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BOOKING AND FLYING TIPS

Consider buying electronic flight tickets (e-tickets)
Electronic flight tickets (e-tickets) are just as secure as paper flight tickets and can make checking in faster. If you're not checking luggage, and have an e-ticket receipt, you can go straight to the security screening point and bypass the line at the check-in counter.
Also, e-tickets are cheaper. Many travel agents charge a shipping fee for paper flight tickets.
Lastly, e-tickets mean less worry. If you lose a copy of your e-ticket receipt, simply print out another copy that shows your flight numbers and airline ticket numbers.

Use good judgement when packing
All passengers are restricted to one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, laptop, or briefcase, to bring on board a flight. Look at everything you normally pack for a flight. You are not allowed to pack knives of any kind in your carry-on luggage - even everyday items like scissors and pocket knives will be confiscated.

Don't forget your ID
Pack a Government-issued form of photo identification. All passengers taking flights are required to show a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport when checking in.

Leave plenty of time before your flight departs
For a domestic flight, plan on getting to the airport about 90 minute before your flight departs, especially if you have luggage. (All checked and carry-on baggage must be screened). For international flights, get to the airport at least two hours before departure. If you depart during a peak period or from a major hub airport, you may want to allow more time.
And if you're driving to the airport, make sure you leave enough time to park. You may have to leave your car some distance away from the terminal for security reasons.
If you arrive early you can be first in line and get the best seats on board the aircraft. If you arrive late you might miss your flight or get the left over seats.

Be ready to be searched
Be aware that more law enforcement personnel are stationed outside and inside airport terminals. Security personnel will be conducting thorough searches of you and your baggage, checked and carry-on, at your originating airport. Remember NOT to take any sharp objects in your hand luggage or they will be confiscated such as kitchen cutlery, toy / replica guns (metal or plastic), catapults, sporting bats, billiards or pool cues, tools, scissors, tweezers, razor blades, knives with blades of any length, knitting needles, darts, hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons) are all not allowed on board.

Leave enough time to get to the gate
Airlines are requiring their passengers to arrive at the gate for their flights earlier than in the past. Plan on getting to the gate at least 30 minutes before your flight departs or risk being denied boarding.

Weight of Luggage
Make sure your bags are not overweight. Most airlines have a limit of 70lbs/32kgs per bag. Three bags are allowed per person. Two or three bags can be checked in and one bag can be carry-on luggage. Many airlines have restrictions on the size of the hand baggage you carry.

Make sure you have eaten correctly before flying.

Meal Preference
If you are a vegetarian or if you would like a special meal, make sure you have set up the meal preference for your travel. You can ask your travel agent while booking the ticket about the available choices and you can call the airline to make sure that it is entered in their system.

While In Flight:
There has been considerable media attention relating to the risk of passengers developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) whilst on long flights. Doctors tell us that the following measures may provide some protection on long flights:

Take something to do along with you to keep yourself occupied during your journey.

Move Around
Make a nuisance of yourself if necessary but regularly try to take a walk around the aircraft cabin. I know that this may be difficult to do as the cabin staff have trolleys to move around the aircraft, but exercise is important too.

Exercise
When you are not moving around the aircraft, exercise your legs, feet and ankles - try lifting your legs and feet up and down and rotating your ankles. Do this regularly - at least every hour but more often if possible.

Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Try and leave the duty free alcohol alone as well as tea and coffee as the alcoholic and caffeine effect of these can be enhanced by cabin pressure and cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water, not fizzy drinks) throughout the flight to ensure that you do not become dehydrated.
If you don't want to bother the cabin staff with numerous requests for water, take your own large bottle with you.

Asprin
IMPORTANT: This does not apply to children! Take ONE 75 mg soluble aspirin (this is much less than the normal 'headache' dose) the day before your flight and another one on the day of your flight - remember to take them with you so that you can do this again for your return flight.
Aspirin affects the platelets - a component of your blood - and makes them less likely to 'clump' together and cause a blood clot.

Warning
Do not take aspirin if you suffer from stomach ulcers or are taking any medication which precludes this, i.e. 'blood thinning' medicine (Warfarin) and some other medications. Make sure that you read the aspirin packet instructions thoroughly first. Check if there are warning notes relating to aspirin on the instructions of any other medication you are taking.
Asthmatics should never take aspirin unless it has been specifically prescribed.
If you are in any doubt whether you or your family should take aspirin, please check with your own doctor first.

Smoking
All airlines (and most airports) are non-smoking. If not having a cigarette/cigar/pipe for some hours is likely to be a problem for you, you could try nicotine replacement patches or gum etc for your flight but remember not to use these as well as smoking when you've arrived or you could start your vacation being sick! Ask your pharmacist for advice...

Damaged Luggage

Check your bags for any damage and report to the airline staff. You will be compensated for the damage by the airlines.

Flight Tips For Those With Babies & Young Children

• Look for flights that won't upset your baby's routine. Night flights are good for long-haul journeys.
• Explain you have a child when you book. Pre-book all you can, note down any reference numbers or take the assistant's name and call at least 24 hours before departure to check your requests are "on the computer".
• Ask for extra legroom if needed. Bulkhead seats at the front of the plane offer more space.
• Prepare for delays. Have extra food, a change of clothes and nappies in your hand luggage.
• Ask if the airline has a play-area at the airport. Some, like British Airways and American Airlines have them in their lounges.
• Avoid sedatives - they can have the reverse effect. Camomile tea in a sucky cup is a good natural alternative.
• Prepare individual nappy sacks with a nappy and wipes, so you don't have to haul your entire hand luggage to the loo.
• Bring along small toys to keep them occupied.
• Ask to be moved to a spare row of seats if the flight isn't full.
• If you have to change planes, ask for a courtesy cart between gates.
• Feed your baby at take-off and landing for comfort and to equalise the ears.