Over the last decade, air travel has received a lot of attention on the nightly news. A number of tragic global incidents have given travellers cause to ponder – is flying safe anymore? Sometimes, Mother Nature does not play nice and volcano eruptions, storms, and even bird strikes can cause lengthy delays and cancellations.
This is a tough dilemma for Aussies given our vast and geographically isolated location. We really have no choice but to fly if we want to travel to Asia and beyond; unless you take a cruise, which let’s face it, gets just as much negative press right now – sickness outbreaks, rough seas, breakdowns mid-ocean…
Many people question, is flying safe? We need to travel! We must travel!
In the words of writer Samuel Johnson,
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.”
Here are seven reasons why flying continues to be the top way to travel. Push those negative thoughts aside, and take to the skies
1. Is flying safe?
Let’s get to this first – according to Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), 80% of Australians consider travelling on a commercial flight is just as safe as or safer than five years ago. Each day, there are more than 102,000 scheduled commercial aircraft flights across the world and 2017 was the safest year on record.
2. Flying is the fastest way to get from A to B
If you only have limited time to travel and want to spend the maximum amount of time exploring or relaxing, then flying is absolutely your best choice. Internal flights within your chosen destination mean you can cover several locations in large countries, such as China, in less time, meaning you get to see, do and experience more!
3. It’s the only way to get to remote locations
Dreamt of hiking in Nepal? Exploring the Buddhist culture in the mountain kingdom of Bhutan? Or travelling to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia? Flying really is the only way to get to these dreamy, but also very remote locations. For international travellers, flying creates unlimited options for incredible holiday options. You can travel to distant lands and experience unique cultures. Many of these places simply would not be an option without air travel – it is a vehicle to the world!
Taktshang Monastery, Bhutan
Nomadic life, Mongolia
4. Flying can double your destinations
Unless you’re on a direct flight, chances are you’ll be changing aircraft during a stopover or transit. This presents you with the perfect chance to double your destinations by stopping over for a night or two (or perhaps even more!) if time and budget permits. Some of Asia’s most exciting cities are stopover options when flying from Australia to Asia. Think Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Gardens by the Bay
5. The state-of-the-art entertainment systems you get on flights means a selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games are right at your fingertips.
This helps the time to pass quickly and comfortably. They are also a distraction from the bumps and jumps of flying. Singapore Airlines, for example, has over 1,000 programs you can access, and for a small fee, you can now access wi-fi during your flight. There is also connectivity for your own personal devices.
Onboard entertainment
6. You can sleep!
We lead such busy lives now and a flight gives you ample time to switch off. Hopefully, you’re one of those lucky people who are able to snooze on an aircraft. Arrive at your destination rested, and ready to go. A nap can shorten the flight-time as well.
7. Flights offer a unique bird’s eye view
From the window seat, the views are amazing. There is nothing quite like soaring over the red outback of Australia or the snow-capped Himalayas. Also in the evening, you can see the twinkles of cities below or even watch the sun rise or set.
Stunning Views
How do you feel about flying now? Hopefully more at ease when you wonder is flying safe? So, where will you fly to next? Check out the following blogs for more Asia travel inspiration:
TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE FOR A ROMANTIC SOIREE ON VALENTINE’S DAY
2018 STAFF HOTLIST – FIND OUT WHERE THE WENDY WU CREW WANT TO TRAVEL MOST!
TOP 5 REASONS TO BUCKET LIST BORNEO