general
cheap tickets
get upgraded
jetlag
plane crash
passport tips
airline quality
travel glossary

 

travel tips

 

general travel tips - Everything from security to air sickness

buying Cheap Airline Tickets – Do they exist and if so where do I get them?

useful Tips For Getting Your First Class Airline Upgrades  - How to blag yourself an airline upgrade

jetlag info – what is it and how to beat it.

tips on surviving a plane crash – be prepared, where to sit and what to do in the event of crashing

tips for the safety of your passport - take precautions when travelling with your passport

travel glossary - get familiar with those travel terms

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general travel tips (as well as how to get a cheaper ticket)

Blagging yourself an airline upgrade is all about getting on the right side of the check-in staff - assuming they haven't all walked out on a wildcat strike, of course. Travelling alone, dressing smartly, carrying a laptop and turning up three hours early can all work - as has the high-risk strategy of turning up 15 seconds before the flight leaves. Most importantly of all, smile, say please and don't take it personally if they say no. You can always try again on the return journey. Read on for further general tips or click here for details on upgrading tips.

Targeted customers - There are deals, prices and packages targeted at different customers for flights so make sure you have a look around to see if there is a deal which applies to you or your situation.

A few key tips for cheaper tickets - Book online using a quote engine (there are several on this site), book early as many airlines offer cheap tickets for a limited booking period, check to see if certain days are cheaper for flying (week days excluding Monday and Friday, for example) and book to return using the same airline as you did to depart. Tuesdays to Wednesdays are best for domestic fares, and Mondays through Thursday for international travel. Sign up to a site e-newsletters (e.g. Lastminute.com or bargainholidays) which will inform you of offers, last gasp escapes or off season specials. More tips on how to get that cheap ticket here.

Advance bookings - A seven- or 14-day advance purchase, as well as a Saturday-night stay, is usually required to get the best deals. With the no-frills airlines, it’s best to book at least 4 weeks in advance. Gamble if you can, but succeeding in getting a lastminute flight can be risky.  Book in advance if possible.

Get connected - Routes that include a flight connection are often cheaper than non-stop flights.

Timing - When shopping around, experiment with different travel times. Early-morning or red-eye flights may provide a better deal - not everyone’s willing to fly at 3AM.

On sale - Small airlines have regular fare sales every six to eight weeks. If possible, don't buy a ticket unless it's on sale.

Avoid peak seasons - Plan your travel to avoid your destination's peak season (e.g. Christmas in Sydney) when fares tend to be the highest.

Consider alternatives - You may be able to get a much lower fare if you’re willing to drive an hour or two to a nearby departure or destination city (e.g. City Airport instead of London Gatwick). Consider driving or training it instead. Sometimes flying isn't the cheapest travel option. Consider taking the train, bus, or driving if it's feasible.

Collect those airmiles - Don't forget to earn miles every time you fly.

Is the site trustworthy? Once you've found that bargain airfare ensure that the site is trustworthy (does it belong to an online consumer body such as Which? Webtrader? www.which.net/webtrader) and secure.  Check your browser shows a secure link at the bottom (Netscape shows a key icon whilst Explorer uses a padlock icon).

When it’s gone, it’s gone - When you find a deal you're happy with, book the ticket right away. If you wait too long, the deal may disappear.

Allow plenty of time for checking in your bags - A guideline would be one hour for domestic and 2 hours for international flights. However, do allow for long queues at busy time of years and check with your booking agent.

You will be asked questions about your luggage - Make sure that you are absolutely certain what you have in your cases and bags, especially post 9/11. Don't create problems by packing unnecessary electricals, solvents or instruments that might be considered dangerous or weapons. Make a list of what you pack and keep it on you during the journey.

If you want a particular type of seat, book early to avoid disappointment - Remember that unless you are paying for a particular seat you will usually have to settle with what you are given. To maximise your chances of the seat that you want don't be afraid to ask and chance your luck - at the gate ask your agent for a place next to an empty seat, get hold of an aircraft seating plan and request the seat number of your choice, tall people might ask for a seat in the emergency exit rows which usually provide for more space etc.

