What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by air

What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by air?

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Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and more creativity than reading. To what extent do you agree? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.

In some countries an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree of disagree with this opinion?

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling by Plane

We take air transport for granted nowadays, but what are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane? In this post, we take a look.

Pros and Cons of Air Travel

Whether you like flying or not, when it comes to the pros and cons of flying, there are plenty of both.

On the one hand, air travel is the quickest way to get from A to B. It’s also an ideal means of transport that is relatively safe and comfortable, thanks to advances in technology.

On the other hand, flying can be expensive, stressful and detrimental to the environment.

There’s no denying it is one of the most popular forms of transport for both business and pleasure, and has brought the world closer together in many ways, but nothing is perfect!

In this guide, we’ll list 10 advantages that traveling by plane offers, and balance those out with 10 disadvantages. By the end, you should have a good idea of whether or not flying is the right choice for your next trip.

Air Transport Advantages:

Let’s kick off in a positive way, and look at airplane advantages and the benefits of making a journey by plane.

1. Speed

– One of the best advantages of airplanes, is that when you need to get somewhere fast, flying is often the best option. It can get you across the country or around the world in a matter of hours. If you have a choice between flying and driving, flying will almost always get you there faster.

For example, as I write a lot about Greece, I’m often asked how to travel from one place to another. Many people who want to get from Athens to Santorini are surprised to find that to fly rather than take a ferry is quicker, and often cheaper!

2. Comfort

– With wider seats, more legroom, and in-flight entertainment, flying can be a very comfortable experience. On international flights anyway! When you compare it to other forms of transportation like buses or trains, it’s often much more pleasant.

3. Efficiency

– One of the key advantages of air transport, is that planes are designed to get you from Point A to Point B as quickly and efficiently as possible. They can cover large distances in a relatively short amount of time. Even when you factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airport, flying is often just as quick but usually quicker as other forms of travel including high speed trains.

4. Relaxation

– For some people, flying is a chance to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When you’re up in the air, it’s easy to forget about your troubles down on the ground.

You can watch movies, listen to music, or sleep. Falling asleep on a flight is easy for many people, and there’s never the concern you might miss your stop as with other modes of transport!

5. Safety

6. Convenience

– One of the pros of planes, is that flying is often the most convenient option, especially when traveling long distances. It can save you time and hassle, and get you where you need to go with minimal fuss. When compared to driving or taking a train or bus, flying is often much more convenient.

7. Accessibility

– With more people flying than ever before, there are now more options for flights to unique and hard-to-reach destinations. You can fly almost anywhere in the world, and there are usually multiple flight options to choose from.

8. Networking

– Flying can be a great opportunity to network with other professionals either on long haul flights or shorter flights of just a few hours. If you’re traveling for business, you’ll often find yourself sitting next to someone who could be a valuable connection.

9. Adventure

– For some, flying is an adventure in and of itself. Travelling by plane is a chance to explore new places, meet new people, and experience the world in a whole new way.

10. Fun

– Flying can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re traveling to somewhere you’ve never been before. It’s an opportunity to explore and have new experiences. Here’s a look at the plane we took to Con Dao in Vietnam!

Disadvantages of air travel:

Travelers who are making arrangements to travel long distances by plane might also want to keep some of the disadvantages of flights in mind:

1. Cost

– One of the biggest disadvantages of flying is the cost. It can be very expensive to purchase a plane ticket, especially if you’re flying internationally. Sure, budget airlines might offer some cheap flights, but they often come with their own set of problems (more on that below).

2. Time Commitment

– Flying can take a lot of time, especially if you’re flying to a far-flung destination. You have to factor in travel time to and from the airport, as well as time spent waiting at the airport itself.

3. Hassle

– Even for hardened travelers, flying can be a hassle, especially if you’re dealing with delays, cancellations, or lost baggage. It can be frustrating to deal with the logistics of air travel, and it’s not always a smooth or easy process.

