You can't do anything about long security lines, delays or lack of leg room, but use these tips to make the most of what you can control on your next flight.
The secret to enjoying air travel is to minimize what you can't control and maximize what you can. Read on to learn how.
Many airlines allow you to choose your seat during booking, and it can be the most important decision for making sure you enjoy the trip. Keep in mind that you'll find the smoothest ride in seats positioned over the wings. If you want quiet, choose a seat near the head of the plane, away from the engines. Try to avoid sitting near the very front row, as babies and young children are often seated there. To avoid crowds and increase the chances of sitting next to an empty space, pick a seat at the plane's rear.
You can get all the information you ever wanted about a seat from a site like SeatGuru, which shows seating plans according to airline and airplane type.
To minimize your time in the security queue and still catch your flight, check out the current security wait times through the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website. Wait times are listed for each individual terminal, and are usually split into separate categories for domestic and international flights.
When meals are served, you'll often smell the cuisine and watch it being served to other passengers long before you get a bite. Your choice may be long gone by the time the galley cart gets you. If you want to get served first, order a special meal. On long-distance international flights, you may have over a dozen selections to choose from. Kosher or halal meals are usually the best choice if fresh ingredients are your priority. Place your special meal order at least 24 hours in advance.
To make sure you enjoy your economy flight, stay friendly with the flight attendants, offering thanks and compliments for good service. In many cases they'll reciprocate your kindness by offering you special food treats from the business or first class sections, and will be more amenable to any request you have. Be aware that many airlines have a no-tipping policy that requires attendants to politely decline any gifts offered by passengers.
