10 ways to fall in love with flying again

Times

a day ago

From private lounges to cockpit simulators and pocket-sized drones, these picks prove aviation can still feel fresh
Aviation has always promised more than movement. It's about freedom, adventure, and, at times, a flash of luxury. While modern air travel often frustrates as much as it excites, there's still something singular about the act of being airborne. You just have to hack the process first.
To foster a deeper connection with flight, here are ten brands, services and products that make aviation feel fresh again. Some ease the experience of commercial travel; others make private flying more attainable than expected.
There's even the option of learning to pilot yourself – or of navigating from the ground, via drone. And if you need shelter from the skies, that's covered too.
Strap in. Here are ten ways to rekindle the romance of aviation.
In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable – whether due to geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, pandemics or other instabilities – the idea of a personal shelter feels more relevant than ever.
Atlas Survival Shelters manufactures underground NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) survival and bomb shelters, designed to offer protection and peace of mind.
Built with high quality materials such as bullet-resistant hardened steel, fibreglass and corrugated pipe, each Atlas shelter is installed according to the client's needs and available space.
The company also produces shelters for the aviation industry, meeting the requirements of aircraft owners who need emergency protection for a fleet.
For households, a standard shelter brings practical advantages. Many are comfortable enough to be used as weekend hideaways, or adapted as storage, office or retreat space.
Find out more about Atlas Survival Shelters at atlassurvivalshelters.com
One of the hottest tickets for this year's Glastonbury wasn't for the VIP or backstage areas: it was for the helipad nearby. More Britons are discovering that travelling by helicopter to festivals, sporting events and weddings is more attainable and affordable than ever.
Capital Air Services has specialised in helicopter charter and management for over 30 years. Its trusted, professional and discreet service operates a fleet of luxury twin-engine helicopters, including three new Airbus H145 D3s.
These state of the art aircraft are IFR-capable – able to fly in poor weather, day or night – and carry up to nine passengers with generous space, excellent visibility and a smooth, quiet ride.
While Capital Air Services is known for its safety record and tailored experience, it's the aircraft themselves that make the strongest impression. With range, comfort and reliability, they remain the most efficient way to arrive – or depart – in style.
Make your business trips and events stress-free by flying by helicopter. Get in touch at capitalairservices.co.uk or call 020 7223 6179 for a bespoke quote any time
Private aviation – whether chartering a jet or owning one outright – has never been more in demand. Yet the process can appear, at least on paper, out of reach. Global Jet aims to change that. With a 25-year track record, the company is a leader in the field.
Still privately owned and run by its founders, Global Jet employs over 600 people across four areas: charter and brokerage, aircraft management, sales and acquisitions, and design and completion oversight. Services are offered from ten offices worldwide, including Monaco, Madrid, Paris and Dubai.
Its managed fleet comprises around 75 aircraft – including six Boeing business jets, seven Airbus ACJs, 18 Gulfstreams and 22 Bombardiers – making it one of the largest operators globally.
For clients who value discretion, access and consistency, Global Jet delivers a seamless experience – from aircraft purchase to daily operation – with high-end equipment as the standard, not the exception.
Visit globaljet.aero to find out more
While the prestige of being a pilot may seem out of reach, it is a career that remains open for those with the ability and commitment.
FlyFair helps make it possible. Unlike many ATOs (Approved Training Organisations), it prioritises social mobility by ensuring its pilot training is inclusive and affordable.
Its core offering is the IntegraModular Pathway, which offers career-starting future pilots both the structure of integrated learning with the benefits of modular teaching. Students can train across multiple partner sites in the UK, with schedules that fit around existing commitments.
Mentoring is central to the programme. The Continuous Resilience Development Programme – delivered in partnership with CAA-approved ATO Resilient Pilot – prepares trainees with airline-standard skills and the necessary mindset from day one.
Whether starting from scratch or seeking to return to training, FlyFair supports a direct route into professional flight. Its goal is simple – to expand access to a career that lifts off on merit.
Visit flyfair.co.uk to learn more or follow on Instagram
Drones – while ideal for capturing hikes, holidays and family moments – often require forward planning due to their bulk and setup time.
The DJI Flip All-in-One Vlog Camera Drone is designed to make the process simpler. Compact and lightweight, it folds neatly into a pocketable size, making it easy to carry and ready to use on the move.
It connects seamlessly via an app, takes off within seconds and has been designed with portability and ease in mind. The DJI Flip shoots stabilised 4K aerial video, with wind resistance built in.
