Ongoing
Before your journey and at the airport;
Heightened airport security measures have increased the time needed at the airport and the variety of security measures you may encounter. The following tips may help smooth the process:
Allow extra time.
· We strongly recommend you arrive at the airport a minimum of one hour prior to the scheduled departure time for domestic and European flights and two hours prior to departure for other international flights (the times in
· Most airports are operating stricter security; you will therefore experience longer queues. Make your way to security as soon as you have checked in.
Pack carefully.
· Avoid packing your carry on bags tightly so that it is easier for security personnel to check them.
· For up to date security information please go to the following link on travel and baggage restrictions http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity
· Any scissors/tweezers or sharp objects should be packed in your hold luggage and not in your hand luggage
· Do not carry any bottles water beyond check in
· Small quantities of liquids are allowed to be carried in hand luggage (see link on security for more info and examples)
· Hand luggage should not exceed the IATA standard size 56x45x25cm (for budget flights check with operator) otherwise you may be asked to check in the item/s.
· When travelling within or returning from the
Baggage; Please ensure you make a note of your baggage allowance. This can be found on your eticket.
Strict regulations apply at most airports (generally in the UK) for weight and size of hand luggage. Although some airlines are now encouraging you take hand luggage over hold luggage (i.e. Budget airlines) the airports use the restrictions to safe guard their staff and encourage security measures to flow freely.
Please check with your carrier for correct weight allowance on these items.
Ensure your information is accurate and complete.
· Be sure to have a valid passport and any required Visas.
· It is now also recommended to carry photo ID for all flights (including UK/Eire domestic. Some airlines may refuse you without it)
· Be sure to provide us with the name and current details of an emergency contact.
· If possible, when making your booking, provide your overseas contact details.
Be prepared for security checkpoints
· In the security queue remove coat/jacket, place coins, keys, phones, transparent bag and any lose items into hand luggage for ease.
· Electronic items, such as laptops and mobile phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be ready to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately.
· Keep your ticket, boarding pass, and ID within easy reach.
· Wear shoes that can be taken off and put back on relatively easily and be prepared for removal of belts & watches
· Limit the amount of jewellery or other metal objects that you wear, and remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process.
· Certain items should not be carried on an aircraft because of the danger they potentially represent. These include toy or replica guns and catapults in addition to many items commonly used at work or home, including; tradesmen's tools, household cutlery, steel nail files, knives with any length blade, razor blades (non-safety), scissors of any size, corkscrews with blades attached, darts, sporting bats/clubs/cues, knitting needles and hypodermic syringes (except with written evidence of medical need) and in some cases carrying lighters.
Advance Passenger information and documents required
*Airlines are now required by new laws introduced in the US and other countries to give border control/government agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly any information we hold about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country in your itinerary.
At the time of booking, any information, which airlines hold, about passengers will be made available to the US Government and any others who adopt the same or similar policies.
This can include payment details, contact information and special requirements.
They can be passed onto Border controls, Customs and enforcement authorities (for the purpose of preventing and combating terrorism/criminal offences)
Some countries, including the USA will now ask for information pre-board (even if you are transiting).
You will have to provide;
*The address of your first night stay (Street name, City, state and post code/zip). PLEASE BE PREPARED
*Passport number, citizenship, names, date of birth, country of passport issue, expiry date and any visa info (although in most cases this can be obtained when the machine readable passport is swiped at check in)
It is hoped that most airlines will soon be able to take this information before you go to the airport, therefore cutting down on extra check in times
We ask for your cooperation in these matters to enable your travel to run smoothly and in cases where the info is not given pre-airport that you allow extra time at check in.
In addition to this when going through USA immigration the US-VISIT programme is in effect and involves collection of further data on individuals consisting of fingerprinting (by scanners) and digital photographs. This will happen on arrival and departure.
Therefore we strongly advise to allow for this when arranging flights and connecting flights to other countries through the US (ensuring you follow the procedures at both the beginning AND END of your visit to ensure there are no problems when you next visit
For more information you can check www.dhs.gov/us-visit
*If you are travelling to the USA on the existing visa waiver programme (e.g. if you are a UK Citizen) you will have to hold a valid unexpired machine-readable passport.
