The experience of any flight is subject to a huge number of factors. “Did I remember to take my meds before I packed them? Wait…did that weather report say thunderstorms?! UGH, why is this traffic picking on me? Hold on…that’s all the bags? But… where’s mine?” And those are just the things you have to deal with BEFORE the flight. If you travel a lot, especially if you’re spending upwards of 6 hours a flight on one plane, you know that there are a few things that contribute to your overall rating of the experience. There’s who you’re seated next to, of course, and whether or not they’re an armrest hog with a very vocal toddler. Then there’s the food, which we can all admit has the tendency to be dicey at best. Will the flight be delayed? Will someone be sitting in your seat when you get to it? There’s a lot to consider!
While comfort on a long-haul flight is obviously king, there are more things that seasoned travellers look for in a flight and an airline. Let’s take a look at what seasoned travellers already know that might be able to help you set a higher standard for your next long-haul trip.
What Makes a Long Haul Flight Not Just Tolerable, But Enjoyable
1. Comfort
Comfort, as we mentioned, is king…but this is too obvious to need explaining. What goes into making a comfortable experience, though? Nice plush seats and legroom? We think it’s more than that.
2. Efficiency and Seamlessness
Airports and commercial flights can be painful, even during shoulder seasons and off-peak travel times. There is ALWAYS traffic at commercial airports, always some sort of queue, and on long distance flights you may be required to jump off the plane you’re on and hightail it to the other end of the airport to catch a connecting flight that you almost miss because the first one was delayed (and that’s not even mentioning wondering if your bags will end up on the right flight with you). What seasoned long-haul travelers look for is a way to avoid all of that stress, and there’s a really simple way to get that: luxury private jet hire. Your flight takes off when YOU say it does, you won’t need to get off the jet to connect, because it will simply refuel and refresh staff, and there are no queues at private airports!
3. Privacy
Airports and commercial flights are open to whoever can book a ticket and make it on time for a flight. Even in the bathrooms, there’s no real privacy, and that can lead to increased social anxiety and a whole lot of unnecessary stress. Long-haul travelers in the know know that private flights are just that: private! No one will be coughing in your face or reading your emails over your shoulder, and you can feel free to relax in your own space, which is the whole cabin. Cabin crew on private flights are the best of the best and very well aware of how to keep personal space, but still take care of all your needs.
4. Personalization
Anyone who’s heard “chicken or beef” more than 3 times knows that there’s no right answer. What you really need is a way to choose from more than two options, and that level of personalization is only available on charter flights. Not only are the meals personalized to your preferences, but so is the takeoff (and by extension, landing) time, so that you can arrive at your destination at a time that suits you rather than an airline schedule. Customer-centric travel is travel that includes the option to personalize as much of the trip as possible to your needs and liking.
5. Real Rest
When you get to your terminal destination, you want to be rested and ready, not jet-lagged and ready to kill the next person who interrupts your “nap”. The comfort and privacy afforded to you on a private jet are unmatched, and these are both necessary for you to get real rest on our flight rather than moments snatched between the crying of the next row’s restless baby. Give yourself the gift of arriving rested rather than more stressed… It’s so worth it.
6. Delicious Dining
Dining options on private flights are not only more plentiful but of a far higher quality than what many travellers have access to. As a bonus, if your jet is one of the larger classes, there’s a galley kitchen on board, which means you can have FRESH and even chef-made meals and nibbles served on your flight. Pre-packaged? We don’t know her!
7. An Integrated Experience
From booking (often including booking ground or helicopter transfers, we might add) to check-in to the in-flight wifi, private jet rental companies offer an incredibly streamlined and integrated experience. No talking to a million different people to get things planned: you’ll talk to a dedicated representative to begin with and be able to manage the rest from your phone or laptop. Simple and clear-cut with no added stress. You, your luggage, and your sanity are in safe hands.
Flying in the Lap of Luxury
A long-haul flight is not the time to test your commitment to your “no arguments” rule or to prove to yourself that you can sleep wherever you’re put. It’s the time to treat yourself to a set of circumstances that enable relaxation, comfort, and most of all enjoyment.
