Going abroad for the first time in my life. What should I know about airports, planes etc?
Posted by GTB2000@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 25 comments
I'm in my 20s and going abroad to Egypt for the first time in my life. Never been in an airport, never been in a plane, even a decommissioned one on the ground.
What should I know before I go? I've done things like health insurance, but anything else I should do before I go to ensure a smooth and easy time?
And also, if anyone has been to Hurghada and knows of any cool things to see or do whilst I'm there, that would also be great.
SubstantialAlfalfa43@reddit
Get their early so you don’t have to rush. Give yourself time to check in with out having to do it at the last minute. Even do a dummy run to give yourself a chance to get the layout (depending on how far you are from the airport) Go through to departures as you still have passport control to go through Don’t drink alcohol when you are there it might get to disorientated l hope this hasn’t been too long a reply and ENjoy.
Popular-Reply-3051@reddit
Aw bless! I hope you enjoy your adventure!
So i would say:
Oh and claim that armrest and make sure you use all your foot space!! A plane is basically a flying bus so I hope you've got a window seat as the view is the only consolation prize (that and it's better than walking...)
peterhala@reddit
Save time at security checks by stripping naked before joining the queue.
Oh alright - to return to adult mode...
- I've been to Egypt once and they did this weird thing at the airport on arrival. You have to pay a fee (about £20?) at a kiosk inside the airport before they let you in to the country. It looks like a scam, but it isn't- it's just their odd way of collecting the entrance tax.
- You will need cash. Cash machines will give you huge notes and, AMAZINGLY, nobody (taxi drivers etc), anywhere has change. First chance you get, go to a shop (an airport kiosk) and buy a bottle of water. It's cheap and they have to give change if they want to make the sale.
People will keep inviting you in to their shops & stalls. Just smile, put your hand on your heart, shake your head, and say Shokran - (thank you in Arabic) and keep moving without entering into conversation. It won't stop them, but remember they are not being malicious- it's just how they do business there. If you look at a stall holder's products for more than a split second, he will take that as an invitation to start talking to you. Saying you are not interested straight away is perfectly polite. Haggling and then walking away isn't. Do a bit of googling on prices before shopping in a souk, have a FAIR price in mind and stick to that. Don't be foolish enough to try to screw them - they're poor & you're rich, so show a bit of class.
Don't plan on using local currency in airport gift shops on the way home. They will probably only take foreign exchange.
Do carry out research on your safety and pay attention to it. It's a lovely country and the people are fantastic. However you are rich and some people hate westerners enough to kill - remember there's a war on not far away. Do your homework and don't ignore gut feelings. On the other hand, using sites like TripAdvisor will lead you to great options for meals etc.
Accept that it will be a bit full on. Enjoy!
MrMonkeyman79@reddit
A few things off the top of my head:
1 Aim to be at the airport at least 2hrs before the off, you've got to go through check in and security etc and this cab take a long time, plus you'll be expected to be on the plane before it's due to take off.
2 Assume that the journey to the airport will take 50% longer than you think, they're not going to hold the plane becayse you got stick in traffic
3 Read up on what items are prohibited in luggage being checked in and hand luggage, otherwise you may the throwing some of your stuff away at security
4 Everything's costs a fortune at the airport and on the plane, take your own.snacks (keeping in mind point 4) though you'll habe to get drinks once you're through security
5 you never know when your passport will spontaneously teleport somewhere else. Between leaving the house and getting through border control, make sure to check where your passport is where you left it every 5 minutes. If you don't appear to have OCD, you're not checking it enough.
KeyInstruction9812@reddit
Read the security rules. UK airports are quite good at describing what is allowed. Egypt is very very strict about hand luggage, things like knitting allowed at the UK end will not be allowed through Egypt departure security. Most UK airports are set up to extract as much money from you as they can - it can cost £5 just to drop a passenger off taking less than a minute. Chat to some regular flyers on how not to get fleeced by the airport and airline. Read the baggage rules for your ticket type, it can be expensive if you get it wrong.
Swimming_Possible_68@reddit
1) get to the airport early, a bare minimum 2 hours before your flight. It can take ages to get through security / get bags checked etc. in one sense this is easier than ever with online check in etc. on another it's worse as security queues just seem so much worse.