Travel sickness - Can be alleviated or avoided by taking travel sickness pills. They should be taken in advance of feeling sick and not once you feel sick. Along with the traditional remedies available in high street chemists you might want to think about herbal options or oils, which you can apply behind the ears. Check that whatever you buy is suitable for the family as some products can cause hyperactivity in children (perhaps something you don’t want on a 22 hour flight to Melbourne!).

Check security - Make sure that you are aware of the political and security issues of where you are going. There are a number of links within this site where you can brief yourself on news etc.

Disabled travel - If you are booking for or as a disabled traveller check with your travel agent to make sure they are aware of your particular needs. Make sure that you volunteer information when booking as agents will not always ask.

Home alone? Think about what you are leaving behind when you depart for your flight. Have you cancelled the milk? Do the neighbours know when you will be back? How will your plants and garden survive whilst you are away? You might also consider buying some time switches so that your house lights come on in the evening.

Travel Insurance - Always consider travel insurance no matter where you’re travelling. You should also be clear about what happens if your trip is cancelled as you could loose your money. Check to see if your policy covers you for cancellations. Buy your insurance here.

Around the world travel - If you are lucky enough to be booking an around the world ticket, first check to see if there is a deal that suits you. If not, then plan your route carefully. A good rule of thumb for keeping the price down is to order your destinations in a continuous global direction and try to avoid back tracking. Also, try to time your flight with the seasons and weather that you prefer - always check for monsoon seasons, for example. Read more on round the world travel here.

Special food or dietary needs - These need to be made clear to the booking agent or airline. It is worth considering that some airlines cater not only for vegetarian tastes but also for low salt, low fat or high fibre. It does not hurt to reconfirm your request a day before your flight and also at the check in desk.

E-tickets - Whether you've bought a paperless e-ticket or not, print off all the documentation with reference and confirmation numbers in case your dog mauls the postman or the tickets don't get sent. To avoid the risk of losing your ticket, select an e-confirmation option if there is one. This means that there is no ticket. Instead, you are emailed a confirmation number or reference, which you will use with a valid piece of ID. If you do have a 'real' ticket, keep a copy of the ticket number and take it with you. In worst-case scenarios where you lose your ticket, a replacement is not generally a problem although you may have to pay again and get a refund later.

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how to purchase cheap airline tickets

There is no such thing as cheap tickets (but don’t stop reading just yet!), there are tickets, which meet your needs and are available at a price you are happy to pay. It follows that if you need to fly urgently the same or next day the price of a ticket is a lot more than one booked for example 14 days in advance, which in turn may be more expensive than one booked 6 months in advance.

The lower price tickets normally come with restrictions, which do not apply, to a full price ticket. A full price ticket can usually be cancelled with a full refund, or the dates of travel changed. A cut-price ticket is often endorsed non-refundable and non-transferable. So cut-price tickets can have the return date changed for a fee but only after the outward journey has been completed. Not all cut-price tickets have the same, or all of the, restrictions so it is important to read the terms and conditions of the ticket and understand what you are buying.

The right ticket - There are two basic types of fares. Published fares, which are set by the airlines, and unpublished fares, which come from consolidators and are often lower priced. You can buy fares at published prices either direct from the airline or a travel agent. You cannot buy unpublished fares from an airline these have to be purchased either via a travel agent or direct from the consolidator if they deal with the public. There is now a third option for travel to some destinations and that are the low cost, no frill airlines. As a general rule their tickets are only available from the airline in question.

The right date - Timing your journey carefully can also help, especially on long flights. Fares may go up sharply on July 1st, cheap Christmas flights are somewhat of a 'pipe dream' (though I have previously spotted return flights to Australia for £90!!) this is ultra peak season, travelling a little earlier or after Christmas will make considerable savings. Be as flexible as possible with your dates.

