Every airline passenger knows flight attendants give critical safety guidance during their pre-takeoff briefings about seatbelts and emergency exits. But many observant passengers often watch cabin crew throughout the flight for unspoken safety cues, too.

If you’re one of these watchful fliers, you might have noticed a certain way that cabin crew sit during takeoff and landing: on their hands. If you’re a nervous—or simply curious—flier, you might be wondering why flight attendants sit in this peculiar way; whether it indicates a potential emergency; or if passengers should follow suit.

Fortunately, nervous fliers don’t need to worry when they see this, as it’s standard operating procedure for cabin crew that applies to every flight. “In aviation, we call this position the ‘brace position’ for flight attendants,” says Lia Ocampo, a former flight attendant and the author of the memoir Life, Love, and Lessons in the Sky. Brace positions are a safety protocol that flight attendants follow in case of accidents and sudden emergencies.

Assuming a brace position means strategically positioning parts of the body such as the head and arms, by flexing, bending, and leaning forward to help reduce any potential impacts that may occur. “The brace position for flight attendants depends on the direction their seats face, and the type of restraint system those seats are equipped with,” Ocampo says.

One of the most common brace positions involves flight attendants sitting on their hands to keep the arms secured to the body. “During the critical phases of flight, which are takeoff and landing, you see flight attendants sitting on their jumpseats in a brace position,” Ocampo says. “If passengers see flight attendants do this, it means they are doing the right thing and fulfilling their role in ensuring safety.”

This isn’t the only way flight attendants ensure safety during takeoff. While seated on their hands, cabin crew also conduct a silent review, or go over a mental checklist of key safety elements that might be needed during critical flight phases, according to Ocampo. These include reviewing the locations of the emergency exits and how to operate them, identifying passengers who could potentially assist crew in an emergency, going over the commands to use during an emergency, and checking the location of other evacuation equipment that would be needed in case of emergency.

Although fliers don’t necessarily need to sit on their hands during takeoff and landing, there are situations when passengers might be told to adopt a brace position to mitigate chances of injuries. Information on the correct position can be found on the safety card in the seatback pocket, which passengers should always read before takeoff. “In a planned emergency, flight attendants will brief passengers on what to do, including brace-for-impact positions,” says Ocampo. ‘However, during an unplanned emergency, they may not have time to do so.”

Reading the safety card every time you board a plane, as well as listening to the crew’s safety briefing, can help ensure fliers are prepared for an unexpected emergency. Flight attendants are highly trained safety professionals who know how to react in an emergency, and passengers should always pay close attention when they are speaking about safety matters.

Even frequent fliers should listen intently to every safety briefing, as there could be new information, depending on the type of aircraft or cabin class. “Traveling today has its challenges and setbacks,” Ocampo says. “But if we travel prepared and with a positive mindset, we can overcome some of those challenges and make our journey safer and more enjoyable.”

“The most value a broker can provide comes when things don’t exactly go to plan,” says Alex Sgarlata, a managing director at EvoJets. “It pays to have someone in your corner working to resolve any potential issues that arise, and also present alternate solutions to keep your trip going to plan.”

While you’ll need to pay a built-in commission (industry standards typically fall between 7 and 12%) hiring a broker essentially means you’re paying for a safety net. “We work with our clients to formulate the most optimal solution for them,” says Sgarlata. “Typically, our initial conversation involves talking through what they require, versus what they could be flexible on to garner more savings.” From there, a broker would present a variety of options and then make adjustments as needed to find the perfect fit.

“Clients are paying us for our knowledge, access, and relationships to the entire world’s fleet of aircraft, instead of just one owner/operator,” he adds. “Basically, it’s paying to have an advocate in this wild west of a marketplace.”

Chartering direct with an operator

Booking directly with an operator—companies who own, manage, and charter their own aircraft—is ideal for those who prioritize consistency over personalization. Regional operators based at certain airports, like Silver Air and Tradewind Aviation, will typically price best for shorter roundtrips out of their base or nearby. Alternatively, global operators like VistaJet and FlyExclusive have planes around the globe and may offer more competitive rates for one-way or long-haul flights. In any case, these companies ensure standardized safety and well-rounded service, which can help avoid costly surprises.

In order to snag the best price, it helps to shop around. As Silver Air CEO Jason Middleton advises: “It’s all about price-shopping, and doing it correctly: compare aircraft type, same routes, same days.”

