For many first time travellers preparing for a first flight can be both fascinating but also anxious. There is an element of uncertainty and the urge to understand more the experience. From hearing false stories and myths about being on “Cloud 9”, it is essential that these myths are debunked. In the case of frequent flyers, new issues such as Covid-19 keep cropping up. The following are key essentials of having hustle free flights.
- Make sure your documentation is in order
There is nothing so disappointing than being denied entry into a destination upon your arrival because of inadequate documentation. It is necessary to carefully study requirements and prepare in advance. Some countries require VISAs, meaning that you will have to check the requirements and secure a VISA if so required. There are other documents necessary such as accommodation bookings, confirmation by your residential hosts. For some international events, documents are necessary.
Some countries are so much strict about the purpose of visit such that they may want to see proof that indeed you are not skipping the border. It is your responsibility to get all the needed documentation for your entry into another country.
- Wear comfortable clothes
There are no hard and fast rules for dressing during a flight. However, your choice should allow you to be comfortable given that at times flights can be long at tiresome.
- Drink an adequate amount of fluids
Due to the fact that sometimes there is a possibility of dehydration, travellers should ensure that they take in a lot of fluids.
- Sort out logistics for your destination in advance to avoid being stranded
Issues such as transport for your arrival at the airport and accommodation are necessary. These should be arranged well before you travel to your destination. Being stranded at airports has happened many times. Some flights arrive at night whilst others arrive during the day.
Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that your transport is booked in advance or else someone is waiting to pick you at the airport. Some destinations are dangerous and just picking any unrecognised taxi services or other transport means which are unapproved, can become unsafe to the traveller. Ensure that you have secured transport and accommodation before departing your home.
- Check with your airline the requirements for travellers
Each airline has got its own requirements. It is the duty of travellers to ensure that they get to know the instructions with respect to the particular airline in question. There are restrictions in terms of some dangerous goods. These dangerous goods should be avoided, otherwise passengers may be denied boarding.
Some of the examples include flammable materials, sharp objects, ammunition amongst other dangerous goods. Please check with your airline for the full list of dangerous goods. There are also requirements for hand luggage, including some acceptable dimensions.
- Get vaccinations and protection against diseases which may be prevalent at your intended destination
There is a possibility of getting sick during your stay at the destination. In order to avoid problems, ensure that you are vaccinated well in advance of the travel if there is need to. There are specific countries (not all of them) which require Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Some countries during the Covid-19 pandemic were requesting Covid-19 vaccination certificate or negative Covid-19 test. In other circumstances it can be both. Please check Covid-19 requirements as they differ from country to country. It is the duty of the traveller to find out Covid-19 rules at the destination of choice.
- Carry your medications
For those travellers who are taking medication, it is essential to carry your medication. You are never always sure whether or not you will find the same medication in the next destination. For some people, missing medication can exacerbate their medical condition.
- Packing your baggage
Packing your baggage can be exciting especially for the first timers. It is necessary to carry essential items which are legal. In addition, carrying appropriate clothes is necessary it suits the weather conditions of the place you are going to. Most airlines have a baggage limit of 23kg per bag and the baggage allowance can either be one or two in most cases. Extra baggage will attract penalties, so be very careful when packing your bags to carry what is necessary. Avoid carrying any prohibited items in baggage as it is an offence that can even lead to prosecution. Travellers must check with their airlines and civil aviation authorities baggage requirements and restrictions if any.
- Check the weather at the destination you are going
Weather conditions are dynamic and it is possible to depart from an absolutely hot climate and enter into a snowy sub-zero environment. Therefore, travellers must check the weather updates and prepare their clothes accordingly.
- Familiarise with airport procedures
First time travellers should familiarise with airport procedures which can become routine to frequent fliers. There is need for check-in of passengers and baggage, immigration, security checks including scanning people and hand luggage. All of these procedures are for enhanced customer safety.
On arrival passengers should pass through immigration and complete entry forms and modalities. If there are any new items of specified economic value that the passenger brings into the country of destination, it will be necessary to declare these items and pay relevant customs duty. (Duty thresholds and percentages to be paid vary from country to country). Some items are duty free whilst others are not.