It's a practical first drone for anyone interested in aerial content, whether for social media or private use.
Built-in subject tracking, gesture control and cinematic pre-sets allow users to start recording with minimal effort – and to capture smooth, dynamic footage without specialist knowledge.
For casual creators or families documenting their travels, it's a tool that expands what's possible with minimal intrusion.
Available now from currys.co.uk plus Argos, Very and other major retailers
Everyone finds the process of traversing an airport stressful – so imagine how welcome it would feel to be expertly aided and escorted from curb to cabin.
Airport VIP Services does just that.
This concierge service is designed to save time and protect privacy. Based at Heathrow and Gatwick, it delivers the same experience at international destinations too – thanks to a global network of trusted concierge partners.
Founded in 2009, Airport VIP Services regularly handles royalty, heads of state and diplomatic parties. It offers four tiers of service to meet varying needs – from solo travellers to full delegations.
Alongside meet-and-greet services, baggage handling and expedited immigration, the company also provides access to VIP lounges – ensuring calm and comfort before boarding.
Whether the priority is discretion, speed or convenience, the aim is simple: to make the airport experience feel less like a hurdle and more like the start of the journey.
Find out more at airportvipservices.co.uk
If you have a passion for aviation history, technology or flight itself, chances are you've encountered the appeal of model aircraft. For the creative or nostalgic, few ways of engaging with history are more satisfying than the Corgi Aviation Archive range.
Corgi – part of the Hornby Hobbies brand – recreates several of the world's most historically significant aircraft in weighty die-cast form, finished to a high standard and ready for display.
A particular favourite is the AA29004 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4. Nicknamed 'Moggy', this 1:48 scale replica includes detailed attending air crew and a display stand.
Another standout is the Supermarine Spitfire MkI – the aircraft flown by war hero Douglas Bader – available as a 1:72 model with its distinctive black and silver underside.
As digital life becomes ever more abstract, it's easy to see why so many people are returning to tactile objects like model aircraft to reconnect with the past.
Visit corgi.co.uk to view all the latest models in the range
It's unfortunate that flight disruptions have become such a routine part of air travel. Worse still is how difficult and time-consuming the compensation process can be – so much so that many passengers never pursue the claims they're entitled to.
Join the Claim is a UK-based consumer platform that connects eligible passengers with regulated law firms equipped to handle compensation claims.
There's no upfront cost, and individual payouts can reach as much as £520. It doesn't take a mathematician to see how family claims can amount to several thousand pounds.
To be eligible, the disrupted flight must have taken place within the past six years.
If that applies to you, Join the Claim may offer a simple route to recovering compensation – without legal jargon or unnecessary delay.
For many, it's not about the money so much as the principle. This platform helps ensure that principle isn't lost in the process.
To start your compensation claim, visit jointheclaim.com
Reconnecting air travel with a bygone era of luxury, grace and ease might seem like a pipe dream – but there are still ways for commercial flying to feel effortless. The Windsor at Heathrow offers one such route, providing a private terminal experience for VIP travellers.
A chauffeur transfers you to one of eight private lounges – designed by Oliver Burns Studio – where you can relax and enjoy a fine dining menu curated by acclaimed chef Jason Atherton.
Crucially, a fast-tracked immigration check means no queues before boarding, a benefit available to any First or Business Class passenger, regardless of the terminal used for departure.
If privacy, control and comfort are important to you as a frequent flyer, it might be time to investigate what The Windsor at Heathrow has to offer .
Visit heathrowvip.com to find out more
If you're a plane buff who has ever dreamed of soaring through clouds, navigating storms or landing a Boeing against the odds, this may be the experience for you.
JetEx's static flight simulators are open to the public – but what sets the company apart is its state of the art, six-axis full-motion Boeing 737 simulator.
Used by professionals in the aviation industry, the simulator features a real cockpit, force feedback controls and such accuracy that you can feel the bumps of the runway as you land.
It's open to anyone over the age of 12 – no experience required – and participants are guided by trained instructors throughout.
Whether you're an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for something immersive and unusual, JetEx offers a way to engage deeply with the thrill of flight.
Flight simulation may not get you airborne – but it brings the cockpit remarkably close.
Find out more at jetexsimulation.co.uk
This is a commercial article paid for by our advertising partners
If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration in everything from food and drink to luxury living , from travel to health and wellbeing, why not follow Checklist on Facebook, X and Instagram @ChecklistSocial, or sign up to the newsletter? Checklist provides the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today.