Boarding Tips

Whether you are travelling for work or pleasure, it is important to make your experience at the airport as hassle-free as possible. Here are some tips you can follow to avoid any inconvenience at the airport:

• Most airlines provide the facility to check-in by phone or online within 24 hrs of departure. Use this facility to check-in so that you can avoid the bother of standing in line for check-in while having to manage your luggage and co-passengers, if any.

• Plan to arrive early at the airport. There may be snags and delays on route to the airport. If you do not have enough buffer time, you are likely to have a very stressful time making it to the airport on time, in case of any delays.

• If you are carrying less than two items of check-in luggage, try the option of curbside check-in. Queues on the inside of the airport are usually longer and take more time as most passengers in that queue have multiple items of luggage.

• If you are only using a carry-on luggage, ensure that it meets the regulation size standards. If it does not, you will be required to come back and check it in.

• In the post-9/11 world, a number of common use items are restricted onboard an aircraft. Check the complete list of restricted items on the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website and ensure that you are not carrying any of them on your person or your luggage.

• Liquids are strictly monitored at airport security. The TSA website has detailed information on how to carry liquids in your carry-on. If you carry any liquids that do not meet the regulation standard, you will need to dispose of them.

• During your security check, you will be asked to remove your shoes and any other clothing like caps, jackets, coats, etc. Wear clothing and shoes that can be removed easily and without fuss.

• If you beep while going through a metal detector, you may have to go through a pat-search or frisking by a hand held device. Avoid this by ensuring that you are not wearing any metal on your person. Remove jewelry, if any and avoid clothes with metal buttons.

Tips For Long Flights

One cannot avoid a long flight if the occasion arises, but one can attempt to make it as comfortable and bearable as possible. Here are some tips to help you on your long flights:

• Wear the most comfortable clothes you have. Remember that you will need to take of your jacket, shoes, etc. during security check at the airport. Dress to make that process convenient. But also remember that you are going to be in the same clothes for a long time and choose clothes according to their comfort levels. Avoid synthetic materials, tight clothes and bulky sweaters.

• Choose your seat with care. If you are likely to sleep through the flight, you may want a window seat so that you are not disturbed by other people climbing over you to access the aisle. If you are likely to need frequent toilet breaks, you may want to take up an aisle seat, so that you don’t have to climb over other passengers regularly.

• The low humidity atmosphere inside an airplane can dehydrate you. We may not realize the cause, but may start feeling uncomfortable and light headed. To avoid discomfort of this sort, ensure that you carry bottled water and sip from it regularly. Also, your skin is likely to get very dry and itchy in this atmosphere. Carry a good moisturizer or body lotion you can use in the event that you require it.

• Bring your own food if you are not likely to want to eat the food offered by the airline. You cannot stay hungry throughout a long flight. This is especially important, if you have a medical condition that requires regular food intake of specific nature.

• Most airlines provide their passengers with pillow and blanket. You may not want to use these airline-provided blankets or they may run out of them. If you are particular about using a blanket, bring your own or carry a sleeping bag to cover yourself.

• Long flight can be difficult on our joints, muscles and spine. Move around regularly to loosen stiff joints and muscles. This will help prevent cramps arising from stiffness.

First Time Flyers

Flying is unlike any other experience of travel. For a first-time flyer, the prospect of flying can be rather intimidating. Here are some tips to help you through your first flying experience with ease and comfort:

Mental preparation is a must. You need to know what to expect. Boarding, take-off, turbulence, bumps, air pockets and landing are all part of the flying experience and you need to know what to expect so that you are not surprised, taken aback or shocked when they do occur.

Different airlines have different rules for seat allocation. While some airlines let you choose your seats while booking your tickets, other only allow seat choices during check in. Decide which seat you would prefer and find out how you can get the seat of your choice. If you are likely to sleep or are prone to motion sickness or if are likely to use your laptop, choose the window. This way you can avoid being disturbed by passengers trying to reach the aisle. If you are likely to frequent the toilet, choose an aisle seat so you don’t disturb other passengers.

Know the prices of anything you are likely to buy. The cost of items in the airport and onboard can be much higher than their retail prices. Find out details from the website of your airline so that you know what you can expect to spend on your journey and are prepared for it.

Know the rules that apply to your luggage. If you are planning on using only a carry-on, ensure its size meets the regulation standard.

Know the number of luggage pieces you are allowed to carry and charges applicable to extra luggage.

Know what to expect at the airport. Know the security procedure. After checking in your luggage, if any, carry your boarding pass and identification with you. You will need to go through a metal detector and your carry-on luggage will be x-rayed. Follow the rules of security thoroughly to avoid any delay.

Dress comfortably. Remember that the temperatures can be very low in the airplane and be prepared for it. Carry a light jacket or a scarf.