5 things I learnt about flying regional
Let me tell you, traveling regional is an experience. Don't get me wrong I'm not being a princess - not complaining that the plane was small etc. But there's just a few things about traveling regional that no one tells you! Here are my 5 tips so you don't get stuck with the 🙄🙄🙄 look from seasoned travellers that are waiting to get on the flight.
1. Check in your bag
My number one lesson. Doesn't matter how big or how small your bag is - check it in!
We flew a SAAB 340 which is a small aircraft that looks like a sea plane. After flying this plane,lLeg room feels like a luxury. To add to this, I thought I bought my little suitcase! Little did I know that my suitcase was just not small enough. Anything bigger than a sports bag would be too big!
There is literally just enough room for you and maybe a handbag. Don't try and wrestle your bag under the seat in front of you like I did (after looking at the overhead locker and saying uhh.. nup, not happening) there isn't enough room - regardless of what airline lady says.
2. Early morning travel
I traveled to Grafton for work. For those who don't know it is a regional city 216kms from the Queensland Border, and it was beautiful. But I live about an hour and a half away from the airport, so this meant getting up at 4.15am to get to the airport for a 7am flight. Not fun. Besides the usual pack everything before you go to bed, try to bank your sleep in the lead upto the trip. Chances are you'll be go go go as soon as you land, so it will help to be as rested as possible.
3. Go to the bathroom before boarding.
The plane is so small that there isn't any room to put a washing basin in the in-flight bathroom. They had hand sanitiser which I'm sure did the same job, but there's something just a little repulsive about it. I downed a bottle of water before the homeward bound flight (to save on space of course) and had to use the bathroom. Bad decision. Don't make my mistake.
4. Don't bother with headphones.
Swap them for earplugs if you can! The plane is so noisy. Even a conversation with your neighbour will be see you raise your voice.
5. The regional airport is small
The check in lady, airport luggage staff and x ray personnel are likely to all be the same person. Don't be surprised if you're expecting a lady to announce that your flight is boarding and a middle aged man in hi-vis with a beer gut walks up and calls out to everyone instead :)
Any more tips I've missed? I'm flying regionally again next week!