Why don’t we use earphones when on the airport? And the place precisely ought to we preserve our energy banks? These are simply a few of the questions we’ll be answering on this article.
We’ll undergo the widespread errors that first-time flyers typically make. If it’s your first time touring by air, I’m certain this put up will likely be helpful for you. Or if somebody — a relative or a pal — who’s flying for the primary time, you possibly can share this with them. Even if you happen to’re not a primary timer, that is nonetheless value studying as a result of, generally, we neglect to do or overlook essentially the most staple items.
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1. Arriving late or on the mistaken time.
Examine-in Counter Closing
Many first-time vacationers don’t know that check-in counters normally shut not less than 45 minutes earlier than the departure time — or one hour for worldwide flights. That’s why we frequently see posts on social media complaining they weren’t allowed to board once they arrived on the check-in counter, let’s say, half-hour earlier than their departure time.
There are additionally a number of steps or processes you need to undergo earlier than you possibly can really board the airplane. So, you want loads of time. On the whole, check-in counters open three hours earlier than the departure time. For home flights, some airways sometimes accommodate passengers on the assigned check-in counters two hours previous to departure. However for us, we purpose to get to the airport 4 hours earlier than the flight, particularly throughout peak season, so we’ve got allowance in case get caught in site visitors on the way in which to the airport. Our mantra: Higher secure than sorry.
24-Hour Time Format
One other factor to recollect is that airways and airports around the globe observe a 24-hour format or army time. So in case your ticket says your flight is at 8:00, that’s 8AM. If it have been 8PM, it needs to be 20:00. And 15:00 is just not 5PM. It’s 3PM. The bottom line is to subtract 12 to get the time within the afternoon or night. So, 5PM is 17:00, and 7PM is nineteen:00. You could refer beneath for simple reference.
24-Hour Time Format
- 1:00 = 1:00 AM
- 2:00 = 2:00 AM
- 3:00 = 3:00 AM
- 4:00 = 4:00 AM
- 5:00 = 5:00 AM
- 6:00 = 6:00 AM
- 7:00 = 7:00 AM
- 8:00 = 8:00 AM
- 9:00 = 9:00 AM
- 10:00 = 10:00 AM
- 11:00 = 11:00 AM
- 12:00 = 12:00 PM
- 13:00 = 1:00 PM
- 14:00 = 2:00 PM
- 15:00 = 3:00 PM
- 16:00 = 4:00 PM
- 17:00 = 5:00 PM
- 18:00 = 6:00 PM
- 19:00 = 7:00 PM
- 20:00 = 8:00 PM
- 21:00 = 9:00 PM
- 22:00 = 10:00 PM
- 23:00 = 11:00 PM
- 24:00 = 12:00 AM
For seasoned vacationers, you may assume, “That’s so primary!” However a number of first-timers actually get confused…and even non-newbies!
Now we have a pal who travels internationally rather a lot, however for some cause, she skilled this throughout her Vietnam journey — possibly she was too drained that point and had a little bit of a mind fog. Their flight was at 6 o’clock. Anxious that they may miss it, they arrived on the airport as early as 1PM. Tremendous early, proper? However guess what — they nonetheless missed their flight! Why? As a result of they confirmed up at 6PM, when their flight was really at 6AM. So that they missed their flight and needed to ebook a brand new one. That was an pointless expense. Cash down the drain!
We additionally get many questions on this in our DM, and other people additionally put up about it in The Poor Traveler Help Group on Fb. Many are nonetheless confused.
✅ When you’ve got any questions or want journey suggestions, be at liberty to put up them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb help group has been round for a very long time, and lots of members have discovered journey buddies by it. You may be part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Help Group. Be aware that that is totally different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
2. Arriving on the mistaken terminal.
Many airports around the globe have a number of terminals. Ninoy Aquino Worldwide Airport (NAIA), also referred to as Manila Worldwide Airport, has 4 terminals: NAIA Terminal 1, 2, 3, and 4. And every has its personal assigned airways and routes.
We gained’t undergo the terminal assignments as a result of they modify very often. Simply do not forget that if you ebook flights, your assigned terminal is indicated in your reserving particulars. If there are any adjustments, the airline will inform. And if you happen to choose to test in on-line, you’ll additionally see your designated terminal there.
It’s at all times greatest to test instantly with the airline. You’ll discover a number of info on-line, however since terminal assignments have modified a number of occasions over the previous years, a few of the particulars are already outdated. And it’s actually inconvenient if you happen to make a mistake, particularly right here in NAIA, the place transferring from one terminal to a different will be fairly a trouble. If you happen to go to the mistaken terminal and you’re working quick on time, you may miss your flight.
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3. Skipping on-line check-in.
Airways normally provide a web-based check-in choice, and it is best to make the most of it. Once you test in on-line, it quickens your wait on the airport as a result of the road for passengers who checked in on-line is normally shorter. Though we’ve had a few situations the place it was the alternative. However on the whole, the road for that is shorter.
