Jun 08
2008Here is a great list of tips for trouble-free air travel. An air trip can easily be ruined from just one small thing going wrong. Use these tips as a useful checklist whether you fly frequently or just occasionally.
Make sure your passport is not about to expire. Most people never think of this until it’s too late. It needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your return dates of travel. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months or you may be refused entry.
It is important to decide what you will be taking as onboard hand luggage and what you will be consigning separately. Do this several days before you travel as it could affect what luggage bags you take. It could also affect your air ticket booking, particularly if booking online. Check that you know what luggage restrictions may apply.
Confirm flight times and dates for all portions of your trip to make sure that it matches up with your information.
Make a copy of your air travel itinerary and your passport photo page, and leave copies with your key contacts (workplace, family, travel agent or friend). This can be useful in case you suffer a mishap or in case you need to be contacted urgently. Remember to include telephone numbers and addresses of where you can be contacted during your trip.
When traveling internationally you may need a visa. This can be a business visa or tourist visa. Make sure you get the correct visa for your purpose.
Make photocopies of your passport, visas and any other pertinent travel documents. Pack copies in your luggage as a contingency in case your original documents are lost or stolen.
Take a copy of your medical history with you in case of a medical requerement. This simply means listing any medical conditions, blood type, etc. If you are allergic to any medications, or have special medical needs, include this information. When traveling internationally try to have this document translated to the local language of travel.
If traveling abroad here is a great tip: prepare a list of key phrases written in the local language such as thank you, please, where is, help, how much, and so on. You just need a small piece of paper showing a dozen or so key phrases.
Theft is always a concern at airports, but also on flights. Never leave valuables on or near your airline seat - take them with you if you leave your seat.
Constantly be aware of your surroundings while in the airport. Many thieves go to airport specifically to steal.
For the latest tips relating to the air trip itself, see Air Travel Safety Secrets (see contact details below). This free ebook reveals air travel information that airlines don’t tell you. Anybody traveling by air should see this ebook.