4. Inconvenience

– Flying can be inconvenient, especially if you have to travel on short notice. It can be difficult to find a flight that fits your schedule, and you may have to deal with unforeseen delays or cancellations. You also need to make sure your plane tickets, passport, and other documents are in order. And did we mention the long lines at security?

5. Missed Connections

– One of the biggest headaches of flying is dealing with missed connections. If your flight is delayed or canceled, it can throw off your whole travel schedule. When buying tickets, you should leave plenty of time between connecting flights!

6. Jet Lag

– Jet lag is a real problem for many people who fly frequently. It’s a disruption of your body’s natural sleep cycle, and it can be difficult to adjust to a new time zone. If your air travels involve a long journey, you’re likely to experience some jet lag.

7. Baggage Fees

– Many airlines now charge baggage fees, which can add up quickly if you’re traveling with multiple bags. It’s important to check the baggage policy before you travel to avoid any surprises, especially if using a budget airline.

8. Security Lines

– One of the biggest hassles of flying is dealing with security lines. They can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you’re running late for your flight. One tip is to get to the airport early so you have plenty of time to clear security.

9. Crowded Flights

– One of the disadvantages of travelling by plane, is that flying can be cramped and uncomfortable, especially if you’re on a crowded flight. It’s important to book a seat in advance so you can avoid being stuck in the middle of the plane. What is the best seat on an aisle of a plane?

I prefer to sit near the window so that I can take advantage of the view during takeoff and landing, but some people prefer to sit on the aisle so they have easy access to the lavatories.

10. Environmental Impact

– Finally, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of flying. Air travel is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, so if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, flying is not the best option. If you want to be a responsible traveler, consider offsetting your emissions by planting trees or investing in renewable energy.

The bottom line is that there are both advantages and disadvantages to flying. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide whether or not to take a flight. And if you do decide to fly, make sure you’re prepared for the hassles that come with it!

Advantages and disadvantages of air transportation – Conclusion

Overall, the advantages of flying outweigh the disadvantages. While it can be expensive and inconvenient at times, flying is a very safe and efficient way to travel. It offers access to unique destinations around the world, and it’s a great way to network with other professionals. For some people, flying is an adventure in and of itself, and it’s a great way to explore new places and have new experiences.

10 Tips For Flying long distances

Now we’ve seen some of the advantages and disadvantages of air transport, how can you make the most of your journey by air? These tips for traveling by plane will help you get the best out of your flight:

1. Choose your seat wisely –

When booking your flight, be sure to choose a seat that is comfortable for you. If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, book seats together so you can chat and pass the time more easily. If you’re flying solo, consider an aisle seat so you can get up and stretch your legs when needed.

2. Bring a good book –

Flying can be a great opportunity to catch up on some reading. Be sure to bring a good book (or two!) to keep you entertained during the flight. If you get bored easily, consider bringing a Sudoku puzzle or other brainteaser to keep your mind sharp.

3. Stay hydrated –

It’s important to stay hydrated when flying, as the dry air can be dehydrating. Be sure to drink plenty of water (and avoid alcohol) during your flight. If you’re traveling with a reusable water bottle, fill it up before you board the plane.

4. Get up and move around –

Sitting in a cramped seat for hours can be uncomfortable, so be sure to get up and move around when possible. Take a walk up and down the aisle, do some stretches in your seat, or take a trip to the lavatory.

5. Wear comfortable clothing –

You’ll be more comfortable on your flight if you dress in comfortable clothing. Avoid constricting clothing, such as jeans or tight dresses, and opt for loose-fitting clothes that won’t restrict your movement. It’s also a good idea to wear layers so you can adjust to the changing temperature on the plane.

6. Bring snacks –

If you get hungry during your flight, be sure to bring along some snacks. It’s often more expensive to buy food on the plane, and the selection is usually limited. Pack some snacks that you enjoy and that will tide you over until you can eat a proper meal.

7. Bring a travel pillow –

If you’re flying long-distance, consider bringing a travel pillow to help you sleep. A good night’s sleep on the plane can make a big difference in how you feel when you land.