The right day - Flying on the wrong day of the week can put an extra £30 on the ticket price. Weekend travel is more expensive for long flights. The fare tariff applies to the date of the outbound flight and the tariffs change on the 1st day of the month or in the peak season even the middle of the month. Be flexible with your dates if you were planning to depart in the last few days of the month check to see if the fares drop the following month. In the peak season the reverse applies going a week earlier may save you money. At Christmas time you may well save a lot of money by being prudent on the dates of travel.

Online Consolidators - If you search on "air tickets" in google you will get many hits but here is a selection of online ticket agents, that have I highly recommend, and who sell consolidator tickets. As in all things it pays to shop around as prices can vary between them, and each is not always the cheapest. Think Flights.co.uk?? - formerly known as Flight Bureau is a consolidator based in Edinburgh.  Consolidators – Although they do not deal with the general public (only through travel agents).

Go to www.goldmedal.co.uk/consumer/consumerindex.html to find an agent in your area, who could be cheaper than the online agents.

Online Travel Sites - These sites (e.g. Expedia.co.uk, Travelocity.co.uk etc) are worth looking at but you should be aware that they do not always offer a consolidator ticket (non-published fare) but often only quote a published fare, which you could obtain from any agent.

Low Cost No Frills Airlines - Do not assume that these will always be cheaper than a normal "full" price airline. The cheapest tickets on these airlines often are on a first come first served basis, with so many tickets allocated to each price bracket. It is not unknown that close to the departure date on a full aircraft they are more expensive (I once flew to Geneva with BA at a lower price and better travel times compared to easyJet).

click here for no frill airlines

Charter Flights - Some charter companies are now starting to compete against the no frills carriers and are offering online bookings on their flights.

Independent Travel Agencies - Do not forget to check you local independent (not one of the high street chains) travel agent. They have access to all sorts of consolidator fares and can quite often find a fare cheaper than it is online. To find the best price ticket takes a little research and don't assume the old fashioned travel agent will be more expensive.

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useful Tips For Getting Your First Class Airline Upgrades

Anyone who has flown first class knows how much more comfortable, roomy and enjoyable an airplane's priciest seats can be when compared to those in the economy cabin. But with money an issue on almost all business and pleasure trips, how can one get a first class seat without paying first class prices? The answer is a last-minute upgrade, and by following a few tips and guidelines you can increase your chances of turning your next airplane flight from crowded and cramped to classy and comfortable. Check out the following tips on how you can get an inexpensive or free bump from cattle class to business class or first class:

Sign up for e-mail offers and read your frequent flyer mail - Airlines often advertise upgrade specials this way.

Follow the frequent flier discussion boards - The frequent flier discussion boards are usually discussing the latest airline program news and changes that might affect your upgrade chances. You can also post questions to these boards and get specific answers to your questions and concerns.

Find a good travel agent - Many travel agencies receive complimentary upgrades from airlines as a reward for sending a lot of business their way.

Don't hesitate to ask - He who hesitates is lost, especially when it comes to getting airline upgrades. When you show up for your flight, walk right up to the airline's first class counter and ask about an upgrade. Learn about the upgrade policies, find out what the charge might be, and most importantly, get your name on the list. Seats in first or business class may be limited, so you'll want to sign up early. Some airlines upgrade you right away; others automatically upgrade you at a set amount of time before departure, yet others require you to call or logon to request the upgrades when the upgrade window opens.

Dress well - Many travellers dress down for maximum comfort in crowded cabins, but if you plan to ask for an upgrade, you should dress professionally and presentably. If you look the part, they'll be more apt to put you in the forward cabins.

Ask everyone you see - Be persistent in asking for an upgrade. When you book the flight, when you check in, when you've arrived at the gate, and when on the plane. Each of these people at these different points may just go ahead and upgrade you. However, be subtle and discreet. The agent probably won't upgrade you for free if other passengers are listening in on the conversation. When at the airport be sure to get on the upgrade 'Waitlist'. Often times you'll get upgraded when someone doesn't show up on time.