However, when comparing quotes across different operators, you should “expect only a small variant between serious, safety-forward operators—and if one is dramatically cheaper, you should question why,” Middleton adds. “Chasing a one‑off ultra‑cheap flight (for example, $7,000 for something that should cost $30,000 to $40,000) from an unknown operator; that’s where safety corners are often cut.”

​​“Don’t try and do it on your own, because combing the internet is going to get you in trouble,” Middleton says. “There are WhatsApp groups and ‘I have a jet, want a seat?’ offers—some are illegal charters run by very shady operators.”

Instead, Middleton suggests building a relationship with a reputable operator: “We know our members’ travel habits and where they own homes; if we see an empty leg that fits, we can say, ‘Do you want it? I can get this empty leg for you—it might be $10,000 instead of a $40,000 drop-off.’ A good charter company can really help you get the deals and keep you safe.”

Memberships and jet cards

Membership programs and jet cards are designed for frequent private aviation flyers. Programs such as NetJets, Flexjet, and Wheels Up require upfront deposits, often around $50,000 or more, and then charge fixed hourly rates, typically between $5,000 and $10,000. While they provide guaranteed availability, consistent aircraft quality, and predictable pricing, they are generally not cheaper than booking ad hoc charters. These programs really only make financial sense if you’re looking to fly private regularly (roughly more than 25 hours per year).

Which airlines have suspending flights to the Middle East?

Many international airlines are continuing to suspend or adjust services to the Middle East. Travelers should check their airline’s website or app for the latest information.

Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until at least May 31. Customers booked to travel up until then may rebook, reroute, or refund their tickets as per the airline’s ticket waiver policy.

British Airways: Per an April 2 update, British Airways has cancelled all flights between London Heathrow and Amman, Bahrain, Dubai, and Tel Aviv up to and including May 31. Its Doha route will be reinstated at the end of April. Its daily flight between London and Abu Dhabi has been suspended until later this year.

Lufthansa: German carrier Lufthansa has ⁠suspended flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat, and Tehran, until Saturday, October 24, 2026. Its Dubai and Tel Aviv routes are on pause until Sunday, May 31.

KLM: According to a March 19 update, Dutch airline KLM has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam up until and including Sunday, May 17.

Air Canada: Air Canada has cancelled all flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until September 7, 2026.

Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines has extended its suspension of flights between Singapore and Dubai until May 31, 2026.

Is airspace across the Middle East still closed?

As mentioned above, airspace across many parts of the Middle East is still closed or impacted, and as this ceasefire is temporary, that is likely to remain the case. Safe corridors continue to allow flights to operate through UAE and Qatari airspace, while large parts of Saudi Arabian airspace remain open. Airspace in Oman has been largely unaffected by the conflict.

However, airspace in Bahrain and Kuwait remains closed, with both countries currently operating a very limited number of flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Airspace in Iran remains closed.

Have governments updated their travel advisories?

As of Wednesday morning, the temporary ceasefire has not caused international governments to alter their travel advice for countries impacted by the conflict, and until a permanent end to the conflict is agreed, they are likely to continue to warn against all but essential travel, as the situation could still change at very short notice.

United Kingdom: As of April 8, the United Kingdom is advising against all but essential travel to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, instructing British nationals in those countries to follow guidance from the local authorities.

United States: The US State Department’s advice for the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, remains at level three: reconsider travel. Level four (do not travel countries) are now Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Travelers to Egypt, which remains ranked at level two, should “exercise increased caution.”

Air travel costs are continuing to increase amid the war with Iran and resulting oil crisis. As fuel costs have climbed, so have airfares—and now, baggage fees are next.

The latest US carrier to raise its baggage fees is Delta Air Lines, which said it would increase the cost of checking a bag by $10 for tickets purchased on or after Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

That means that with the new fees, travelers will now pay $45 to check their first bag and $55 for the second bag. “These updates are part of Delta’s ongoing review of pricing across its business and reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics,” a Delta spokesperson tells Traveler. The increased fees only apply to domestic and certain short-haul international flights, so travelers on long-haul flights can still check their first bag for free.

Delta isn’t the only US airline charging more for customers’ bags: United and JetBlue already implemented similar fee hikes earlier in April.

United also raised its baggage fees by $10 for all bookings made on or after April 3, 2026. That means travelers on domestic and other short-haul routes will now pay $45 for their checked first bag and $55 for the second bag. (Long-haul flights still include one free check bag.)

JetBlue raised its fees by $4 during off-peak travel periods and $9 during peak travel periods. Passengers on domestic flights and certain short-haul international routes will pay $39 to check a bag during slower seasons like winter and $49 during busy travel periods like summer and around most holidays.

