The Air Travel Issue

For too many travelers, air travel is an afterthought, a means to an end. Vacation budgets are enthusiastically allotted toward great hotels, meals at top-rated restaurants, and on-the-ground activities. Then, the cheapest flight is booked with the remaining funds and a groan.

I get it; I used to operate this way. Now I’m someone who flew across the country for 24 hours just to secure her Delta status and picked Qatar Airways as her honeymoon airline before choosing her destination.

Believe me, prioritizing your time in the air will change the way you travel for the better. Imagine looking forward to the airport and seeing the flight as a part of the vacation. You’ll set yourself up to make the most of every minute out of office, and you’ll land (and leave) with a better attitude.

When I booked a safari in Botswana, I was dreaming of lion sightings and photographing giraffes from a Jeep. I had no idea what a memorable role aircraft would play in that trip. My husband and I started in a Qsuite, cuddled up with a Thanksgiving menu and a long roster of Christmas movies, wishing we could take a few extra laps around the globe. Then, there were the bush planes between camps, flying low enough to give us an exhilarating sneak peek at the landscapes we were about to encounter. And finally, there was the helicopter safari, where we spotted herds of hippos and zebra from an entirely new point of view. A huge portion of the trip was spent in the sky, but none of that time felt wasted.

I hope The Air Travel Issue will show you that traveling “flight first” is worth it—whether you have the means to splurge or are simply ready to start traveling smarter. In this issue, we’ll guide you through every step of the journey, from booking to check in, and from lounge to landing. We’ve gathered tips from the experts to make sure you have a smooth and enjoyable flight. 

Thank you for flying with us,

Nina Ruggiero
Senior Editorial Director,Travel + Leisure