Archives: 2007 -- Whoever coined the phrase, “Getting there is half the fun” probably wasn’t referring to air travel. For me though, getting there has often been a more fun than not. Once the plane is in the air, I am placated for a while just knowing that five hours later we’ll be circling over aquamarine and turquoise reefs, and then after landing, we’ll be greeted by the fragrances of paradise thanks to the lei stands and serene gardens at the open-air Honolulu Airport. The fragrances of plumeria and pikake (jasmine) drift on tropical tradewinds in the breezy airport, caressing us, inviting us to slow our pace, even as we make our way to baggage.
But even such thoughts aren’t going to keep us entertained and comfortable on a five-hour flight, especially with bored children. However, flying with children or without to Hawaii can be fun with a little planning.
Airline seating is a big consideration. Children and some grown-ups usually enjoy looking out the window, during take-off, at the endless ocean for a little while, when we can spot the Hawaiian Islands, and as we circle over the
If you’ve flown before and like a view, then you probably know you don’t want a seat over the wing, unless you really like gazing for hours at titanium shining in the sun or blinking lights through the night.
However, there may be more mystery to reserving, sight unseen, a seat with extra leg room, reclining room, or weighing the pros and cons of bulkhead and avoiding seats where you leave not being able to get the sound out of your head of the roaring engines.
Once you’ve booked at the site with the best fares and flight for you, check your itinerary for the airline and the three digit code denoting "equipment type". Or you can find this information on the airline’s schedule at their Website or simply call the airlines directly at a toll free number. You’ll need this information for requesting your seats.
How will you know what seats to request? By looking at a detailed seat chart of the carrier and reviews found at Seat Guru. This is free to use and will empower you to go beyond simply requesting window, aisle or bulkhead seats.
It will help you with everything from finding the seat numbers for the ones with extra leg room to the quietest areas on the plane to understanding the pros and cons of bulkhead seating and finding the seats that offer laptop power.
You'll also want some things for the kids to do. And you don't need to spend a bundle to do this. Plus some of these items will teach about Hawaii while the children are having fun, and many of them are free!
For this chapter in its entirety and a great deal more tips for planning your Hawaii vacation, surf to:
Stumble It!