How to Make Flights Part of the Journey: Crafting Memorable Flight Experiences for Travelers

For many travelers, the flight is often viewed as a necessary evil—something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Long lines, cramped seats, and the rush of airports can detract from the overall excitement of a trip. However, flights don’t have to be just a mode of transportation. With careful planning and creativity, they can become a highlight of the travel experience. This shift in perspective not only benefits travelers, offering a more fulfilling journey, but also helps travel agents distinguish themselves by adding an extra layer of value to their services.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various strategies that travel agents can use to turn flights into memorable parts of the adventure, and how this benefits both the agents and their clients.

Why Flights Matter in the Travel Experience

The travel experience begins the moment a traveler steps out of their door, and the flight is a major component of this. For long-haul or international trips, travelers may spend up to 10-15 hours on a plane. During this time, their mood, comfort, and perception of the trip are shaped, impacting how they feel when they arrive at their destination. If the flight is uncomfortable or unpleasant, travelers may arrive stressed and tired, reducing their overall enjoyment of the trip. On the other hand, a well-planned and enjoyable flight can set a positive tone for the rest of the journey.

For travel agents, recognizing the importance of the flight experience allows them to craft itineraries that exceed client expectations. Going the extra mile to offer flight options that include scenic routes, premium seating, and even layover adventures can turn what is typically a forgettable part of the trip into something travelers remember fondly.

How Travel Agents Can Make Flights Part of the Journey

Below are several detailed strategies that travel agents can use to make flights more enjoyable for their clients, transforming the flight from a logistical necessity into a valuable part of the overall travel experience.

1. Choosing Scenic Flight Routes

Some flight paths offer stunning views that can add a “wow” factor to the journey. For example:

• Flights over the Swiss Alps provide breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.

• Approaches into Queenstown, New Zealand offer majestic views of mountains and lakes.

• Flights to Rio de Janeiro have incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach.

When planning itineraries, agents should check which flight routes pass over natural wonders, iconic landmarks, or unique landscapes and suggest these to their clients. This small detail can make the flight an exciting part of the trip.

2. Offering Premium Seat Options

Not all travelers are aware of the differences between basic economy and premium seating. Travel agents can educate their clients on the benefits of upgrading seats, such as:

• Increased legroom, which is especially valuable for tall travelers or long-haul flights.

• Lie-flat seats on overnight flights, which can allow passengers to rest and arrive at their destination refreshed.

• Priority boarding and check-in, which reduces stress at the airport.

For clients looking for a more luxurious experience, business or first-class seating can include perks like gourmet meals, access to airport lounges, and personalized service.

3. Booking Flights with Exceptional In-Flight Entertainment

In-flight entertainment has come a long way in recent years, and selecting flights with top-tier offerings can enhance the traveler’s experience. Some airlines are known for their wide range of movies, TV shows, and even live TV on long-haul flights. Some have interactive features, allowing passengers to chat with each other or even shop online while in the air.

Travel agents should take into account their clients' interests and preferences when booking flights. For example, families traveling with children will appreciate flights that offer kid-friendly entertainment options, while solo travelers might enjoy airlines that offer a vast selection of new movies.

4. Turning Layovers into Mini-Excursions

Instead of viewing layovers as an inconvenience, travel agents can turn them into opportunities for clients to explore a new city. Many airports around the world offer free or low-cost city tours for travelers with long layovers. For example:

• Singapore’s Changi Airport offers a free guided tour of the city for passengers with layovers of more than 5.5 hours.

• Istanbul Airport provides complimentary tours that showcase the city’s rich history, including stops at the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Travel agents can plan layovers in cities where clients can spend a few hours sightseeing, giving them a bonus destination on their trip.

5. Selecting Airlines with Top-Tier Service

Some airlines are known for offering better service than others. By selecting flights on airlines that prioritize customer experience, travel agents can ensure their clients enjoy high-quality service throughout their journey. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines consistently rank at the top for their service, from gourmet meals to attentive cabin crews.

6. Providing Personalized Flight Amenities

For clients flying long-haul or overnight, comfort is key. Travel agents can offer clients personalized amenities to help them feel at ease during their flight, such as:

• Customized travel pillows or blankets.

• Noise-canceling headphones.

• Travel-sized toiletry kits with luxury items like face masks, hand creams, or eye masks to help clients feel refreshed when they land.

By going the extra mile, travel agents can show their clients that they’ve thought through every aspect of the journey, not just the destination.

7. Booking Flights That Offer Onboard Dining Experiences

Some airlines, particularly on long-haul or international flights, have started offering gourmet dining experiences with top chefs curating the menu. For example:

• Singapore Airlines offers meals prepared by a team of international culinary experts.

• Qatar Airways provides an “à la carte” menu option in business and first class.

By booking clients on flights with exceptional dining options, travel agents can add an extra element of luxury to the journey.

8. Guiding Clients Through Airport Lounges

For travelers who have long waits at the airport, access to an airport lounge can make a world of difference. Travel agents can arrange for lounge access as part of the itinerary, providing their clients with a space to relax, enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and even take a shower before the next leg of their journey.

Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and British Airways offer high-quality lounge experiences, but agents can also book access to independent lounges through programs like Priority Pass.

How This Benefits Travel Agents

By focusing on the flight as part of the travel experience, travel agents can differentiate themselves from competitors who focus solely on the destination. Offering well-planned, enjoyable flights demonstrates attention to detail, which can lead to increased client satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, clients who have a great experience from the very beginning of their trip are more likely to return for future travel planning or refer their friends and family.

Adding value to the flight experience also allows travel agents to upsell services, such as premium seating, layover tours, or lounge access. These additional services not only enhance the client’s experience but also provide additional revenue opportunities for agents.

How This Benefits Travelers

For travelers, having an enjoyable flight can make the overall trip more pleasant. Starting the journey with a scenic flight or a comfortable, relaxing in-flight experience can set a positive tone for the entire trip. Layover excursions and luxurious seating upgrades add layers of enjoyment, helping travelers feel like their vacation has already begun the moment they board the plane.

By making flights part of the journey, travelers arrive at their destination more relaxed, energized, and ready to explore. They also have additional memories from the trip that go beyond the destination itself.

Conclusion

Flights don’t have to be stressful or boring. With thoughtful planning, they can become an exciting part of the adventure, offering travelers unique views, comfort, entertainment, and even mini-explorations during layovers. For travel agents, helping clients reframe the flight experience is a way to stand out in a competitive industry, providing added value that makes trips even more memorable.