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 widespread errors that first-time flyers typically make. If it’s your first time touring by air, I’m certain this publish might 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 in the event you’re not a primary timer, that is nonetheless price studying as a result of, generally, we neglect to do or overlook probably the most basic items.
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1. Arriving late or on the mistaken 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 frequently see posts on social media complaining they weren’t allowed to board after 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 it’s important to undergo earlier than you may really board the aircraft. So, you want loads of time. Typically, check-in counters open three hours earlier than the departure time. For home flights, some airways usually 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 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 army time. So in case your ticket says your flight is at 8:00, that’s 8AM. If it have been 8PM, it ought to be 20:00. And 15:00 will not 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 might 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 primary!” 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 purpose, 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. Nervous 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 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 other people additionally publish about it in The Poor Traveler Help Group on Fb. Many are nonetheless confused.
✅ In case you have any questions or want journey ideas, be happy to publish them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb assist group has been round for a very long time, and lots of members have discovered journey buddies via it. You possibly can be a part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Help Group. Word that that is completely different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
2. Arriving on the mistaken terminal.
Many airports all over the world 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 received’t undergo the terminal assignments as a result of they modify very often. Simply do not forget that while you e-book flights, your assigned terminal is indicated in your reserving particulars. If there are any modifications, the airline will inform. And in the event you desire to test in on-line, you’ll additionally see your designated terminal there.
It’s all the time finest to test 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, a number of the particulars are already outdated. And it’s actually inconvenient in the event you make a mistake, particularly right here in NAIA, the place transferring from one terminal to a different could be fairly a trouble. For those who go to the mistaken terminal and you’re working quick on time, you would possibly miss your flight.
By the way in which, in the event you dwell removed from the airport and also you wish to be sure you received’t be late, think about staying at a lodge close to the airport. You’ll discover loads of choices. We really do this generally simply to make the journey much less demanding.
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3. Skipping on-line check-in.
Airways often provide a web-based check-in choice, and you need to benefit from it. Once you test 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 situations the place it was the other. However basically, the road for that is shorter.
Right here within the Philippines, we nonetheless usually must line up if we’ve check-in luggage. For those who’re already checked in on-line, make your strategy 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 in the event you 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 together with your companions as a result of there are nonetheless many accessible seats.
How early on-line check-in opens is determined by the airline. Normally, it’s 24-48 hours earlier than departure. However some airways permit doing it a lot earlier, like days earlier than. Like AirAsia, in the event you test in utilizing the app, you may 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 price in the event you test in on the airport, making on-line check-in a should in the event you don’t need this extra cost.
4. Miscalculating your bag’s weight.
It could possibly actually be a pricey mistake in the event you exceed your baggage allowance. The load restrict is determined by 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 will have 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 mechanically included, however the dimension of the bag allowance is determined by the fare class. They’ve Economic system and Enterprise Class. Beneath financial system, you may generally select from these: primary financial system, financial system saver, and premium financial system. Every one has a unique allocation — generally 23kg, different instances 15kg. Simply test what you e-book 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 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 carry this after 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 must 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 could be certain about the whole lot that’s inside. There are lots of prohibited gadgets, and you’re accountable for your personal bag or baggage.
I’ve a associated expertise after 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 thought 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 title was known as over the intercom. Since he was a minor, I went as an alternative of him.
After I received 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. So that they requested me to open it. It was an influence financial institution!
We will’t stress this sufficient: For those who’re answerable for the bag, you need to know what’s inside. That is additionally the rationale 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 , it may very well 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. Word that they test 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 only test it in. And ideally, place your liquids in a transparent pouch.
Energy Financial institution Restrictions
Today, they’re getting stricter in the case of energy banks. There have been many circumstances of them exploding, so they have to all the time be inside your sight. That means, 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, it’s essential to carry it with you contained in the aircraft. By no means ever put it in your checked-in baggage, so that you received’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. You must preserve it in your individual, or put it within the seat pocket or below your seat. You need to place it someplace you may all the time 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 should 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 components 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 can be 74, in order that’s allowed.
It’s additionally vital to notice that some airways and nations require certifications for energy banks, so make sure you test that too.
7. Shedding your passport or boarding go.
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 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 vital paperwork could be very handy. It’s one thing you may simply entry with out mixing your passport with different gadgets. Or in the event you don’t have that, you should purchase a small clear envelope the place you may preserve your passport, boarding go, and so forth. Because it’s clear, you may see it straight away.
Boarding passes are straightforward to misplace additionally, since they’re simply paper. So, generally, a digital copy can also be okay. Be certain to maintain your journey paperwork, particularly your passport.
I’ve realized my lesson. When flying, I all the time put on a polo with a pocket, the place I preserve my passport and boarding go. I can see it immediately and get it simply after I want it. So, from check-in to boarding the aircraft, 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 discuss boarding time.
So while you test in, you’re given a boarding go, and it reveals a time. That’s your boarding time. Generally, it additionally says “GATE CLOSES at ___“, adopted by a time. Which means try to be on the gate earlier than that point.
It is because the gate often closes 15-20 minutes earlier than departure time, and generally, even earlier, relying on numerous components. 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, try to be on the gate by 1:40 PM. Don’t wait till 2PM!
Generally, we lose observe of time after we get too comfy on the lounge or café, or after we’re busy procuring. You might actually miss your flight if everybody has already boarded they usually’ve been calling your title with no response. The aircraft will depart with out you.
Which brings us to…
9. Carrying earphones whereas ready.
I all the time 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, they usually announce these over the intercom. For those who’re sporting earphones, you may not hear or discover the announcement since you’re not paying consideration, particularly in the event you’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 will not be nice. It’s typically too tender, or if it’s loud, it’s exhausting to know. So don’t overcomplicate issues by listening to one thing else, even when it’s your favourite tune or artist. Do it while you’re already on the aircraft.
You may additionally 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 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’ll begin to web page your title a number of instances over the intercom. And in the event you missed these calls, they’ll 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 after we received to the gate, it was already their final name, they usually had been paging us! It solely occurred as soon as, and we’ll make sure that it received’t occur once more! We ran like loopy. It was so demanding!
It’s actually finest to move to the boarding gate with loads of time to spare. However even in the event you’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 cellphone. So, it’s essential to all the time listen.
10. Dismissing eTravel.
Many individuals nonetheless skip undertaking the eTravel type as a result of they assume it’s non-obligatory. However that is necessary for all vacationers, whether or not Filipino or foreigner, who’re coming 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 received’t ask for it anymore. For those who haven’t completed 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. It will delay you much more. It’s simpler to do it at house, 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 focus on 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 non-obligatory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers 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 possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
Updates Log
2025 11 14 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
