In her year since becoming co-C.E.O. of the Dorchester Collection, Helen Smith has been hopping between its luxury hotels, from Le Meurice, in Paris, and Hotel Eden, in Rome, to the Beverly Hills Hotel, in Los Angeles, and the Dorchester, in her home city of London. She knows the ins and outs of the brand’s nine hotels, spending nearly the last 20 years with the company, where she’s worked in roles including chief customer-experience officer. Now, with the collection’s 10th hotel opening—the Lana, in Dubai—she’s off to the Middle East. Here, Smith shares her top tips for living the good life at cruising altitude.
Favorite airline?
British Airways. I’ve been loyal to them for over 25 years.
What do you wear to the airport?
I try to dress smartly, knowing I will change once on board the flight.
How long before your flight boards do you get to the airport?
Two hours.
Check bags, or carry-on only?
Carry-on.
What do you bring in your carry-on?
Enough to get me through three working days at any of our hotels.
T.S.A. PreCheck, or regular?
T.S.A. PreCheck. It is a blessing.
Favorite airport?
Heathrow—for Terminal 5 and the Concorde Lounge—and it means I am home.
What do you buy in the airport terminal?
I rarely shop.
What do you do while waiting to board?
I go to the lounge, have a coffee, and people-watch.
Item you can’t fly without?
My iPhones. I tend not to watch the in-flight entertainment.
Do you take any drugs/drink to fly?
No drinks, but I’ve recently started to take a Sominex on long night flights.
First class or coach?
Business with the occasional upgrade to first.
Window, middle, or aisle seat?
Aisle on a day flight and window on a night flight.
How do you pass the time in the air?
Read, work, sleep, repeat.
Do you buy Wi-Fi?
Occasionally, but I like the downtime that flying offers.
Favorite airplane snack?
A fresh apple.
Do you eat plane food?
Never sit next to me—I pick at the protein and the vegetables. I try to avoid the carbohydrates. It can be a bit messy.
Best plane food you’ve ever had?
Tuna tartare.
Best drink to get on a flight?
Water. I drink it constantly to stay hydrated.
Do you talk to the people sitting next to you?
As my grandmother would say, “If I am forced.”
Keep shoes on or off on the plane?
Always off.
What do you do when turbulence strikes?
I wish I hadn’t refused a G&T.
Worst part of the flight?
Waiting to disembark.
First thing you do when the plane lands?
Send a WhatsApp to my husband.
Advice for travelers?
Only pack what you know you will wear.
