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Help yourself to a smoother flight by trying out these top tips |
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| Tips on this page: Before booking your flights Packing Tips Check-in / before boarding In-flight Packing List |
| Before booking your flights |
| Low price versus location |
| When you are tempted by a crazily low flight price, check to see where the destination airport is. You might find that it's a long and costly journey from the airport to where you really want to be, and that you'd be better off paying a little more and getting closer to your destination |
| Planning on carrying a lot of luggage? |
| While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details |
| Packing Tips See Packing List here |
| Split up your valuables |
| Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!) |
| Film Cases |
| Use your left over film cases to pack toiletries and other small items. Sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof. Digital camera users; nalgene bottles will do the same trick |
| Pack with plastic |
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Pack items such as suntan lotion, moisturiser and perfume into individual bags, just in case the
packaging gets smashed or the contents leak. Plastic or paper tissue can also help prevent
creases, so fold around delicate clothes too It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best. |
| Backpack Tips |
| When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack |
| Separate Beach Bag |
| When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver! |
| Suitcase lovers |
| For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily |
| Gifts |
| While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened |
| Flashlights or Torches |
| When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight |
| Diaper Bag |
| If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen |
| Shoes |
| If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock) |
| Clothes |
| Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road |
| Minimize on toiletries |
| Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded |
| Roll Technique |
| Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled |
| Stow your stuff |
| With strict security checks in place, items such as razors, penknives, hypodermic needles must be packed into your hold baggage, NOT your cabin baggage |
| Mark your bags |
| As well as tying luggage tags to the exterior of your bags, stick or tie some inside as well, as an extra precaution |
| Carry-On baggage |
| Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, L.A. or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days |
| Dress smart |
| It's always a good idea to look presentable when you fly. You'll feel much better when you arrive at your destination and, if you feel brave enough to ask for an upgrade, you're more likely to get one if you're dressed smartly |
| Check-in and before boarding |
| Check in early |
| Get the seats you want by checking in at the earliest time given by the airline. Remember that you can sometimes check in online or at train stations which serve major airports. If you're meeting a friend at check-in, go ahead and check yourself in, then reserve a seat for your travel partner to make sure you can sit next to each other |
| Long legs |
| Tall? Get a seat by one of the emergency exits. Try asking in good time, but you probably won't be allocated the seat until check-in, as staff there have to see for themselves that you are able-bodied, and capable of opening the door should an emergency situation arise |
| Leave phone numbers at the boarding gate |
| Write full name and phone numbers (incl.country code) of relatives/friends NOT travelling with you on that part of your boarding pass which airline staff take from you at the boarding gate. It makes it easier for airlines to contact your relatives in case something happens! |
| In-flight |
| Pops away |
| Chewing gum or sucking a mint can really help prevent your ears popping during take-off and descent. You can also check out chemists for devices that you put into your ears, which are designed to help prevent the pain caused by changes in cabin pressure |
| Do not disturb |
| For less chance of getting disturbed by a chatty neighbour or by cabin staff, take an eye mask - and wear it |
| In-flight comfort |
| Walk or move around as much as you can on your flight to help prevent deep vein thrombosis. Drink plenty of clear fluids (water, not gin or vodka...), to help make sure you keep hydrated on your flight, as cabin air is very dehydrating. Avoid alcohol at all costs - it's more intoxicating at altitude and you're likely to have a stinking hangover when you land - not the best start to a holiday |
| Avoid jet lag |
The most important factor in jet lag is how many time zones you cross, and travelling east seems
to be worst for most people. Jet lag occurs when you cross over a number of time zones and
disrupt the normal 'circadian' rhythms which help you wake up in the morning and go to sleep
at night - your 'bodyclock'.
Try these suggestions to help counteract jet lag next time you fly:
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