Be polite - Airline employees have stressful jobs, and the frequent delays and complications of air travel mean that they often see customer's worst sides. So if you're cheerful, polite and kind, you could make a quick ally of the very person who has the power to give you an upgrade. Conversely, if you're rude or terse, the employee may give the upgrade to someone else. If you fly a route regularly, get to know the people servicing these routes.

Be a frequent flier - Airlines are more apt to offer an upgrade to someone they see as a loyal customer, so it's in your best interest to stick with a major carrier and build up frequent flyer miles. Your frequent flier account could be your most effective tool in nabbing yourself a class upgrade.  These airline loyalty programs reward members with mileage bonuses and frequent fliers get more free upgrades, often pay less to buy upgrades, and get preferred treatment on standby upgrade lists. Once in a loyalty program make sure you purchase the upgradeable tickets. Some classes of tickets are upgradeable while others are not.

Avoid regular business hours - Saturdays, holidays, mid-day and late evenings are times when you won’t see as many business travellers. You'll have fewer competitors for first class seats.

Take morning flights - Many people save their precious few upgrade coupons for afternoon and evening flights to take advantage of a free dinner. Morning flights are usually less full, unless its a Monday morning.

Fly on planes with larger first class sections - The more first class seats on an airplane, the better your chances for upgrading. Get familiar with the aircraft and check the seat maps on airline and frequent traveller web sites. Monday morning or Thursday afternoons and evenings are the busiest times. Airline sites usually have a seat overview map so you can see which have larger first class cabins.

Take less crowded flights - This depends somewhat on how flexible your schedules are, but some flights are more desirable to business travellers. They tend to prefer the direct flights or those with shortest layovers and segments.

Avoid airline hub airports - Most frequent flyers live in hub cities or are connecting though a hub airport. The more you can avoid flying dominant airlines going in or out of their hub, the less competition you will have for a first class seat.

Fly at ‘reverse commute’ times - If you cannot avoid hubs, try the ‘reverse commute’. Business travelers may start their trips in the morning or evening, but will usually come home in the evening. On a trip from Heathrow to Amsterdam, for example, try to fly British Airways out of London in the morning and fly back in the morning again on KLM to minimize competition on both legs of the trip by avoiding peak travel times for British Airways frequent flyers based in London and KLM frequent flyers based in Amsterdam respectively.

Get voluntarily bumped - Those who volunteer to give up their seats in oversold situations not only get discounted tickets or other compensation, but will often end up in first class on the next flight out if cattle class is also oversold on that flight.

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jetlag: Do’s and Don’ts

Most people encounter no problems with time zone differences of up to two hours, but fly further - for example, to and from America - and you will. Yet according to Dr. David O'Connell, author of "Jetlag: How to Beat It"* with the following measures you could virtually eliminate it. Here are some popular measures you can take in advance:

Wear two watches several days before your journey - one set at home time, the other set to destination time. Begin living, eating and sleeping in the destination time zone as much as possible aiming to alter your body-clock by at least three hours. As it usually takes at least 72 hours to adjust to a new time zone, for long-haul journeys of three days or less, try to stick to UK time.

Flight times - Book flights which arrive during the day or evening at your destination, not in the middle of the night as that will slow down your adjustment to the new time zone.

Flight direction -  Travel west if possible - when travelling East jet-lag is twice as bad because you lose time.

Reset your body clock - The following techniques can help reset your body clock:

Inducing sleep - Serotonin: The higher the levels of this mood enhancing brain chemical, the more likely you are to sleep. Raise levels naturally by eating foods high in trypopan, an amino acid from which serotonin is made. These include milk, yoghurt, turkey, tuna and chicken (sorry vegans!).

Darkness - Dim the lights or switch them off. The brain associates dark with sleeping and is more likely to start producing melatonin.

Thermal comfort zone - People sleep better when they feel comfortable, neither too hot nor cold.

