15 travel tips for more comfortable (maybe even enjoyable!) flights

Flights can be fun

1/16

Travelling can be great, but flying to your destination is often another matter altogether. Annoying passengers, sub-par meals, lost luggage and confined spaces can mean that the very beginning (or end) of your trip can dampen your vacation euphoria.

Whether your next flight is an hour or 10, these crafty hacks will help you maximise the odds of having an enjoyable, or at the very least a comfortable flight.

Research the plane

2/16

Not all seats are created equal, so figure out which airline works best for you. Before you book, look up your legroom on a website like Seat Guru, which breaks down seat measurements by airline and aircraft. This helps you also check out access to the exits, or other amenities you might want. If you’re a picky eater, looking at pictures of standard meals also helps so you can request a meal, if you need to.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY

Pre-book your seat

3/16

Pre-booking a seat is the best way to ensure you get exactly what you want. Top tip: seats in the middle of the cabin are usually furthest away from the toilets – and babies. You will generally also feel less turbulence when seated in the middle.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: OUR FAVOURITE CELEBS TEACH US HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE AND COMFORT

Buy an upgrade

4/16

Many airlines offer upgrades at discounted at reduced prices a few days before and on the day of the flight. Make sure to sign up for promotional offer alerts. Ask (politely!) at check-in or before boarding, and you may just end up flying in a premium cabin.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY​​​​​​​

Become a frequent flyer

5/16

It’s useful to be a member of an airline’s frequent flyer program. Signing up is usually free, and you’re more likely to benefit from a range of sweet perks. Think free upgrades, extra luggage and lounge access. None of it’s guaranteed, but it sure doesn’t hurt.

Photo: 123rf

 

ALSO READ: OUR FAVOURITE CELEBS TEACH US HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE AND COMFORT​​​​​​​

Skip the queues

6/16

Nothing makes a flight more stressful than the immigration and security queues that come before and after it. Skip the snaking queues by knowing the fast-track options that you are entitled to. Singaporeans, for example, can use the automatic clearance gates at Australian airports, or you might qualify for an APEC card so you can whiz through via dedicated counters. 

Photo: Shutterstock

 

​​​​​​​ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY

Go carry on only

7/16

Go the carry-on only route which many business travellers swear by. Learn to pack light and not only will you have access to everything you need during the flight, but once you land, you’ll be out of the airport – and at your destination – in record time. Plus, no more worries about lost or damaged luggage. 

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: OUR FAVOURITE CELEBS TEACH US HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE AND COMFORT​​​​​​​

Bring snacks

8/16

Whether you’re avoiding the notoriously suspect plane meals or trying to eat healthy, packing your own in-flight snacks is a smart move. Just do your fellow passengers a favour and avoid anything smelly or messy.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY​​​​​​​

Pre-order your meals

9/16

If you’re going to indulge in the on-board meal service, order your meal ahead of time. By doing this, you’ll usually get access to a much wider range of meal options – think low-cal, carb-free, vegetarian, or kosher. Bonus: you’ll get served your meal before everyone else.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: OUR FAVOURITE CELEBS TEACH US HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE AND COMFORT​​​​​​​

Befriend the flight attendant

10/16

A quick hello and smile as you board will put you in their good books, and can ensure more attentive service when you need that extra blanket. Pro tip: if you sit near the back, it’s also easier for your attendant to sneak you treats like a glass of Champagne from first class.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY

Get up and move

11/16

Yes, it’s a big ask once you’re settled and strapped into your seat. But it’s important to get up and move, especially on long flights. A quick walk and stretch breaks up the monotony of a flight, and will have you deplaning at your destination with a little more energy. Plus, it’ll minimise in-flight health risks like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: OUR FAVOURITE CELEBS TEACH US HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE AND COMFORT​​​​​​​

Be sure to keep hydrated

12/16

Low humidity, reduced oxygen levels and recycled air mean that on average, a person will lose between 1.5 and 2 litres of water on a 10-hour flight. So be sure to drink plenty of water on board and skip dehydrating beverages such as coffee, tea and alcohol. And don’t forget about your skin. Whether you subtly hydrate with a face mist or go all out with sheet masks, a little TLC means you’ll retain your glow when you disembark.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY​​​​​​​

Fly healthy

13/16

Flying is rough at the best of times, but it’s worse when you’re sick. If it’s unavoidable, just soldier through. But think again if you’ve got a bad cold. Flying with a cold can severely increase the pressure in your ear drums, and can lead to serious issues like ruptured ear drums and even hearing loss.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: OUR FAVOURITE CELEBS TEACH US HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE AND COMFORT​​​​​​​

Dress comfortably

14/16

Being comfortable on a flight is key to feeling fresh when you get off the plane. The solution? Dress in clothes in soft materials that aren’t tight against the body (but maybe skip the yoga pants and flip-flops which make you look less chic). Don’t forget a cosy sweater or giant scarf to keep the cold cabin air at bay.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY​​​​​​​

Bring your charger with you

15/16

You’ve pre-downloaded movies on Netflix to your iPad or plan to use the in-flight WiFi. Either way, you’ll need plenty of juice. Most cabins have seat-back power sockets and USB, so make sure your charger is in your carry-on.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: OUR FAVOURITE CELEBS TEACH US HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE AND COMFORT

Getting enough sleep is key

16/16

Another tough ask, but you can tackle this one with a bit of planning. Whether it’s over-the-counter melatonin, earplugs and an eye-mask, or a comfy sweater, pack whatever you need that allows you to relax, and grab a little shut-eye. When crossing timezones, try to get a flight that departs in the evening and arrives in the AM at your destination so your body's circadian rhythm works with you, not against you.

Photo: Shutterstock

 

ALSO READ: 9 VACATION DESTINATIONS NEAR SINGAPORE FOR A QUICK AND UNIQUE GETAWAY​​​​​​​