Right here within the Philippines, we nonetheless usually must line up if we’ve got check-in luggage. If you happen to’re already checked in on-line, make your approach to the counter with a “BAG DROP” label. Technically, you’re already checked in as a passenger. You’re simply handing over your baggage. Some airways, like in Europe and New Zealand, and I believe in Hong Kong additionally, have machines for that, letting passengers test in their very own luggage.
And oftentimes, even if you happen to didn’t pay for seat quantity choice however you checked in on-line early, there’s the next likelihood you’ll nonetheless be seated collectively together with your companions as a result of there are nonetheless many obtainable seats.
How early on-line check-in opens depends upon the airline. Often, it’s 24-48 hours earlier than departure. However some airways enable doing it a lot earlier, like days earlier than. Like AirAsia, if you happen to test in utilizing the app, you possibly can test in as early as 14 days forward of your flight.
And the long run is gearing towards on-line check-in. Some airways in Europe even cost an additional charge if you happen to test in on the airport, making on-line check-in a should if you happen to don’t need this extra cost.
4. Miscalculating your bag’s weight.
It will probably actually be a pricey mistake if you happen to exceed your baggage allowance. The load restrict depends upon the airline, the route, and the fare class you booked. For low-cost carriers, it doesn’t mechanically include baggage allowance, until you deliberately add it.
For instance, with Cebu Pacific, you’ve got these choices: Go Primary, Go Simple, and Go Flexi. Go Primary is the most cost effective, but it surely doesn’t embrace checked baggage — solely a 7-kilogram hand-carry.
In the meantime, with Philippine Airways, checked baggage allowance is mechanically included, however the measurement of the bag allowance depends upon the fare class. They’ve Financial system and Enterprise Class. Beneath financial system, you possibly can generally select from these: primary financial system, financial system saver, and premium financial system. Every one has a distinct allocation — generally 23kg, different occasions 15kg. Simply test what you ebook and its inclusions. In case your ticket doesn’t embrace baggage and also you need to add it, do that upfront. Don’t wait till you’re on the airport as a result of it’s far more costly.
Our tip: weight your suitcase or baggage at house.
We use a weighing scale from World Traveler. You principally hook your bag onto it, carry it, after which it exhibits you the load. We additionally convey this once we journey, so we are able to test if we’re about to exceed our restrict and if we have to purchase additional baggage allowance. That is very helpful for us. Generally, if vacationers transcend their baggage allowance they usually’re not keen to pay additional, they’ll need to take away objects from their luggage. It’s such a trouble, and other people in line get irritated as a result of it takes so lengthy.
5. Not packing your luggage your self.
You should be the one to pack your bag. Why? So that you will be certain about every little thing that’s inside. There are a lot of prohibited objects, and you’re liable for your personal bag or baggage.
I’ve a associated expertise after I was touring with my younger nephew then. My sister was primarily based in Tokyo at the moment, and I used to be simply accompanying him. His baggage was packed by his mother — my sister. So, I had no concept what objects have been inside his bag. On the airport, we had already checked in our baggage, gone by immigration, and have been ready on the boarding space. Then my nephew’s title was known as over the intercom. Since he was a minor, I went as a substitute of him.
After I acquired to this considerably secluded space, the workers spoke to me. They advised me that they detected one thing suspicious inside his checked-in bag. I used to be requested what it was. Neither my nephew nor I knew. So that they requested me to open it. It was an influence financial institution!
We will’t stress this sufficient: If you happen to’re accountable for the bag, it is best to know what’s inside. That is additionally the rationale why you shouldn’t settle for or carry objects from folks you don’t know, particularly these you simply met on the airport. Once more, by no means agree to hold another person’s bag. You don’t know what’s in it. For all , it could possibly be unlawful, and also you’re the one who’ll get in bother.
And since we already talked about energy banks…
6. Not following energy financial institution and liquid restrictions.
Liquid Restrictions
Keep in mind, the liquids in your hand-carry or carry-on bag should not exceed 100mL per container. Be aware that they test the capability of the container, not the present quantity of liquid inside. For instance, in case you have a toner or a sunblock that’s already half-empty, however the container’s capability is 200 mL, there’s nonetheless an opportunity it may be confiscated. If that’s the case, it’s safer to only test it in. And ideally, place your liquids in a transparent pouch.
Energy Financial institution Restrictions
As of late, they’re getting stricter in terms of energy banks. There have been many instances of them exploding, so they have to at all times be inside your sight. That approach, if one thing occurs, it may be addressed or mounted instantly. Guidelines differ per airline, however let’s have a look at Philippine Airways — it’s nearly the identical as Cebu Pacific.
First, you need to carry it with you contained in the airplane. By no means ever put it in your checked-in baggage, so that you gained’t find yourself in the identical scenario my nephew and I did. Furthermore, whereas contained in the airplane, don’t put it within the overhead bins. It’s a must to preserve it in your particular person, or put it within the seat pocket or underneath your seat. You will need to place it someplace you possibly can at all times see. And of late, you’re now not allowed to apply it to board.
Additionally, it mustn’t exceed 160 Wh (watt-hours). If it’s lower than 100 watt-hours, no approval is required. And if it’s between 100 and 160 watt-hours, you could have it accepted on the check-in counter.