JetBlue’s new policy is currently in effect for all new bookings. “Adjusting fees for optional services used by select customers, such as checked baggage, allows us to continue offering more competitive fares while delivering the onboard experience our customers love,” says a JetBlue spokesperson.

Delta, United, and JetBlue all offer baggage fee calculators on their sites so passengers can tabulate their potential luggage fees before showing up at the airport. All three airlines allow at least one free checked bag for fliers with elite status through their loyalty programs, holders of their co-branded credit cards, as well as for active duty members of the military.

Looking ahead, experts say it’s likely only a matter of time before all US airlines increase their checked luggage fees. “I would be more surprised if we didn’t hear about other US carriers following suit at this point,” says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going. “These other carriers have basically given everyone else the green light to follow.”

Even if the war ends soon and oil prices cool, that doesn’t mean airlines will bring their baggage fees back down. “Airlines likely had bag fee hikes in their playbook all along, but were waiting for the right moment in the future,” Nastro says. Now, with the rising cost of fuel, carriers “can raise fees, generate extra revenue to cover some additional expense, and remind travelers they aren’t required to check a bag.”

As global oil markets tighten and supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz face disruption, countries across South and Southeast Asia are rolling out emergency measures to manage fuel shortages and rising prices. For travelers to the region, this means navigating destinations where transport, energy use, and even daily routines are being recalibrated. Visitors may notice quieter business districts during weekdays, reduced staffing across hospitality spaces, and a growing emphasis on public transport over private vehicles. Intercity travel, especially to remote regions, could be less predictable due to fuel constraints. In some places, air conditioning is being limited, and energy-intensive services may be scaled back. Intermittent power outages are also possible in a few destinations, making it essential to plan ahead. Here’s what to know before you go.

South Korea

South Korea has launched a nationwide energy-saving campaign. A key measure is the stricter enforcement of an odd-even vehicle restriction system for public-sector cars, based on license plate numbers. While private vehicles are not yet bound by the rule, authorities have urged voluntary compliance and may tighten restrictions if the crisis escalates. This rule does not apply to compact cars/eco-friendly vehicles, vehicles used by persons with disabilities (including those carrying disabled passengers), and vehicles carrying pregnant women or infants. Public institutions are also being asked to stagger working hours to reduce peak transport demand, while a broader set of guidelines encourages residents to rely on public transport, limit electricity use, and shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak periods.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the government has declared a national energy emergency as soaring oil prices strain a system heavily dependent on Middle Eastern imports. Fuel reserves remain limited, spanning just a few weeks across gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Government offices have shifted to four-day workweeks, while remote work and carpooling are being encouraged nationwide. Financial assistance is being distributed to transport workers most affected by rising fuel costs, particularly jeepney and tricycle drivers.

Vietnam

Authorities in Vietnam are pushing for behavioral changes to curb fuel consumption. Remote work for non-essential sectors has been strongly encouraged, alongside calls to limit private vehicle use and adopt alternatives such as cycling, carpooling, and public transport. Additionally, as of April 1, 2026, Vietnam’s national airliner Vietnam Airlines will cut 23 domestic flights per week due to severe supply disruptions. Other Vietnamese airlines are preparing to ​implement fuel surcharges on international routes from early April.

Thailand

In Thailand, authorities are balancing price controls with supply concerns. A temporary cap on diesel prices has been implemented, alongside requirements for fuel companies to increase reserves. However, this has triggered bouts of panic buying and longer queues at fuel stations. Energy-saving measures extend into daily life: government offices have raised air-conditioning temperature thresholds, and officials have suggested lighter dress codes to reduce the demand for AC. New oil import agreements have been signed to diversify supply, but price increases are still filtering through.

Laos

Fuel shortages in Laos have become acute, with a significant share of petrol stations temporarily shutting due to depleted supplies. As the country relies heavily on imports routed through neighboring markets, disruptions have had an outsized impact. The government has responded by scaling back in-person schooling to three days a week to conserve fuel.

Myanmar

Myanmar’s junta has introduced an alternate-day driving system for private vehicles, mirroring energy conservation strategies seen elsewhere in the region. This comes as the country grapples with compounded economic challenges and fuel scarcity. Enforcement measures include fines for non-compliance.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has introduced some of the most stringent measures in the region. Public institutions, schools, and universities now operate on a four-day week, with Wednesdays designated as a holiday to conserve fuel. Essential services remain operational. Fuel access is being tightly controlled through a National Fuel Pass system, which caps how much individuals can purchase.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, authorities are taking a preventative approach, introducing planned power cuts. This is meant to ease pressure on fuel consumption and electricity demand.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller India

Hours-long airport security lines; travelers missing their flights; ICE agents at airports. It’s a tale as old as the partial government shutdown, currently on its sixth record-setting week. But now that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have started receiving pay again, wait times are finally returning to normal at airports across the country.

