• In-Flight Service

Seven New Year’s Resolutions To Improve Frequent Flyer Lifestyle

January 7, 2015  | Written by Marisa Garcia

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Don’t suffer through life in the sky in 2015. There are many opportunities for frequent flyers to turn the journey into a pleasurable adventure. Try out one or more of these eight resolutions to enjoy flying right through to 2016.

1. Pack light, and avoid those baggage check lines. For most trips, we need little more than what fits in a smart carry-on. Flight attendants know this better than anyone. Fit essentials in a standard bin-sized carry-on to avoid the hassle (and high cost) of checked luggage. Of course, there are longer trips which require more room, look for airports which have installed convenient self-service bag-drops.

Qantas Lounge LAX, I=image via Qantas Airways

2. Get the VIP treatment at swanky terminal lounges. Your preferred airline can help you travel like a superstar, including fine-dining, spa treatments, even a lovely sauna to steam the stress away. Use your loyalty status to make the lounge your airport haven. Not an airline loyalty member? No problem. You can buy a day-pass at many terminals.

3. Manage your travel the smart way, by taking advantage of your airline’s app. The best of these let you pre-check, issue smart electronic boarding passes, help you plan your next trip and find their lounges at the terminal. And some airlines collaborate with their hub airports to make the travel experience truly seamless.

4. Use tech to make clearing security a no-brainer. You can sign up for TSA pre-check status or other Trusted Traveler programs, and for biometric border control, where available.

5. Look after yourself. Flying is hard on the body, but it doesn’t need to be. Stay lean for that trek to the gate by enjoying the rich selection of healthier meals being introduced at airports. Consider taking up yoga for fitness, balance and serenity. There are great opportunities to stretch your limbs at airports offering this service.

6. Rest well. When you can, splurge on those lovely hotel-in-the-sky cabins and stretch out in a comfy bed. If you’re flying economy, you can make sleep a little easier by carrying your own home-made amenity kit, a comfortable pillow, and a light blanket or decorative shawl to keep you warm. Some airlines consider their economy class passengers needs and give out amenity kits, others sell them onboard.

7. Make the flight experience more pleasant for you and your fellow travelers through the frequent exercise of common courtesy. Be considerate and improve the journey for everyone you travel with in 2015.