Flying to New York is a fun and exciting time, as you visit a city filled with dreams, romance, shopping and all out spectacle. But first there’s the little subject of getting there.
Long haul flights can be daunting, especially when you’ve never been on one –as for travelling to New York, this can be a little troublesome for those not in the know.
So we’ve put together a few tips to help you plan your trip to New York, along with how you can handle the flight there. Enjoy!
Before your Journey
Planning your holiday correctly can make that flight to New York go quicker and be even more enjoyable.
Although New York is a top tourist destination all year round, there’s no need to completely break the bank when visiting. Booking flight tickets in early November or between the months of January and March will help you find cheaper prices. Booking in the later weeks of November and through December will give you significantly higher prices, due to the shopping facilities and legendary New Year’s Eve parties; this is however an extremely exciting and magical time to visit.
The summer months in New York are an excellent time to enjoy the city, due to the fantastic warm climate – you just might have to take some time to really find the best deal in terms of price.
During the journey
Now comes the more difficult part; surviving the long haul flight. With flights from London taking around seven hours, some take longer, it’s important that you’re comfortable and well prepared for the duration. This will help prevent boredom, restlessness and generally waiting around – remember time moves slower when you’re waiting for something and even slower when you’re bored.
Here are a few tips to help you safely move through that journey:
- Location, location, location:
When planning the excursion to New York, choosing the right seat on the flight is pivotal. If you can afford an upgrade, try and get a ticket in a premium cabin, or choose your economy seat with precision. Do you want to be in a middle seat, or would you prefer a view – or maybe you want to keep active, and would prefer an aisle seat. Take all this into consideration before picking your spot when you check-in online.
- Be entertained:
It’s important to keep yourself entertained, 7+ hours is a long time. Try to mix up your entertainment choices, listening to an iPod all the way may get boring, the same with a game or book – which you may finish, so an e-reader may be a better investment. Just remember to mix it up. If the plane offers Wi-Fi at an extra cost, consider paying for it, for that extra bit of entertainment.
- Take a nap:
A great way to help pass the time on the plane is to take a nap. This is probably best if you’re flying overnight so you can ensure you’re well rested when you arrive. Packing earplugs, an eye mask and a small travel pillow may be wise if you intend on sleeping.
- Keep fit:
Getting up and having a walk around, even if it’s only to the toilet is advisable to keep you active. Doing this about once an hour is usually recommended, you can even do simple leg and arm lifts in your seat to keep your blood circulating.
- Don’t dress to impress:
You’re about to be sitting on a plane for numerous hours, as is everyone else; a fashion show this is not. So don’t come along in a pair of tight jeans you can barely sit in, as this will annoy you for the whole flight. Comfort is key.
- No Smoking:
For smokers, the thought of going without a cigarette for several hours is stressful enough to make you reach for the packet. To avoid the ‘cigarette snap’ half-way through the flight, talk to your GP before you leave, and enquire about patches and nicotine gum.
- Hydrate:
It is important to keep hydrated throughout your flight as airline travel can dehydrate you. So keep that water flowing; but make sure to find that happy balance between nicely hydrated and an overly full bladder.