OK, so if you fly frequently you probably have got most of this nailed (though you might also learn something new!), however, if you’re about to embark on flying frequently say, for a new job, then you can learn from those that have gone before you and benefit from some tried and tested advice.
1) Hey Siri – Don’t let me miss my flight!
Rule number one of flying… never miss your flight! It’s all too easy for the hours fly by once you’re through security, and lose all track of time, but the solution is really simple.
Once you’ve cleared security, check the flight departures board and see at what time your departure gate will be announced. Usually about 90 minutes to two hours, (if you got to the airport three hours before your flight). So set your phone alarm for that exact time.
In the meantime, hit the shops, bars and restaurants for some stress free retail therapy before you board.
2) Download the airline’s app before you check in.
The airline will email your boarding pass or send you a link via text message. However, by downloading the airline app, you’ll benefit from the most up to date information. (When you arrive at the airport – quickly login to the airport’s free Wi-Fi in case of any signal problems.)
As well as containing updates to your flight, such as the departure time and gate information, most airline apps now send your phone an alert when the gate is announced, and another when boarding is about to commence.
3) It’s a simple point – but always carry a pen
You’ll have to fill out immigration forms if you’re visiting a country outside of the EU. If you’re lucky, the flight attendant will give you the form on board the plane, before you land. Having your own pen, will make that process much simpler! Job done!
However, and especially in the U.S., it’s just as likely that you’ll have to fill out more forms once you reach your destination. U.S. airports are generally congested with long queues at immigration. Having your own pen on you, means you can avoid having to pause at desks provided, before immigration while the queue massively increases.
Instead, you can head on up the queue as far as possible, where you can fill in the form while you wait!
4) Recharge your batteries!
If you value having charge on your devices when traveling, take matters into your own hands and travel with a portable battery, so you can top up along the way and not have to rely on USB slots in cafes and waiting areas. Don’t rely on charging your phone or tablet while in an airport or on a plane. Some cafes have USB slots and even wireless charging pads, while many planes have USB slots near to infotainment screens. Do all airports and planes have them? Absolutely not. Do they always work? Hmm, well we wouldn’t want to rely on them.
Go for one that is big enough – we like the Anker Power-Core priced around £50. If you’re delayed, these can be a very useful tool, in some cases a lifesaver.
5) Don’t rely on in-flight entertainment
Bringing your own entertainment onboard can make for a happier journey and some quality relaxing time. Inflight entertainment is what it is, but the quality and resolution of the seat back screens isn’t great, and you’re restricted to the choices that your airline lays on for you (many seem to be downgrading these choices).
So, before you leave your super-fast Wi-Fi at home, download your latest box set or that BBC drama you missed and look forward to some quality binge watching on your tablet or phone.
6) Who’s got your back (up)?
The last thing you want to happen is to lose your passport or any other important details that you need like credit cards and your travel insurance policy. One of our frequent flyer tips is to ensure you have a remote copy of everything. We recommend you scan the face page of your passport, driving licence and credit cards. In fact every important document needed for your journey, and upload it to something like Dropbox so even if the worst happens, you’ll be able to access a copy.
7) Lounge lizards
Showers, comfy seating, decent food, open bars and Wi-Fi are just some of the perks found in a good airport lounge. While some are reserved for business-class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers only, others are open to anyone willing to pay.
LoungeBuddy tells you which airport lounges are open to paying customers in your airport’s terminal – and what’s included -to decide if it’s worth the money. Essential to know what you’re getting before you buy.
Ten more short and sweet tips…
- Take a photo of the location where you left your car or record a sound file. If you’re a frequent flyer, one airport carpark, can look much the same as another!
- Bring your own refillable water bottle – you’ll have to empty it to go through security but saves on buying expensive bottled water through your journey and lets you have access to water onboard without having to ask a flight attendant. (Add a slice of lemon for a little flavour!)
- Put a simple change of clothes in your hand baggage – just in case of misplaced luggage.
- Similar to point 3, carry your chargers and adaptors onboard.
- Invest in some noise cancelling headphones.
- Take some foam or similar earplugs and a light reducing eye mask, a must for getting some uninterrupted shut eye (by blocking unwanted light, eye masks help the body produce melatonin so that you can fall asleep more naturally). Take a neck pillow – inflatable or otherwise.
- A mini toothpaste and brush, some anti-bac wipes and a mini moisturiser will go a long way to making you feel human again before you land, especially after a long haul.
- Remember your meds in your carry-on luggage.
- Try to wear loose fitting clothing and buy some flight socks for long haul.
- Opt for a game changing four-wheel suitcase!
Katharine Cleall is a Travel Counsellor for Business, an expert in arranging worldwide business travel and associated services. Contact her on 01202 802166.