With so many bank holidays in April and the beginning of May, we’re turning into a nation of holidaymakers.
By tagging on three or four extra days’ holiday an employee can manage to get away for an eleven day break – what a great way to get another holiday this year!
It appears that lots of us are taking advantage of the late Easter and glut of bank holidays to get away. Thomson Holidays and Thomas Cook have reported a 35% increase in April bookings, while Ryanair has seen flight sales increase by 65% this April compared to April 2010.
Top destinations for this April are Majorca, Tenerife, Costa Blanca, Costa Del Sol and the Algarve with Portugal reporting a whopping 90% increase in UK holidaymakers and Malta a 22% rise.
Who can blame us for jetting away for some welcome sunshine rather than staying at home to watch the Royal wedding on television?
Don’t worry all you Royal wedding fans out there, you won’t be alone, British Airways has announced it is flying more than 250,000 people in to London this week ahead of the Royal Wedding celebrations.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A guide to hand luggage restrictions
We are all aware that there are strict rules in place governing what you can and cannot carry in hand luggage, but how often does anyone actually bother to read the rules to find out exactly what is allowed?
Judging by the containers at security filled with items and liquids, I guess there are still lots of travellers who haven’t bothered or have simply forgotten the rules since their last holiday.
For those of you about to fly out on holiday here is a breakdown of what you can and can’t take in your hand luggage:
Hand luggage sizes
Passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand baggage each, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 17.7 x 10 inches) including wheels, handles and outside pockets - these dimensions are the maximum size allowed.
Be aware that some airlines specify smaller hand luggage sizes so it is always advisable to check with your airline’s website prior to departure.
Other bags, such as a handbag (purse), may be carried but must fit within the single item of cabin baggage.
A laptop, if carried, must fit within the one item of hand baggage, or if carried separately will be regarded as the one piece of cabin baggage.
Any gifts carried in hand luggage must not be wrapped and must fit within your one bag entitlement.
Although the restriction of one item of hand luggage has been lifted at all the UK airports, many airlines still only permit one item. Often it is passengers travelling on a ticket other than economy that will be allowed more than one item, but do check individual restrictions for your airline.
Watch weight restrictions too, as these vary from airline to airline too.
Restrictions on liquids
Liquids, gels and aerosols can only be carried in individual 100ml containers (larger containers, even if only partially full, will be confiscated) and should fit comfortably within a transparent, re-sealable bag measuring a maximum of 20cm by 20cm, with a capacity of no more than a litre.
Where possible, it is advisable to put all liquids, such as water, drinks, creams, sprays, pastes and gels, in check-in luggage. Don’t forget liquids include all perfumes, sprays and pressurised containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants, mascara, soups, liquid foundation, toothpaste, hair and shower gel and sun cream.
If you have any questions connected with cabin baggage they should be directed to your airline, before you travel.
Liquids can be purchased beyond airport security, in the departures area, as these liquids are subject to a separate screening process.
Recently, there has been speculation that the liquids in hand luggage rules were going to be relaxed, however, the UK has rejected the idea because it doesn’t have enough scanning equipment in place.
Baby Food
Liquid baby food, water and milk, sufficient for the flight, can be taken through security, however, the accompanying parent will be required to verify the liquids by tasting them.
Essential Liquid Dietary Foodstuffs
Essential liquid dietary foodstuffs can be taken through airport security but will be subject to verification by the passenger.
Medicines required during the flight
Any essential medicines for the period of the trip may be permitted in larger quantities than 100ml but will require authentication – passengers must have obtained agreement with the airline and airport prior to departure and must bring supporting documentation with them from a relevant qualified medical professional.
Syringes required for diabetics or for other medical reasons will only be permitted in hand luggage if medical necessity can be proven. Check with the airline in advance to check what proof is required.
Cigarette lighters
One lighter per person may be carried through security. Lighters form part of the liquid allowance and must fit within the liquids bag, however, they may be screened separately. Passengers must carry their lighter on their person for the duration of the flight – they must not be placed in hand luggage.
Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs
These are permitted but will be security screened.
Musical instruments
Large musical instruments that do not fit into the hand luggage bag are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage but will be screened separately. Passengers must check with their airlines as to whether special arrangements are required, such as purchasing an extra seat for the instrument.
