AT THE AIRPORT

Waiting, waiting…

When we have those long haul flights, the time cannot come quick enough to arrive at our destination, or sadly when we touch back down after our holiday. We all know people that do not mind the 15 hour flights, but I do. From the two plus hours when we arrive at the international airport, to the passport control & customs at the other end, it is a long time. Luckily, our trending world these days has airports (and airlines) have a lot to offer – from airline lounges to free public showers at the airport. Below is advice on what can help you fill in time or give you ideas or tips during air travel.

Restrictions on liquids – drink up!

Have ever just bought a new bottle of water and lined up at security to then have to throw it away due to liquid restrictions? Me too.  Talk about wasting money. But did you know that you can actually take that bottle through security? That’s right, if you can get your drinking skills on or already come to the airport with an empty water bottle, you can just refill it when you clear security. This saves you having to find a good deal on water, which bottles are expensive at the airports. Most airports have water fountains, you could also ask cafes or restaurants if they do not mind filling your bottle with their tap or can always resort to the bathroom taps. Problem solved!

Prepare with your liquids

This is one that everyone is or should be familiar with. You are unable to get through security if you have liquids or gels of over 100mls. Then they must fit into a small sealable bag. Downsize as needed if you your checked in luggage doesn’t arrive safely at your destination. You should pack these items toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, perfume, cologne, hand sanitizer, chapstick (you can dry out on the plane) and some shower gel or hair products if you plan on having a shower at airports – all under 100ml. Bonus tip: moisture wipes, make-up wipes are not counted as a liquid/gel in most airports. These are handy to freshen up or use as a part shower.

When you need a bed

If you are ready to give up on lying on a line of chairs at an empty gate and wrapping your jacket around you or using it as a pillow, there could be other options. Yes, the comfort option means you will pay, but you won’t find a double bed lying around in the airport for free. Make sure you check the website of the airports you have a connection in and what sleep options they have. Some have sleeping pods, cubicles and some have hotels (check out Bangkok airports Louis’ Tavern dayrooms). You will be asked to provide your flight departure details to ensure you don’t miss your flight. I have used these sleeping options in São Paulo and Bangkok, which both had a layover of over six hours. These places can offer complimentary wifi, power points, showers, water and snacks or even meals.

Duty Free

Most just walk through duty free as they can be overwhelming with prices, staff or we are too exhausted to shop. But if you actually walk around and remember that you can test items out that can make you feel better! Splash on some perfume, use the water mister, ladies touch up with some foundation or moisturiser?

Free Public Showers

When travelling over a long distance (Australia to London) you may have to stop at another airport waiting for your next flight. During stopovers, the best thing in the world – is having a shower! And you can have one for free! I am always looking up airports that I have a connection flights in before I arrive to see if public showers are offered. Just take a small tea towel, or chamois (chamy) with you onboard and you’re set. Whether you jump back into the same clothes or change your entire outfit. You can then go to your next gate feeling refreshed. Just remember to take a soap or gel (under 100ml) with you, as most public showers do not provided anything.

WIFI to keep in touch

We are all guilty of walking through airports with our Wifi settings open trying to find something for free or with a password. Whether you have a long waiting time or short, you still can try these tips to gain WIFI. 1. Look for symbols – at different airports they will actually advertise WIFI zones etc. 2. If you are going to eat or sit somewhere for a cup of coffee or a beer, check and see if they cafe/restaurant offers WIFI. Ask ahead sometimes if they have WIFI (might not be working) or what the WIFI password is before ordering. You don’t want to be without it when you sat there specifically for it. 3. There are also mobile apps out there that you can use to look up WIFI spots (like airports). Make sure you always take note when you sign up or log in using WIFI as a lot have limited minutes or hours you can have complimentary access. 4. Ask other foreigners if they know where any WIFI is or staff members. 5. This last one is the least useful one but – pay for WIFI, a lot will still offer but may have to pay $5 for 30 minutes. If the signal is good and you really need it, just pay for it.

Last chance to organise currency

It should be a last resort to convert money here, as the conversion rates are usually a disadvantage to the traveller. But if you don’t have any and you plan to take public transport or a taxi and you will have to pay in cash (don’t always rely on your travel money cards), it’s best to do it here. Be prepared that the currencies may not be sold ie. El Dorado Bogota Airport did not hold Peruvian Sol at the time when I was there.  Try ask for small denominations – if you have the equivalent of $50USD and your cab ride in Peru is only $3USD the drivers may not have change for you. Don’t just rely on arriving at your destination as there can be long lines to exchange money at the other end and higher exchange rates.

IN THE SKY

Passing time in the sky can be difficult for some. I am from Australia so I am always looking at a good nine hours at minimum for the journeys to higher Asia, USA and Europe. Here are some tips to help your flight be a little more comfortable.

Use the stickers or symbols for sleeping/meals

Long haul flights and some airlines will use colour codes, or stickers to signify if you wish to be disturbed or not. For example Etihad has sleeping masks and depending on the way you put it, they will wake you for meals or let you be. So it’s worth it to pay extra attention sometimes. If you want to sleep and hopefully wake when you’re about to land then make sure you have the do not disturb red side facing outwards.