Staying awake - Light: Research has found that levels of the hormone can be reduced by exposure to light - equivalent to bright sunshine or a strong lamp. While natural sunshine might get you through to 6pm, the use of light visors or portable lamps can help stave off sleep after sunset.

Exercise - On average, half-an-hour of brisk exercise should keep you awake for around two hours.

Chills - Open the window, increase the air conditioning or take a cold shower. Being cold makes people more alert.

Stimulants - Keep your mind active by doing crosswords or listening to up-beat music. Coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks prevent sleep by stimulating the central nervous system.

Homeopathic solutions - www.glovers-health.co.uk might be worth visiting. They are a commercial health store. The author is not connected to them and the info is for your guidance only. A competitor can be found at www.thinknatural.com

*Jetlag: How to Beat It (Ascendent Publishing, £11.99 tel: 020-7584 9779).

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how to cope with the fatigue flights:

1. LOS ANGELES (8 hours behind) 10 hour flight.

BEST: time to leave: 8pm, arriving 2pm.
DO: sleep immediately you board for eight hours if possible.
DON'T: have a light lunch on arrival or fall asleep for the rest
of the day.

2. NEW YORK (5 hours behind) 8 hour flight.

BEST: time to leave: 11am, arriving 2pm.
DO: go out as soon as you arrive, drink coffee - anything to stay awake.
DON'T: have a heavy dinner or anything that will tempt sleep before at least 10pm.

3. RIO DE JANEIRO (4 hours behind) 11 hour flight)

BEST: time to leave: 10.15am arriving 5.15pm.
DO; sleep for the first two to three hours of the flight.
DON'T: Drink alcohol while flying, or sleep before 10pm. Brazilian Time.

4. CAPE TOWN (2 hours ahead) 11 hour 50 minute flight.

BEST: time to leave: 6.20pm. arriving 8.10am next day.
DO: have a light dinner one hour into the flight, then sleep.
DON'T: stay up watching videos or drink alcohol without replenishing with water.

5. BOMBAY (5-and-a-half hours ahead) 8 hour flight.

BEST: time to leave: 10.25pm. arriving 11.55am next day.
DO: sleep on the plane and nap for two hours on arrival followed by an undemanding evening.
DON'T: immediately fall into a deep, long, sleep, eat a heavy meal or drink heavily.

6. SYDNEY (11 hours ahead) 20 hour flight.

BEST: time to leave: 11am, arriving 6pm. next day.
DO: have a big breakfast, put on your eye mask and doze or sleep for at least 8 hours on the flight. Drink at least 3 litres of water.
DON'T: stay awake too long - UK day is Australian night so the faster you adapt the better.

7. BANGKOK (5 hours ahead) 11 hour flight.

BEST: time to leave: 9.40pm, arriving 1.40pm next day.
DO: stay awake for the first four hours of the flight.
DON'T: have a two hour nap on arrival, stay awake for the rest of the day.

8. HONG KONG (8 hours ahead) 11 hour 50 minute flight.

BEST: time to leave: 2. 45pm, arriving 10.35am the next day.
DO: sleep as soon as you can on the flight.
DON'T: brave the next day feeling exhausted; allow yourself a two hour doze on arrival.

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tips on surviving a plane crash

Most people don't realize it, but a big percent of all aircraft accidents are survivable. There are measures you can take to tilt the odds in your favour. Here are some steps the experts say might save your life in a crash:

Choose your airline - Your life is in their hands after all. Certain airlines have somewhat lacklustre safety records (Check them here AirSafe or here Crash Database). I’m not going to mention them here (Liability and all that!), but suffice to say the that airlines from the former Soviet Union should be flown ‘with caution’ and perhaps only if it’s the last aircraft out of town before that meter strikes!

Wear cotton or wool - Do not wear clothes made of synthetic fibres, like nylon or polyester; they may melt into your skin in the event of a fire, natural fabrics; cottons, silks, wool, suede’s, and leathers do not burn as quickly as polyesters. For women, trousers provide protection in case of a slide evacuation. Tights melt to your skin; they are a definite no-no! Men should wear lace-up, not slip-on shoes, as the G-force will leave you shoeless. Remember your escape route may involve hot oil and debris.

