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 number of the questions we’ll be answering on this article.
We’ll undergo the frequent errors that first-time flyers usually make. If it’s your first time touring by air, I’m certain this submit will likely be helpful for you. Or if you recognize somebody — a relative or a good friend — 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 price studying as a result of, generally, we overlook to do or overlook essentially the most basic items.
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1. Arriving late or on the incorrect time.
Examine-in Counter Closing
Many first-time vacationers don’t know that check-in counters normally shut at the least 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 must undergo earlier than you possibly can truly board the airplane. So, you want loads of time. Normally, 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 goal to get to the airport 4 hours earlier than the flight, particularly throughout peak season, so we now have allowance in case get caught in 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 all over the world comply with a 24-hour format or navy time. So in case your ticket says your flight is at 8:00, that’s 8AM. If it had been 8PM, it must be 20:00. And 15:00 isn’t 5PM. It’s 3PM. The secret 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 under for straightforward 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 whole lot of first-timers actually get confused…and even non-newbies!
We now have a good friend who travels internationally lots, however for some motive, 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. Fearful that they could 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 truly at 6AM. So that they missed their flight and needed to e-book a brand new one. That was an pointless expense. Cash down the drain!
We additionally get many questions on this in our DM, and folks additionally submit about it in The Poor Traveler Help Group on Fb. Many are nonetheless confused.
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2. Arriving on the incorrect terminal.
Many airports all over the world have a number of terminals. Ninoy Aquino Worldwide Airport (NAIA), often known 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 whenever you e-book flights, your assigned terminal is indicated in your reserving particulars. If there are any adjustments, the airline will inform. And if you happen to want to examine in on-line, you’ll additionally see your designated terminal there.
It’s at all times finest to examine instantly with the airline. You’ll discover a whole lot of info on-line, however since terminal assignments have modified a number of occasions over the previous years, a number 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 may be fairly a problem. In case you go to the incorrect terminal and you might be 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 you must benefit from it. If you examine in on-line, it hastens 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 cases the place it was the alternative. However generally, the road for that is shorter.
Right here within the Philippines, we nonetheless usually have to line up if we now have check-in baggage. In case you’re already checked in on-line, make your method 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 examine in their very own baggage.
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 probability you’ll nonetheless be seated collectively along with your companions as a result of there are nonetheless many out there 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 examine in utilizing the app, you possibly can examine in as early as 14 days forward of your flight.
And the longer term is gearing towards on-line check-in. Some airways in Europe even cost an additional charge if you happen to examine 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 burden restrict depends upon the airline, the route, and the fare class you booked. For low-cost carriers, it doesn’t robotically include baggage allowance, except you deliberately add it.
For instance, with Cebu Pacific, you’ve these choices: Go Primary, Go Simple, and Go Flexi. Go Primary is the most affordable, but it surely doesn’t embrace checked baggage — solely a 7-kilogram hand-carry.
In the meantime, with Philippine Airways, checked baggage allowance is robotically included, however the measurement of the bag allowance depends upon the fare class. They’ve Financial system and Enterprise Class. Underneath economic system, you possibly can generally select from these: primary economic system, economic system saver, and premium economic system. Each has a unique allocation — generally 23kg, different occasions 15kg. Simply examine what you e-book and its inclusions. In case your ticket doesn’t embrace baggage and also you need to add it, do that prematurely. Don’t wait till you’re on the airport as a result of it’s way more costly.
Our tip: weight your suitcase or baggage at house.
We use a weighing scale from World Traveler. You mainly hook your bag onto it, raise it, after which it reveals you the load. We additionally deliver this once we journey, so we are able to examine 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 and so they’re not keen to pay additional, they’ll must take away gadgets from their baggage. It’s such a problem, and folks in line get irritated as a result of it takes so lengthy.