As of Thursday afternoon, security wait times at air travel hubs LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) have substantially deflated from several hours to a more recognizable 15 minutes or less, Delta’s tracker shows. Several airport-operated wait-time trackers that had paused reporting amid the shutdown, such as the ones on LGA’s website, are also available again.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN) and O’Hare International Airport (ORD) are all currently reporting wait times of less than 10 minutes, according to the airports’ websites or FlightQueue. In New York, lines at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) range from a lengthier 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the terminal—although that’s still substantially shorter than the hour-plus waits that were reported in the weeks’ prior.

“Within a few weeks, it will be business as usual at checkpoints, unless TSA officer pay is halted again,” John Pistole, a former TSA administrator, tells Condé Nast Traveler.

TSA officers began receiving backpay this week, as mandated by an executive order that President Donald Trump signed on March 27. Up until then, the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown had left about 50,000 agents without compensation, according to the White House. Almost 500 of them have since quit, while thousands have called out sick, resulting in airport security wait times that had hit highs of five hours.

However, if a deal to fund the DHS is not reached soon, the relief could be temporary, Aaron Barker, TSA worker and president of AFGE Local 544 (the union that represents TSA employees at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), told local news station 11Alive. “We are grateful to have some funds going to our overdrawn accounts,” he said in the March 30 interview. “But this does not solve the issue of properly funding us through the end of the fiscal year.”

According to the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)’s TSA Council 100, which represents TSA workers, some employees have received inaccurate pay stubs that failed to properly reflect their overtime compensation, correct tax withholdings, or the remaining payments from a previous pay period. The union also voiced concerns about the TSA axing their workers’ furlough status rights on March 29.

An end to the shutdown could be in sight: On April 1, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced they had reached a deal for a “two-track” plan to end the shutdown “in the coming days.” The first track would fund most of the DHS—excluding Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ICE—which could later be funded through a party-line reconciliation bill. However, it’s still not guaranteed that the bill will be passed.

For more insider tips and advice on navigating long lines at the airport, see our guides to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Touchless ID Lanes, and VIP airport concierge services.

Nothing wakes me up after a 15-hour long-haul flight from New York quite like having a bowl of freshly-made dan dan noodles, a decadent egg tart (or four), and a hot cup of elegant jasmine tea while taking in views of the majestic mountain landscape of Hong Kong. Those aromatic flavors, that striking blue-green horizon shrouded in mist, all of it reminds me that I’m back in Asia, the region that I grew up in and will always feel like home. It’s a real treat to be able to embrace that feeling of familiarity and belonging—all without leaving the airport.

That’s the experience I had this past winter: On my way to visit my family in Manila, I passed through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and spent an eight-hour layover at Cathay Pacific’s freshly redesigned business class lounge, The Bridge. It first opened back in 2013, but then the airline closed the lounge “permanently” during the pandemic. However, Cathay Pacific announced plans to renovate it as business travel picked back up.

The Bridge officially reopened in May 2025, just in time to celebrate the airline’s 80th anniversary this year. It also coincides with the launch of the airline’s new business class product, the Aria Suite (currently available on flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco, London, Frankfurt, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo-Haneda, and Vancouver daily; and Milan three times weekly).

Cathay Pacific’s The Bridge lounge is styled like a luxurious residence that immediately puts travelers at ease.

Frequent Cathay fliers like me have historically loved The Bridge for its panoramic views of Hong Kong’s mountainous islands and its central location in HKG’s Terminal 1, near Gate 35. It’s one of Cathay’s three business class lounges, in addition to The Wing, Business near Gate 2 and The Pier, Business, near Gate 65. With room for more than 500 passengers over 29,000 square feet, there’s plenty of room at The Bridge for business class passengers on Cathay who want to stop by.

