Frequent flyers’ secrets revealed: Expert tips for a better flight

Ever wondered how flight attendants and pilots combat jet lag? How do you prevent a desert-dry mouth during a plane nap? Or which of the world’s airports are simply the best and the worst?

Traveller asked six of Australia’s frequent flyers – including a pilot, a flight attendant, a legendary wheelchair athlete and an aviation industry blogger – for their tips and tricks when it comes to packing, flying, whizzing through airports and adjusting to new time zones.

Want a better flight experience? Ask someone who flies all the time.Credit: iStock

With a bit of luck, their collective insider knowledge may make your next flight all that more tolerable and even enjoyable.

THE AIRLINES BLOGGER: Chris Chamberlin

Before flying, I always pack my noise-cancelling headphones. They drown out the hum of the engines, the conversations between other passengers, the sounds of screaming children and more.

Point Hacks’ Chris Chamberlin plans in advance when to work and when to sleep on long flights.

My tip for getting through airport security stress-free is wherever you have the choice between security lanes with a CT scanner or an X-ray, always choose the CT scanner. That means you can drop your bag straight into a tray and waltz on through.

If I ran an airline or airport, the one thing I’d fix is adding services such as a gym and a hairdresser. Frequent travel leads to being frequently time poor. At connecting hubs where I have several hours between flights and little else to do, I’d welcome the chance to tackle some life admin.

The way I deal with jet lag is to plan my flight. I map out when I should sleep and when I should work – or when to watch movies if on holidays. If I’m arriving late in the evening, I’ll deprive myself of sleep so I’m exhausted and ready for bed when we land. If it’s an early arrival, I’ll sleep later in the flight so I wake shortly before arrival. On short overnight flights, I’ll skip meals as well. Do I really need a second dinner after eating at the airport? No. Do I need breakfast at 4am local time when we’re landing at 6am, sacrificing two hours’ sleep for something made on another continent and served reheated in a box? No. It’s all about sleep, sleep, sleep – and getting the timing right.

My advice for getting a decent sleep in-flight is pack an eye mask. Many airlines provide them but they’re often flimsy. A proper mask that completely covers the eyes works wonders.

Always pack an eye-mask, says Chris Chamberlain.Credit: iStock

I make flying economy class more tolerable by choosing a bulkhead or exit-row seat if I can. Better yet, I use frequent flyer points to book or upgrade to a more premium cabin without breaking the bank. Once you understand frequent flyer points, you’ll never go back to the old ways of doing things.

My policy on eating and drinking in-flight is to be mindful not to eat a meal just because it’s there. How much food do you really need when sitting still for 10 hours? Not a great deal, says my doctor – and I agree.

For me, layovers are an opportunity to see what’s happening somewhere distant, without significantly derailing the main outcome of my journey. My last trip had an 18-hour transit in London so I ventured into Harrods, caught a West End show, and took in the Christmas lights before getting a solid sleep and jetting off.

When I arrive at my destination after a long flight, the first thing I do is take a moment to just breathe. Flying is easy but the process between standing up on the plane and sitting down at the hotel is filled with stressors.

The worst airport I’ve experienced is in Brussels, Belgium. It’s not the infrastructure but the attitude of staff. Whether it’s security, passport control or other airport workers, every interaction I had was met with serious attitude and rudeness.

The best airport I’ve experienced is Seoul’s Incheon (specifically Terminal 2). The high ceilings and modern design make it pleasant, but I really appreciate the in-town check-in. Travellers can part with their baggage in the city and even clear outbound passport control within a CBD-located shopping centre. You then board a dedicated airport-bound bus and enter the terminal through a side door normally used by staff.

My advice for nervous flyers is to learn about an aircraft’s features and what the most common sounds mean. Have you heard a repeated thumping noise on takeoff that sounds like you keep running into something? That’s the centre-most landing gear tyres rolling over the runway’s centre-line lights, which is part of a perfect takeoff. How about the noise that’s like a buzz saw or barking dog on some Airbus planes that sounds like it’s coming from the wings? That’s the Power Transfer Unit, which means the hydraulic system is functioning normally. Planes need that to takeoff, land, bank and slow down, among other things.

