i. Getting there

On the day of departure, allow plenty of time to check if you have all your documents with you and get to the airport.

 

ii. International

Generally, passengers should check in at least 3 hrs before departure time.

 

iii. Domestic

You must have completed baggage check-in and seat allocation at least 1 hour prior to departure time.

 

iv. Checking in

At the check-in counter you'll receive your boarding pass, baggage receipts and seat allocation. It may be necessary to pay a departure tax. Ask the check-in counter about this. (Try to find out about departure tax requirements in advance as in most cases these taxes can only be paid in cash, in the currency of the country you are departing from).

 

v. Immigration and Security

At the international airports you need to pass through immigration, customs and security procedures prior to reaching your departure lounge. Allow plenty of time to complete these formalities. You will need to have your ticket folder, boarding pass and passport ready. In most countries you will require a completed departure card with details such as your passport number, home address, flight number and destination. The security metal detectors used for the hand baggage will not spoil photographic films.

 

vi. Duty-Free Shopping

Duty free shopping is available to passengers traveling internationally only. Most airports have extensive duty-free shopping facilities, both prior to and after the immigration and security procedures. Make sure you are aware of the duty-free allowances for the country you are traveling to as goods carried in excess of limits may be subject to charges or confiscation by customs officers. A range of duty-free items and gifts is also available for sale on board international flights.

 

vii. Boarding Calls

Many airports do not make boarding calls over public address systems, so watch the departure boards or monitors to make sure you are at the departure lounge in time to board. Your flight will be indicated as departing from a 'Gate' number. The location of this will be clearly signposted. Be aware of your flight number as well as the destination city.

 

ON BOARD

i. Setting in

Once you are on board the aircraft the cabin crew will direct you to your seat. You must obey the 'No Smoking' and 'Fasten Seat Belt' signs and you are advised to wear your seat belt loosely whenever you're not moving about the cabin.

 

ii. Take off / Descent

The only physical sensation you are likely to feel will be your ears popping as the cabin pressure is adjusted to altitude during take-off and descent. This is not harmful and leaves no after-effects, but if you are uncomfortable, chewing on sweetd such as toffee or gum will help.

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IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS

On international flights, arrival documents may be distributed by the airline cabin crew. These must be completed by all the passengers disembarking at the next port and handed to passport control officials on arrival.

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1. Transit

At stops prior to your destination you are 'in transit'. If you visit the terminal you will be handed a transit card as you disembark. Always keep your travel documents (including your boarding pass) with you at the transit stops​ 

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2. Transfer

This means that you are transferring to another flight to continue your journey. You may have been 'through-checked' at your original point of departure. This means that you will already have your boarding pass for your new flight. In this case, all you have to do is consult the departure boards or monitors and proceed to the appropriate 'Gate' number for your next flight. If this is not the case, you should proceed to the transfer desk in the departure lounge where you will receive your seat allocation and boarding pass for your new flight. If you are transferring from an international to a domestic flight you must go through customs and immigration procedures prior to proceeding to the domestic airport. Make sure you have all your hand baggage and check your seat and seat pockets for any personal items.

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3. Baggage Collection

The arrival's hall of the airport will have carousels or conveyor belts that are designated with your flight number. Your bags will be available for collection here. Do not worry if you cannot pick up your bag immediately when you see it. The conveyor belt or carousel will continue to circulate it until you can pick it up. Make sure you collect the correct suitcase by checking the baggage receipt number attached to your ticket. Do not hesitate to ask ground staff if you require some help. Trolleys are available within the baggage collection areas of most airports. There may be a small charge, usually in local currency. When arriving from an international airport, some countries require you to declare any food, plant, wooden or skin articles. Generally, these are inspected by the appropriate officers after you have collected your baggage. Many airports operate a system of 'red' channels and 'green' channels. If you have nothing to declare you proceed through the green channel; the red if you have something to declare. If you have nothing to declare, you may still be required to open your bags for inspection. Random baggage inspections are standard procedure at all international airports.

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4. Customs

Make sure you bring your prescription receipts with your prescriptions so you can avoid potential problems with authorities. Bring along a copy of your bill or expensive items such as jewelry and cameras as you prove to customs that you purchased the items in your home country. Get a pamphlet or check your country's custom rules before purchase of expensive watch or ring. Always be polite and respectful.​​

 

5. Money

• Check expiry on credit cards before you leave on your trip.

• Check if credit card limit will be high enough for high-value transactions like staying in 5-star hotels or buying luxury items (e.g jewelry, expensive clothes/bags/shoes, etc).

• Photocopy both sides (front & back) of all your credit cards or debit cards and leave the copy in a safe place at home and with a trusted relative whom you can call in case they get stolen or lost so that the cards can be cancelled.

• Memorize your debit card Pin numbers.

• Research local currency exchange rates.

• Plan a daily budget for incidentals.

• Banks often have the best exchange rates. Be wary of currency exchange booths at the airport and rail stations because their rates are often sub-standard. Avoid changing with any stranger on the streets.

• Bring a credit card from at least 2 different card companies because one store or hotel only take VISA or Master Card.

• When using the credit card for purchases, it is advantageous to have the amount in Euro-money or Euro-currency.

• Every European country has a Tax Refund for tourists. There is a minimum amount of purchase in each store in order to avail of this. It is, therefore, practical to pool all purchases in each store in order to meet the required minimum purchase. When a minimum purchase occurs in a particular store, go to their Tax Refund Counter, show the receipts of your purchase and fill up a Tax Refund Form. You will need to write the name of the bank, account no., etc. in this form. Before leaving the country, present this form with the self stamped envelope and the receipts of purchases to Customs who, in turn, will stamp this form (usually after examination of the goods purchased) for clearance. Then, seal the envelope and drop it in the mailbox. You will receive your tax refund either by check through the mail or direct to your bank.