Why don’t we use earphones when on the airport? And the place precisely ought to we maintain our energy banks? These are simply among the questions we’ll be answering on this article.
We’ll undergo the frequent errors that first-time flyers typically make. If it’s your first time touring by air, I’m positive this publish can be helpful for you. Or if somebody — a relative or a pal — who’s flying for the primary time, you may share this with them. Even if you happen to’re not a primary timer, that is nonetheless value studying as a result of, typically, we overlook to do or overlook essentially the most staple items.
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1. Arriving late or on the improper time.
Verify-in Counter Closing
Many first-time vacationers don’t know that check-in counters often shut not less than 45 minutes earlier than the departure time — or one hour for worldwide flights. That’s why we regularly 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 may truly board the aircraft. So, you want loads of time. Basically, 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 intention to get to the airport 4 hours earlier than the flight, particularly throughout peak season, so we have now allowance in case get caught in visitors on the best way to the airport. Our mantra: Higher protected 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 have been 8PM, it needs to be 20:00. And 15:00 shouldn’t be 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 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 would possibly assume, “That’s so fundamental!” However numerous first-timers actually get confused…and even non-newbies!
We have now a pal who travels internationally rather a lot, however for some motive, she skilled this throughout her Vietnam journey — perhaps she was too drained that point and had a little bit of a mind fog. Their flight was at 6 o’clock. Apprehensive 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 truly at 6AM. In order that they missed their flight and needed to guide 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 publish about it in The Poor Traveler Assist Group on Fb. Many are nonetheless confused.
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2. Arriving on the improper 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 alter very often. Simply keep in mind that if you guide flights, your assigned terminal is indicated in your reserving particulars. If there are any modifications, the airline will inform. And if you happen to choose 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 numerous data on-line, however since terminal assignments have modified a number of instances over the previous years, among 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. In case you go to the improper terminal and you might be operating quick on time, you would possibly miss your flight.
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3. Skipping on-line check-in.
Airways often provide a web based check-in choice, and it is best to make the most of it. While you examine in on-line, it accelerates your wait on the airport as a result of the road for passengers who checked in on-line is often shorter. Though we’ve had a few cases the place it was the other. However typically, the road for that is shorter.
Right here within the Philippines, we nonetheless usually must line up if we have now check-in luggage. In case you’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 examine 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 a better 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 will depend on 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 may examine 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 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 could possibly actually be a expensive mistake if you happen to exceed your baggage allowance. The load restrict will depend on the airline, the route, and the fare class you booked. For low-cost carriers, it doesn’t robotically include baggage allowance, until you deliberately add it.
For instance, with Cebu Pacific, you’ve these choices: Go Primary, Go Straightforward, and Go Flexi. Go Primary is the most cost effective, but it surely doesn’t embody 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 will depend on the fare class. They’ve Financial system and Enterprise Class. Beneath financial system, you may typically select from these: fundamental financial system, financial system saver, and premium financial system. Every one has a special allocation — typically 23kg, different instances 15kg. Simply examine what you guide and its inclusions. In case your ticket doesn’t embody baggage and also you wish 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 residence.
We use a weighing scale from World Traveler. You mainly hook your bag onto it, raise it, after which it exhibits you the load. We additionally convey this once we journey, so we will 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 need to take away gadgets 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 have to be the one to pack your bag. Why? So that you will be positive about the whole lot that’s inside. There are various prohibited gadgets, and you might be accountable for your personal bag or baggage.
I’ve a associated expertise once I was touring with my younger nephew then. My sister was based mostly 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 gadgets have been inside his bag. On the airport, we had already checked in our baggage, gone via immigration, and have 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 a substitute of him.
After I bought to this considerably secluded space, the workers spoke to me. They instructed 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. In order that they requested me to open it. It was an influence financial institution!
We are able to’t stress this sufficient: In case you’re answerable for the bag, it is best to know what’s inside. That is additionally the explanation why you shouldn’t settle for or carry gadgets 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 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, if 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 simply examine it in. And ideally, place your liquids in a transparent pouch.
Energy Financial institution Restrictions
Lately, 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 manner, 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, you need to carry it with you contained in the aircraft. 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 aircraft, don’t put it within the overhead bins. It’s important to maintain it in your particular person, or put it within the seat pocket or underneath your seat. You have to place it someplace you may 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, you could have it authorised on the check-in counter.
Since what we often see is mAh, how will 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 instances 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 necessary to notice that some airways and international locations require certifications for energy banks, so you should definitely examine that too.
7. Dropping your passport or boarding cross.
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 fortuitously, I used to be capable of finding it.
You’d be shocked 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 on your passport and necessary paperwork may be very handy. It’s one thing you may simply entry with out mixing your passport with different gadgets. Or if you happen to don’t have that, you should purchase a small clear envelope the place you may maintain your passport, boarding cross, and so on. Because it’s clear, you may see it instantly.
Boarding passes are straightforward to misplace additionally, since they’re simply paper. So, typically, a digital copy can also be okay. Ensure 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 maintain my passport and boarding cross. I can see it immediately and get it simply once I want it. So, from check-in to boarding the aircraft, it’s simply there in my pocket. And as soon as I not want it, I put it within the small clear envelope and maintain 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 if you examine in, you’re given a boarding cross, 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 is because the gate often closes 15-20 minutes earlier than departure time, and typically, 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 buying. You might actually miss your flight if everybody has already boarded and so they’ve been calling your identify with no response. The aircraft 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 perfect 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 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 shouldn’t be nice. It’s typically too mushy, or if it’s loud, it’s exhausting to grasp. 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 aircraft.
You may also be considering, “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 are going to begin to web page your identify a number of instances over the intercom. And if you happen to missed these calls, they are going to go away with out you.
That additionally occurred to us earlier than. On considered one of our flights, we have been in a lounge. We thought we nonetheless had loads of time, however once we bought 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 sure it gained’t occur once more! We ran like loopy. It was so aggravating!
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 would possibly miss a gate change or the beginning of boarding if, say, you get too absorbed in your telephone. So, you need to at all times concentrate.
10. Dismissing eTravel.
Many individuals nonetheless skip conducting the eTravel kind as a result of they assume it’s non-compulsory. 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 typically gained’t ask for it anymore. In case you haven’t performed 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 may delay you much more. It’s simpler to do it at residence, as early as 72 hours earlier than your journey.
We have now 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 protected, and make each journey value it!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-compulsory, however we extremely suggest 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 sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can 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