Chris Chamberlin is a news editor at Point Hacks and podcast host of Travel Pointers. He has flown more than 1.5 million air miles

THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Teri O’Toole

Teri O’Toole… keep an eye on jewellery.

My tip for getting through airport security stress-free is consider your jewellery and belt because you’ll have to remove them. I’d love a dollar for every person who leaves a piece of jewellery or an iPhone in the tray – that’s where people lose things. Before going through, put your watch, bracelets and so on in your handbag.

Make the most of your time at the airport by wearing comfortable shoes so you can meander.

If I ran an airline or airport, the one thing I’d fix is corral systems for queuing. My pet hate is that when it’s not busy, no one ever removes the corralling so you wind through an empty line doing twice as much walking as you need to do.

Be organised at security checks.Credit: Getty Images

The way I deal with jet lag is by taking the edge off my tiredness. Four hours’ sleep is my sweet spot. When I get in after an overnight flight, I’ll have four hours’ sleep. Then I go out into the day and, by 10pm or 11pm, I’m ready to drop again because I’m still sleep deprived. The key for me is no more or less than four hours. The idea behind staying awake is that you’re pushing yourself into a fatigued state. My method is against all the science, but it serves me well.

Corral queuing systems not okay.Credit: Getty Images

My advice for getting a decent sleep in flight is to wet a fabric face mask so you’re breathing in a little bit of moisture. When you wake up, your mouth and nose won’t be quite so dry.

I make flying economy class more tolerable by making sure I’m warm and that I’ve brought my travel pillow – a Hyoumankind Go Pillow. It’s not cheap, but it’s the best thing I’ve ever invested in.

Pillow talk … Hyoumankind a favourite.

My policy on eating and drinking in flight is that water is imperative. If we were to put a soft piece of bread on a galley bench for a flight, by the time you land it is toast. Take some Hydralyte tablets and put them in a water bottle to help stay hydrated.

When I arrive at my destination after a long flight, the first thing I do is look at the back of the hotel door for the evacuation plan. That will be the difference between life and death if you’re in an emergency. Then I put any valuables in the hotel safe, and I add a shoe or something I can’t leave the room without, so I remember they’re in there.

The worst airport I’ve ever experienced is Marrakesh, Morocco. The lines to get in and out were like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

My advice for nervous flyers is to remember the chance of being in an air incident is a million to one. Australia has the best pilots in the world and they’re highly skilled and trained – they know what they’re doing. And do keep your seatbelt fastened.

Teri O’Toole is the federal secretary of the Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia. She’s been a flight attendant for almost four decades.

THE TOUR COMPANY DIRECTOR: Felicity Armstrong

Felicity Armstrong 

Before flying I always pack a universal travel adaptor. I use the SnapWireless PowerPack – I’ve bought one for each of my three daughters, and they, too, won’t go anywhere without it. I also pack ArmaForce, a supplement to boost my immunity.

My tip for getting through airport security stress free is to streamline your carry-on items and be prepared ahead of time. I always pack my carry-on with security in mind, keeping liquids in a clear, resealable bag at the top of my bag and wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Make the most out of your time at an airport by treating it as part of the adventure. I arrive early to avoid stress and explore the shops.

If I ran an airline or airport, the one thing I’d do is introduce smart luggage tags with real-time tracking, eliminating the stress of lost or delayed bags.

My advice for getting a decent sleep in flight is as soon as you board the flight, change your watch to the new destination’s time zone to mentally adjust. And I never board a plane without my Peter Alexander eye mask and noise-cancelling AirPods.

Window seats offer a vista and a head rest.Credit: Getty Images

I make flying economy class more tolerable by choosing the window seat. I’ll pay extra for seat selection. I love the window seat not just for the view as you’re coming in to land but for head and body leaning support. I slip on my neck pillow and try to doze off by the window.