The USA have now advised that if your country is part of the VWP then you will not be allowed entry unless you hold one of these passports.
To find out more you can log on to http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html
From January 2009 the US Immigration service require you to complete the online Visa waiver form known as ESTA.This replaces the form that passengers fill in en route.
Please use the following link and have your passport details ready for completion;
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c0A300368-5CBB-64E6-D7B2-6E711278ABE2_k04F6EA75-1D8B-F9FB-5116-9F082194A2CC or click on the link in the news section of this website
For more information you can click on;
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1212498415724.shtm
As a traveller this is your responsibility to action, at least 3 days prior to travel
Any new passport issued from 26OCTOBER2005 must have a digital photograph printed on the data page in order for the holder to travel on a visa waiver entry.
From 26OCTOBER2006 any new passports issued will have to have an integrated chip with biometric details on the data page
Any new passports issued after these dates that do not have the information for travel to the US will need a US visa for entry.
You can travel after these dates with a passport without the digital photo or biometric details as long as it has been issued before 26OCT 2005.For more info see;
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
For other information on passports, visas and entry requirements go to
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590
Please ensure you hold the correct documents and visas for your destination. If you have any questions or queries please contact us for help and advice
Other information
High-risk countries; Many countries are considered high risk. You can get more information from www.fco.gov.uk.
Please ensure you are prepared before travel. We have given some tips before and during travel as detailed below.
Fuel Surcharges;
Following fluctuation in oil prices, some airlines continue to show these changes as fuel surcharges. These will be shown along with the security and insurance surcharges in the tax/fee area of you ticket (generally with a code such as YQ, YR or XT). The carrier levies this and is not a tax imposed by government authorities or third parties.
Travelling with confidence
Every year millions of passengers worldwide rely on airlines and other operators to help make their journeys smooth ones.
Many airlines have taken commitments to delivering safe and secure operations in airports and on board aircrafts including;
Screening of flying crew and ground staff.
Screening of passengers and cabin bags
Security controls for cargo, mail and catering.
Searches and guarding of aircraft.
Security audits and checks worldwide
X-ray screening of hold baggage
Additional passenger and hold baggage checks worldwide
Re-enforcing cockpit doors and locking whilst in flight
Bans on in flight deck visits
Bans on carriage of sharp implements
For you, preparation is an important factor in ensuring a successful journey. To help you be prepared, we would like to offer some suggestions for your next trip:
· Plan ahead. Pre-arrange transfers, hotel accommodation, and other elements of your journey.
· Know your options. Many travellers find it’s important to pay as much attention to options for returning home as options for getting there. Familiarise yourself with schedules and if applicable, details of connecting flights. This way, should your plans change for any reason during your journey; you’ll already be somewhat familiar with all the alternatives.
· Make copies of your passport, traveller’s cheques, credit cards, itinerary, and airline tickets. Carry one copy with you and leave one copy and your overseas contact details with the person you designate as your emergency contact.
· Bring with you the address and phone number of the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for each country you plan to visit.
· Have local airline phone numbers to hand.
· Carry some cash as credit cards may not be accepted in all destinations
· Check your mobile phones works in your intended country of visit and keep charged
· It is recommended in some areas as a good idea to carry a small short wave radio to keep updated through the BBC World Service on up to date situations
· Pack any regular medication in your hand luggage, and ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip.
· You should also be knowledgeable about your destination, you may find the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office useful for additional travel information. Visit it at www.fco.gov.uk
· Try not to sit still for too long. When convenient, get up and move about the cabin and stretch your arms and legs every so often.
· Eat a light meal and drink plenty of water. Drink alcohol, coffee and tea in moderation.
· Help your body cope better when travelling to new time zones by taking every opportunity to sleep en route. Every little nap will help. And don’t forget to remove your contact lenses before you sleep.
All information on these pages can be subject to change. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us or check for more information on the relevant web pages.
It is YOUR responsibility to ensure you are prepared for your trip