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 typically make. If it’s your first time touring by air, I’m positive this put up shall be helpful for you. Or if you realize somebody — a relative or a buddy — who’s flying for the primary time, you’ll be able to share this with them. Even for those who’re not a primary timer, that is nonetheless value studying as a result of, typically, we neglect to do or overlook probably the most basic items.
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1. Arriving late or on the improper time.
Examine-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 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 you must undergo earlier than you’ll be able to truly board the aircraft. So, you want loads of time. Generally, 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 intention 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 protected than sorry.
24-Hour Time Format
One other factor to recollect is that airways and airports world wide 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 is just not 5PM. It’s 3PM. The secret’s to subtract 12 to get the time within the afternoon or night. So, 5PM is 17:00, and 7PM is nineteen:00. It’s possible you’ll refer beneath 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 suppose, “That’s so fundamental!” However lots of first-timers actually get confused…and even non-newbies!
Now we have a buddy who travels internationally lots, 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 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. 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 put up about it in The Poor Traveler Help Group on Fb. Many are nonetheless confused.
✅ When you’ve got any questions or want journey ideas, be at liberty to put up them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb help group has been round for a very long time, and plenty 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 totally different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
2. Arriving on the improper terminal.
Many airports world wide 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 gained’t undergo the terminal assignments as a result of they alter very often. Simply do not forget that while you guide flights, your assigned terminal is indicated in your reserving particulars. If there are any modifications, the airline will inform. And for those who want to verify in on-line, you’ll additionally see your designated terminal there.
It’s all the time finest to verify straight with the airline. You’ll discover lots of info 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 for those who make a mistake, particularly right here in NAIA, the place transferring from one terminal to a different might be fairly a problem. If you happen to go to the improper terminal and you’re working brief on time, you would possibly miss your flight.
By the way in which, for those who reside removed from the airport and also you need to be sure to gained’t be late, take into account staying at a lodge close to the airport. You’ll discover loads of choices. We truly try this typically simply to make the journey much less aggravating.
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3. Skipping on-line check-in.
Airways often provide a web based check-in choice, and you need to reap the benefits of it. Once you verify in on-line, it quickens 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 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. If you happen to’re already checked in on-line, make your solution 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 verify in their very own baggage.
And oftentimes, even for those who didn’t pay for seat quantity choice however you checked in on-line early, there’s a better likelihood 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 will depend on the airline. Normally, it’s 24-48 hours earlier than departure. However some airways enable doing it a lot earlier, like days earlier than. Like AirAsia, for those who verify in utilizing the app, you’ll be able to verify 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 payment for those who verify in on the airport, making on-line check-in a should for those who don’t need this extra cost.
4. Miscalculating your bag’s weight.
It could possibly actually be a pricey mistake for those who exceed your baggage allowance. The burden 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, except you deliberately add it.
For instance, with Cebu Pacific, you may have these choices: Go Primary, Go Simple, and Go Flexi. Go Primary is the most affordable, 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 Economic system and Enterprise Class. Below financial system, you’ll be able to typically select from these: fundamental financial system, financial system saver, and premium financial system. Each has a distinct allocation — typically 23kg, different instances 15kg. Simply verify what you guide and its inclusions. In case your ticket doesn’t embody 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 far 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, elevate it, after which it exhibits you the burden. We additionally deliver this after we journey, so we will verify if we’re about to exceed our restrict and if we have to purchase further baggage allowance. That is very helpful for us. Generally, if vacationers transcend their baggage allowance and so they’re not prepared to pay further, they’ll must take away gadgets from their baggage. It’s such a problem, and other people 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 might be positive about every part that’s inside. There are lots of prohibited gadgets, and you’re answerable for your personal bag or baggage.
I’ve a associated expertise once 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 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.
Once I received to this considerably secluded space, the employees 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: If you happen to’re accountable for the bag, you need to 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 realize, 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 verify the capability of the container, not the present quantity of liquid inside. For instance, when 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 only verify it in. And ideally, place your liquids in a transparent pouch.
Energy Financial institution Restrictions
Today, they’re getting stricter relating to energy banks. There have been many instances of them exploding, so they have to all the time be inside your sight. That manner, if one thing occurs, it may be addressed or mounted instantly. Guidelines fluctuate 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 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 a must to preserve it in your particular person, or put it within the seat pocket or below your seat. You should place it someplace you’ll be able to all the time see. And of late, you’re now not allowed to apply it to board.
Additionally, it shouldn’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 can we compute watt-hours? To search out out the watt-hours of our energy banks, the system 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 essential to notice that some airways and international locations require certifications for energy banks, so make sure you verify 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 concept the place I’d left it, however happily, I used to be capable of finding it.
You’d be shocked that it’s extra frequent than you suppose. 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 on your passport and essential paperwork may be very handy. It’s one thing you’ll be able to simply entry with out mixing your passport with different gadgets. Or for those who don’t have that, you should purchase a small clear envelope the place you’ll be able to preserve your passport, boarding go, and so forth. Because it’s clear, you’ll be able to see it instantly.
Boarding passes are simple to misplace additionally, since they’re simply paper. So, typically, a digital copy can also be okay. Be certain to maintain your journey paperwork, particularly your passport.
I’ve discovered 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 once 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 verify in, you’re given a boarding go, and it exhibits 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 typically, even earlier, relying on numerous components. 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, try to be on the gate by 1:40 PM. Don’t wait till 2PM!
Generally, we lose monitor of time after we get too comfy on the lounge or café, or after 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 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 one of the best 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. If you happen to’re sporting earphones, you won’t hear or discover the announcement since you’re not paying consideration, particularly for those who’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 is just not nice. It’s typically too gentle, or if it’s loud, it’s onerous to grasp. So don’t overcomplicate issues by listening to one thing else, even when it’s your favourite track or artist. Do it while you’re already on the aircraft.
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’ll begin to web page your identify a number of instances over the intercom. And for those who 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, 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 aggravating!
It’s actually finest to go to the boarding gate with loads of time to spare. However even for those who’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, it’s essential to all the time concentrate.
10. Dismissing eTravel.
Many individuals nonetheless skip engaging in the eTravel type as a result of they suppose it’s non-obligatory. However that is obligatory 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, so that they typically gained’t ask for it anymore. If you happen to haven’t accomplished 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 house, as early as 72 hours earlier than your journey.
Now we have 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 sensible, journey protected, and make each journey value 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 might 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, take into account 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 fee.
Updates Log
2025 11 14 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