8. Keep your valuables close –

Be sure to keep your valuables close to you at all times while on the plane. If possible, keep them in a carry-on bag so you can have easy access to them. If you need to put them in the overhead bin, be sure to keep an eye on them throughout the flight.

9. Plan ahead –

If you’re flying long-distance, it’s important to plan ahead so you can avoid jet lag. Consider what time zone you’ll be landing in and try to adjust your sleep schedule accordingly.

10. Sit comfortably –

If you’re going to be sitting on the plane for a long time, it’s important to be comfortable. You may want to consider upgrading to a premium seat with more leg room if you have the option.

Do you have any thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of air travel? Let us know in the comments below!

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Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane

1. People traveling long distances often have to decide whether …

2. Man always wanted to have …

3. On the one hand, aviation is the fastest, but …

4. Sometimes they delay or cancel flights because of …

5. Besides planes have the reputation of …

6. They also have the grave disadvantage of …

8. Yet nothing can match planes for …

9. … is an exciting experience.

10. It is more … and far …

11. Some people hate (love) flying because …

12. For me flying is fun (a crazy thing to do) because …

6. PRESENTATION. Speak on ‘Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling by Air’.

UNIT 2

THE CITY OF NEW YORK

1. WARMING UP. Read and practice the following conversations. Check whether you understand the expressions in the ‘Notes’ before reading.

Getting About Town

(Mr. Smith is on business in New York City. His plane landed at JFK Airport.)

Notes:

downtown –center of the city

yard –unit of length, 3 feet or 36 inches (91 cm)

foot –12 inches (30 cm)

inch –2,5 cm

subway (US) –Metro

City Hall– building for the official business of a city

to pour money into sth(coll.)–to invest money into sth

to skyrocket –to go (fly) up

to bite hard at sb’s budget –to be too expensive for sb; to cause financial hardships

You cannot eat your cake and have it(spoken) –you can only choose one of two alternatives, not both.

2. WORD STUDY. Study the following expressions from the text before reading.

3. FIRST READING. Read the text and put the following headings into the correct numbered positions (1-4).

A) Shopping in New York

B) Lost and Found

C) Eating Out

d) Some Glimpses of New York

The Big Apple

1

When I went out into the terminal I expected to find Tom there, but I saw only strangers. What’s wrong? What should I do? Should I wait for him? Will he come if I wait? Should I take a taxi and go to his home? But then he won’t be able to find me here if he comes. I decided to take it easy and took a walk around the terminal looking at the signs there: “post office”, “travel insurance”, “car rentals”, “currency exchange”, “news stand”, “gift shop”, “lost and found”. I am lost. Who will find me? Just then I saw Tom running into the terminal and waving at me. He was sorry he was so late. He got caught in a traffic jam on the way to the airport. We took a taxi to downtown. It was rather late but the city was well lit. So I could see some sights of the city. I wasn’t feeling well. Tom said I would have jet lag for a few days.

2

In New York there are so many sights to see, so many places to visit! Its five boroughs are Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Richmond. During my stay I tried to see as much of New York as possible. I started with an organized tour before going sightseeing on my own. Next day I boarded a boat and sailed around Manhattan along the Hudson and East Rivers. I saw the Statue of Liberty and all the famous bridges and skyscrapers. By the way, the tallest skyscraper in New York is the Empire State Building. However, the World Trade Center attacked by the terrorists on September, 11, 2001 was a one hundred feet taller. I would take a subwayto some new parts of the city. Then I would walk about exploring the neighborhood.

New York is known by many different names. One of them is the Big Apple. I tried to see something new every day, but I didn’t manage to see much more than Manhattan. The problem is the Big Apple is too big.

New York is the unofficial capital of the United States (though it isn’t even the capital of New York State). It has the largest population and the greatest number of immigrants, the most important banks, the tallest buildings, the best department stores, the most superb museums and art galleries, and the widest range of restaurants.

