Air travel information and tips
Before leaving home
Documents and information
What to wear onboard
Smart packing
Carry-on vs. checked-in
Last minute luggage check
At the Airport
Personal security
Duty free shopping
Check-in
Luggage limitations
Reschedule bonuses
Getting an upgrade
Security checks
On board the aircraft
Flying comfortably
Overcoming fear of flying
At your destination
Disembarking
Luggage collection
Immigration
Customs: red or green route?
Currency exchange
Avoid being a victim
Documents and information
Plan and arrange your trip as far in advance as possible, this helps save costs on air tickets and hotel bookings, and improves your chances of securing a booking. Search the internet and guide books for important information regarding the culture, food, health, security, customs and entry/exit procedures for your destination.
Apply for and obtain the relevant visa(s) in a timely fashion, and make a few copies of all your important documents, including passport, visas, tickets, driving license, credit cards, and traveller's cheques. Spread sets of these copies throughout your person and luggage. Obtain at least a small amount of the currency used at your destination in case you cannot change your money at the airport.
What to wear onboard
This will depend on the length of the flight and the weather conditions at your destination, however dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing. A light jacket or sweater can come in handy to combat the often cold air conditioning settings on board the plane, while soft shoes or sneakers allow your feet and ankles to swell without restriction. Easily-removable footwear is best, as you can take off your shoes in-flight and you may be required to take off your shoes as part of a security check. Don't wear clothes with lots of metal buttons, buckles, chains, etc., as these may set off metal detectors at the airport and cause you delays in getting on the plane.
Smart packing
Many people over-pack when going on holiday. Think carefully about what you will really need, taking in factors such as weather conditions at the destination, cost of clothing at the destination, and whether or not you will have time and facilities to wash and dry dirty clothes. Leave enough space for your personal and souvenir shopping, and remember that at the airport your luggage will be subject to weight and piece restrictions as well as hand-searching by security personnel. Tailor your luggage selection to your travelling demands; in some circumstances a backpack will be more comfortable and convenient than a suitcase. Keep the number of pieces of luggage to a minimum. Remember to label all luggage. Tie up loose straps of backpacks or seal the pack in a large plastic bag.
Carry-on vs. checked-in
With the heightened concerns regarding airport and in-flight security, it is more important than ever to take proper care in selecting what to pack in your carry-on luggage. Anything that could possibly be used as a weapon is banned. This includes any kind of knife (incl. pocket knives, Swiss army knives), most pointed objects (scissors), flammable and explosive items (aerosols, ammunition; however up to 2 lighters are OK), and any object that could be used for hitting (metal or wooden bar). Most of these items (except certain flammable and explosive items such as aerosols) can, however, be taken with you as checked-in luggage. The basic rule is: if in doubt, stow it in your suitcase; don't attempt to take it on board. Sometimes it may be confiscated and not returned.
Film should be taken as carry-on luggage, as the x-ray screening of checked-in baggage can damage the film and render it useless. However, the security x-rays before boarding do not affect camera film or other types of magnetic storage.
Last minute luggage check
Check again that you have everything. All important documents should be easily accessible, either on your person or in a pocket of your carry-on luggage. Seasoned travellers prefer the security of a bum bag or hidden waste pouch for storing passports and money. Call the airport and check that there are no delays or problems with your flight. Leave so as to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight, possibly earlier if it is a busy airport and a peak travel time. Take into consideration any adverse traffic conditions.
Personal security
Never leave your luggage out of your sight or with strangers. Make sure all your important documents, money and credit cards are in a secure place, either on your body or in your carry-on baggage. Regularly check that you still have everything, and never accept any bags, gifts, or even drinks from strangers.
Duty free shopping
Be aware of the various restrictions on quantities and range of items that you can take into your destination or back home as duty free purchases, especially cigarettes and alcohol. Also, familiarise yourself with duty-free zones; for example, a European travelling between EU countries is not entitled to any 'duty-free'. Additionally, research prices at your destination - you may find that it is much cheaper to buy goods in local markets and stores than at the airport duty free shops!