New passengers should familiarise and cooperate with authorities. In some countries there are port health authorities who may undertake health screening and checks for arriving passengers. For passengers in transit, there is continued need to follow requirements of the transit destination requirements until arrival.
- Arrive at the airport early to avoid missing flights
Many people have missed flight due to arriving late at airports. Congestion in traffic and also airports being busy can be key reasons for delays. Always put an allowance of time for any eventualities which are unforeseen. Arriving early also allows you to check any issues with your ticket or documents well in advance of the boarding. Missing a flight can be very inconveniencing to you as this may also mean that you will miss the consequent connecting flights. Furthermore, it is an inconvenience to those who would have planned to receive you as they will have to reschedule.
- Checking-in on time
Checking-in on time is golden when flying. A lot of people have acted like fools when check-in counters have closed. Some airlines are really strict. This golden rule also goes hand in hand with the previous one which is based on time keeping. These days there are some airlines which allow online check-in within a specific time period leading up to the flight for example such as within 24 hours before the flight. The time periods may vary and it is the duty of travellers to check with their airline.
Online check-in has benefits because you do not need to get into long queues just to check in, but you can be able to just drop your baggage at the appropriate place to have it tagged and be identified according to your details and flight. This is less time consuming. Some airports have self-check-in and there are a number of machines which you can use to check in. The use of technology also lessens the need to stand in long-winding queues. The online check-in can also allow you to choose your seat in some airlines and print your boarding passes from home or your accommodation. This ensures you can skip the busy queues. Check in procedures vary from airline to airline and it is your duty as a traveller to find out and adhere to requirements.
- Travel to the Boarding Gates early
Once you have checked in or you are at a transit destination awaiting to board the next flight, there is still a chance to miss the flight unless and until you go through the boarding gate. Boarding gates close based on a stipulated time and you should be at your boarding gate in time for boarding the aircraft.
It is far much better to wait whilst you are now at the boarding gate. Some people enjoy duty free shopping at airports, which is a good thing to do, but do not get carried away to delay arrival at the boarding gate as you will be denied boarding. For first time fliers, picking up boarding gates can be very tricky.
It is necessary to watch the signage as well as the large screens which show different flights information. The departure gate will be specified and you will need to head there on time. With regular travelling, the movement towards boarding gates becomes routine, but should never be taken for granted.
Some airports have boarding gates at different levels of the airport and it is your duty to locate them using information provided. If unsure, travellers should ask airport staff information desk or security for guidance.
At Incheon International Airport in Seoul South Korea, the number boarding gates is very large such that if travellers dilly dally, missing a flight is a reality. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Heathrow International Airport, OR Tambo International Airport and Cairo International Airports are advanced airports. In addition, Washington Dulles International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Amsterdam Schipol International Airport.
- Changing onto connecting flights
Changing onto connecting flights for first time travellers can be tricky, but it is manageable. It is essential that on arrival to the transit destination, you follow signs that show where transit flights are being directed. Furthermore, if you are not sure please ask the information desk. Some flight connections can be very tight such that any confusion or missing signage can result in you arriving late at boarding gates. Punctuality is a key ingredient to hustle free travel, whether it is domestic or international.
- Travel with extra resources (credit card, cash, travellers cheques or other legal tender) to cater for emergencies)
One of the key tips for first time travellers is the fact that you will need to travel with extra resources. A lot of things can happen during the journey such as missing a flight, illness, freak injuries, changing circumstances with your accommodation. The last thing you would like to do is to get stranded in a foreign country. There are a number of people who have been stuck in foreign lands, after planning for a trip. It is embarrassing to begin pestering people for top up money to finance your journey or other emergencies.
A good credit card with adequate resources is necessary, cash is also a good option, although it is risky. Additionally, there are restrictions in the amount you can carry due to money laundering regulations, hence passengers should adhere to the laws of their country of departure, transit and arrival.
Travelling requires budgeting and planning. Avoid booking for things that you cannot afford. Choose the airline class which you can afford and the hotel that suits your budget, so that you can have enough resources for the actual journey. “Avoid doing things to the gallery and do not live to impress people. You know your pocket”