The big squeeze
Travellers keen on less-crowded flights should look closely at airline timetables, writes John Burfitt.
It is a sight most travellers know only too well as they arrive on a plane, and no matter which way you look at it, it is not pretty. Or for that matter, very comfortable either. A full economy section on a plane can mean there are as many as 250 people crowded into the body of the plane.
While the passengers up front in premium, business and first classes are enjoying all the luxuries of bigger seats, more legroom and a different menu in decidedly more spacious surroundings, the troops in economy are stacked in next to each other for the duration of the journey.
There is a way, however, to avoid the squeeze and increase the chance of finding yourself on a flight with fewer people and with room to spread out. And if a veteran long-haul Qantas flight attendant is to be believed, it is a matter of following a golden rule.
“If you want more room, fly midday, midweek – it’s that simple,” she said. “That’s the time when the majority of people are not available to fly, and so the flights then are almost certain to have spare seats which means everyone can spread out a little more.”
The rule certainly rings true. Check out the scenes at any major airport on a Friday evening. They will inevitably be packed with holiday travellers wanting to begin their adventure immediately, along with business travellers winding up the week at work.
The long check-in queues at peak times also highlight the likelihood of crowded planes, like on a Sunday night, as weekend leisure travellers return from their short breaks, or on a Monday morning, as business travellers set off for another week of dealing. The hope of landing an empty seat next to you at these times is slim to nil.
Tuesday about midday or lunchtime on a Wednesday is, however, a different matter. So is very early on a Sunday morning.
Damien Hanger, of the Jetset Travelworld Group, says if you want to increase the chance of scoring extra room when flying, it’s a matter of being flexible when planning the holiday itinerary.
“Before booking your holiday dates from work, think about what the benefits are of flying when it is not a peak time,” Hanger said. “We all want to finish work on a Friday, jump on a plane that night and start the holiday right then, but leaving it for a few days might make the experience a lot easier to deal with when you find yourself on a midweek plane which could be a little less crowded.”
Hanger said questions should be asked of a travel agent at the time of booking to find when are the less busy times to fly, which also could have the additional benefit of cheaper fares.
“Ask the agent what is the load of the flight at that stage, and if it is already a busy flight, then consider flying at another time. It is a smart question to ask, and travellers should get into the habit of asking it,” he said.
“What might not seem initially so convenient with your holiday plans might end up making for an easier flight if you find you then have a spare seat next to you all the way to [for example] Singapore. But remember there is no guarantee from the time of booking to the time you fly that the flight will not fill up. No one can predict that, but if you are flying at the off-peak times, you certainly stand a better chance of a less busy flight.”
Early Sunday morning does not sound like the time of the week to expect to find most holiday travellers at the airport about to embark on an adventure, which makes it the time to book for a less-crowded flight, said Karon Hughes from Altara aviation consultancy.
“At that time, most business people are already where they want to go, and the leisure travellers don’t want to be leaving at that time on a Sunday, so tickets can be cheap and if you are lucky, the flights might even be only half full,” Hughes said.
It is not just the time of the week that can play a factor in how many people are joining you on your journey through the skies, it is also the time of year you chose to travel.
Good Friday is the busiest day of the year in the nation’s airports, with the days before Christmas, after New Year and around Australia Day not far behind in peak numbers.
“There are peak travel periods – traditionally midyear and over the December-January period – as well as seasonal holidays and world events which can easily affect how full your flight could be,” said Cranmer Ball, Etihad Airways’ country manager.
“And let’s not forget the school holiday either when people are looking to get away for a break
“This year will be interesting for travel as we have the Olympic Games on, which will see a lot of people head to China, and other world events such as World Youth Day will see flights back into Australia fill up quite easily.”
Early Bird fares can be a good indicator of when flights are less full, hence the reason airlines are selling seats at such a discounted price.
And with the increase in new carriers flying in to Australia, not to mention the range of fares on offer for travelling the same routes, Damien Hanger said wise passengers will consider all the available airlines. “It may not be the airline you usually travel on, but if it is worth getting to your destination feeling a little less squeezed and cramped, then it is a question certainly worth being asked.”
HOW TO SCORE A LESS FULL FLIGHT
* If your itinerary is flexible, opt for a midday midweek flight, rather than at a peak time like a Friday night. Also consider an early-morning Sunday flight.
* Ask your travel agent to check the load factor of all airlines leaving at the desired time, and consider flying with another carrier.
* Check out all the early bird deals – they might be the best indicator of all when the less crowded flights are.