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Check in from home: Most of the airlines allow you to check-in up to 24 hours before your departure. This will save you time at the airport. |
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Choosing your seat: The emergency seats are usually "friendlier" to your legs. But be careful because they might be near the toilets (in big airplanes), which can be a problem both because of the smell and the noise from people congregating in the area. Try to avoid choosing the seats in the last row. These seats generally have less leg room, do not recline as far as regular seats, and are near the toilets. To check where your seat are click here. |
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Special services: If you need any help at the airport, such as a wheelchair, ask for it when you check-in. If you need a special meal, make sure to request it as soon as possible, preferably when you book your tickets; do not leave it to the last few days before the departure. |
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Check that the flight is on time: Check the flight’s status either on the airline’s website or the airport’s website. This will help you avoid long waits at the expensive bars at the airport! |
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Money exchange: Always try to exchange some money at home so that you arrive at your destination with some local money. If you are coming back home, leave some cash for the last few hours and change all the money left before you leave for the airport. Most airports have bad exchange rates. |
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Destination: Before you begin your trip, plan how you will get from the airport to your final destination (e.g. hotel). Options can include a taxi, airport shuttle service, bus, train, etc. If you are going to take a taxi, check how much it should cost and check what the local tipping customs are. |
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Ask about being volunteered: If you are not in a rush to get to your destination, ask at the check in desk if they need people to volunteer to take a later flight. Many airlines overbook their flights. If they need to bump people off the flight, you will be at the top of the list to take a later flight and receive the compensation. There are cases where a passenger can receive up to €600 as well as a complementary night in a 5-star hotel with money meals and airport transfers. |
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Be ready for security: Airports in different countries have different requirements. Look at the signs as you wait in line to learn what is required of you. Many airports now require that you take off your shoes, remove your laptop from its bag, and dispose of all liquids over a certain amount, in addition to the traditional requirements of removing all metal (coins, keys, belts, etc.) from your clothes and placing these items with you hand luggage on the conveyer belt. |
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Locate your boarding gate: Some airports are quite large and you will have to walk a lot to get to your plane. Before you start shopping at the duty free or buying something to eat, make sure you know where your boarding gate is and how long it will take you to walk there. In large airports signs often tell you how much time to allow to get to your gate. |
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Do exercises during your flight: Get up from your seat periodically and walk around the cabin. Do some stretches and exercises to increase blood circulation. This is especially important for your legs to prevent deep vein thrombosis. |
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Anxiety: Some people experience anxiety while flying. If this is you, practice relaxation techniques (e.g. breathing exercises, visualization, etc.) that you can use during the flight. You could also try Virgin Atlantic’s iPhone app, ‘Flying Without Fear,’ which is based on their successful one-day program and book. Keep in mind that you cannot use electronics during takeoff or landing, so use your relaxation techniques before these occur. |
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Enjoy the pleasure of flying: Relax, watch a movie, look at the view or read a good book, and let the pilot take care of the rest. |
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