1. Prepare your flight documents and proof of identity carefully before setting off for the airport
Make sure your identity documents are valid well before you even book your flight. If they are not up to date, the renewal process can take several months.
In addition, check which documents are required for your destination. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return date.
For minors travelling alone, authorisation to leave the country is compulsory if they are not accompanied by a parent. If one parent is travelling with the child, it is advisable to have the family record book to hand.
Also check your flight details before heading to the airport: departure time, flight number, boarding gate, etc. This will save you unnecessary stress when you arrive at the terminal. Also be aware of any specific requirements for your destination, such as the need for a vaccination record or a return ticket.
Before you set off, pack all your documents securely and within easy reach in your hand luggage. If you’ve opted for e-tickets, make sure you’ve saved an extra copy as a precaution.
2. Pack your luggage correctly to avoid it being rejected at security
Packing your luggage is an important step before flying. Luggage rules are strict, whether for hand luggage or hold luggage. At security checks, only certain items are permitted in the cabin, whilst others are prohibited. The same applies to hold luggage, where restrictions are also in place. To help you find out what you can take with you, you can use the AirBag app developed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC).
In addition, make sure your luggage complies with the weight and size limits set by the airline. Checking the airline’s guidelines before you travel can help you avoid delays or additional charges.
3. Charge your electronic devices
Before setting off for the airport, make sure you fully charge the batteries of all your electronic devices, whether it’s your smartphone, tablet or laptop. It would be a shame if your device ran out of power mid-flight, especially if you were relying on it for entertainment during the journey. Furthermore, during security checks, you may be asked to switch on these devices, so make sure they are sufficiently charged.
If you plan to use your electronic devices during the flight, remember to pack a power bank as a backup. Also, if you’re travelling to another country, don’t forget to pack a plug adapter to charge your devices.
The same precaution applies to electric razors. If you plan to carry an electric razor in your hand luggage, make sure you can prove that it is in good working order.
4. Dress comfortably before boarding the plane
For long-haul flights, comfort takes precedence over style. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that will keep you comfortable during the hours spent on board. Choose outfits you’ll feel at ease in, and don’t forget to pick soft shoes that you can easily take off if necessary.
Also consider taking a scarf and a jumper or jacket, even in summer. Temperatures on board can be chilly, and you wouldn’t want to risk catching a cold during the flight!
5. Pack the right things to make your flight more enjoyable
Whether it’s a short domestic journey or a long international flight, a few simple tips can make your air travel much more enjoyable.
Things to keep you occupied
A good book – either a physical copy or an audiobook – a film or a gripping TV series, sudoku puzzles or crosswords… Depending on your tastes, take something along to keep you entertained between take-off and landing. It’ll keep your mind occupied and make the time fly by.
If you tend to get airsick, opt for some soft music to help you relax and stay calm during the flight.
Accessories for a good night’s sleep
If you’re planning to have a nap on the flight, remember to pack a few accessories to ensure you get the best possible rest. Earplugs can dampen surrounding noise, a sleep mask will shield you from the cabin lights, and a travel pillow will allow you to rest your head comfortably, helping to prevent a stiff neck on arrival.
6. Choose your seat
Depending on the airline’s policy, you can select your seat when booking your ticket or during online check-in. There may be a charge for this service. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right seat before boarding the plane.
- If you want to get off the plane quickly, opt for a seat at the end of a row, as the exits are usually on the left-hand side of the aircraft.
- For a more peaceful journey, choose a window seat, away from the toilets and the aisle, so you can sleep without being disturbed by other passengers.
- If you’re prone to air sickness, choose a seat near the wings where you’ll feel less turbulence.
- For long-haul flights where you need to stretch your legs regularly, choose an aisle seat to make it easier to move about.
7. Drink plenty of fluids, but eat a light meal before boarding
For a comfortable flight, it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the journey. The air on board can be dry, so make sure you drink enough before and during the flight to avoid dehydration and the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Opt for still water or herbal teas to stay hydrated, and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can increase dehydration. Opt for light meals before your flight, such as a salad, to aid digestion and avoid feeling too full during the journey. It may also be helpful to bring some light snacks, such as muesli bars, to tide you over when you feel peckish.
To avoid ear problems during take-off and landing, remember to have some chewing gum to hand. Chewing gum or swallowing your saliva can help equalise the pressure in your ears and prevent any discomfort.