Helpful Hints for People on the Go ...
The Secret 'Best' Seats:
Towards the back of some airplanes, you'll
find that the blocks of seats may have one less seat in them.
These rows are often considered to be the best seats in coach
class because you have more room, side to side, and sometimes more
room in front of you as well. You are way at the back of the plane
- not otherwise the best part of the plane to be in - but if
you're on a long flight, the extra comfort may be worth the
several extra minutes to get off the plane at the other end.
Why use a Travel Agent? Your
professional and experienced travel agent is your best bet in
pre-booking what is personally your ‘best’ seat!
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENTS:
When buying an airline ticket, be sure to ask your
travel agent to assign you a seat on the aircraft. If you arrive at the
ticket counter without a seat assignment on an overbooked flight, you will
probably be one of the first to be 'bumped' off the flight and be forced
to take a later flight - which can be several hours to even a full day
later. Having a seat assignment in advance can reduce the risk of getting
'bumped' on an over-booked flight!
A Guide to Charter Flights:
With Summer Travel comes the usual increase in Charter Flights. If you
choose this travel option, be sure you fully understand the conditions of
the charter flight you are purchasing. Your rights are spelt out in a
contract with the charter operator. Read it before you pay any money.
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You usually pay penalties if you cancel.
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The tour operator or airline can usually cancel a Public Charter for
any reason up until 10 days before departure. |
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All charter flights and ground arrangements are subject to changes.
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No "open returns" are allowed on round-trip charters; you must have
a fixed return date. |
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Your charter may be delayed. |
| Your baggage can't be checked through from a scheduled flight to a
charter, and vice-versa. |
| You might find seating space for your charter plane to be more
crowded than you're used to. |
| If a charter flight hasn't sold out shortly before departure, the
operator can sell seats at bargain basement prices to latecomers.
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| You may find that you are allowed less luggage than on scheduled
carriers. |
| Travel light:
This is the most important advice you can get about packing.
Airlines have strict rules on the amount and size of both carry-on
and checked baggage. Smaller and lighter bags are not only easier on
your back, but are also easier to stow in the overhead compartments. |
| Use luggage with wheels:
A suitcase with wheels, or a baggage caddy, will help make trips
easier, especially if porters are not available. |
| Limit your luggage:
Limit yourself to one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Baggage
restrictions may vary from flight to flight, but a good rule of
thumb is two bags per person. |
| Selecting clothes:
Choose clothes that will coordinate around one or two colours, and
packing will be made easier if you make a list ahead of time of
things you plan to take with you on your trip. |
| Miniature toiletries:
Prepare a kit of toiletries in small plastic bottles to save space
and weight. Don't fill bottles to the top if you are flying because
the pressure may cause the contents to expand. |
| Anticipate what you will
buy at your destination: Include a collapsible nylon tote
bag that will fit easily into your luggage to accommodate new
purchases and other articles that always seem to expand on
repacking!! |