Check-in
For scheduled international flights, most airlines recommend that you check in two hours before departure. If you have only hand luggage, you may be able to check in later, but don't cut it too fine. In these security conscious times, delays can occur unexpectedly, and you risk having your plane take off without you if you haven't given yourself enough time. Some airlines close check-in 20 minutes before scheduled takeoff time.
A general rule of thumb is: the earlier you check in the better the seat you will be allocated but the later your luggage will finally appear on the conveyer. Late check-ins usually retrieve their luggage quickest upon arrival.
Luggage limitations
Most airlines impose the following limitations on luggage:
Hold baggage: |
Business and First Class: |
30kgs (66lbs) |
|
Economy Class: |
20kgs (44lbs) |
Carry on baggage: |
a single item of max. dimensions: |
56cm x 45cm x 25cm |
|
max weight 7kgs |
(22in x 18in x 10in) |
Excess weight is often permitted free at the discretion of the check-in assistant. If the flight is full the airline will typically charge 1.5% of the economy class ticket price per kilogramme (2.2lbs).
Reschedule bonuses
During peak periods, airlines may overbook planes, assuming that not everyone with a ticket will show up. When the plane is genuinely overbooked the airline asks for volunteers to give up their seats. Those who volunteer usually receive a certificate for a free flight or lesser cash bonus and are rebooked on the next flight out. If there are not enough volunteers, the airline chooses who will be denied boarding. The first to get bumped are passengers who checked in late and those flying on discounted tickets, so get to the gate and check in as early as possible.
Getting an upgrade
Airlines upgrade passengers when they have overbook the economy seats. The first thing you need to do is join the airline's frequent flyer program. Joining the club is free and normally will mean points for each mile of travel earned, and lots of other bonuses that can be used towards free flights and other goodies. Single travellers or members of the airlines frequent flyer club will have priority. Whether you are a member or not, it is worthwhile being nice to the person who checks you in, they usually have the authority to upgrade at their own discretion, even when the flight isn't full, it's certainly worth asking! It does help to be dressed suitably if they are to decide to put you into Business Class.
Security checks
Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, all airline security is stringent, even for domestic flights. Your luggage should be send through a security check prior to check-in, and your person and hand luggage will be subject to X-ray inspection before boarding. These do not affect camera film or most magnetic storage systems.
You can remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them in the bins provided. The bins will be sent through the X-ray machine. You can save time, however, by not wearing metal items or by placing such items in your carry-on baggage before you get in line. Avoid wearing clothing, jewellery, or other accessories that contain metal, when traveling.
Hidden items such as body piercings may result in a pat-down inspection. You may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
Avoid placing metal items in your pockets (Keys, loose change, lighters, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)).
Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible. Outer coats including trench coats, ski jackets, leather jackets, overcoats and parkas must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat to the checkpoint, you will need to either place it in your carry-on or put it in the bin that is provided for you. You will not need to remove suit jackets or blazers unless requested by the screener.
Flying comfortably
One of the most common causes of discomfort during flights is dehydration, brought on by the very dry air. Thus, it is very important to drink plenty of water during the flight, particularly if travelling to long-haul destinations. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as this will only multiply the effects of dehydration.
Move about often. Take strolls up and down the aisle about once an hour to promote blood circulation and stretch cramped muscles. During ascents and descents, reduce the pain of popping ears; suck a sweet, chew gum, swallow hard or vigorously blow your nose. If the flight is not heavily booked, ask a flight attendant if you can sit next to an unoccupied seat or in an emergency aisle or even a bulkhead seat (more leg room).
Medication - sleeping pills or melatonin - taken at your destination
Overcoming fear of flying
With the present concerns about the safety and security of air transportation, it is natural that many people are nervous, if not terrified, of boarding an airplane. However, while the worst-case scenarios are horrific, statistically you are much safer travelling by plane than any other means of transportation. Keep in mind that the aircraft is well-maintained and operated by two highly-trained, experienced and sober pilots who have taken off and landed the aircraft hundreds of times before. It helps to be aware of how many hundreds of aircraft around the world take off and land every hour with minimal problems ever reported. Perhaps the best way to overcome fear of flying is to become more knowledgeable about aircraft and the principles of flight. There are several informative sites on the Internet for you to research.
