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Due to a personal situation, I had to fly to the United States from
Israel on a moment’s notice, not an easy matter during the current war. Small courtesies
and inconveniences make a great impression on a traveler especially for those
occupied by difficult thoughts. In particular, I saw how differences in flight
class, airline sites/applications and airports can affect the whole travel
experience.
First, the luxury of business class goes well beyond the actual seats.
Of course, it is wonderful to sleep properly on cross-Atlantic flights, allowing
the traveler to arrive fresh and alert, just like in those old Pan Am commercials, not to mention to reduce the probablity of getting Covid.
However, beyond the immediate comfort is the peace of mind that from arrival at
the airport of departure to retrieval of the luggage at the airport of
destination, the service staff is friendly and helpful. I do not have figure
out those self-check-in machines; I can wait in a lounge that is quiet, has
clean bathrooms, serves good coffee and meals and even has quiet rooms and
showers in some cases. These relative peace and quiet calms the nerves
significantly. Of course, business and first class get on and off the plane
first, reducing the stress of crowding. For me, not having to worry about
overhead space is an additional relief as I am worrier when I travel. For me,
travelling business class on cross Atlantic flights , depending on the price, almost
makes flying pleasurable.
However, to get a flight, it is necessary to order a ticket. That
process has become quite complex due to the lack of complete information on any
given route and the presentation of the existing information. People forget
that some airlines have a policy not to list their flights with the certain
sites, notably PSA in the United States, meaning that these sites do not show
more convenient or less expensive options that may exist. Sometimes, it may be
possible to find less expensive rates on another application or the actual
airline site. Knowing that no site is totally comprehensive, I know to search
widely for travel solutions. However, it is very distressing to discover that many
airlines post one-way prices only, creating the impression that the flight is
inexpensive. It is only several clicks later that one discovers that the
desired route is no less expensive, if not more expensive, than the
alternatives. This is annoying at minimum and, in my opinion, deceptive
advertising at maximum. As one agent said, if seems too good to be true, it
probably is. Booking tickets online can be a confusing and trying experience.
As I flew through three different airports, I could directly compare their
user friendliness. I discovered that, regardless of size, the factors that
influenced my impression of their design were access, signing, layouts and
bathrooms To be specific, certain airports require long hikes to even get to
the check-in point (LAX) while others are a hop, skip and jump (Athens). I
really don’t want to get tired before I even get through security. I discovered
the importance of signing as deplaning in an unknown airport is very confusing.
I learned to appreciate omnipresent gate displays and arrows indicating the
direction of distant gates. This element is related to the general layout of
the airport. I felt at ease in the “market” atmosphere of Athens as compared to
the open industrial clamor of Amersterdam. I have to mention that I regretted
having a full breakfast when I saw that Greek fluffy pastry by the gate in Eleftherios
Venizelos Airport. Still, bathrooms are the one single factor that make
airport layovers easier. Plentiful and clean bathrooms are vital for mental
health. Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport is a disaster. Reaching them requires
going down stairs, not exactly a pleasure when carrying bags. Upon entering
them, there were flooded or dirty. Given the longer and longer time between
connecting flights, the airport experience has a great impact on the flying experience.
Alas, it is not always possible to afford business, easily identify the
best flight and choose airports. Travel will always remain an adventure for
better or worse. I do my best to roll with the situation and cope. Still, not
all flights are created equally pleasant, alas.
* Picture captions allow the blind to fully access the Internet.
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