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                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 
                back to top  
                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. 
                back to top  
                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. 
                   
                 back to top  
                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). 
                back to top  
                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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