2) it doesn't matter what time of day it is, if your going on holiday (so not business travel) you can (I would say should) have an alcoholic beverage, even if it's 6am.
Typical_Efficiency_3@reddit
Get to the airport early
Fluffy_Juggernaut_@reddit
Remember: the stupidest person you know has used an airport. You'll be fine
Ravdoggydog@reddit
You might get extreme pain in your ears (assume due to fluid pressure, maybe wax) as you descend to land. Can be mitigated by sucking a mint hard - and squeezing your nose and blowing out through it until your ears pop and reduces the pressure.
Rich_Pay675@reddit
Wear a suit, have plenty of cigarettes to share, a gentle pat on the bum of all the staff will get everything you need.
Low_Sodiium@reddit
“Jesus Rich, they’re going on holiday, not flying the god damn plane…”
Rich_Pay675@reddit
Don't get it.
Low_Sodiium@reddit
As custom dictates, no matter what time you fly, a beer (or glass of fizz) must be consumed somewhere in the overly lit void between duty free & plane departure.
ilovewineandcats@reddit
Airports are expensive, horrendously so. Take an empty water bottle and fill it after security. Take snacks for the journey. Take books, external batteries/cables (must be in hand luggage). Load up your phone with podcasts and headphones, etc.
So many hotels have Facebook groups, see if yours does (or search on Tiktok etc). Absolute mine of information about the hotel, resort and local attractions and hotels are often poor at communicating all the things available so talk to other guests or ask at reception if you have queries.
Dennyisthepisslord@reddit
Cavity searches are only about 60% likely to happen these days
Royal_View9815@reddit
Hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer!! You will undoubtedly get the shits so be prepared! Everyone and I mean everyone who I know who has been to Egypt has had the scoots!! Keep handling money to a minimum as that’s where the most bacteria is. Avoid ice in your drinks. Take Imodium and vitamin C in your case and have good travel insurance. I’ve never been to Egypt but really want to go so please share your experience when you come back. Hope you have a fab time and avoid the runs!!
elgrn1@reddit
Budget airlines will have both height/depth/width restrictions on bags as well as weight. Depending on the direction of the wind, they may ask you to prove your bag meets the size requirements if you have carry on luggage only. If you're able to take a bag that meets the measurements, it saves the potential worry of having to pay to check your bag into the hold rather than take it as hand luggage.
Rolling clothing rather than folding will mean you can fit more in. Just be aware of the weight if you plan to check in your luggage as they charge you money if it's overweight. Check the weather forecast before you pack. Take things you can mix and match with each other and at least 1 pair of really comfortable shoes for walking.
Check what amenities the hotel offers to avoid taking things you don't need (ie hairdresser, pool towels, iron, etc). You'll need a plug adapter for Europe and be sure to take charger cables for your electronics. If you have a multi plug with USB ports, it can save you taking loads of different plugs and adapters.
Usually you're only allowed 1 bag with a hand luggage only ticket but this is mostly checked by the airline staff when you're boarding the plane, so if you have a separate handbag, you can either put it into the suitcase at the last moment or wear a coat or oversized cardigan and cover it up with that.
Most people will check in for their flight online. You can do this via the app or the website for the airline. Unless you have a specific need for a specific seat, don't pay to select your seat, let the system allocate it for you. You will get emails telling you when check in is open.
If you have hand luggage only, when you arrive at the airport you can go straight to security. If you plan to check in your suitcase you will need to go to the airline desk to drop it off. Usually there is a queue. Most airlines recommend getting to the airport 2 hours before your flight for short distances so you should have plenty of time.
At security you will need to ensure that any liquids are less than 100ml per item and less than 1000ml total, and that they can fit into a ziplock plastic bag that's available at the airport. Take miniatures of the things you need. Deodorant and other sprays are also included in linquid limits along with medication and toothpaste. With make up it's harder to say as some people assume it's a liquid whereas I haven't been stopped over lipgloss or mascara or concealer. You can take an empty water bottle and fill it up once you're through security.