Finding the lounge is easy, as plenty of signs point the way toward The Bridge. On my visit, I descended an escalator to the main entrance and was welcomed by Cathay Pacific team members who validated my boarding passes and explained the lounge’s layout, which is divided into two wings. Both have wall-to-wall windows that grant sweeping views of the airport’s apron, runway, and the mountains beyond, allowing for tons of natural light. Far from a depressing gray room located in a basement, The Bridge and its massive windows put a spotlight on the natural beauty of Hong Kong. The interior design—all rich-colored woods, forest green sofas, warm lighting, and thoughtful tech touches (discreet electrical plugs in the side tables!)—give the impression of a really chic home or residential-style hotel. The look is very much giving Hong Kong’s The Upper House, designed by Hong Kong native André Fu: stylish, calming, understated yet full of character.

In 2026, booking a trip at home or abroad can feel laced with uncertainty. Conflict in the Middle East is causing flight disruptions across the globe, while frequent government shutdowns in the US are leading to unprecedented wait times at the airport.

Amid the travel chaos, some insurance policies, like “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) protection, have jumped significantly. In March 2026 alone, purchases of CFAR insurance plans increased 27% due to global events, according to insurance comparison site Squaremouth.

It all means that some travelers are considering trip insurance for the first time. “Uncertainty is exactly when travel insurance becomes more important,” says Suzanne Morrow, CEO of travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip. “But it’s also critical to understand what is and isn’t covered. For example, if you miss your flight because you’re stuck in a long TSA security line, that’s typically not covered. But if the airline delays a flight because the crew is impacted, there may be coverage.”

If you’re deciding whether or not to buy travel insurance for your trip, here’s what to know.

When should you buy travel insurance?

Even if you don’t think you need insurance coverage for your trip, there are certain situations when purchasing a policy requires a second look. “Travel insurance makes the most sense for trips where you have something to lose, financially or otherwise,” says Morrow. “If you’re traveling internationally, going more than 100 miles from home, or booking a trip with significant prepaid, nonrefundable costs like flights, hotels, cruises, or tours, it’s worth considering.”

Insurance is also a good idea for travelers who are concerned about specific issues like illness, severe weather, or other travel disruptions, according to Morrow. “On the other hand, for a simple weekend road trip close to home with minimal expenses, you may not need it,” she says.

Those travelers interested in purchasing a policy should do so right after they make their first payment on their trip. “That’s when you unlock the most valuable benefits,” Morrow says. Plus, some plans include time-sensitive add-ons that can only be purchased within a certain timeframe after booking your trip. “Waiting doesn’t save you money; it just limits your options,” Morrow says. “If you want flexibility and the broadest protection, earlier is always better.”

What’s the best type of travel insurance policy?

Experts suggest purchasing a plan that best matches your travel needs by using comparison tools like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip. If you’re looking for the most comprehensive plan, it’s highly recommended to upgrade your basic coverage to include cancel for any reason (CFAR) protection.

This add-on has become more popular in recent months. “The current travel landscape can make travelers feel as though they have no control over their plans,” says Chrissy Valdez, senior director of operations at Squaremouth. “By purchasing travel insurance with cancel for any reason, you can regain a sense of control and plan your trips with more confidence, knowing you have protection.”

Keep in mind the upgrade doesn’t come cheap: It can increase a policy’s cost by 40% to 50%, according to Valdez, but it covers scenarios that other policies do not, such as events that were foreseen at the time of booking (like certain aspects of government shutdowns or winter storms) or simply changing your mind and deciding not to travel.

Before purchasing your initial plan, be sure to double check that adding CFAR coverage is an option. Not every plan offers this upgrade. Typically, you must purchase the add-on within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

“The information that forms the basis of travel advisories comes from the ‘country team’—the professionals in a country’s embassy and consulates,” explains K. Campbell, principal of Blue Glacier Security & Intelligence LLC, a company that conducts security consulting, including risk assessments and geopolitical forecasting. “They’re seeing and hearing threat information that could adversely affect citizens.”

The State Department evaluates destinations across nine risk indicators, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, natural disasters, kidnapping, and wrongful detention. Advisories are reviewed regularly—at least every 12 months for lower-risk destinations and more frequently for higher-risk countries.

At the highest levels, advisories can also reflect operational limits. In conflict zones or following major disasters, embassy staffing may be reduced or suspended, limiting the US government’s ability to assist travelers.

While some embassy staff—such as ambassadors and special envoys—are political appointees selected by the current presidential administration, Campbell says he can’t think of an example when a State Department advisory was used as a political tool. However, it is possible, he notes.

“At their most extreme, travel advisories can cause diplomatic ruffles, which is precisely why they should be taken seriously,” Campbell says. “For example, a ‘do not travel’ recommendation, an evacuation recommendation, or even a ‘reconsider travel’ advisory can create diplomatic headaches by upsetting the host country. Embassies, the US State Department, and Ministries of Foreign Affairs in other countries are loathe to ruffle the feathers of host nations unless the safety of their citizens are truly at stake.”

