Chances are, you'll be heading off on your summer holidays soon. Maybe you're going abroad? You've been looking forward to it for a few weeks ... bought some new shorts / T's / swimwear etc. You're sooo busy finishing everything off before you leave the office that you overlook something off the obvious holiday stuff list ... so here's a little reminder:
- Always check the hold and hand luggage allowance with your flight company before you pack.
- Plan to arrive at the airport in PLENTY of TIME as it's probably grown since your last visit ~ and airport security now takes FOREVER.
- Don't factor-in airport shopping - you probably not have time [unless you arrive the day before !]
- Don't wear an underwired bra if you don't want frisking at airport security!
- If you need to take essential medicines in your hand-luggage [over 100ml] ~ this will need supporting documentation and prior approval by airport and airline.
- When travelling with a baby - cow, soya or breast milk will be allowed - but you may be asked to taste it !
- Check each other's passports before you leave the house.
- If you're driving to the airport ~ allow yourself plenty of time to take the transfer bus from the car park.
- Don't buy a bottle of water / pop / other before airport security ~ this WILL be confiscated.
- Remember NOT to put any perfume or liquids in your hand luggage ~ these WILL be confiscated.
- DO take a small see-through PVC re-sealable bag with any lipsticks, creams etc that you need to have with you ~ the contents of these need to be under 100ml.
- Containers larger than 100ml capacity but with less contents will also be confiscated.
- Make sure you don't have any sharp objects ~ tweezers, scissors, swiss army pen knives etc. in your hand luggage ~ these WILL be confiscated.
- At airport screening, you'll have to empty your pockets, remove belts, accessories containing metal parts etc.
- You may be asked to remove your shoes ~ bear this in mind if you are travelling barefoot.
- If you're taking a lap top ~ this will need to be placed in the tray for screening.
- Make a note of exactly what is in your tray ~ when you go through the new security screening unit ~ you won't be able to keep an eye on your belongings.
- Try to remain calm, security staff will have no sympathy ~ it's in their job description.
After following all of these rules, zig-zagging between the nylon ropes for well over an hour, feeling nauseous from the overhead lighting, chances are ... you'll have to wait some more as your belongings undergo a second screening ... you'll be lucky enough not to have to stand spread eagle in one of the new security screening booths - you'll be allowed to go through the shallow screening 'doorway' where no-one will be observing the coloured lights as you pass through ... the contents of your bag will be emptied out in front of the world - even though everything is correct ... while your lap top remains on the conveyer belt in front of every other traveller passing by to collect their hand luggage!
Once you've survived security, your partner will realise he's gone through the whole process - [unknowingly] with a swiss army pen knife in the bottom of his man-bag !
Being led along the Wizard of Oz path and force-fed the perfume shop probably won't be a problem ~ you'll be under so much pressure to get to the 'gate', that you won't even have time to impulse buy. Don't panic, you'll get another chance when the junior flight attendant screeches the 'benefits' and prices of every product on board in their 'Sale Today' down the microphone. If you haven't paid the extra for the on-board meal [chicken or beef], and the smell of cooked food in tin foil containers is tempting you, try not to take up the panini experience ~ you'll be disappointed. Don't worry about nodding off, the junior flight attendant will see to it that no-one gets a ten minute nap during the journey with her constant barrage of tea/coffee service, headphone sales, game and/or film opportunities and scratch card musts. Even though you already sponsor NSPCC, Cancer Research Youth Music and a Donkey Sanctuary, she manages to guilt you for not taking up the opportunity to help those less fortunate than you.
Enjoy !
This is a guide only ~ For exact airport security guidelines ~ see www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/AirtravelintheUK/DG_078179
Now, after all that, you'll definitely be in need of a holiday ! Keep calm and carry on ... you're worth it
PS
Don't forget whilst you're away ~ use plenty of sun tan lotion ~ and drink plenty of water !
Enjoy, Gillian
No comments:
Post a Comment