What is the worst part of international travel? Most people will tell you that it is the flight. And yes, Economy Class flights can be uncomfortable and exhausting, especially on long-haul sectors. Also read | The Taste by Vir Sanghvi: Anantara's ambitious expansion aims to bring Asian hospitality to India with 50 new hotels

For many people, the solution is to upgrade to Business Class. It’s more expensive, but on many airlines, it is far more comfortable than Economy. Even something that approaches Business Class can make a huge difference. I recently flew Indigo Stretch to Bangkok, and though you don’t get lounge privileges at airports or a great choice of liquor onboard, I thought it was good value, but that may be because I don’t usually eat airline food, try or drink too much on planes. So, the disadvantages of Stretch did not matter to me.

My problem is that the older I get, the more tiring I find international travel. I have thought about it and figured out that class of travel is only part of the problem. Basically, it is airports that I hate: The lines at immigration, the tedium of waiting for your luggage, the arrogant and intrusive stupidity of air Intelligence officers at customs in India, the long walks to gates etc.

There is no way around much of this: If you are stopped by a rude and imperious officer at, say, Mumbai Customs, you have to keep your patience. Likewise with immigration officers at western airports.

The ultimate layover hack

But I have discovered that there are hacks. Most regular international flyers usually use an airport service. These services can be costly,........

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