Air travel can be a great way to get to your destination faster and more comfortably. However, it can also be a little stressful. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be if you prepare correctly. From enrolling in a frequent flyer program to packing the right essentials, there are many things you should do before flying.
Historically, air transport has doubled in size every 15 years and grown much faster than most other modes of transportation. In 2016, airlines worldwide carried 3.8 billion passengers and transported 7.1 trillion revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs). Air transport is a vital means of international and intercontinental connectivity for people and goods.
In addition to its fundamental role in globalization, air transport is also an important driver of tourism. The world’s fastest growing tourist destinations rely overwhelmingly on air traffic from major source markets. Although the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed international air travel during its peak in 2021, by mid-2022 tourist arrivals were back to pre-pandemic levels in most markets.
Long-haul nonstop flights have expanded as a response to and a driver of globalization. Most of the world’s top-ranked airports serve as connecting hubs for long-distance flights. Air cargo flows also have seasonal patterns: the busiest days for transporting flowers, alcoholic beverages and other products are usually around Christmas and the Chinese New Year, while peaks in passenger traffic tend to occur during Europe’s summer holiday season between June and August and near China’s Spring Festival in January or February.
There are now thousands of airports around the world, which means that a large number of people can travel to their destinations by plane. As a result, the chances of dying from an accident on an airplane are extremely small. However, there are still many risks associated with air travel that travelers should be aware of, including the possibility of getting food poisoning or being injured by an unruly passenger.
Air travel has many benefits, from being more convenient than other forms of transportation to giving you the ability to see a huge number of places in a relatively short amount of time. There are even ways to make your flight more comfortable, such as by choosing a seat with extra legroom or upgrading to a premium ticket.
Air travel can be a little chaotic at times, especially in busy airports, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You can learn to love it more when you take the time to prepare and be prepared for your journey. If you’re not interested in flying, there are many other options for traveling abroad, such as a cruise on a river ship or a luxury train. The key is to find the right type of trip for you that meets your needs and budget. Whether you’re a frequent flier or just looking for a cheap way to get from point A to point B, there’s an airline out there for you.