They say the United States is a “melting pot” of people from different countries. I found this was especially true of New York with its many ethnic neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little Italy, Harlem and Spanish Harlem, the Jewish Lower East Side and, of course, the Brighton Beach area in Brooklyn. With so many immigrants nobody minds your foreign accent.

I was struck by the friendliness of the people in the street. Complete strangers smiled at me and even said “Hello” or “How are you?”. They also say “please” and “thank you” much more often than we do at home.

On the other hand, I was surprised by the distance people tried to keep from each other in public. People waiting in lines stand about two feet apart from one another. They feel they have a right to privacy and personal space.

Another big surprise was how few people smoked or drank. And all this in spite of the attractive magazine ads for cigarettes and TV commercials for wine and beer. Yes, health is definitely fashionable in America now. I had always wanted to give up smoking. I finally managed to do it there. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

One last thing. I had heard many stories about crime in New York. I also read about muggings in local papers. But I never had any trouble myself. Maybe I followed Tom’s advice. He told me to avoid certain areas of the city after darkness, and to avoid others altogether.

3

During the first couple of days I didn’t buy anything except some groceries either from a grocery store or a supermarket. I didn’t have too much money to spend. So I had to plan carefully. I wanted to bring home some presents for my family and friends. I also wanted to buy a laptop and a guitar for myself.

Plastic money has become an important part of American life-style. The slogan is BUY NOW, PAY LATER, that is, stores allow you a credit by accepting your credit cards. People like using credit cards because they don’t like waiting to get anything. The system is not only very simple but very convenient too. You don’t have to carry cash, even a checkbook. So when you want to pay for something, you’ll hear the question: “Cash or charge?”

4

Eating outin New York is no problem at all. There are so many places to eat. Their names are also different – restaurant or café, cafeteria or coffee shop, pancake house or steak house, pizza place or sandwich shop, eatery or simply grill. Some of them have proper names like “The Pines”. Others are named after their owners like “Maria’s”, or former owners if the place has earned a good reputation. You can even eat at a deli. When you buy something they ask you: “Here or to go?”

The competition is so strong that you can always find a good meal you can afford. From time to time almost all restaurants make “special offers” of cheaper meals. On Sundays, when people like to sleep late, you can always look in the papers for a “Sunday brunch special”.

I tried to go to a different place each time I went out to eat. I first always asked Tom to come with me. He insisted on treating me to a meal. Then I would insist on treating him. After an argument we would, as a rule, go Dutch.

3.1 Choose a), b), or c) to complete the sentences below.

1. When Alex went out into the terminal and didn’t find Tom there he decided …

a) to take a taxi to Tom’s home

c) not to panic and wait

2. Alex didn’t manage to see much of New York because …

a) he had heard many stories about crime in New York

b) New York is too big

c) he couldn’t understand American English well

3. If you want to get good buys at sales, you should …

a) get to the store early on a sale day

b) choose the right sale

c) use your plastic card

4. Alex often went out to eat because …

a) eating out in New York is no problem

b) he had neither time nor desire to cook

c) he wanted to try something really American

LEARNING THE WORDS.

4.1 Match the following words from the text to their definitions. Suggest the Russian.

4.2 Match the following expressions from the text to their Russian equivalents.

4.3 Fill in the synonyms from the list.

walk around; first-class; rivalry; to learn about; district; to get on a boat; national; underground (Br.); customers; alone; notebook (PC);