5. Not packing your baggage your self.
You have to be the one to pack your bag. Why? So that you may be certain about the whole lot that’s inside. There are a lot of prohibited gadgets, and you might be answerable for your individual 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 thought what gadgets had been inside his bag. On the airport, we had already checked in our baggage, gone by immigration, and had been ready on the boarding space. Then my nephew’s identify was referred to as over the intercom. Since he was a minor, I went as an alternative of him.
Once I obtained 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: In case you’re in command of the bag, you must know what’s inside. That is additionally the explanation why you shouldn’t settle for or carry gadgets from individuals 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 you recognize, it might be unlawful, and also you’re the one who’ll get in hassle.
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. Word that they examine the capability of the container, not the present quantity of liquid inside. For instance, when you’ve got 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 simply examine it in. And ideally, place your liquids in a transparent pouch.
Energy Financial institution Restrictions
Lately, they’re getting stricter in the case of energy banks. There have been many circumstances 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 take a look at Philippine Airways — it’s virtually the identical as Cebu Pacific.
First, it’s essential 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. You need to preserve it in your particular person, or put it within the seat pocket or beneath your seat. You could place it someplace you possibly can at all times see. And of late, you’re 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, that you must have it accepted on the check-in counter.
Since what we normally see is mAh, how can we compute watt-hours? To search out out the watt-hours of our energy banks, the method 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 can be 74, in order that’s allowed.
It’s additionally necessary to notice that some airways and international locations require certifications for energy banks, so be sure you examine that too.
7. Dropping 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 actually had no thought the place I’d left it, however thankfully, I used to be capable of finding it.
You’d be stunned that it’s extra frequent than you assume. Generally we simply stick our passport someplace after which overlook the place we put it. That’s why having a devoted pocket in your bag in your passport and necessary paperwork could be very handy. It’s one thing you possibly can simply entry with out mixing your passport with different gadgets. 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 so on. Because it’s clear, you possibly can see it straight away.
Boarding passes are simple to misplace additionally, since they’re simply paper. So, generally, a digital copy can be okay. Be certain that to care for your journey paperwork, particularly your passport.
I’ve realized 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 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 discuss boarding time.
So whenever you examine in, you’re given a boarding move, and it reveals 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 numerous elements. As soon as the gate closes, you can’t 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 observe of time once we get too comfy on the lounge or café, or once we’re busy purchasing. You could possibly actually miss your flight if everybody has already boarded and so they’ve been calling your identify with no response. The airplane will go away with out you.
Which brings us to…
9. Sporting earphones whereas ready.
I at all times say this: the interval earlier than your flight departure is NOT the most effective time to go music-tripping. Why? As a result of updates in your flight standing can change, and so they announce these over the intercom. In case you’re carrying 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 isn’t nice. It’s usually too tender, or if it’s loud, it’s onerous to know. So don’t overcomplicate issues by listening to one thing else, even when it’s your favourite track or artist. Do it whenever you’re already on the airplane.
You may also be pondering, “Then I’ll simply control the time.” However that’s not a assure. I used to work for 2 airways, and I do know there are conditions — not frequent, 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 identify a number of occasions over the intercom. And if you happen to missed these calls, they may go away with out you.
That additionally occurred to us earlier than. On one in every of our flights, we had been in a lounge. We thought we nonetheless had loads of time, however once we obtained to the gate, it was already their final name, and so they had been paging us! It solely occurred as soon as, and we’ll be certain that it gained’t occur once more! We ran like loopy. It was so hectic!
It’s actually finest to move 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, it’s essential 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 optionally available. However that is necessary for all vacationers, whether or not Filipino or foreigner, who’re getting into or leaving the Philippines.
Each time we function 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 will already see it within the system, in order that they usually gained’t ask for it anymore. In case you haven’t executed it, they’ll additionally see that. What is going to occur is that they’ll pull you apart and make you fill out the shape utilizing the tablets within the nook. This may delay you much more. It’s simpler to do it at house, as early as 72 hours earlier than your journey.
We now 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 price it!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey may be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced charge.
Updates Log
2025 11 14 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez