live on.

  2. Invitation Only Frequent Flier Programs

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    If you’ve ever watched the movie “Up in the Air” with George Clooney, you may remember the scene where he and Vera Farminga are comparing their frequent flier and other loyalty accounts. George Clooney’s character pulls out the ultimate trump card: American Airlines’ Concierge Key. While the actual perks are somewhat overblown in the film, it has helped propel the concept of invitation only top-tier elite programmes. The truth is that these have existed for quite a number of years, though they all share one common feature; you cannot automatically qualify for the status, you are chosen to receive it.

    The three major carriers in the US all have an invitation only level to their frequent flier programs. United Airlines makes no secret of its Global Services level and advertises some of the main benefits, albeit indirectly at times. In addition to priority check-in and boarding, Global Services members also receive automatic 1K status in the Mileage Plus program and more ways to spend miles with additional inventory and availability.

    Delta Air Lines 360 is relatively new, and as such the benefits aren’t as clearly defined or refined yet but we’re expecting a more individualized service to be the major draw for its members. 360 members can expect a dedicated phone line, chauffeur driven car transfers at major hubs between connecting flights, and a higher upgrade priority.

    Already mentioned above, American Airlines’ concierge key is the invitation level program of the American Advantage program. It grants the holders of the status access to all of the flagship services normally reserved for international first class passengers, in addition to complimentary upgrades with a higher priority and Admirals Club membership; to name a few of the benefits.

    Other airlines around the world, not just US airlines, have also developed invitation-only tiers in the frequent flier programs. One of the better known levels in Europe, for example, is British Airways’ Premier tier. There are no published criteria for this tier and it is believed that flying alone will not let you qualify. What is known is that any member requires board approval, and that these passengers are looked after very well with special services staff going above and beyond. If you are a premier member, you can certainly expect to not have to sit in economy for any of our flights.

    Another European Airline’s invitation-only level is SAS’ Pandion level. It is believed that the invitation to this level comes directly from the CEO and it is reserved for approximately 1500 of the airline’s top fliers. Perhaps not as ‘swanky’ as some airlines top tiers, Pandion status gives the holders access to sold out flights as well as a distinct level of service from airline staff.

    Outside of North America and Europe, other carriers also have select clubs of elite members. QANTAS has a special lounge program which was once dubbed the most exclusive club in Australia. Granted that quote came directly from QANTAS’ CEO Alan Joyce, Chairman’s Lounge membership gives members exclusive access to designated lounges separate from the airlines’ first and business class lounges.

    Emirates Airlines, known for its opulence cannot be left out when discussing invitation only programs. Simply called ‘Invitation Only,’ the program is designed to reward passengers who buy full-fare first and business class fares on the airline. Benefits include a personal, dedicated reservations and assistance telephone number; guaranteed business class seat on any Emirates flight, and other swag provided by the airline to make the members feel special.

    Last but certainly not least, Cathay Pacific offers the top 1% of members in the Marco Polo Club Diamond Plus status. Nearly identical to the top-tier diamond status, Diamond Plus status gives access to Cathay’s First Class lounges to members, even if they aren’t flying with Cathay Pacific, or a partner airline, as well as access to a dedicated service team.

  3. What to do during a long layover

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    Sometimes they are planned, but sometimes they just happen to be unavoidable; long layovers. Iceland is one of the countries that has actually made a segment of its tourism industry depend on it. Icelandair and Wow both offer travellers the opportunity to include a stopover in the country at no additional cost in airfare. Of course, you will have to arrange your own accommodation and transfers; but these are often included in package deals, or you can find some great discounts during the booking process.
    An airline that takes it even further is Emirates. For its passengers who are forced to have a long connection because of the airline’s schedule, Emirates will provide accommodation and transfers to help you pass the time and freshen up during your stay. If you’re flying Business or First Class, this service is made available to you during layovers that last more than 6 hours; for economy passengers, you’ll have to have at least an 8-hour layover. The airline calls this service “Dubai Connect”.
    In both cases as described above, be sure to check that you meet all the visa requirements for these countries; because you will be leaving the airport. Of course, even if the airline doesn’t put you up in a hotel, or you didn’t get a stopover deal as part of your booking, there are times when you just happen to have a long layover. There are definitely airports in the world where this isn’t a hardship at all. Singapore’s Changi airport’s strategy is to be the world’s favourite airport; perhaps unofficially so, but from our experience it is a pleasure to fly to and through. Whether you want to take a dip in the pool, or catch a movie; there’s plenty to keep you occupied. You don’t even have to walk down stairs if you take the slide!
    Going out of the airport and exploring the city can also be a great option to kill time during a layover. This is, of course, a riskier option than staying at the airport or close by given that traffic and transit delays may prevent you from getting back to the airport on time; but if you plan it well and leave yourself enough time between flights doing something fun away from the hustle and bustle of the airport can be a fantastic way to see a new city. If the weather is nice, go in to the centre, and walk around. Grab a drink at a local coffee shop and take in the new sights, smells, and sounds. Visit the tourist information booth if there is one, and see what guided tours are available. If you’re particularly adventurous rent a bicycle, or hop on a Segway with a tour guide taking you around the city.
    Of course, you may have to figure out what to do with your luggage. If you’re like us; you don’t like checking a bag so that means maximum allowed carry-on. Of course you cannot leave luggage unattended; but there are many airports around the world that provide luggage storage for a fee. Look on the airport websites or do a google search for luggage storage at your connection airport to find more information. And if the airport doesn’t have one, try local train and bus stations. Failing that; some hotels may be willing to look after your bag for a fee, or a gratuity at the bell desk.
    You may unfortunately find that your flights are delayed and that the airline decides to re-route you. Remember that the ticket you bought is from your origin to your destination and often it doesn’t guarantee a connection at a certain point. So you may very well find yourself at a different airport than you thought you’d be connecting at; but for the times that the best laid plans do work out; you’ll be armed with suggestions and inspiration on how to pass the time.

  4. Renting a car; the ins and outs

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    When it comes to travelling, not all places are equipped with a first-rate public transit system. North American cities and towns in particular are notorious for their lack of communal transportation. In these situations, sometimes your best option is to rent a car for your trip. So what are some of the things to watch out for when you’re renting a car? How do you score the best deals?

    Renting a car can be pretty involved if you don’t do it often. But even if you are an infrequent renter, you can save yourself lots of time by signing up for the rental agency’s loyalty programme. Doing this means that the rental car company has your information on file, and can just pull it off of their systems when you turn up to rent a car. You’ll still need to bring a driver’s licence and credit card; but often the contracts will come pre-printed for your reservation meaning all that you have to do is verify and sign, and you’re on your way!

    Not only is joining the loyalty programme a potential time-saver; it can also save you money with free upgrades and member-only discounts. For example, National offers a unique booking code to any of its members and lets you choose any car and go at many of their US destinations. Sometimes you can be lucky and get a full-size car or SUV when you book with the mid-size rate, just for being a member. Being an Emerald Club member at national also allows you to bypass the counter at their so-called “aisle” locations.

    Shopping around can also save you money. Not only between brands, but different locations in the same city of the same brand can yield savings. Sometimes airport rental locations charge a premium, whereas neighbourhood locations don’t; which can lead to substantial savings on the total cost; however, this isn’t always the case. In cities where parking comes at a premium cost, downtown locations will often pass this on to the consumer in the price of the rental and you might find that the airport is the best place to pick up your car.

    When picking up the car also beware of additional costs. It’s wise to check with your credit card company before you travel to see if their insurance coverage will cover your rental car. There are many stipulations and conditions that will void your policy, so it’s advisable to have a good read through this before you set out on your journey. Paying the car rental company’s insurance might sometimes be worth it in cases that your own insurance doesn’t cover you.

    Let’s hope that nothing happens during your rental; however, what’s worse is being accused of causing damage that you didn’t do at all. Be sure to check your car inside and out, and top to bottom, for any damage and notify a staff member of this before you check out and drive off. As soon as you’re off the lot, any “new” damage that is found is your responsibility.

    Returning the vehicle, you should also ask for a receipt or other statement on the condition of the car so that you don’t get charged after the fact with damage that occurred after you handed it in. At locations where there’s an unmanned drop-off you are taking a risk until they’re open on the next business day; in this case we suggest taking photos of the car as you’ve returned it. Though it may not be conclusive if damage occurs afterwards, it will definitely help your case.

  5. Essentials while travelling

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    Many road warriors will tell you that the best way to pack, is to pack light; but what are the essentials you should take with you when travelling. The things that sacrificing a little bit of space for in your Carry-On will mean your flight is that much more enjoyable. Note, how we said carry-on. Packing light usually means not checking a bag and whilst we realize that many people will need or want to check a bag our best advice is to try to carry on only. It not only saves time, but can save money and frustration too.

    A neck pillow

    This one is very debatable. They are not compact; in fact, some can be downright cumbersome. However, as many airlines have done away with providing passengers with blankets and pillows this one can be a lifesaver on those nighttime and red-eye flights if you want to try to get some shuteye. Our personal favourite is a foam pellet-filled, pluchy covered pillow that we picked up for 5 dollars at an airport kiosk. If it gets lost, or forgotten as the case may be, there’s no man overboard but we’ll be sorry we have to try to find another replacement.

    Something warm (to wear)

    How many times have we flown in the middle of summer wearing shorts, and a T-shirt only to come onto the plane and get the chills?! Sometimes we never learn and we make the same mistake over and over again. Try keeping a small rolled blanket with your neck pillow and remember to grab it when you leave. It could make the difference between feeling like you’re in the arctic, or already basking in the warmth of your destination.

    In-Ear noise cancelling headphones

    Many people are surprised to learn that airlines have started charging for headphones. Not all airlines do of course, but the road warrior comes prepared with the right pair for the job. The road warrior also knows that not just any pair will do. They’ve researched and compared and reached a decision on which pair is best for them. Our personal favourites are the Bose in-ear noise cancelling headphones. They’re comfortable, lightweight, very good at cancelling ambient noise, and even that screaming child in row 5. They are definitely not the least expensive pair of headphones you’ll ever buy but they are worth every penny. Excellent for day to day use as well, they come in both Android or iPhone models.

    Tablet, iPad, Surface

    Seat-back TVs are great, for passengers (mostly). Not so much for the airlines. They are costly to install, maintain, and even operate. The electronics that comprise the system weigh a substantial amount each extra pound or kilogram that needs to be lifted into the air increases the fuel consumption of the aircraft. Internet and streaming video are making their way onto many planes and to get access to these services, you’ll need your own device to get access. An added bonus, is that you can pre-load your device with what you really want to watch, and not just what’s piped through the airplane’s system.

    A battery pack

    The bigger, the better. Listening to music, connecting to wifi, and streaming or watching your video are big drains on your device’s battery. When you reach the other end, the last thing you want is a low battery notification when you need to make that call to your hotel, or to get an Uber. Packing a battery pack will be sure to give you that extra boost you need to keep your device alive so you can stay connected. Planes are increasingly being equipped with USB and power ports but don’t count on it, and airports… well, most were built before everyone had a mobile phone, let alone a smartphone so don’t expect to find many outlets when you need them most.

  6. Low-Cost versus Full-Service airlines

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    Southwest, Frontier, Spirit in the US; Ryanair, Wizz, Easyjet in Europe; Scoot, Air Asia X, Jetstar in Asia. These are but a handful of the low-cost airlines in operation today. Born of deregulation, low-cost carriers entered the market to provide an alternative to the “traditional” carriers by offering rock-bottom fares. So what are some of the differences? We’ve set out some of the key points that differentiate the low-cost carriers from full-service airlines below. Of course, this list is not universal and often the lines between full-service and low-cost are getting blurred as the airlines are competing amongst one another. Some might call it a race to the bottom at times, but it’s the effect of the open market that is driving these commercial decisions. Ultimately we, the consumers, want to pay less and get the most but sometimes service comes at a cost.

    Even within the low-cost segment there is further differentiation. Some airlines such as Ryanair and Spirit bill themselves as completely no-frills. I.e. you are buying transportation for yourself from point A to point B. For everything else, there is a charge. Let’s get in to the nitty-gritty.

    Baggage Fees:

    One of the things that the low-cost carrier model has brought to the airline industry are baggage fees. Many airlines and flights will now charge you to take even one piece of luggage. Ancillary fees now make up most of the profits of an airline which is the result of charging as little as they can for the ticket getting you from A to B. Prices in base fares have in many cases come down, or not risen as much as inflation; thanks in part to airlines charging extra for what was once included in the fare.

    Seat Selection:

    Many low-cost carriers have re-defined how we determine where we sit on the plane. Some airlines such as Southwest don’t print seat numbers on the boarding pass, but instead it is a free-for-all and first-come-first-served model. Of course, the airlines have also found a way of capitalizing on this and some will offer you the opportunity to purchase early access to the plane. So while it’s not a dedicated seat, you’ll have the opportunity to get an earlier pick of the best seats.
    Some low-cost carriers are doing away with this model entirely and will assign you a seat of their choosing, whereby you can change the seat for a fee. Better seats costing more than less desirable seats, of course. And we even see this model in full-service airlines whereby seats with extra legroom, or closer to the front of the plane are offered at an additional cost, or available only to elite frequent fliers. A handful of full-service airlines will charge for seat selection for any seat.

    Airports and Destinations

    Full-service airlines are a remanence of the age of regulation whereby, especially in Europe, travel was restricted to certain airports, times and frequencies. What became known as the hub-and-spoke model meant that the airlines would transport the passengers to their central hub(s) and have them connect onward to their destinations. This has led to some airlines having a very large presence at their hub airports. Examples are KLM at Amsterdam Schiphol, British Airways at London Heathrow, and Lufthansa at Frankfurt. These airlines are the largest operating carriers out of their airports and therefore take up much of the space and available resources the airport has to offer.

    Low-cost carriers like to do things a little differently. For one, it is difficult for the Low-Cost Carriers to enter into the same markets as the full-service airlines who already hold a majority of available slots at major airports. So in turn, the low-cost carriers have focused on smaller airports within range of the major cities and destinations they serve. Examples of this model are perhaps most clearly seen in the UK where BA has a stronghold of Heathrow, but the low-cost carriers are the major players at Luton, Stansted and Gatwick airports. These airports have seen tremendous growth thanks to the low-cost airlines and with transit links improving, they are increasingly viable options as alternatives to the bigger airports.
    Be careful though, often where an airport is marketed by the city it “serves” it can still be quite far from the destination, and not easily reachable. For example, Ryanair markets Charleroi Airport as Brussels, but one must take a coach to get into the city. Frankfurt Hahn airport is in fact a former military base that is nowhere near Frankfurt itself. When booking with a low-cost carrier make sure to check the transit links to the airport of your final destination before you book the ticket.

  7. Award Travel

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    One of the best perks available to people who are enrolled in a frequent flier programme is the opportunity to spend miles on “free” travel. We put free in quotation marks because there are usually some costs associated with this travel and these differ from airline to airline. Knowing what to expect before you start saving those points can help prevent some costly surprises when it comes time to cash in on those rewards.

    Generally, US Carriers have been very generous with their redemption rates, and they don’t pass on fuel surcharges and high fees to customers trying to book with miles. The three big players all have a tiered reward system offering flight rewards for fewer miles on off-peak dates and with advance purchase; than booking for flights at peak travel times and closer in to the date. United airlines is perhaps the most simple of the carriers, offering saver and standard rewards. American Airlines offers MileSAAver awards but further distinguishes between Peak and Off-Peak within this category. In addition to MileSAAver, AA offers AAnytime awards at 2 levels dubbed Level 1, and Level 2. Additionally, in times of peak demand, awards may cost more miles than at these two levels, and it is not clear when this is or how much it will be.

    Both AA and United publish charts that give an indication of how much a ticket will cost beforehand. Delta does not. To find out how many miles you will need to spend in the SkyMiles programme at Delta, one needs to actually go in and make a booking. Delta is perhaps the least transparent of the three loyalty rewards programmes mentioned here.
    In Europe and Canada, carriers are more often likely to add a host of fees and surcharges to reward bookings. That’s definitely not to say that all carriers do it, but major carriers such as British Airways, as well as AirFrance/KLM, and Lufthansa all add in fuel surcharges to their members’ rewards tickets. This can sometimes mean that the cost of your reward ticket ends up only being fractionally less than the cost of the full-out purchase of a ticket.

    To many, the high fees are a big downside; however, there are still some good deals to be had and positives to reward travel. Most airlines allow for free cancellation of the award ticket (perhaps only charging a small processing fee), and the tickets themselves are fairly flexible as long as there’s reward space. Award tickets are also exceptionally valuable for one-way travel. With many one-way revenue fares being priced as full fares, if the need for just a one-way ticket arises have a look at spending miles instead of paying the surplus.
    Perhaps the best way to use award miles is for travel in First and Business class. Though the airlines generally don’t release many award seats in premium cabins, if you can find them and you have enough miles to go you can find yourself sitting in a much more comfortable seat and even with paying the taxes and fees you’ll find often that you end up paying less than the cost of an economy class ticket for your journey.

    Most airlines will charge you a flat rate based on the distance travelled and have divided the world up into zones. However, some, will charge on the flight distance or on an individual per-flight basis. British Airways does the latter, with a connecting flight adding the cost of each segment for miles. In terms of short flights, this isn’t generally a good deal.

    As with all travel, flexibility is key. Seats aren’t always available and if you’re looking for more than one seat you may have to book very far in advance. Don’t have your mind set on a particular route or day, but explore and try and find somewhere new to go using your hard-earned points.

  8. What happens when I miss my flight?

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    There are many reasons why you might miss a flight. Maybe a meeting ran late, or traffic was bad and you couldn’t get to the airport on time; or perhaps it was a reason beyond your control that made you miss your flight. Whatever the reasons, there are ways that you can make your travel experience smoother.

    The best advice we can give you is to be prepared; but what does that entail? Travel insurance is a good place to start. Many policies offer protection and some form of compensation for missed flights but remember to check the policy and the conditions. If it is truly a situation beyond your control give your travel insurance provider a call and ask them about your coverage and what you can claim. They may not be very forthcoming with this information so be sure to double check with what’s written in the policy. You should also be prepared to foot the bill for these expenses initially, and then submit your claim. Be reasonable. Expecting the cost of a 5-star hotel to be reimbursed when there’s a less expensive alternative available will probably have you facing a rejected claim.

    When dealing with the airlines, knowledge is power. Rather than storming up to the counter and proclaiming “you’ve stranded me here, get me home” (we’ve seen multiple variations of this argument play out before), approaching the desk with a friendly demeanour while handing over your boarding pass saying something along the lines of: “unfortunately my flight was delayed and I’ve missed my connection, what are my options?” will get you much further, quicker with the person who is ultimately there to try to help you. Even better would be you offering a number of different options that you’ve researched on the internet beforehand such as, “I see you have a flight to my destination leaving in an hour, would it be possible to get on that?” This shows that you are actively trying to work with the airline, even though they’ve put you out.

    A tool that we have found extremely useful for this is a TripIt Pro subscription. The app will actively monitor your flights and connections and notify you if there’s a problem. One tap will bring up a list of alternate flights, and even show you if there may or may not be any seats available on that flight. We’ve used this feature many times, and it’s helped speed up the process, giving us more options to get to where we were going. It also has the benefit of showing different routing options that the agent or you may not be able to think of right away.

    In the case of connecting flights, many airlines automatically rebook you on the next available flight, when the computer systems see that there’s a potential misconnect. If you have internet access, check your booking on the airline website and see if this is the case, when you know you’re going to be late. If your flight has WiFi, accessing the airline’s own homepage is often free. All you have to do is confirm the options, and go to a kiosk to print a new boarding pass. Sadly though, this doesn’t always work, and in busy travel periods the next available flight may be on the next day. Going to a counter and speaking to an agent is your best option there. And they may be able to offer you a good rate at a local hotel; or if the delay was caused by the airline, many times they will pay for your accommodation and meals during the delay. European Airlines, as well as other airlines flying from a European airport have a set of rules that cover what the airline is responsible for, but they aren’t always willing to comply. Be sure to ask for the pamphlet, or information concerning your rights when faced with these situations.

  9. The Business Class airport Experience

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    Originally designed as a class between First and Economy, Business Class is now most often the highest class of service for an airline. Whilst some airlines do have a higher class of service, it’s often not on all aircraft, or not on all routes. Business class certainly isn’t sub-par. Offering flat beds on long-haul routes, better meals, dedicated check-in, priority security, lounge access; Business Class is designed to make the travel experience as smooth as possible.

    Starting on the ground, some airlines offer their passengers limo pick-up and transfers to and from the airport for their business class passengers. Generally reserved for those passengers on higher fare tickets, sometimes the discount fares allow passengers to make use of the services too. In an effort to make your travel experience as seamless as possible, the airline takes a lot of the stress out of planning.

    Virtually all airlines that offer business class, also give these customers a dedicated check-in area. Often closest to security, or off to one side, these desks offer a shorter wait with dedicated staff to check your bags and issue you boarding passes. Whilst we recommend checking in online and printing your own boarding pass or using your mobile; when this isn’t an option the dedicated service desks should help take the stress out of this element of flying.

    An inevitable part of modern-day flying is security. You won’t get any different screening if you’re in business class, however, you often get to cut straight to the front of the line. This part is usually under airport control and not part of the airline’s offering but if it’s there it is just another way of speeding you along.

    Once through security many airlines offer lounges at their airports. A quiet area to relax or work, you are away from the hustle and bustle of the main retail area in the terminal. Free drinks, newspapers, workstations, wifi, are all common for airline lounges.

    The On-Board Airline Business Class Experience

    Flying in international business class has its perks, and also its comforts. Being given priority boarding, you are among the first on the plane and there’s plenty of time to get settled in for your flight. Cabin crew are busy with the final preparations for your flight, as well as welcoming passengers on board. Many airlines will have dedicated cabin crew for the business class cabin and as you are getting settled in, often times these crewmembers will come around to introduce themselves, take your coat, offer a pre-departure beverage, and offer you a newspaper or magazine. Of course different airlines have different service levels so these elements may not feature on your flight.