For me, layovers are perfect for breaking up long flights. It gives you the chance to stretch your legs, enjoy some fresh environment out of the cabin and recharge. It adds an extra chapter to your adventure in discovering new places, even if briefly.

When I arrive at my destination after a long flight, the first thing I do is head out for a walk to explore my new destination. It’s a great way to get your bearings, discover local attractions, experience the vibe of your new surroundings and signal to your body that it’s time to adapt to the new schedule.

The best airport I’ve experienced is Venice, Italy. Marco Polo Airport offers breathtaking views as you come into land. On a clear day, you should see the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, the Venetian Lagoon and, depending on your flight path, Venice itself. To top off the fairytale experience, you can take a water taxi into the heart of Venice.

Felicity Armstrong is director/founder of Pink Pelican Tours which specialises in women-only tours. For 20 years she’s been a researcher for the TV show Getaway, broadcast by Nine Entertainment, owners of this publication.

THE PILOT: Adam Barr

My tip for getting through airport security stress-free is to get there early so you don’t stress about having enough time to move through security and get to the boarding gate.

Pilot Adam Barr... do your airport research.

Make the most of your time at the airport by doing some research about it beforehand. Some airports can keep you entertained for hours. If relaxing is more your style, I always have something to do while waiting for my flight, either reading a book or watching a movie or TV show on my iPad.

The way I deal with jet lag is get onto local time as soon as you get to your destination. If you arrive at 7am but it’s 1am where you live, you’ll be tired but don’t go to the hotel and take a quick nap. Unpack if you want to and go straight out and grab breakfast to start your day. If you’re getting tired, have another snack – eating something usually gives me the energy to keep going. Importantly, set an alarm for the next morning and get up.

My advice for getting a decent sleep in flight is to bring something to help keep you from getting “the nods” as you fall asleep. If you’re not part of the one per cent lying flat in business or first class, use a neck pillow or similar to keep your head up while you sleep.

I make flying economy class more tolerable by wearing something that’s comfortable to sit in for an extended period. Don’t be a slave to fashion for a 14-hour flight.

For me, layovers are a time to be as active as possible to get the blood flowing and the muscles moving. It doesn’t have to be strenuous – walk through the terminal for half an hour or so.

The best airport I’ve ever experienced is Changi, Singapore. With restaurants, hotels, yoga classes, a theatre, an entertainment precinct, play area, large gardens with an indoor waterfall and more, Changi’s almost a destination in itself. I’ve also heard amazing things about Doha’s Hamad International Airport – that’ll be a fun one to visit on Virgin Australia’s new long-haul flights.

My advice for nervous flyers is to look at the statistics. Flying is inherently safe and a lot of training goes into making sure the two pilots up the front know what they’re doing and how to get out of a sticky situation on the very remote chance one arises. Virgin Australia also has a Nervous Flyer Program, which can help those scared of flying (call 13 67 89 to join).

Adam Barr is a Virgin Australia training captain. He’s been a pilot for 37 years.

THE CHAMPION PARALYMPIAN: Louise Sauvage

Louise Sauvage… stay calm.

My tip for getting through airport security stress free is to just stay calm and go with it. In my case, I have a hand search every time – that can be interesting, depending which country you’re in.

Make the most out of time at an airport by planning your bathroom stops. Going to the bathroom on a plane isn’t the easiest thing for me.

If I ran an airline or airport, the one thing I’d fix is the way they treat people with disabilities, the way they treat [wheel]chairs. There needs to be more training, more awareness, especially with cargo that’s essential to someone’s life. Also, any airport without carpet is good for me.

My advice for getting a decent sleep in flight is to get as comfortable as possible with a good neck pillow. I also have a very good air cushion to sit on as, obviously, I’m sitting on my butt for a very long time in general. I have to sit in an aisle seat and that means people need to climb over you. That can be quite uncomfortable, but also people don’t understand why you can’t stand up.

I make flying economy class more tolerable by looking forward to the in-flight entertainment and by knowing you’ll be getting off eventually.