The above security restrictions have been in place for some time now and it should be noted that if you pack banned substances that are confiscated at the airport, you will not be compensated and items are rarely returned.
Judging by the containers at security filled with items and liquids, I guess there are still lots of travellers who haven’t bothered or have simply forgotten the rules since their last holiday.
For those of you about to fly out on holiday here is a breakdown of what you can and can’t take in your hand luggage:
Hand luggage sizes
Passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand baggage each, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 17.7 x 10 inches) including wheels, handles and outside pockets - these dimensions are the maximum size allowed.
Be aware that some airlines specify smaller hand luggage sizes so it is always advisable to check with your airline’s website prior to departure.
Other bags, such as a handbag (purse), may be carried but must fit within the single item of cabin baggage.
A laptop, if carried, must fit within the one item of hand baggage, or if carried separately will be regarded as the one piece of cabin baggage.
Any gifts carried in hand luggage must not be wrapped and must fit within your one bag entitlement.
Although the restriction of one item of hand luggage has been lifted at all the UK airports, many airlines still only permit one item. Often it is passengers travelling on a ticket other than economy that will be allowed more than one item, but do check individual restrictions for your airline.
Watch weight restrictions too, as these vary from airline to airline too.
Restrictions on liquids
Liquids, gels and aerosols can only be carried in individual 100ml containers (larger containers, even if only partially full, will be confiscated) and should fit comfortably within a transparent, re-sealable bag measuring a maximum of 20cm by 20cm, with a capacity of no more than a litre.
Where possible, it is advisable to put all liquids, such as water, drinks, creams, sprays, pastes and gels, in check-in luggage. Don’t forget liquids include all perfumes, sprays and pressurised containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants, mascara, soups, liquid foundation, toothpaste, hair and shower gel and sun cream.
If you have any questions connected with cabin baggage they should be directed to your airline, before you travel.
Liquids can be purchased beyond airport security, in the departures area, as these liquids are subject to a separate screening process.
Recently, there has been speculation that the liquids in hand luggage rules were going to be relaxed, however, the UK has rejected the idea because it doesn’t have enough scanning equipment in place.
Baby Food
Liquid baby food, water and milk, sufficient for the flight, can be taken through security, however, the accompanying parent will be required to verify the liquids by tasting them.
Essential Liquid Dietary Foodstuffs
Essential liquid dietary foodstuffs can be taken through airport security but will be subject to verification by the passenger.
Medicines required during the flight
Any essential medicines for the period of the trip may be permitted in larger quantities than 100ml but will require authentication – passengers must have obtained agreement with the airline and airport prior to departure and must bring supporting documentation with them from a relevant qualified medical professional.
Syringes required for diabetics or for other medical reasons will only be permitted in hand luggage if medical necessity can be proven. Check with the airline in advance to check what proof is required.
Cigarette lighters
One lighter per person may be carried through security. Lighters form part of the liquid allowance and must fit within the liquids bag, however, they may be screened separately. Passengers must carry their lighter on their person for the duration of the flight – they must not be placed in hand luggage.
Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs
These are permitted but will be security screened.
Musical instruments
Large musical instruments that do not fit into the hand luggage bag are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage but will be screened separately. Passengers must check with their airlines as to whether special arrangements are required, such as purchasing an extra seat for the instrument.
The above security restrictions have been in place for some time now and it should be noted that if you pack banned substances that are confiscated at the airport, you will not be compensated and items are rarely returned.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Tips to help you travel this Easter
The Easter school holidays are looming and many of us will be taking a welcome break abroad in search of warmer weather and 'guaranteed' sun.
Don't forget that you won't be the only one heading to the airport this weekend - the school holiday break, coupled with a long, bank-holiday weekend and an extra bank holiday weekend at the end of the month could mean that even more people than usual are looking to escape our dreary winter.
If you’re off flying out of the country this Easter be prepared for busy airports, busy roads and, of course, queues.
Below is a list of tips that could save you time and hassle this Easter:
1. Getting to the airport
Plan how you are getting to the airport well in advance. If travelling by public transport, check the timetable, and book your seats. Remember that over the Easter holiday services may be limited due to public holidays.
If travelling by taxi, book it in advance, don’t call up an hour or so before you wish to leave and expect to get a taxi straight away. Book in advance, and call the night before to confirm the booking.