Meals, drinks and snacks on board

Stating the obvious but if you have dietary requirements hopefully you didn’t wait until your flight took off to let them know. Aside from that the bad news is if you are at the end of a serving section you will have the leftover less popular meals. So make sure you have a good look at the menu to make sure you can eat everything on the list. It can sometimes pay to say to the attendant you cannot eat a certain dish or dishes if your chosen one runs out. Although be careful as they may say something about dietary requirements needed to be given when you booked your flight etc. When it is time for snacks, this one is often missed as the cabin is dark. If you are having a good sleep that’s not a problem, but if you are asleep & hungry make sure you track an attendant down to have that snack. They aren’t always fulfilling but it’s better than nothing. Don’t be afraid to ask the attendants throughout the flight for things ie. water, coffee, another small snack etc. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated in the air.

Stretch as much as you can

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is real, and isn’t pretty to experience. I’ve known people who have got it and it’s painful and can really ruin the start of your trip or welcome home. Compression stockings are highly advised to those who may be inclined to suffer from it. Make sure you get up every few hours and walk around the plane and move your toes, stretch you legs.

Check your entertainment

This is primarily making sure (which is sometimes after take off) that everything works. Make sure the socket USB outlet is charging for your phone, tablet etc. Check that the headphones are working or both sides of them are working. That way you can quickly get a new pair from an attendant and test them. A suggestion that really does wonders for some travellers is noise reducing headphones! As much as we adapt to the hum of the jet engines, there are options to cut that sound right down! Go on to Amazon for the best on the market with the Bose quiet comfort 35 but they will set you back $349USD (cannot ship to Australia). For Australians who want to shop on Amazon a highly rated option is the Cowin E-7 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.

Timing is everything when landing

On your long haul flights and when you are getting closer to your destination it can get busy in the aisles. If you are one of the last to get served the last meal get ready now if you need to pack your equipment/gear/clothes etc up. If you are one of the first to receive the last meal, try as soon as you can to head to the lavatory or fix your cabin baggage up, fill in landing cards etc. The lines for the lavatory can get incredibly long building up to landing and when the light comes on to fasten you seat belt you don’t want to miss out. Make sure you utilise the complimentary travel pack that most airlines provide as you can get a small (very small) amount of toothpaste and a travel toothbrush. This is if you don’t travel with your own – buy 100ml or under toothpaste before you leave.

Keep an eye out for those empty seats!

This is a big one for travellers of any kind. We want to have space! You can do the regular of asking when you check in if the flight is full, empty seats etc – some staff will assist you greatly, others will say you’ll have to wait until you are on board. The final outcome is when you are on board and hear “boarding complete” or similar, GO, GO, GO! Everyone is on and the free seats are anyone’s! Don’t rely on an earlier conversation with a flight attendant in saying ‘could you let me know if there’s any free seats.’ This is because if they forget you or are too slow they can’t kick someone else out of a once-free-seat to accommodate you (unless extreme circumstances).

AIRPORT ARRIVAL

Passport control & customs

If you’re at the front of the plane of course you will have an advantage of hopping off first. This is great to make your way to passport control and beat everyone else on your flight. Especially to avoid even longer lines if you’ve flown in to a busy airport or at a time when other international flights have landed. Ensure you have everything ready before you hop off the plane, landing cards that are already filled in is a relief as you don’t have to find where they are, or a pen (always carry a pen or two) or desk space to fill your card in. Have your passport and any other travel documentation handy for your turn. The same goes for your custom card, make sure (if necessary) this is filled in while you are on your flight as well, to be able to hand this over if applicable. All this together makes for a smooth transition before you head out those doors to your destination!

Coming out of the arrival doors

This can be overwhelming for some or if they are at chaotic airports – where taxi drivers are shouting at you, family and friends looking for loved ones, hundreds of people everywhere and chauffeurs & hotels holding up poster boards with names on them – it’s a lot sometimes. Make sure sure you already have a plan in place to deal with this. Pre-order a taxi, a hotel shuttle, know which transportation sign/symbol you need to look for (trains, buses, trams etc). If you are taking public transport read up beforehand on which bus number or colour the bus is, its schedule and so on. If you have just arrived at an international destination – do you have small denominations of the local currency? Taxi or bus drivers may not have change for larger denominations. Public transportation sometimes does not have cash on buses, but a prepaid card or a ticket machine at the stop/station. Have a plan of action for airport arrival.

Have a good look at your luggage

Just to always been on the detective side, if you have TSA (recommended) locks see if they have been opened by security. If you do not have TSA locks make sure your locks have not been broken.

Freshen up before you leave

If you have to go to the bathroom before leaving the airport, try to hold on until you go through passport control. This way you skip any line up between off boarding and the line at passport control getting longer from people on your flight (100 people could go past you while you’re in the bathroom, ladies!). Once you’re through control, look for toilets as 99% of the time they will have facilities here (between passport control & carousel). Go before your carousel starts moving with the luggage, as it can be a tight squeeze with a massive 23kg bag in a toilet cubicle if you are travelling on your own. If you need to change your outfit from clothes in your suitcase, try looking and quickly using the disabled toilets for more room for your luggage.

SAFETY