Tried and True
Travel expert Johnny Jet answers your most common questions.
Travel expert Johnny Jet answers your frequently asked questions.
TRAVELING 150,000 MILES A YEAR, IT’S NO WONDER
Johnny Jet knows a thing or two about the subject. From money-saving tips to how to get an upgrade, he’s constantly asked travel-related questions from both firsttime and experienced travelers. So in each issue, we’re bringing you answers to your most frequently asked questions in order to make your next trip even smoother.
Often when you travel, you have to endure long layovers. But it’s often a Catch-22, because if you don’t have a long layover, you’ll stress about missing your connection, and since airlines are usually flying at capacity, if you miss your flight it’s not going to be easy to get on the next one. When I book travel, I almost always try to fly nonstop, even if it costs more. It’s usually not worth the hassle of having a connection, which doubles your chances of getting delayed and the airline losing your bag.
When a nonstop flight isn’t possible and I have to make a connection, I like to fly through cities that I love and even try to spend the night. Most travelers don’t know that if you add a night or two in your connection city, it won’t increase the price of your ticket. (This is when a travel agent is especially helpful.) If it’s not possible to spend the night, choose an airport that has a lot to do on site or has quick access to the city, if time allows. For example, if you have more than four hours at Los Angeles International Airport ( LAX), jump in an Uber or Lyft and head to Manhattan Beach. It’s 15 minutes away and will cost around $30 roundtrip. Walk down the pier, take a dip in the ocean, or enjoy a quick bite before heading back.
I do the same in Europe when there’s a train that stops in the airport, which makes it easy to get into most cities. You can do this in Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, among others. In fact, Amsterdam’s Schiphol
Airport even offers long layover tours of the city as does Singapore’s Changi Airport, which is so nice you might just choose to stay there for its free movie theater, grocery store, and world’s tallest airport slide.
Some airlines even encourage long layovers. For example, Icelandair will arrange a free transfer to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, which is just 20 minutes from Keflavik airport. If you like to shop, choose airports with fantastic stores such as Dubai International or
London’s Heathrow Terminal 5. Some airport lounges can also make long layovers seem shorter by providing comfortable chairs, free food and drink, and showers. If you don’t have elite status or certain credit cards that grant lounge access, inquire about purchasing a day pass.
If you can’t get into a lounge or if you don’t want to leave the airport, then bring your lap
top or tablet loaded with entertainment and find a quiet place to pass the time. You don’t have to sit at your crowded gate, as there are typically empty gates at another part of the terminal. Just don’t forget to set an alarm to make sure you don’t miss your flight!
THE BOTTOM LINE –› It’s not difficult to find out if an airport offers cool amenities, side trips, or lounges that you can escape to. Research your route, airline, and airport, and you will not only survive your layover, but your trip might become even more memorable.
Have a travel-related question for Johnny Jet? Email it to social@ ppigroup.com.