Flying in Style

“He didn't like to fly--the noise and vibration gave him a headache--but, as with anything new, he was excited by the strangeness of it. The disjuncture intrigued him: stepping through a door in one place, sitting still for a few hours, then stepping out a thousand miles away.
~― Stewart O'Nan,  West of Sunset

I think eight hours might be my tolerance threshold for flying economy class so if I had to fly long distances on a tighter budget, I'd want to break up the trip. I'm fortunate my employer allows international trips in business class, which allows me to arrive in the shortest time possible. A lot of airlines have eliminated what used to be called first class on long flights and improved business class. Is that because only people who travel for business can afford it? Maybe.

On overseas flights, business class passengers get a meal after take-off and another prior to landing. I tend to skip the first meal in favor of eating before I board and settling in for sleep soon after. Drinks, including alcohol, are complimentary. The seats are adjustable to lie flat. Some airlines provide pajamas. They all provide a toiletry bag. My flight was 16 hours from Chicago O'Hare to Auckland. The lie flat configuration for this flight was the best I've seen and I slept that way for about four hours and then about another four hours in an upright reclined position.

Even if you don't get to fly business class, there are some things you can do to make your overseas trip more comfortable. Business class and some frequent flyer levels offer complimentary access to the airline lounge while waiting for your flight or during layovers. Day passes for airline lounges are often available for purchase. Lounge access may also extend to one guest. The lounge is typically a quieter place to wait for your flight with unlimited wi-fi, snacks (sometimes full meals), and drinks. The quality and amenities of the lounge vary by airline and airport. I used the SAS lounge at O'Hare for this flight.

After flying sixteen hours in the same clothes I'd worn all day, I felt pretty gross. I carry a change of clothes and my toiletries (contact solution, etc.) in my carryon bag and try to shower as soon as I can. If the flight arrival time is late enough, a shower can wait until hotel check-in. I seem to arrive often very early in the morning--too early even for early check-in. When I know this is going to be the case, I research the availability of shower facilities at the airport. I feel like I can deal with jet lag much better if I've had the chance to clean up. The Auckland airport has free showers and will rent you a towel and sell you toiletries if you need them. It was a tight fit but was so worth it.

The approach into Auckland at sunrise this morning was breathtaking.