Seat yourself as close to the tail as you can! - This is the portion of the plane with the highest survival rate. If you're seated in first class or the cockpit, then you've had it! This part of an aircraft is most likely the first thing to hit the ground. When you board the plane, count the number of seat rows to the nearest exit ahead of you and behind you. If smoke fills the cabin, you may have to feel your way to the exit. Just because your assigned seating is in row 23 does not mean you are 23 rows back from the tourist class divider.  On many airlines, the first row in tourist class may start with row 10!  Don't assume anything, count it out and make a mental note. 

Take note of the floor lighting  - Which side of the row is it on? Knowing this in a smoke- filled plane where everything is tossed and turned differently in a matter of seconds will help you get your bearings.  The floor lighting will be a constant, observe and remember.

Look for a second exit.  Your nearest exit may be blocked. Check out the occupants next to the exits as well. Do they look the type to panic? Will they be able to open the doors? Luckily most airlines now ‘coach’ people sitting next to exits, but be prepared to takeover.

Make sure your seat belt is fastened – It should be snug around your pelvic area, not your stomach.  After take off, you can get more comfortable, but, initially, make it low and tight!  Should G-forces happen, a burst bladder can kill you as quickly as anything else!

Pay attention to the flight attendant's safety briefings and instructions - So what if you know the stewardess' speech by heart?  Stay alert and listen.  Do not go to sleep until airborne. Know how to open regular and emergency doors and windows. If flight attendants are incapacitated, you may have to do it.

Always leave your window shade open - During take-off and landings, leave it open so you can assess the outside conditions.

Know the location of life jackets and rafts - If you're travelling over water, know where the life jackets and life rafts are stowed, and how to release them. See if there really IS a life jacket under your seat and try to imagine how to put it on in the dark. Survivors say this is very hard to do!

Know how to get into the "brace" position - bending over with your head down and your hands grabbing your knees or ankles. And be alert for unusual motions that may signal trouble; getting into the brace position then may prevent severe injuries (Recently the FAA and the CAA have changed their instructions for the "crash position" from sticking you head between your knees to a different sitting position. This isn't so you're more likely to survive... no, this is so that there is more likelihood of your teeth surviving intact! They've found that with the traditional method, a lot of the crash victims had broken jawbones, so it was hard for them to make dental identification. Especially important if there’s a fire.)

Staying low in your seat helps to avoid the fireballs that may shoot through the cabin initially.  Sorry, to be so blunt, but these are the facts that may save your life

Overhead bins do not survive crashes well - That is why stewardesses politely suggest you never put heavy objects there but store them under your seat.  Think of the times that light turbulence causes these bins to fall open! A crash will do far worse!

Keep your feet flat - Feet should be flat on the floor so you can spring fast. Take off any high heels which will give you extra mobility when dashing for the doors. No point breaking your ankles as well. Try and refrain from wearing high heals on aircraft.

Don’t cross your legs - Do not cross ankles or legs as this may crush your hips.

Remove glasses – Indeed remove everything from your lap (remember G-forces!). Wine bottles, mobile phones and handbags can become lethal cabin missiles.

Keep a handkerchief handy - Put a handkerchief in your hand and tuck hands under your legs to prevent flailing and broken bones in a crash. Cover your mouth and nose immediately with the handkerchief or jacket you have in your hand from takeoff and move as quickly as possible to your known exits.  The toxic fumes filling the cabin are almost as deadly as the gallons of fuel you are sitting on!  

Stay low but do not crawl - Your greatest visibility will probably be at floor level, but do not crawl, just crouch low and stay on your feet.  You do not need the danger of sharp debris, trampling passengers, and toxic carpet fumes to deter your chance of survival.

