Advice from Flight Attendants: Six Practical Tips to Make Travel Easier

▲Joining a frequent flyer program can increase your chances of getting upgraded (illustration / Photo by reporter Li Yukang)

By Rita

Traveling abroad is a delightful experience, but many people find that being in a cabin full of strangers isn’t all that comfortable once they’re on the plane. To make the flight more pleasant, there’s no better advice than that from flight attendants.Oyster websitehas compiled six key tips—some of which are really simple—that travelers might want to consider.

1. Board a little later
Many passengers often ask flight attendants if there are any empty seats, and the usual reply is that they won’t know until everyone has boarded. If you want to change seats, consider boarding a bit later, as most people will have already gotten on by then, and an empty seat usually means it hasn’t been sold. But be careful not to board so late that you miss the cabin door closing—you won’t be allowed on the plane.

2. Avoid sitting in the bulkhead area
The bulkhead area is often where families with young children, especially babies, are seated, as it’s the most convenient and safest spot for them. If you don’t want to be seated next to (crying) kids, it’s best to steer clear.

3. Choose a seat farther back
Seats toward the back of the plane usually receive better service from flight attendants. Many attendants tend to ignore the call buttons of passengers in the front rows to avoid a chain reaction of requests, as onboard supplies are limited. In contrast, passengers in the back are more likely to have their needs met.

▲Window seats can get quite cold at high altitudes (illustration / Photo by reporter Peng Huaiyu)

4. Try to avoid window seats
Window seats, being close to the aircraft frame, can get very cold at 38,000 feet—especially window seats. If you forget to ask for a blanket before sleeping, many passengers wearing short sleeves may easily catch a cold.

5. Pack your carry-on wisely
Organize the essentials you need in a way that’s easy to access, so you don’t forget anything and have to buy replacements. Also, avoid bringing unnecessary items, as they could result in extra baggage fees.

6. Join afrequent flyer program to increase your chances of getting upgraded
When there are available seats in business class, most airlines scan passenger information, and if you’re a member of a frequent flyer program, you’re more likely to be upgraded. Sometimes, you might even get upgraded without having accumulated many points. Signing up for frequent flyer programs is often free and can be done online.