You will scan your boarding pass then queue for an xray machine to scan your bag(s). You'll be asked to take off jackets/coats, bulky outer layers, belts and remove all items from your pockets. You can keep on simple jewellery and watches. Put all your things in a plastic tray and put it on the moving belt. I'd recommend wearing clothes that aren't complicated or with lots of studs or zips. Your passport and boarding pass also need to be left in the tray.
If there is an issue with your bag, a member of security staff will put it to one side then tell you the issue/scan or swab your bag. If you have anything you're not allowed they will throw it away.
Once through security, you can sit, eat/drink and shop. Keep an eye on the notice boards for your gate number and the time of when boarding starts. Boarding usually closes 20 minutes before take off so keep an eye on the time and don't be late.
Keep your belongings with you at all times. Head to the boarding gate when ready. They will scan your passport and boarding pass. You'll usually wait for a while then they will call your row number to ask you to board. Head down the plane aisle and look out for your seat number. Larger bags go in the overhead storage lockers. Small bags can fit under the seat in front of you. You can use your phone on the plane as long as its on airplane mode. Take something to read or a game or puzzle book or download content to your phone in advance.
When you arrive, if you only have hand luggage follow signs for passport control. They will check your passport and then let you past. If you need to collect a checked suitcase go to the baggage carousel. Grab your bag when you see it. Then you can leave the airport.
As for getting to your hotel, there may be an option to arrange transport with the hotel. Or you can get a taxi, uber or public transport may be an option. Check out rome2rio (app or website) to plan your journey and see what's best for you. You'll need to pay in local currency so either get cash out at the ATM (the rates are better than at a currency exchange kiosk) or use a card. There are cards that have zero foreign currency charges so perhaps consider one if you plan to use your card a lot versus cash.
Most hotel rooms will have a safe to lock away your valuables. When out, be sensible and don't wave electronics or money about.
I'd recommend making a rough itinerary of all the places you want to visit so you're not overwhelmed when you're there, unless this is a beach holiday rather than city sightseeing.
Definitely take a selfie stick with you as you'll want photos of you and the sights and it saves asking strangers to help you out! Maps.me is a great app that has offline maps you can download. It can be used without WiFi once it's downloaded and often has the popular tourist sights listed as well as hotels and sometimes transport options to get around.
There are free walking tours offered in many cities to help orient you. You can find these online. You can also book other tours or visits online. Getyourguide, viator and tripadvisor are all good resources for this.
Be sure to try out local food and drink specialities. Generally its not advisable to drink tap water but it's fine for brushing your teeth. And have fun!
Notsurewhattoput1@reddit
There will be people with guns at the airport, they are security, don't grab their guns.
SpiritedVoice2@reddit
Been to a fair few countries and Egypt was one of the most hectic and in your face. A bold first choice!
Sure you'll have fun :)
Accurate_Prompt_8800@reddit
Here are some basics:
Info / Things you’ll need: • Airline you’re flying with • Flight number / booking reference • ID (Driving license I always have on hand anyway, and passport for all the official stuff) • Airport name (some cities have multiple airports) • Date and time of your flight • Destination city (check where in Egypt you’re flying to)
Info / Things you might need: • Terminal (for big airports) • Itinerary number, confirmation number, etc
1) Follow the signs! They make it very easy. If it’s your first time, I would HIGHLY suggest arranging a ride to drop you off so you don’t have to deal with parking. Take an Uber or a taxi / train / bus straight to the terminal, or have a friend drop you off. That will eliminate 30% of the nightmare right there. As you are flying internationally, get there 2.5-3 hours before.
2) Assuming you get a ride, follow the “Departures” street / road signs for your airline to find the right terminal and best doors to enter. If you are going to fly out of a very large airport with multiple terminals, I would recommend going to the website for the airport before you leave home and figuring out which terminal your airline departs out of. If, say, you’re flying BA, you can check ahead of time to figure out that BA flies out of terminal 1 at your airport (or however it’s named).
3) Most airlines will allow you to check in on your phone the day before. If you have to check a suitcase or bag, once you enter the airport, you can just follow the signs at the airline check-in counters, which will be very prominently labeled. If you don’t know where it is just ask anyone with uniform / a badge / security. If you forget to check in on your phone, you can check in at those same counters and print a boarding pass that will allow you through security and onto the plane.
