Flying

As well as taking care of any internal/domestic flights required during your trip we are also a fully ATOL bonded agent, allowing us to provide flights from the UK to Asia and beyond if required. We can provide discounted flights from all UK airports to almost any worldwide destination.

Check-in, during your flight and arrival

Your flight is likely to be the start point of your travels. Whilst for many, taking a flight is a relatively regular occurrence these days, we recommend you take a few minutes to prepare for your departure.

Check in

Leave yourself plenty of time and make sure you know which terminal you are departing from. By giving yourself extra time, you are far more likely to get the seat that you want, and you can allow for any unforeseen mishaps. If you are meeting other travel companions at the airport you can check yourself in and reserve seats for them next or near to you.
We recommended a three-hour check-in time for most international long haul flights.

Comfort on board

Sleeping

Rarely enjoyed fully. To improve your chances, don’t drink any alcohol and try using an eye mask – this is a good ploy to avoid being disturbed by chatty neighbours and cabin crew!
Exercise: Walk and move around as much as you can during the flight. Light exercise is a recommended preventative measure for deep vein thrombosis (see below for further details).

Dehydration

As cabin air is very dehydrating drink plenty of water throughout the flight to keep you hydrated. Alcohol consumption should be moderate if not avoided altogether. The effects are stronger at altitude.

Leg room

The Managing Director and founder of the Selective Travel Group is 6’6”, and considers himself somewhat of an expert on in-flight discomfort. Nick says: “Always call ahead and make sure the airline knows you are especially large, make sure they add notes to your booking. On rare occasions you may get someone who is willing to save you an emergency exit seat in advance. Your best chance however is at check-in when staff can see for themselves that you are able-bodied and capable of opening the emergency exit door. The earlier you check-in the better.”

Luggage

Ensure you attach clearly written contact details to all your luggage items telephone number and email – NOT your home address. Top tip: attach something distinctive/colourful to the outside of the bag, that way you can quickly spot the right bag in a sea of identical looking luggage on the conveyer belt.
Whilst in the past it was wise to lock zips etc, you are often requested not to do this so that spot checks can be made. You do not want to find that your bag has been ‘legally’ cut open at the other end of a 12 hour flight.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Some people have a predisposition for a condition called deep vein thrombosis. The condition arises from a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg. If it doesn't disperse, it can move up into the lungs. This is a fatal condition and has been linked to flying, because of prolonged immobility.
Drinking too much and sleeping in an awkward position can also exacerbate the problem.
You can help reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis by:

• Lowering your alcohol intake
• Exercising as much as possible throughout the flight
• Wearing compression stockings, which increase your circulation. Most high street chemist stock these.

Symptoms can occur days or even weeks post-flight and include chest or shoulder pain. Those most at risk are passengers on who have flown for 4 hours or more; anyone over 40 years old; individuals over six feet or under five feet tall; those with varicose veins; people with heart disease; anyone suffering from cancer; those with a history of blood clots; those who have recently undergone surgery; those who have had recent leg injuries; women taking the contraceptive pill; anyone with the genetic defect Leiden V factor.

If you don’t book your international flights with us or if you are not departing from the UK, we will require your flight details, allowing us arrange your airport transfer on arrival.