4.4 Match the parts to form the word-combinations from the text.

4.5 Match the following American money to their colloquial equivalents.

5. READING FOR DETAIL. Read the text carefully to answer the following questions.

1. Why did Alex feel lost when he came out into the terminal?

3. What did he decide to do?

4. What signs did he see in the airport terminal?

5. Did Tom appear? Why was he late?

6. Why wasn’t Alex feeling well?

7. What did Alex start his sightseeing with?

8. Why didn’t he see all of New York sights?

9. Why is New York considered the unofficial capital of the United States?

10. Why is the United States called a “melting pot”?

11. Do most Americans prefer to be formal or informal?

12. What shouldn’t you do when you wait in a line?

13. What bad habit did Alex give up in America? Why?

14. Did Alex have any trouble with crime in New York?

15. What did Alex plan to buy? Why did he have to plan carefully?

16. What advice did Tom give to him?

17. What kinds of sales are there?

18. What has become an important part of American life-style? Why?

19. Are there any problems with eating out in New York?

20. What does it mean “to go Dutch”?

21. Why are “Sunday brunch specials” offered on Sundays?

5. SPEAKING. Without looking at the text add information to the following statements.

Advantages and Disadvantages of traveling by Plane

Advantages and Disadvantages of traveling by Plane

The advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane are discussed here in this article. Airplanes are one of humanity’s greatest inventions to date. It’s a kind of magic when you think about it. It’s a huge metal box carrying 200 or 300 people flying 35,000 feet off the ground right alongside the clouds and eagles. It’s a testament to the amazing capabilities of science. Air travel has made life simpler in so many ways. The other side of the world isn’t so far away anymore. But of course, no invention is perfect. Here we are bringing to you an analysis into the pros and cons of traveling by airplanes.

5 Advantages of traveling by plane

The advantages of traveling by plane are discussed below:

1. TIME

There is nothing on earth more valuable than time. Air travel is of course the fastest mode of transport existing. It takes a mere 20 hours or so to get to the US from India. Ships, trains, buses and cars fall pathetically short when trying to catch up to planes in terms of travel time. You just take a nap and you’ll be in another country when you wake.

2. COMFORT

A considerably lower percentage of the population gets sick in planes, as compared to trains, buses and especially ships. Traveling by plane is much more comfortable than tumultuous train journeys or long hours on the road. The luxuries that planes offer to passengers, especially if your traveling higher than economy, is in a different league than most other transport services. Even in economy, a reclining seat, ready food and water and a clean toilet might seem like luxury if you’ve travelled much in Indian trains.

3. COST

Although air travel is generally considered to be the most expensive, for longer distances it might prove to be more economical. When considering the food, fuel and hotel expenses of a cross country road trip, in such cases air travel might be the cheaper option. Also if you travel a lot, frequent flyer miles can chip away some of the expense.

4. SAFETY

Yes, safety. We all hear horror stories about airplane crashes and disasters, but the truth is the actual chances of you being in an airplane crash is very, very slim. Especially if you compare it against the chances of you being in a road accident. There is also the matter of personal safety and security. There is little chance of you being robbed or assaulted in an airplane. And your safety is taken out of your hands, making your journey a little less stressful.

5. CONVENIENCE

Booking airplane tickets is a simple matter of a few clicks. Then you’re all good to go. Airplanes take most of the responsibility off your hands. It is simply a matter of boarding and then enjoying your flight. Your luggage is taken care of, you don’t have to worry about which route to take or traffic conditions, and you have food and water provided to you. Worry free through and through.

5 Disadvantages of traveling by plane

The disadvantages of traveling by plane are discussed below:

1. COST

Airplane tickets can be ludicrously expensive. Especially when traveling shorter distances, the difference in cost for air travel and other modes of transport, would seem comically large. And the time saving aspect decreases for short distances when you consider the time it takes to cut through all the hassle and red tape at the airport.

2. PHOBIA

Fear of flying is a very common phobia. People who have experienced turbulence filled flights before, sometimes develop strong feelings of fear and never set foot in a flight again.

3. UNPREDICTABILITY

Flights maybe delayed unexpectedly due to weather conditions or technical issues. Storms sometimes lead to all flights being cancelled for indefinite periods of time. Issues like these can really turn your travel plans upside down.

4. POLLUTION

Airplanes are responsible for air pollution and noise pollution. Airplanes release large amounts of pollutants that are detrimental to the environment so if you’re an environmentally conscious person you might want to pick a more ecofriendly form of transport. Follow Greta Thunberg’s example and boat your way across the Atlantic maybe.

5. INCONVENIENCES

Airports, especially in India, can sometimes be few and far between. If you don’t live in a major city, it might take as long to get to the airport as it takes for the actual flight itself. Also the hassle and bustle in airports can be unbearable sometimes. Airports are loud, confusing crowded places. Endless security checks, checking in your luggage, forgetting some necessary item in the luggage, inability to carry food and liquids with you, and so on. Luggage sometimes gets lost in transit.

All in all, it is safe to say that like most everything, air travel too, has it’s pros and cons. What it boils down to is personal needs and preferences really. Whether or not to travel by air is a decision that should be based on several variables like time, budget, urgency and so on. Some people just like to fly. Some people prefer to stay grounded even if the situation demands otherwise.

D) Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling by Air.

e) Great News!

1

Hi, I’m Alexander, Alex for short. I’m from Minsk, Belarus and I’m a first-year student at the Institute of Law. I’ve got great news! I’ve gotten a letter from my American friend Tom. It came last week. He has invited me to visit him in the States. That’s great! I’ve never been to America. I have been abroad before. I’ve traveled to Poland as a tourist. I’ve also been to Italy on vacation. But I’ve never been outside Europe.

The best time for my trip is in July, on my holiday. I am to visit New York and Washington. I know there going to be some problems. For example, I have to get an American visa and to buy an insurance policy. I’m going by plane, so the tickets are very expensive. And then there is the bank: you have to exchange rubles for dollars, which is actually not a problem any longer.

2

People traveling long distances often have to decide whether to go by land, sea or air. Man has always wanted to have the fastest way of traveling. On the one hand, aviation is the fastest. But it usually takes a few hours to get to the airport from downtown and then from the airport to the city. Sometimes they delay or cancel flights because of the weather. So you end up wasting a lot of time.

Besides planes have the reputation of being dangerous. They also have the grave disadvantage of being the most expensive form of transport. You can’t walk around and there’s nothing to do. You can’t open the windows and can’t get off. There’s no choice of food and there are never enough toilets. Yet nothing can match them for speed and comfort. Traveling at a height of 30,000 feet, far above the clouds, and at over 500 miles an hour is an exciting experience. It is more comfortable and far quicker than any other method.

3

On the day of departure I took a taxi to the airport and arrived early in order to check-in. First I went to the check-in desk where they weighed my luggage. Usually you are permitted 20 kilos, but if your bags weigh more, you may pay excess baggage. A light bag is classed as hand luggage and you can take it with you on to the plane. The airlinerepresentative checked my ticket and gave me a boarding card for the plane with my seat number on it. Then I went through passport control and into the departure loungeto wait for the flight to be called. About half an hour before take-off our flight was called and we went to gate 4, where we waited before we boarded the plane. When I entered the plane I gave my boarding card to the air hostess(US flight attendant)and found my seat.

4

Some people hate flying. It’s a crazy thing to do, they say. Birds fly; people don’t. For me flying is fun. I like being in a big airliner with flight attendants looking after me. They walk up and down the aisle bringing meals and drinks. When the flight is going through some turbulence, the crew warns everybody that it might be a bit bumpy and asks to fasten the seat belts. On a long flight I like listening to music through the headphones available to all passengers, and sometimes I have a sleep. I enjoy it all so much that I never want the plane to land.

5

When the plane finally landed at JFK Airport in New York, I went to the immigration counter where the inspector checked my visa and then to the baggage reclaim where I collected my luggage. Then I passed through Customs. The customs officer didn’t ask me to open my bags. He just asked me a few questions. Did I have anything to declare? I said no. Any foodstuffs? I had some cans (BR. tins). He said canned food was okay. Did I have any fresh or frozen food? No, I didn’t. Any gifts? No, just a few souvenirs. Did I have five thousand dollars or more in any currency? Certainly not! I had absolutely nothing to declare and the officer finally let me go.

Notes:

JFKstsnds for John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

3.1 Choose a), b), or c) to complete the sentences.

1. Alex was going to New York …

c) by invitation

2. The great advantage of traveling by air is …