Air Travel Tips
Hotel Tips
Taxi Tips

Air Travel Tips

Always check in early. We recommend getting to the airport 3 hours in advance of your flight for International flights, and 2 hours before for domestic flights.

Carry-on bags and liquids

At most UK airports, the restriction on only carrying one piece of hand luggage has been lifted. There are still some exceptions though and we would advise you to check on www.baa.com or with airline you are flying with for up to date information.
 
Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried in your hand baggage.
 
The following restrictions apply to all liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols taken through security control: 

• Liquid items may only be carried in containers holding up to 100ml
• They must be carried separately in a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag
• The bag must be no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) and all items must fit inside so that it closes properly
• At security control the bag must be placed separately on the conveyor belt for screening
• Liquid items larger than 100ml should be packed in your hold luggage – otherwise they will be confiscated

Exceptions to the 100ml rule can be made for baby food or milk. However, you should only carry what you need for the flight, and you may be asked to taste these items at security control.

Exceptions may also be made for medicines. However, you may be asked to taste any liquid medicines, or to provide evidence (such as a doctor's letter) that you need them for your journey.

On Board Health

Sitting for a long period of time such as on a long haul flight, has been linked to cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT can occur in anyone at any time although some individuals, such as those who have had recent surgery or have a history of blood clots in their family, may be at higher risk.

DVT may be avoided by periodically walking around the aircraft and exercising the leg muscles, drinking adequate fluids, wearing loose fitting clothing and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before and during the flight. Many airlines now include a section in their in-flight magazines on wellbeing, including exercises you can do whilst still seated. If you are concerned about the risk of DVT, we would recommend that you consult your GP for further advice.

Lost Luggage

So you’re waiting at the baggage carousel, you’re tired from a long journey and want to get to your hotel. The baggage conveyer belt stops and your bag has not arrived….

Unfortunately on occasions baggage is lost. What do you do if this happens to you? 

• Find an airline representative or go to the information desk and report your luggage as lost
• You will be given a form to complete which requires you to describe your luggage and its contents
• Make sure the airline/information desk has the address of where you will be staying so that they can forward the luggage on to you when it is found
• If you need to buy any replacement items whilst you wait for your luggage to be returned to you, keep all receipts as these will be required by your travel insurance company

Hotel Tips

We know that many of our clients often travel to dangerous destinations in order to carry out their work. If accommodation is required, Key Travel will always recommend reputable hotels that best suit your needs. If you do feel concerned about your safety, below are some basic tips you can follow:

• Request a room is above the first floor. This minimises the chances of anyone breaking in
• Always put valuables in the hotel room safe. If your room does not have a safe, ask at reception to see if they provide a safe facility
• Use the peephole and chain when answering your door
• Don’t answer the phone with your name
• Avoid putting the ‘please make up my room’ sign on the door when you go out – this is a tell tale sign that your room is vacant
• Keep your passport and travel documents on your person – do not leave them in the room
• Locate your nearest exit and fire extinguisher

Taxi Tips

Key Travel can arrange transfers for you at your destination with reputable companies.  However if you will be using taxis to get around at your destination, the following are some general tips on how to stay safe:

• Ask your hotel to call a taxi for you
• Have the address of your destination or hotel written in the local language
• When calling a taxi, ask what colour the car will be and wait indoors for it to arrive
• Compare the face of the taxi driver to the photo license