One suggested exercise is a controlled breathing exercise. During take off and landing you may want to close your eyes, relax and concentrate on a simple meditation technique of observing your breathing, ignoring all other thoughts.
Disembarking
Passengers are always eager to disembark once the plane has landed, but you are reminded to remain seated and buckled until the aircraft is stationary. Furthermore, the further back you are down the aisle, the longer it will take to leave the plane, so you're better off relaxing in your seat than waiting around in the congested aisles, battling with weighty overhead hand luggage.
Luggage collection
Generally, the later you check in the sooner your luggage will appear on the conveyers (last in, first out). Be patient and courteous with other passengers, luggage often takes up-to 20 minutes to arrive. If you are sure your luggage has not arrived do not panic. If the airline has misplaced it (occurring occasionally if you have 'checked-through' your luggage from a previous connecting flight), they are usually quite efficient at locating it, delivering it to your address and often gifting you some form of compensation. Being affirmative, but not aggressive, returns the best results.
Immigration
Airlines usually distribute entry cards before landing; ensure you have completed it in full beforehand, to avoid delays.
If you have the correct visas or entitlement to enter the destination country then the process of passing immigration should be hassle free. However, be aware that immigration officers are typically bureaucratic in some developing and former-Soviet countries and will quiz you thoroughly, expecting you to provide an address where you will be staying. They act tough and are notoriously unfriendly but if you answer patiently and correctly they will let you through. They will also expect to see an onward or return ticket before allowing you entry. Countries that have problems with an influx of illegal workers, such the US and EU countries tend to ask probing questions to determine your real intentions, so be alert. Several people entering these countries have been issued 'hot cross buns' where your initial entry visa is denied due to suspicious circumstances, such as insufficient funds. This means they place a red cross through the visa in your passport (for all future immigration officers to see!) and deny you entry or allow you entry for only 48 hours.
Customs: red or green route?
If you have goods to declare then you shouldn't chance it, and always opt for the red route. Goods to declare include: excessive amounts of alcohol and cigarettes, brand new electronic items, new high-value items which you may be bringing home and could be subject to import duty and controlled items (varies according to each country), or high-value items which need to be declared (the latter will need a certificate issued and recorded in your passport so that they can demand to see it on your departure, failure to leave the country without the said goods may result in a penalty).
All other passengers should follow the green route, where customs officers usually stop people at random and ask probing questions before requesting to search your luggage and person. Undeclared goods may be confiscated and countries that are particularly tough on banned drugs can be quite thorough in their search, even resorting to 'rubber glove treatment'. It's best to assume the persona of a 'regular tourist' if you don't wish to attract attention. Although a well-trained officer will not be fooled, they do tend to pick out scruffy backpackers and single young adult men with limited luggage.
Some countries also prohibit the importation of certain items, such as pornography or 'copied' software so it's worth checking if in doubt. Singapore , for example, does not allow chewing gum.
Casual users of mild banned substances (such as marijuana) are advised to thoroughly check all luggage (especially pockets) before packing, as some people have in ended up being arrested and convicted for unwittingly 'trafficking' even small amounts of any kind of banned drug.
Currency exchange
Most international airports that receive significant numbers will have at least one currency exchange bureau open to receive all flights. Usually their commission is slightly higher to accommodate the inconvenience.
Avoid being a victim
Try to be as alert as you can; weary travellers make easy prey for pickpockets and thieves. Make sure any taxi you get into is legitimate to avoid any shady goings on, and be wary of touts and people recommending hotels, tours, bars, etc. Carry a second 'dummy' wallet with a small amount of cash in case you are mugged.
After a long journey it seems convenient to succumb to the offers of a tout or taxi driver, and they can become quite aggressive. Lookout instead for an official tourist desk and simply brush off unwanted solicitors by explaining that a 'friend or relative' is collecting you. If you do take a taxi, always insist on a meter. The fewer passengers there are behind you the more 'negotiable' the taxi driver or tout becomes.