Tech advancements have made travelling easier, faster, more comfortable and more convenient than ever before. If you have a sense of adventure, you can scour the entire globe and reach the most remote places on Earth in search of unique sceneries and memorable experiences. No longer just a necessity or the preserve of the rich, travelling has become a purpose in itself, so much so that some people have embraced it as a lifestyle.
However, travelling involves a lot more than throwing a dart at the map and going wherever it lands. There are many aspects that go into planning a successful trip, from deciding on an itinerary and choosing your companions to budget and packing. But probably the most important factor of them all is transport. What’s the best way to get from point A to point B? This is a question that all travellers ask themselves before they set out on a journey. Should one travel by car, plane, boat, public transport, bike or a combination of these? We’re going to save you the suspense and tell you that in most cases air travel is the best mode of transportation and we also have the arguments to back up this claim.
Speed
Until teleportation becomes possible, air travel remains the quickest way to reach your intended destination. It might not seem so considering that you need to get to the airport roughly an hour and a half or two hours before departure, stand in long lines, check your baggage and go through security checks. But a plane is considerably faster than any other mode of transport available, with the fastest passenger airliners cruising at speeds of over 1,000 km/h. Not to mention you won’t encounter any traffic jams up in the sky. So, if your travel destination is located halfway around the globe and you don’t want to spend your precious time on the road, flying is definitely the best option.
Convenience and comfort
Sometimes, flying is not just the best option, but the only option. There are many sought-after travel destinations that one can only reach by aircraft. So, while buses, trains, boats and other means of transport may have large networks, they might not always be able to take you to your desired location, or at least not in an acceptable timeframe.
And if you want to travel in comfort, flying is once again a great choice. It’s true that there’s not much leg room in economy class, but for short flights, it shouldn’t be a problem. For long-haul flights, if you have a bit of cash to splurge, flying business or first class can provide all the comfort you can wish for, so you can lay back and wait for your plane to touch the ground while snacking, watching a movie or taking a nap. And if you want to make sure your entire experience goes without a hitch, services such as airport parking Gatwick allow you to book your parking in advance so you’ll have one less thing to stress about.
Travel experience
A lot of people complain about the crowds and the hustle and bustle of airports, but if you look beyond these minor inconveniences, you’ll be able to enjoy a travel experience like none other. Even the airport chaos with all the turmoil, the long lines and the people travelling to and from all parts of the world contribute to its charm. The excitement as the plane takes off and the beautiful sceneries you get to see when you’re above the clouds never get old.
Besides, proper planning can help you avoid many of the shortcomings. If you’re not a fan of crowded places, booking an early flight and arriving on time at the airport will make your experience go smoother. Also, if you’re flying off a busy airport like Heathrow and you want to avoid parking headaches, booking Heathrow airport parking will make your life so much easier.
Cost-effectiveness
In the early days of commercial air travel, flying was considered a luxury, so only the well-off and the famous could enjoy its perks. Fortunately, air travel has improved significantly since its inception, with aircraft becoming more technologically advanced and increasing their capacity to accommodate a larger number of passengers. Therefore, nowadays flying is a widespread and relatively affordable means of transport that’s accessible to people from all walks of life.
Prices may vary a lot throughout the year depending on distance and demand and your travel experience will be influenced by the cabin class you choose, but if you plan your trip in advance, you’ll be able to book tickets to any location at more than reasonable prices and save money while travelling.
Safety
Nervous about flying? You’re definitely not the only one struggling with flying anxiety. In fact, most people experience a mild to moderate fear of flying, so it’s perfectly normal to be a bit nervous about it. The mere idea that you’re 35,000 feet in the air in a pressurized titanium cabin is enough to send shivers down your spine. But as scary and risky as flying may sound, it remains one of the safest modes of transport, especially when compared to car travel.
According to statistics, the chance of being in a flight accident is one in 1.2 million, while the probability of the accident being fatal is one in 11 million. Planes go through countless checks before taking off to make sure everything is in order. Besides, as technology advances, so does aircraft safety, so if you’re worried about technical issues or other possible mishaps that can lead to an accident you can rest assured that the chances are extremely low. The conclusion is that you’re much safer flying than travelling by car or train.
If you’re not yet convinced that flying is a great way to travel to new places and experience the world, the only thing that can help you decide is direct experience, so book a flight to your next holiday destination and see how it goes.