Planning a guys trip can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit daunting. There are so many things to consider! One of the most important decisions you will make is which airline to fly. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will outline some factors to consider when choosing an airline for your next guys trip.
A trip away with the boys is always welcome, and yet if flying is involved in the journey there’s always the potential for problems to arise. That’s why taking the time not just to get the best deal, but also to find the most suitable airline for your needs, is worthwhile. Here are some tips on how to achieve this, and some thoughts on flight prep more generally.
Loyalty Points and Bonuses
First up, if you’re a frequent flier, or even a fearful one, then it makes sense to choose an airline for a jaunt with friends that offers ample perks and conveniences to loyal customers.
There are lots of loyalty schemes out there, with the frontrunners at the moment including Delta, United and American Airlines. Incentives can include various freebies, such as insurance, and access to exclusive lounges, on top of discounts for flights themselves.
Your choice also depends on where you’re heading to, because not all destinations are served by every carrier. Also if you’re not a regular flier but someone else is, asking which airline they’d prefer is wise. Checking independent coverage of airline loyalty schemes will also save you time.
On-Time Percentages
Looking into the average rankings for airlines that depart and arrive on-time is a good way of sorting the top operators from the less consistent performers.
There are also customer satisfaction surveys that further emphasize the carriers to aim for, and which to avoid.
Furthermore, it’s helpful to check real-time flight data on the day to avoid nasty surprises. That’s easy to do online; for example, on this page you’ll find JetBlue flight status updates which will smooth out any kinks in your travel plans.
Aircraft Type
The idea of checking up on the type of aircraft that different airlines use in their fleets might sound overly nerdy. However, there are a lot of variables to take into account here, across a range of areas.
For example, you might be concerned about the in-flight facilities which are available, especially if the journey is a long one. You don’t want to end up stuck on an older plane with fewer entertainment options, or limited legroom for the taller members of your group.
A quick search online will indicate not only which aircraft are used in general, but also the plans which are scheduled for specific flights.
Seating Configuration
Along with aircraft type is the configuration of the seats. For instance, being able to have more leg room and wider seats is going to be a big advantage when it comes to comfort.
It’s also worth checking the number of seats in each row, as this can make a difference if you want to be able to talk to your mates during the flight. Aisle or window seats are going to be better for this.
Price
We’ve left the discussion of price until later than you might expect. But the reality is that if you’re only focused on getting the cheapest possible flight, then you will need to make some compromises elsewhere.
On the other hand, if you instead get everyone to agree on a budget that they’re happy with before you start researching airlines, you’ll avoid this race to the bottom, and have a better experience as a result.
Beverage Selection
Coke vs Pepsi might seem trivial but we all know some die-hard Diet Coke fans who refuse to let Pepsi pass their lips. To be honest, this was more of a consideration in the past when there was more diversity in airlines and provisioning companies. Today the vast majority of airlines serve Coke vs Pepsi however, there are standouts like JetBlue who buck the trend and carry Pepsi cola on its flights.
Frankly, for most guys, it is more important what beer and whiskey are served on board so make sure to check the airline website before booking your seat!
There are many factors to consider when choosing an airline for your next guys trip. Do some research ahead of time so that you can make the best decision possible and enjoy your flight without any unwelcome surprises. Remember to take into account things like loyalty points, on-time percentages, aircraft type, and price when making your choice. And don't forget to enjoy a cold one or two on board while you're at it!