If you plan to drive, make sure you plan your route in advance. Even if you use satellite navigation, check the route and put a map in the car just in case.
Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Don’t forget, the roads will be just as busy with holiday travellers as the airports, so allow extra time in case of delays.
2. Parking your car
Remember, if you are driving yourself to the airport you will need to use airport parking. Always book your airport parking in advance, never just turn up at the car park as you could find the car park is full, and prices are always more expensive if you pay on the day. Sometimes you can find savings of up to 60% when booking online compared with gate prices.
3. Check-in
If you have the option of checking-in online, do so. By printing off your own boarding passes you will only need to drop off your baggage, if you have any, and the queues for baggage drop are usually much shorter than the check-in queues, saving you loads of time.
4. Luggage restrictions
Check luggage dimension and weight restrictions prior to packing. Some airlines have changed their luggage restrictions in the past year so check before you pack. Don’t just guess or think that this year’s limits are the same as last year’s. You don’t want the hassle, expense and inconvenience of having to pay expensive excess baggage fees.
5. Hand luggage restrictions
Check your hand luggage entitlements before you travel. Note the restriction on weight, size and liquids in hand luggage. Don’t forget the 100ml liquids-in-hand luggage rule also covers gels and pastes. If you plan to carry presents in your hand luggage this Easter, make sure they are not wrapped as these may be subject to inspection at security.
6. Travelling with children
Make sure you are carrying enough items in your hand luggage to keep your children entertained at the airport and on the plane. Better still, give them their own small bag / backpack so that they can carry their own book, snacks, electronic toy etc., effectively making them self-contained travellers.
7. Foreign currency
Get organized early and buy your foreign currency before you reach the airport, not only will this save you time at the airport, you should also secure a better rate. Check online for the best rates, or visit the high street to compare rates and commissions.
Don't forget that you won't be the only one heading to the airport this weekend - the school holiday break, coupled with a long, bank-holiday weekend and an extra bank holiday weekend at the end of the month could mean that even more people than usual are looking to escape our dreary winter.
If you’re off flying out of the country this Easter be prepared for busy airports, busy roads and, of course, queues.
Below is a list of tips that could save you time and hassle this Easter:
1. Getting to the airport
Plan how you are getting to the airport well in advance. If travelling by public transport, check the timetable, and book your seats. Remember that over the Easter holiday services may be limited due to public holidays.
If travelling by taxi, book it in advance, don’t call up an hour or so before you wish to leave and expect to get a taxi straight away. Book in advance, and call the night before to confirm the booking.
If you plan to drive, make sure you plan your route in advance. Even if you use satellite navigation, check the route and put a map in the car just in case.
Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Don’t forget, the roads will be just as busy with holiday travellers as the airports, so allow extra time in case of delays.
2. Parking your car
Remember, if you are driving yourself to the airport you will need to use airport parking. Always book your airport parking in advance, never just turn up at the car park as you could find the car park is full, and prices are always more expensive if you pay on the day. Sometimes you can find savings of up to 60% when booking online compared with gate prices.
3. Check-in
If you have the option of checking-in online, do so. By printing off your own boarding passes you will only need to drop off your baggage, if you have any, and the queues for baggage drop are usually much shorter than the check-in queues, saving you loads of time.
4. Luggage restrictions
Check luggage dimension and weight restrictions prior to packing. Some airlines have changed their luggage restrictions in the past year so check before you pack. Don’t just guess or think that this year’s limits are the same as last year’s. You don’t want the hassle, expense and inconvenience of having to pay expensive excess baggage fees.
5. Hand luggage restrictions
Check your hand luggage entitlements before you travel. Note the restriction on weight, size and liquids in hand luggage. Don’t forget the 100ml liquids-in-hand luggage rule also covers gels and pastes. If you plan to carry presents in your hand luggage this Easter, make sure they are not wrapped as these may be subject to inspection at security.
6. Travelling with children
Make sure you are carrying enough items in your hand luggage to keep your children entertained at the airport and on the plane. Better still, give them their own small bag / backpack so that they can carry their own book, snacks, electronic toy etc., effectively making them self-contained travellers.
7. Foreign currency
Get organized early and buy your foreign currency before you reach the airport, not only will this save you time at the airport, you should also secure a better rate. Check online for the best rates, or visit the high street to compare rates and commissions.
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