In a day where every airline is upping their game when it comes to in flight experiences, the long flight to Australia is far more comfortable that it used to be. Not only are we seeing the biggest aeroplanes ever made, but the airports are growing by the day.
Dubai airport now has a train to get you from one terminal to another, which becomes a major issue with a 2 hour layover and a slightly delayed flight. This resulted in me, my husband and toddler missing our connecting flight and ending up with over 8 hours until the next flight home which was a nightmare with a tired child. It did however give us plenty of time to shop and if like me you’re a bit of a shopaholic then this airport is paradise!
Having done the arduous flight around 12 times, I have flown with 3 of the major airlines and also have flown in economy as well as business class. There is no denying that business class makes it so much more comfortable, with a nice drink on arrival and a bed that almost fully reclines you are definitely looked after more so than in economy. I’m actually a lover of plane food, but the food is so rich, I have spent many an hour at Dubai airport toilets!
For the majority of us, economy will have to do. My family live in Western Australia so it’s a mere 23 hour journey for us (including airport travel) and if it wasn’t essential I wouldn’t do it, however a few hours’ sleep, a meal or two depending on which leg of the journey you’re on, a few Gin & Tonics and a couple of films later you’re there and you wonder what all the fuss and worry was about. (Until a few weeks later when it’s time to do the return trip!) A few tips for you –
• Take a change of clothes (you never know what might get spilt on you and it’s a long time to stink!)
• Invest in a good travel pillow. The ones you get on the plane aren’t always that comfortable.
• Take some boiled sweets to help with the ear popping.
• Take some basic toiletries (wipes, roll-on deodorant etc.) There’s something about planes that always makes me feel like I need a good shower!
• Take plenty of things to entertain yourself. My favourite things are a good book, a puzzle book and my tablet. (Candy Crush kills a few hours!)
The long and short of it is it’s never as bad as you think it’s going to be. Sure we have had some rough flights where we have hit air pockets and not been able to take our seatbelts off for 11 hours, but it is worth it because at the end of it you get a dream holiday in one of the most beautiful places in the world! So get on that plane and have the trip of a lifetime!
About the Author:
16 years ago my parents and siblings immigrated to Australia. I have visited 12 times over the years and contemplated making the move myself many a time, including taking a 12 month working holiday visa. Now married and with a son of my own my roots are firmly planted in the UK but we take it in turns as a family to hop across the pond to visit each other.
