10 tips on how to prepare for travelling by plane
Travelling by plane can be very stressful, especially if we are not well prepared. To avoid any unpleasant situations, we need to check that we have everything ready beforehand. This article summarises the essential points that need to be checked, especially if you are travelling for the first time.
1. Online check-in
Today, most plane tickets are sold online. In the process, a passenger buys a plane ticket via the website and receives the booking confirmation by e-mail or SMS.
However, the process is not over, as an online check-in has to be performed. This can be usually done from 24 to 48 hours before the flight. Since there is sometimes a lot to do on the day before departure, passengers often forget about it. Our recommendation would be to mark the check-in time on the calendar when you purchase the ticket.
2. Food
The food at the airport is largely expensive, so we recommend preparing sandwiches or other snacks in advance. During the security check on arriving at the airport, they are almost never particular about food, aside from liquids. So you can save a lot by buying food before you arrive at the airport.
3. Beverages
Unlike food, you should not bring drinks to the airport. Nevertheless, the air on the plane is often very dry, which is very bad for your throat. You can avoid paying for expensive beverages by bringing an empty bottle, which you can fill at the airport.
4. Luggage
Luggage is divided into cabin baggage and hold baggage. Both are subject to limitations, which must be carefully considered beforehand and complied with when travelling.
There are often very strict restrictions applying to cabin baggage, i.e. in terms of weight and size, which vary between airlines. If the size exceeds the limits, airlines charge an additional €20 to €50. The most stringent restrictions apply in low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair and EasyJet.
As far as hold baggage is concerned, the majority of airlines are more lenient, so an extra pound or two is not a problem. However, before travelling, you should anticipate having more luggage at the end of your trip, i.e. souvenirs and other purchases.
5. Arrival at the airport
Airlines usually recommend that you arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight. However, there may be a lot of people at the airport. This is very common, especially at large airports, so you also need to take this into consideration. If you arrive late for boarding, the airline is not obliged to reimburse or organise any other transport.
6. Keeping invoices
According to Flightstats, almost 10,000 flights are delayed every day, and under Regulation EU261/2004, you have the right to a meal, accommodation and transport in case of delay. Nevertheless, you need to keep your invoices to receive reimbursement.
7. Entertainment
Waiting at airports can be very uncomfortable, especially during delays longer than 3 hours. It is therefore advisable to be prepared for such cases in advance with a film, music or book.
8. Documents
If you fly within the European Union, you probably do not need anything beyond a personal document. Difficulties arise when you are travelling outside Europe. In countries such as Russia, it is necessary to obtain a visa, the application of which must be lodged several months before the trip. You should also check that your identity document is valid for at least one month after the trip.
9. Cash
If you are travelling to a country that is not a member of the European Union, you should check the exchange rate. It is advisable to exchange money before travelling and thus avoid problems.
10. Clothing
The air in planes and at airports is usually very dry and cold, so it is advisable to have warmer clothes at hand, especially in the summer. You can also use them as a pillow in case of a night flight.
For more information on aviation rights, visit the Passenger Rights webpage.
Date: 1.9.2019