Why the best inflight service on short flights for me is no service at all
Some airlines are renowned for their incredible onboard service, but on short flights, the best service for me is actually no service at all.
On a long-haul flight in a premium cabin, I love flying with airlines like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways due to the lengths the cabin crew goes to in order to ensure all passengers have a memorable experience.
Nothing is too much trouble and I have ended up conversing with the cabin crew so much during flights that we swapped tips for our favorite layover cities and discussed the history of their airlines and how they compare to their competitors. Their enthusiasm for aviation is infectious.
However, for a flight under two hours, domestically or to Europe, when traveling alone, my goal is largely to speak to no one. It's not because I don't like the crew or my fellow passengers. It's just that I don't need any service at all on a flight this short.
It starts with boarding — crew members rarely check my boarding pass as I step on board a narrow-body aircraft. They figure I can find my row number by myself and I figure the same thing.
Beyond telling me it's "down the aisle" and either to the left or the right, there's not much more help they can give me beyond an obligatory "welcome aboard."
Once I've settled into my seat, I prepare my Bose noise-canceling headphones (a freebie that came with my new pre-ordered Pixel 6 mobile phone, and one of the most useful things I have ever owned), politely listen to the safety demonstration, queue up some music and zone out.
Related: The ultimate guide to Delta One Suites
I always choose a window seat on a short flight because it's unlikely I will need to use the bathroom or stretch my legs (I do those before boarding).
If there are any restless young children around me or even rowdy adults who may have had one too many at the airport bar I don't even notice, because I switch on the noise cancellation on my headphones.
I have the enviable ability to nod off on even the shortest of flights. If I'm really lucky I won't wake up until the plane hits the tarmac on landing, having not needed to speak to a single person the entire flight.
This is an ideal short flight for me.
I usually eat something in the lounge before boarding and fill up my trusty reusable metal water bottle so I don't need to eat or drink anything on the flight, whether I'm asleep, doing some work, reading a book or staring out the window.
I find that even on airlines that do provide a free meal and drink in economy on a short flight, it's so meager and unhealthy/tasteless it's not worth patiently waiting for a crew member to reach your row with the trolley.
Related: When is best to eat when traveling?
Even if you love sugar I don't recommend the breakfast bars British Airways has been handing out in Euro Traveller for what seems like years. I prefer to save plastic by using my own water bottle than accepting one of these.
On European airlines, at best the food offering has been a stale sandwich or bread roll that doesn't taste great and isn't very nutritious. For me, it isn't worth keeping your eyes peeled for the trolley working its way down the aisle to your row.
Just because it's free doesn't mean it is worth consuming. Everything in moderation, as they say — even free stuff.
Related: The 6 best and worst inflight meals I ate last year
The welcome announcements on short flights will often be along the lines of "if there's anything we can do to make your flight more comfortable, please don't hesitate to ask your crew." In reality, though, there's very little they can do for me to improve the flight experience.
I'm far more concerned about a short flight departing and arriving on time than conversing with the crew, as I rarely really need anything.
On the rare times I forget to pack my trusty noise-canceling headphone I curse my poor planning, as I have to listen to both numerous crew announcements and the passengers around me. On ultra low-cost carriers like Ryanair, I have no interest in hearing about the range of ladies' fragrances available for purchase on today's flight.
Equally, I don't want to buy a scratch card or a deck of cards for a discounted price.
Related: The top 5 economy meals in the sky
Bottom line
I have perfected my strategy for avoiding speaking to anyone on short-haul flights when flying alone by choosing a window seat, using the bathroom beforehand and not requiring any food, drink or other assistance from crew.
Of course, if I'm sitting in a middle or aisle seat I am happy to assist anyone who wants to get up into the aisle — I'm not going to ignore them just because I'm wearing headphones.
If I'm traveling with someone else I'm always happy to chat, too — especially if we are headed somewhere lovely for a vacation. In these circumstances I'm often so excited I can barely sit still.
However, for an hour flight by myself on a normal workday, I'm happy when I'm not a bother to anyone and can just sit at the window by myself, zone out and arrive at my destination with a minimum of fuss. The best service I can have on these flights is no service at all.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.