Smoke and filter hoods - In recent months, smoke hoods have become a controversial topic in the airline industry. Some say airlines should provide these safety devices, the simplest of which are translucent bags fitted with filters that fit over your head. But the FAA has rejected the proposal, feeling that passengers would take longer to evacuate the plane if they pause to don the hoods. Filters in the hoods, which are made of fire-resistant material, clear toxins from the smoke, including deadly carbon monoxide. They also let you keep seeing and protect you from burning molten stuff falling in your head. Costing £40 and up, they are packaged in a pouch about the size of a paperback book. Buy one here www.hayes-uk.com/

Just go - In an emergency evacuation, don't pause to grab personal effects. Just go.

Stay with the plane - If you are ever stranded in the desert after your plane crashes (not that they do often), the most important thing is to STAY WITH THE PLANE! Mirrors are also handy for signalling. There is more on what to do, as my dad did this teamwork exercise thing, and you have to choose what to do. If you want to survive after a crash, your best bet is to stay in or near the plane (depending on the state of it) and wait for the emergency services to arrive. It's also essential to stay warm in these conditions, as it'll probably be sometime before anyone arrives. If you've crashed, then the chances of the aircraft catching fire are slim. Most good pilots will ditch most of the fuel if they know they have to crash land... Otherwise if it's an unexpected accident (mid-air collision etc...) then you'll probably burn....

 

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tips on passport safety

Your passport is the most valuable document you will carry abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies or consulates.

Protect it - When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for traveling. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local police authorities and your nearest embassy or consulate.

Passport fraud - Law enforcement records show that passports are sometimes used for illegal entry into developed countries or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. This can cause embarrassment to innocent citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities. To protect the integrity of passports and the security of the person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessary to take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These precautions may involve some delay before a new passport is issued.

Safeguard your passport - Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it stolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with you because either you need to show it when you cash travelers checks or the country you are in requires you to carry it as an identity document. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on your person. Do not leave it in a handbag or an exposed pocket. Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room or packed in your luggage. One family member should not carry all the passports for the entire family.

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airline comfort & safety

Find out about how arlines measure seat pitch, how they rate in terms of comfort and more importantly find out about their safety records!


Airline Eye www.airlineeye.co.uk - Airline Reviews and Travel Information. The aim of Airline Eye is to provide you, the traveller with an unbiased collection of reviews and reports regarding others flight experiences around the globe. Remember if you have flown with an Airline, that you want to tell others about, here is the place to leave it.

AirlineQuality.com www.airlinequality.com - The global passenger guide to airline product and service standards - lets you check each airline's quality rating online. Use their passenger forum sections to read customer feedback and opinions for over 400 airlines and 425 airports around the world.

Flatseats.com www.flatseats.com - The world's specialist site focussing on the "premium" airline seat market - for suppliers, airlines and passenger alike. Read customer reviews of airline seats, see the results of our Seat Surveys and Seat tests, check out the sleep comfort of seats, find out which airline offers lie-flat seats...

Flyingfans www.flyingfans.tripod.com - Airliner safety statistics.

Proffessional Pilot's Rumour Network www.pprune.com -  More for airline pilot's, but is of interest for discussions on safety issues etc. Not one for the faint-hearted perhaps. Near-misses are seemingly a common occurrence!!

SeatExpert.com www.seatexpert.com - The un-official site for all your airline best seat selection needs. They offer advice on the most desirable seats, as well as which seats to avoid at all cost. With SeatExpert, you will have the pick of the house.

SeatGuru.com www.seatguru.com - Employs a powerful combination of detailed seat map graphics, in-depth remarks and observations, a color-coded system to help identify superior and substandard seats and icons to denote amenities such as laptop power and audio/video entertainment. This blend of features successfully conveys highly specific seat information such as extra legroom, limited recline, decreased width and obstructed movie screen viewing. All aspects and features of the site are displayed in a user-friendly interface and an easy-to-navigate format.

The Travel Insider www.thetravelinsider.info - More airline reviews!

 

 

travel glossary

I’m in the process of compiling one. In the meantime try this site www.hometravelagency.com/dictionary

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