    Launched by British Airways in 1999 and subsequently rolled out, the flat-bed seat has become the industry norm. No longer are business class seats merely wider and plusher than economy class, but many carriers’ seats recline a full 180 degrees transforming the seat into a bed. Airlines have realized that travellers value the ability to sleep and get a full rest on the aircraft, waking up refreshed and ready to continue their day with minimal stress from the travel.

    The business class experience doesn’t stop with a more comfortable seat. It’s common for airlines to offer their business class passengers a wider selection of meals, wines, and spirits. With menus developed by top chefs, airlines are competing for passengers by offering gourmet meals to their higher paying customers. Offering anything from three course meals and up, flying business class means that you’re given the opportunity to enjoy and savour your meal to help you pass the time. Of course, if sleep is your priority; you can always ask for all courses of the meal to be given to you at the same time, or perhaps the airline even offers an expedited or light meal option giving you the best opportunity to sleep.

    Once finally at your destination you may not be ready to leave your surroundings if it’s been a good flight. Though when the time comes, being seated near to the front of the plane makes it easier for you to disembark first and make it to your connecting gate, or the immigration and security checkpoints among the first from your flight.

  10. The benefits of flying Premium Economy

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    In an effort to woo budget conscious business travellers, and leisure flyers who are willing to pay a little extra for a better seat; many airlines have started to introduce premium economy cabins. Business class featuring Flat beds, all aisle access, superior meals, and a more personalized service comes at a cost. Whilst there definitely still is a market for these services, many companies are cutting back on their travel budgets. This is where premium economy can fill a nice gap on long-haul travel. Sitting in between Economy and Business class, Premium Economy is not an Economy-Plus product such as Main Cabin Extra on American Airlines, Economy Plus on United, or Economy Comfort on Delta. Rather it is a distinct class of service which offers a wider seat with more legroom in its own cabin.
    Costing more than economy but less than business class, there are many advantages to flying premium economy. Very often, the cabin only consists of 5-6 or even fewer rows of seats. At this size, flight attendants are able to offer a very personalized level of service. Some carriers have flight attendants dedicated solely to this cabin, whereas other carriers have attendants that serve either business class and Premium Economy, or Premium Economy and Economy. Either way, the staff to passenger ratio is a lot more favourable in the cabin.
    As a distinct cabin above economy class; many airlines also offer Premium Economy passengers better services than economy class. At the airport this can mean separate check-in desks and priority services such as expedited baggage delivery, more free baggage allowance, security screening, and advance boarding. Many of these services are offered for a charge to Economy class passengers; so the cost of Premium Economy may be well worth it, for this fact alone.
    On Board, besides the bigger seat, more legroom, and more personalized service; airlines may offer better food and drink selections in Premium Economy with meals on par with Business Class, served on China with premium beverage selections. On overnight flights, being served your dinner first, in a smaller cabin, means you can settle in for some sleep a lot sooner than economy class in many cases. That extra 30-45 minutes could mean the difference between red-eyed and rested.
    If Frequent Flier Miles and Elite status are worth it for you, Premium Economy tickets can give you extra miles and status points to help you reach that next level, or maintain your current level quicker. A consideration for the leisure traveller who is looking to get the perks of status for their travels, if not able to achieve it through business travel.
    Airlines that offer Premium Economy, and treat it as a separate class of service, often also make upgrades available to premium economy at a lower cost either in miles, or cash at the airport. Asking at check-in if paid upgrades are available can be a very cost effective way of securing your premium economy seat. With airlines overbooking lower cabin classes frequently, this is a good way for them to get extra revenue from passengers. If you already have a Premium Economy ticket, and that cabin is oversold (which, at a smaller size can be a very regular occurrence) your next step up is business class.
    If you’re looking to upgrade your ticket using miles, Premium Economy is definitely the class to book if available. Often the best value, in our opinion, of using your miles to upgrade is from Premium Economy to Business Class. Not only do you earn more miles back, because you’re paying for a premium cabin, you also often don’t have to spend as many miles to get the upgrade.
    There is a lot to be said for flying Premium Economy; but ultimately it is set aside for a very specific traveller. VIP Upgrades highly recommends flying in Premium Economy over Economy; but ultimately it does come down to your preferences and budget. Hopefully we’ve given you something to think about when considering your upcoming travel.