It’s wheels up on summer travel season. As Canadians continue to favour spending their money on experiences over goods, demand is high for longer trips to overseas destinations. Non-stop flights can cover greater distances than ever before. In April, Air Canada launched its longest flight by distance yet, with a direct flight from Vancouver to Singapore that clocks just over 16 hours.
Experts say anyone considering a long-haul flight should plan for the journey’s two segments: the pre-departure experience and the in-flight experience. While such a long travel day may seem overwhelming, there are steps you can take to make a long-haul flight less stressful and more enjoyable.
Before you depart
Give yourself lots of time on your big travel day to help keep your stress level in check. Nowhere is this easier to do than at the award-winning Vancouver International Airport, which leverages both design and tech tricks to create a calmer travel experience.
If you’re arriving by car, you can pre-book your parking spot at the airport (which also saves you money), says Alyssa Smith, Communications Manager at Vancouver International Airport. You can also reserve a time to pass through security by making an online reservation through YVR Express, a new piece of innovative technology available at the airport. Lastly, there are QR codes throughout the airport that you can scan to check up on whether you’re on track to get to your gate on time. If you’ve fallen behind schedule, there are instructions for how to get help.
“Those are pieces of tech that travellers can leverage to have more certainty and control over their experience,” Smith says.
The airport’s design also helps to create a more pleasant pre-departure experience. Once you’re through security, there are fish and jellyfish tanks to enjoy alone or with any kids you might be travelling with. If you’re craving some entertainment, there are high-end restaurants and retailers on offer. And lastly, before you board, Smith suggested visiting the airport’s quiet room. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood floors, to do some stretching or meditating.
Now you’re ready for phase 2: the flight.
In the air
On-board, the key is to settle in by getting as comfortable as possible.
Getting cozy is easier than ever, according to Jacqueline Harkness, Air Canada’s Managing Director, Product and Services.
“The great thing about travel right now is that leisure wear is keeping pace and the range of comfortable travel apparel is growing and keeping pace with traveler needs,” she said. In other words: Dress for comfort.
Many experienced travellers bring a re-fillable bottle for water on long-haul flights because of the dry air, but you’re less likely to feel parched en route from Vancouver to Singapore: that’s because the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flies about 600 metres lower than most commercial jetliners.
Once you’re settled in, you’ll need to find a way to pass those 16 hours. Lucky for travellers, there is one major perk to being in the air that long:
“On a long-haul flight, everything is complimentary,” Harkness says.
Passengers receive free celebrity chef-inspired meals, snacks, and beverages including wine, beer, and spirits—even in Economy. Every seat also has an entertainment screen with on-demand programming that includes more than 3,300 hours of movies and TV shows.
You’d need to fly to Singapore more than 200 times to get through a catalogue like that. “With content like Apple TV+, Crave, Audible and Disney+ plus free in-flight texting for Aeroplan members, the flight is enjoyable and can be very helpful at keeping a young traveler entertained,” Harkness says.
Finally, Harkness recommends bringing creature comforts like a sleep mask, ear plugs, and an extra sweater to get that much-needed sleep before you land. The Dreamliner’s design can help; its standard lighting is dimmer compared to other aircrafts and you can customize the darkness of your window shade with the press of a button—from completely transparent to full blackout.
If you want to learn more about Air Canada’s new Vancouver to Singapore route, visit here.