This is a great introductory book for air travellers. It covers almost everything you need to know at a basic level. Because of the writer’s stated intention of making travel easier, especially for those less experienced, it is perhaps a bit optimistic, shying away from the complexities and downright idiocy of events that can occur to the unlucky or unprepared voyager.
If this book is expanded at a future time, I would recommend some anecdotal material, with the purpose of demonstrating the usefulness of the information provided. And also a bit of entertainment; this book is factual to a fault.
It is also a bit naïve at times. For example, Ms. Right’s easy endorsement of Uber, because “the driver and the built-in GPS service of the app do all the work.” Anyone who has ever suffered a GPS error or an inexperienced Uber driver will be able to predict the difficulties that could arise from a combination of the two. I could tell you a story…
Another Example: Child Seat Restraints
Here the author could have gone into more detail, as children travelling is an area fraught with regulations and counter-regulations, depending on country of manufacture, country of flight origin, and airline. Ms. Right does not recommend lap or belly belts, as she suggests they do little to prevent injury. Air Canada goes one step further, and refuses to allow them as safety devices at all. In many areas of the book the information she provides is a good overview, but when it comes right down to it, one single point she makes covers it all: “Check with your airline for specific policies.”
The above example is a pretty good demonstration of the usefulness of this book. Every traveller could benefit from a read-through. It provides less experienced flyers with the basics, and even the most frequent fliers will find new points of interest to make their journeys easier. I consider myself an experienced traveller, and I found many small details, especially in the area of Internet programs and apps, that I will use in the future. The chapter on “Thieves on Board” was also an eye-opener.
This book is not exhaustive and does not pretend to be, but I hope Ms. Right produces a more detailed version in the future. Recommended reading for all customers of commercial airlines.
(4 / 5)