Have you ever felt an experience of over excitement for your much-awaited getaway to your favorite vacation spot? An airplane trip either for business or for pleasure can be stressful or enjoyable. If first-timers find their first-ever airplane flight both thrilling and exciting, veterans with traveling would still want a one-of-a-kind experience up on the air! Here are some of the basic and effective guidelines you need to understand about air travel to make your trip more comfortable and safe.
THE DAY BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT
• Make sure that all your bags are completely packed and labeled. A lot of bags look like the same as the one you brought along, and it may possibly be of the same style. You would want to avoid ending up carrying the bag of the person next to you. If you don’t intend to write your name on your bag, you can place something that can clue you. It is yours like a unique bag tag, key chain or stickers.
• Prepare a small hand carry bag where you can safely place your passport, tickets, money, other identifications and important documents. Include also in your bag immediate necessities you will probably need while on your trip like coat, snacks, a bottle of water, a book, newspaper or anything to entertain you, paper, pen, tissue and medicines. Although some necessities are available while on board, it’s good to have your own for convenience. Check for the things you are allowed and prohibited to bring at the airport.
• If possible, take a picture of the contents of your bag. In case it will get lost, you won’t be having major problems.
• Get ready your clothes and shoes to wear the next day preferably the ones you are comfortable with. Wearing something, which are not too tight and non-restrictive shoes are usually the comfy ones. Avoid wearing too much metal as they are to be removed during security checks.
Have a good sound sleep but never sleep too long. You don’t want to miss your flight with oversleeping, but rather you would want to feel good and alert on the day of your trip. A good night sleep can easily awaken you once your alarm clock rings you up at the expected time. You can leave early and avoid the anxiety of having a rush.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT
• Be as early as you can!
• Once you are in the airport, verify if you have arrived at the correct terminal. Check for any delays or changes in your flight.
• Keep your bags in sight at all times. Watching over them prevents it from being stolen. Somebody can also slip something inside your bag without you noticing. It could be illegal drugs or worse, a bomb. You could just imagine yourself being questioned and having a difficult time explaining.
• Register yourself by checking-in with your bags. This will confirm your flight details and board your bags on the right plane. Securely keep the receipts of your bags. The receipts will serve to identify your luggage if it really belongs to you. Checking-in as soon as you arrive at the airport prevents you from the hassles of queuing. You also get to choose your seat ahead of the others.
• Be vigilant with the people around you and don’t act as if it’s your first time, even if it really is. You don’t want people to be taking advantage with your innocence. Talk to the right person at the right place like a helpdesk if you need assistance. Don’t ever think that joking about bomb threats and terrorist attacks can put you on the limelight.
WHILE ON BOARD THE PLANE
• Listen to safety instructions given to you by the cabin crew. Be alert for announcements too. They will be advising you when it is safe to move around, when you can use your electronic devices and what to do in case of emergencies. They will also be informing you on the exit routes nearest to where you are seated. Restrooms and other concerns will be tackled as well.
• Occasionally stretch your foot and legs, do some exercises while seated and if allowed, move around to promote circulation. Avoid cross legging.
• Entertain yourself with the things you brought along. Eat, listen to music through your headsets, watch a movie and read a book, a magazine or answer game puzzles like crossword and sudoku.
• To avoid ear pain due to sudden pressure changes, you can chew a gum or drink water.
Flying high up on the air can be as fun and memorable beyond your imagination.
