by Athena Brady

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 24, 2010

No one wants to arrive at their holiday destination stressed and annoyed. So what can you do to minimise delays when flying ? Flying like any other activity requires planning. So here are some simple before and after tips, that will assist you in minimising the occurrence of problems. Devised in the form of a checklist, so you can print off and use as and when you need it.

Before you book your holiday.

* Check you have at least six months, after you return from your holiday on your passport. Otherwise, you will not be able to travel.

At least a week before flying check the following things, either with the airport or your travel company.

* Luggage allowance, excess baggage costs are expensive and will eat into your spending money, if you are not prepared.

* Hand luggage including size and dimensions of bag

* Liquids allowance

* Prohibited Items

*  Route to the airport – if possible do a dummy run at the same time and day you will be travelling. Alternatively you can book a specialised airport contractor to take you to and from the airport. When booking make sure they check for airport delays, both ends of the journey.

* Change your currency, there can be long waits at airport kiosks.

The day before travelling.

* Pack your luggage and hand luggage leaving only perishables until the last minute i.e. food.

* Plan your timetable giving yourself at least 1 hr extra than the recommended time you need to be at the airport, in case you are delayed.

* If you are driving yourself make sure you top up with petrol.

* Pack any prescription drugs in their original packaging and script that provides proof they are for you.

When packing your luggage.

* Ensure all items that may leak onto your clothes are double or triple wrapped in waterproof bags.

* Ensure all your prohibited items such as tweezers,lighters are in your suitcase and not your hand luggage.

* In case of delays pack some simple snacks, sandwiches,lightweight travel games if you have children, deodorant wipes, cleansing wipes, change/s of underwear warm jumpers in your hand luggage.

* Weigh your suitcases and hand luggage and don't put anything else in them.

* Before you leave for the airport.

* Do a passport check, don't just ask if you are travelling with others, actually check.

* Check you have all your luggage, money.

* You can if you wish, book in on line. How far in advance you can do this varies, so check with airport.

* Make sure you are prepared for security checks. Slip on shoes or zipped boots can be taken off and put on quickly.

* Make sure your socks are clean as you may need to take shoes/boots off.

* Keep jewellery and belts etc. with metal fastenings are best avoided as they may set off alarms.

When you arrive at the airport.

* Check you haven't forgotten the kids.(only joking)

* Do not leave your baggage unattended at any time.

* If you have the time re weigh your luggage, just in case your own scales were wrong.

* If you haven't already done it on line, check in as soon as you can then you will be free to explore the airport and be baggage free.

* Make sure your passports and boarding cards are within easy reach i.e. in a side pocket of your hand luggage.

* Make sure everyone has been to toilet prior to boarding plane.

* Turn off all mobile phones.

* Keep alcohol consumption if any, to a minimum or you may be not be allowed to fly.

After you are on the plane.

* Do not put on electronic games etc. until it is safe to do so. If not sure check with flight attendants.

* Try to get up and walk around to prevent DVT's.

When the plane disembarks.

* Enjoy yourself you on holiday.....

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