As restrictions ease, vaccinations rise, and cases fall, many of us are traveling again, both for business and pleasure. How do we ease back into air travel, which has in some ways become an even more stressful experience over the past few years? How will you ensure that the travel you book is as safe, healthy, stress-free, and cost-effective as possible? Here are our top four tips to mentally and physically prepare for safe, stress-free air travel in summer 2023.
Prepare for pricey tickets.
According to CBS News, airfares are surging up to 50% as domestic and international travel rebound.
The reason for the surge in airfare costs is simple supply and demand: more Americans are wanting to fly than there are available plane seats. Thus, costs are going up.
CBS News says that “a report from Mastercard Economics Institute shows consumers are booking domestic and international travel at a rate not seen since before the pandemic.” Additionally, “By the end of April, flight bookings were up 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with the report's authors noting an unprecedented surge in international trips.”
Traveling by plane will be more expensive, at least for a little while.
Continue to pack the new essentials.
On April 18, 2022, the federal mask mandate on airplanes was lifted. Even so, it’s always smart to have a face covering on hand while you’re flying.
Be sure to pack hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes to wipe down your armrests, chairs, and your hands both on the flight and in the airport. Even without concern for Covid-19, airports and planes can be grimy places, and a simple precaution like sanitizing your hands and not touching your face can prevent colds, flus, and other viruses from spreading.
For more tips on what to pack, check out Sanctifly Travel Wellness Coach Sara’s 7 wellness essentials for a long haul flight:
Prepare for delays, and have a contingency plan.
Sanctifly location partner, Hilton Munich Airport.
If Memorial Day weekend was any indication of how air travel will be going this summer, we should all prepare for delays and cancellations. More than 700,000 airline passengers experienced a cancellation, delay, or other inconvenience as a result of a canceled flight on Memorial Day weekend, according to Forbes.
When planning your trips, try to fly on less popular days – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are best for avoiding crowds. Early morning flights are most likely to be on time, and airport concourses and terminals are less crowded earlier in the morning. If you can, budget in a buffer day between your flight and any events happening early in your trip. That way, you have some wiggle room in case of a cancellation.
If you do end up dealing with canceled or delayed flights, remember to check the Sanctifly app for wellness activities available in your airport. You can find meditation rooms, hotel gyms, spas, and day rooms to avoid sitting in a crowded terminal for hours—and even keep up your at-home wellness routine with no interruptions. Not a member? Join today.
Have empathy for the airport and airline staff – it’s tough out there.
In a typical year, about 100 to 150 cases of air rage are reported. But in 2021, there were more than 5,700 cases reported, according to a CNBC article.
What’s driving the spike in air rage cases in recent months? Unruly passengers who refused to comply with mask policies, alcohol use, and general stress and anger. Airlines and flight attendants have called for stiffer penalties for passengers who verbally or physically abuse staff or who refuse to comply with airline policies.
While you’re at the airport and in the air, be kind to your flight attendants, and don’t be afraid to step up if another passenger is threatening the well-being or safety of a staff member. Keep in mind that everyone is doing their best.
By keeping in mind these four tips, your summer air travels are more likely to be a breeze than a drag. Travel well.
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