4) Then you will follow the signs for Security. You want to have your ticket or your mobile boarding pass out and have your Passport handy for the e-gate. You will enter the line for the security checkpoint; just be ready to scan your boarding pass and / or your ID, depending on the airport. You basically just scan your passport and enter, there are people marshalling and directing so this won’t be a problem.
5) You will then go through security screening, and different airports have different rules. Some make you take your shoes off and any laptops out of your bag, some don’t require that anymore. There’s also a 100ml limit for liquids (each one), which you should have in a clear plastic bag. There will be signs posted, so just pay attention and follow the instructions. Don’t hesitate to ask the agents around for help, they might be gruff, but they are there to help people get through the screening.
6) Once you are through security, look at the departures boards to figure out which gate to go to (depending on what time you get through it may not be available yet, so keep and eye out). If there’s a wait feel free to eat, do some shopping etc.
7) When it shows you will proceed to the gate that is shown on your boarding pass. Follow signs in the airport to navigate your way to that gate. Most airports make it very clear and easy to find your way around, and again just ask if any confusion. Generally most airlines will start boarding 30-45 minutes before the departure time listed on your boarding pass.
8) Once you get to the gate, if boarding still hasn’t begun just find a seat there and wait. When it’s time to start boarding, they will announce over the speakers and walk everyone through the boarding process. Just stay alert, pay attention and follow the instructions. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Just tell any official looking person that it is your first time flying and that you need help getting to where you want to go.
I know that’s a lot of info, but I hope it helps, and please don’t hesitate to ask any questions about specific concerns you might have. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Also - most major airports have a website, so for extra confidence your first time, I recommend going online and familiarising yourself with the layout of the airport you are departing out of. That way you will already have an idea of where to go and how that airport numbers/labels all their signage.
There are also lots of apps for travelers where you can view airport maps in your mobile phone real-time and see what food options you will have around your departing gate, and even stores you can kill time in if everything moves quickly and you get to the gate with a lot of time to spare.
The more you know before you go, the easier it will be. Have fun and enjoy your trip OP!
flexo_24@reddit
Bag drop for hand luggage?
dutch-masta25@reddit
It’s really polite to take your shoes and socks off on the plane, people love that /s
One_Pangolin_999@reddit
Give copies of your itinerary, passport and IMEI and SIM details to a family member or friend
gazchap@reddit
Most airlines will allow you to check-in for your flight 24 hours before your flight (some, like Ryanair, much earlier) -- always check-in online if you can, it means you can potentially avoid a queue at the airport.
Make sure you get to the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart, or if you're nervous about missing it, at least three hours (three hours is recommended for any long-haul flight anyway)
If you're only flying with carry-on luggage, and you've checked-in online, you can go straight to the Security area in the airport (see below)
If you haven't checked-in online, you'll need to look at the departure boards when you get to the airport which will direct you to the correct check-in desk for your airline. Here they'll check your passport, give you your boarding pass, and if you have any luggage to put into the cargo hold, they'll take it from you here too.
If you have checked-in online AND you have luggage to put into the cargo hold, there'll usually be a "Bag Drop" desk for your airline where you can just drop your bag off and avoid the (usually longer) check-in queue.
Security-wise, this will depend on the airport, but assume that you will need to take any large electronic devices out of your bag and put them in a tray to go through the scanner. Your bag will also need to go in a separate tray. Empty all of the contents of your pockets into your bag first, including your phone, passport etc. so that you don't set off the metal detector -- take off any belt or anything too. You might be asked to put your shoes through separately too, and maybe your jacket if you're wearing one.
Any liquids should be in a sealed see-through bag, and they can only be 100ml or smaller, and all of the items have to fit in the bag with it sealed.
If in doubt, ask a security agent in the area and they'll help you through it.
Once you're through security, repack your things if necessary and then you can just go through the duty free area to the restaurants, bars etc. and relax.
Keep an eye on the departure boards for your flight, at some point they'll show the gate number that you need to go to on the board. Most/all UK airports do NOT do audible announcements, so this is critical.
For your first flight, I'd recommend going to the gate as soon as it's shown, it can be deceptive how long it can take to walk from one part of an airport to your departure gate.
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