Since what we normally see is mAh, how will we compute watt-hours? To search out out the watt-hours of our energy banks, the system is: (mAh x Voltage) ÷ 1000. That’s mAh occasions voltage, then divide the product by 1000. So, for instance, your energy financial institution has 20,000 mAh and three.7 volts. The watt-hours could be 74, in order that’s allowed.
It’s additionally essential to notice that some airways and nations require certifications for energy banks, so you should definitely test that too.
7. Shedding your passport or boarding move.
I’m responsible as charged! There was this one time in Istanbul whereby I had already cleared Immigration and made it to the boarding space earlier than realizing my passport was lacking. I truthfully had no concept the place I’d left it, however thankfully, I used to be capable of finding it.
You’d be stunned that it’s extra widespread than you assume. Generally we simply stick our passport someplace after which neglect the place we put it. That’s why having a devoted pocket in your bag in your passport and essential paperwork may be very handy. It’s one thing you possibly can simply entry with out mixing your passport with different objects. Or if you happen to don’t have that, you should buy a small clear envelope the place you possibly can preserve your passport, boarding move, and many others. Because it’s clear, you possibly can see it immediately.
Boarding passes are simple to misplace additionally, since they’re simply paper. So, generally, a digital copy can also be okay. Be sure that to deal with your journey paperwork, particularly your passport.
I’ve discovered my lesson. When flying, I at all times put on a polo with a pocket, the place I preserve my passport and boarding move. I can see it immediately and get it simply after I want it. So, from check-in to boarding the airplane, it’s simply there in my pocket. And as soon as I now not want it, I put it within the small clear envelope and preserve it in my bag.
8. Complicated boarding time with departure time.
Earlier, we mentioned the distinction between check-in time and departure time. This time, we’ll speak about boarding time.
So if you test in, you’re given a boarding move, and it exhibits a time. That’s your boarding time. Generally, it additionally says “GATE CLOSES at ___“, adopted by a time. Which means you ought to be on the gate earlier than that point.
It’s because the gate normally closes 15-20 minutes earlier than departure time, and generally, even earlier, relying on varied elements. As soon as the gate closes, you can not get in. For instance, in case your flight departs at 2PM and your boarding time says 1:40 PM, you ought to be on the gate by 1:40 PM. Don’t wait till 2PM!
Generally, we lose monitor of time once we get too comfy on the lounge or café, or once we’re busy buying. You might actually miss your flight if everybody has already boarded they usually’ve been calling your title with no response. The airplane will depart with out you.
Which brings us to…
9. Carrying earphones whereas ready.
I at all times say this: the interval earlier than your flight departure is NOT the perfect time to go music-tripping. Why? As a result of updates in your flight standing can change, they usually announce these over the intercom. If you happen to’re sporting earphones, you won’t hear or discover the announcement since you’re not paying consideration, particularly if you happen to’re not on the boarding gate.
That is very true right here within the Philippines — at NAIA and different native airports, the place the sound system is just not nice. It’s typically too gentle, or if it’s loud, it’s arduous to know. So don’t overcomplicate issues by listening to one thing else, even when it’s your favourite music or artist. Do it if you’re already on the airplane.
You may additionally be considering, “Then I’ll simply keep watch over the time.” However that’s not a assure. I used to work for 2 airways, and I do know there are conditions — not widespread, however they do occur — when a flight leaves sooner than scheduled. If the plane arrives forward of time and boarding begins early, and also you’re the one one lacking, they may begin to web page your title a number of occasions over the intercom. And if you happen to missed these calls, they may depart with out you.
That additionally occurred to us earlier than. On certainly one of our flights, we have been in a lounge. We thought we nonetheless had loads of time, however once we acquired to the gate, it was already their final name, they usually had been paging us! It solely occurred as soon as, and we’ll be sure it gained’t occur once more! We ran like loopy. It was so disturbing!
It’s actually greatest to go to the boarding gate with loads of time to spare. However even if you happen to’re already there, keep alert. You may miss a gate change or the beginning of boarding if, say, you get too absorbed in your cellphone. So, you need to at all times listen.
10. Dismissing eTravel.
Many individuals nonetheless skip engaging in the eTravel type as a result of they assume it’s non-obligatory. However that is obligatory for all vacationers, whether or not Filipino or foreigner, who’re coming into or leaving the Philippines.
Each time we characteristic or point out eTravel, lots of people nonetheless remark na that it’s such a waste of time as a result of nobody was checking it. However that’s as a result of when you’ve accomplished it, they’ll already see it within the system, in order that they typically gained’t ask for it anymore. If you happen to haven’t completed it, they’ll additionally see that. What’s going to occur is that they’ll pull you apart and make you fill out the shape utilizing the tablets within the nook. This can delay you much more. It’s simpler to do it at house, as early as 72 hours earlier than your journey.
Now we have a extra detailed step-by-step gude right here: HOW TO ACCOMPLISH eTRAVEL FORM!
We’ll talk about this additional, together with different errors associated to Immigration and Safety checks, in a separate article. That’s all for now. Keep in mind, plan good, journey secure, and make each journey value it!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-obligatory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced fee.
Updates Log
2025 11 14 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