How should travelers interpret State Department advisories?

State Department travel advisories are intended as guidance, not restrictions—US citizens are generally free to travel where they choose. “Risk advisories should not be ignored, but they aren’t the end-all either,” Halloran says. “We’ve had many cases where a destination carries a Level 3 advisory, yet thousands of our clients have traveled without incident.”

When a country or region’s advisory level changes, experts say the key is understanding what specific risks are driving the designation. In February, for example, civil unrest in Mexico temporarily caused the US embassy to implement shelter-in-place orders in some regions, but tourism operations returned to normal later that week. That’s a much different type of risk—and recovery timeline–than the airspace closures in parts of the Middle East right now. Think about the United States: safety levels in one city can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, let alone the entire country.

To start, Hermstedt recommends comparing the advisory’s geographic scope with your itinerary and seeing if there’s any obvious overlap. Even for popular travel destinations you think you know well, it’s worth spending some time on the country’s webpage—especially if you’re venturing off the beaten path. “People tend to underestimate risk in places they feel like they already know and understand,” he says, pointing to destinations like Mexico, a Level 2 country overall, but where risk varies widely by region, with some areas classified at Level 4.

No matter where you are traveling, Hermstedt recommends avoiding higher-risk areas, working with trusted partners, and building in logistical safeguards. “The difference between a risky trip and a safe one is often more about trip structure than the destination itself.”

When I could no longer fight my body’s hunger signals, I stopped pretending to be asleep. Getting served a meal when you’re ready for it versus when it’s time, has to be one of the greatest luxuries of flying in the front. Despite licking clean my first two courses, I managed to leave room for dessert: a banana cheesecake with butter crumble and a selection of cheeses. In upper cabins, I told myself, time is fake and the food is constant.

In that spirit, lunch service had barely ended before I gave in to a childhood comfort and ordered a Milo—a chocolate malt beverage familiar to anyone who grew up in Asia. It arrived with more snacks: muffins, chocolate, and chips. “You can have them all,” said the attendant as I wavered.

Warm mug in hand, I turned to Scenes From a Marriage with Jessica Chastain—an ill-timed choice as it turned me into a sniveling mess. Why is it that we’re so prone to tears at 30,000 feet? Singapore Airlines’ entertainment isn’t wildly different from any other airline, but I enjoyed the range of live television to choose from, from BBC News to a Premier League football match.

If I’m honest, it was the 10-hour mark that weighed most heavily—that strange, suspended stretch that feels like no-man’s-land, when neither departure nor arrival feel graspable. That’s when you order a Kris Sling, the airline’s riff on the Raffles Hotel classic, a tropical holiday in cocktail form. If you’re lucky, it might even coax you into a second nap.

Chapter 3 (12 hours – landing)

Start readjusting for eventual arrival; log into Wi-Fi and do some prep for the week ahead

I was roused by a big, lusty scent drifting through the cabin that unmistakably belonged to a satay chicken. Things were looking up. I’d picked the Singapore carrot cake with prawns for my final meal, which turned out to be a deeply satisfying dish made of radish and rice flour, with prawn and pickled turnip. At 35,000 feet, the physics (and chemistry) of heating and serving complex foods is a minor miracle, but Singapore Airlines appears to be onto something—everything I tasted would hold its own at any restaurant on solid ground.

Another strong suit of Singapore Airlines is the dependable Wi-Fi. It’s available across all cabins once you’re cruising above 10,000 feet, though I deliberately held off until the final-thirds of the flight. It is what kept me from clinging on to my devices when I could be doing almost anything else (eating, mostly—sleeping, some). There’s plenty of time for emails when you land.

I liked using this stretch of my journey, too, to get to know the crew. They’re at their most relaxed in that in-between hour—after the final service and before landing preparation begins. As it happened, the head of the cabin had the same idea and stopped by for a chat. We got on instantly; she was a BTS super fan and made an ambitious attempt to recruit me.

Somewhere during the conversation, I presented her with a slightly odd request. On a previous Singapore Airlines flight, in economy, I’d been offered a snack of Ikan Bilis, a store-bought bun stuffed with chili anchovies, the kind you might find at a 7-Eleven in Singapore. I hadn’t thought to pick one up on this last trip and wondered if there might be any on board. She smiled and said she’d check, though she doubted it.