More training needed at airports for dealing with wheelchairs.Credit: Getty Images

My policy on eating and drinking in flight is not drink too much of anything because of the common problem of not being able to access the bathroom.

For me, layovers are an opportunity to move and prevent DVTs [deep vein thrombosis]. Transit times also need to be long enough because we get on a plane first, and we get off a plane last – and then pray they bring our own chairs to the aircraft so we can go to the bathroom in a decent-sized bathroom.

The worst airport I’ve experienced is Heathrow, UK, because of its ability to lose just about anything, including our wheelchairs.

The best airport I’ve experienced is Zurich, Switzerland. It’s easy to get around and to get through security; you can also catch a train from there or easily get picked up.

My advice for nervous flyers is to try some calming or distraction methods. I’ve held athletes’ hands, I’ve distracted them by playing games, we’ve had a big chat and, before they know it, they’re up in the air or the turbulence has passed. I’ve held one kid’s hand across the aisle before.

Louise Sauvage is a Paralympic gold medallist and a NSW Institute of Sport national coach (wheelchair track and road)

THE AIRPORT EXECUTIVE: Shelley Turner

Before flying I always pack my phone charger. My life is kept on my phone. Making sure that it doesn’t die on my travels is a must.

My tip for getting through airport security stress free is picking the right lane. If you’re travelling with kids – I have four – you often get to jump the queue.

Shelley Turner... classical music helps her tune out.

Make the most out of time at an airport by having enough time to sit down, have something nice to eat, get the kids chilled out and a glass of champagne if you’re lucky.

My advice for getting a decent sleep in flight is I listen to classical music on the in-flight entertainment system. It blocks out the noise for me.

My policy on eating and drinking in flight is that it depends on which class you’re in but do try not to overindulge because if you eat and drink too much you can feel unwell.

For me, layovers depend on where you’re transiting. I recently transited through Tokyo on the way to Sapporo, and it’s super exciting arriving in a foreign country. It’s almost a box of chocolates and a bit of a surprise as to what you’re receiving.

The worst airport I ever experienced was Lukla, Nepal. It’s quite frightening as the runway is only several hundred metres long and you’re running directly towards a mountainside in quite a small aircraft.

My advice for nervous flyers is to think about the amazing holiday you’re about to go on once you do arrive safely. And breathe.

Shelley Turner is chief financial officer of the new Nancy Bird Walton Western Sydney Airport which is due to open next year. She has travelled to about 50 countries.

MY WORST AIR-TRAVEL MISTAKE

Teri O’Toole
“Not packing comfortable shoes, a spare pair of underwear, spare clothes and a toothbrush in my in-cabin bag in readiness for when baggage is lost. My routine now is keeping a pair of stylish black Havaianas thongs in the bottom of my bag, along with yoga pants and a T-shirt.”

Chris Chamberlin
“Not allowing enough time between flights, especially when booking flights on separate tickets. Last time I transited Paris, I thought five hours would be enough on separate tickets… until my inbound flight was cancelled, leaving me on the hook for a new flight to Singapore if I missed that onward connection. Luckily, I was able to stand by for an earlier Paris-bound flight, getting the very last seat. It was a middle seat right down the back but I’ve never been so glad to be handed a boarding pass.”

Felicity Armstrong

Pack lightly… repeat, pack lightly.Credit: iStock

“Over-packing for a last-minute trip to Melbourne. I ended up paying hefty baggage fees. To make it worse, I didn’t even use half the things I brought. [If you’re planning to shop], pack a small set of portable luggage scales.”

Adam Barr
“On my honeymoon, I misread the departure time of our flight from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. This meant another night in SLC and a few hours of phone calls to rebook that flight plus the connecting flight to Honolulu, and the accommodation. Rookie mistake.”

Louise Sauvage
“Flying Jetstar. They don’t have the best disability policy.”

Shelley Turner
“When I was flying into New York when I was quite young and connecting onto another flight. I didn’t realise there were three airports in New York, and it was quite problematic [making my connecting flight at a different airport].”