Airport Tips&Tricks (incl baggage-drop;connecting-flight & terminal-info)

the14thwarrior · 05-04-2016 6:29pm

Turtle_ wrote: »

The seats recline because the airline are bringing you from A to B in reasonable comfort, not to provide you with a mobile office. Personally I find it horrendously uncomfortable to keep the seat fully upright for any length of time. Business class is designed exactly for people who want to work whilst travelling - more legroom and office type facilities to allow you to work, and comfortable seats so that you can rest if you need to and go straight to work when you arrive.

I'm not going to put myself through discomfort on a long haul flight just so you can work.

well I was going to reply with something like that, but I though i'll get into a debate over holidays vs. work. I feel the same way - I am usually going on holidays, I like to relax etc. I need to recline a bit.

I will say my pet bug bear is when the person behinds you hangs off the top of your seat to haul themselves up. I nearly suffered whip lash one time and I called the person behind me on it. he told me he couldn't get by my reclined seat. He proceeded to use my headrest as a grab rail for the rest of the flight and on the 4th count I told him I would report him asap. there's no easy answer, he was fat, I was tired (and I have stress fractures in my back) it was a 9 hour flight.

I solved it myself - I usually fly stand by as my partner works in an airline - but I hadn't that time. the air hostess gave me a seat up in 1st class. I could hear him complaining all the way up the aisle. demanding an upgrade etc. I chuckle to myself - employees look after employees

benjamin d · 05-04-2016 6:29pm

At the security scanners, a massive queue of single men or business travellers will be much quicker than a small group of old folk/families/women/spanish students etc.
*awaits sexism accusations* :P

the14thwarrior · 05-04-2016 6:32pm

benjamin d wrote: »

At the security scanners, a massive queue of single men or business travellers will be much quicker than a small group of old folk/families/women/spanish students etc.
*awaits sexism accusations* :P

100% agree with you. and i'm a woman.

avoid at all costs.

AndyBoBandy · 05-04-2016 7:50pm

Dodge wrote: »

Forgetting about the nod & wink stuff, why would anyone want to bring food with them to the US? Can you not go a few days with sausages? They hav literally hundreds and thousands of thing to try for breakfast. you're on holiday, live a little

Yeah, try telling my sister I'm coming over but not bringing Supervalu (nee Quinn) fresh dread as well as superquinn sausages.

I got caught the very first time I went to America, and since then have been about 10-15 times and brought sausages/bread/King Crisps with me every time! Sometimes checked, sometimes in carry on, sometimes both!

degsie · 05-04-2016 8:02pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

Yeah, try telling my sister I'm coming over but not bringing Supervalu (nee Quinn) fresh dread as well as superquinn sausages.

Mmmm...love the smell of fresh dread in the morning...

rsh118 · 05-04-2016 8:19pm

There should be reclining law. Flight under 2 hours? No need to recline!

Over 2 or at night, recline after your meal. I'll happily at this stage after too many crushed meals on 14 hour flights, hang over the front of the seat and tell the langer in front to please unrecline while then lean over their meal

Refusal? Now quite happy to ding the cabin crew and explain very politely. Definitely you will always get what you need if you are polite and willing to speak to those in power.

FrKurtFahrt · 05-04-2016 8:41pm

By design, you are in an airport for a ridiculously long time prior to flight - and its almost impossible not to spend, be it on a couple of pints, or some grub, or whatever. The DAA have an Executive Lounge where you can stay for up to 3 hours (regardless of ticket or airline), have a couple of glasses of wine/beer/whiskey etc, have soup and cheese and biscuits, complimentary newspapers, tea/coffee etc etc. All this in a comfortable, quiet lounge. It cost €20, and I think its fantastic value. (I think you're 'restricted' to 2 drinks, but I say some people pinning the g&ts).

Fred Swanson · 05-04-2016 8:44pm

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FrKurtFahrt · 05-04-2016 8:46pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Take my word for it, I was in it 3 weeks ago, and herself an I just about finished a bottle of wine

athtrasna · 05-04-2016 8:48pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

I was not aware the DAA lounge did alcohol.

They absolutely do. Don't abuse it but you can easily and discreetly have more than two drinks if you want them. Be warned, the spirit dispenser refills really really slowly

Strumms · 05-04-2016 8:52pm

Yeah it does alcohol. It's in my opinion a slightly better option then the Aer Lingus lounge. Although that would not be hard in fairness.

Ruu · 05-04-2016 9:09pm

An easy one to remember. Water, drink loads of the stuff. I fly with Delta a lot and they give you bottles of the stuff. Hate having to ask for another little cup, not enough to keep fresh and hydrated on a 7 hr flight.

keeponhurling · 05-04-2016 9:27pm

faceman wrote: »

Don't do this. You will be caught and possibly fined, even if it's just a harmless ham sandwich.

But it's part of our culture !

Fred Swanson · 05-04-2016 9:37pm

This post has been deleted.

Mr rebel · 05-04-2016 9:44pm

One of the reasons I actually really like Ryanair is because of their non-reclining seats:)
And speaking of seats, try and sit still in yours as no one likes a shuffler, especially on aircraft seats where the pop-up tables are attached to the back of them. You don't want to be responsible for causing a spillage for the passenger sitting right behind you:o

2Mad2BeMad · 05-04-2016 9:59pm

Not really a tip
but a little thing from my perspective
if you do want to recline your chair
at least make sure the person behind you is not 6ft + in height
I'm 6ft 5 and my knees do be already squeezed against the seat as is, as soon as someone reclines, it actually hurts my knees and staying in that position for long haul flights can do damage.

Most people infront who recline I always try to switch seats if possible with a family member or even try to buy an emergency seat for the extra room.
But when thats all impossible I have no choice but to ask you to put your seat back to the proper position.
Never had a problem from people who I asked and I always said sorry for the inconvience, but their was one prat who told me to f off, had to call the stewardess down and see if I could move, she couldn't move me and had to ask him to fix his seat to the proper position, he got quite rowdy over it and was embarrassing for me and most likely for him.
If anything they need to remove the reclined feature from short haul flights
and for long haul flights at least accomodate the seats for people who are above 6ft, its not like being 6ft nowadays is something amazing and you only see once.

Which reminds me
Anyone have any idea what british airways seats are like? off topic i know maybe you could pm me, im going to vegas in september through them and I need to know whether to book an emergency seat or not ha

Strumms · 06-04-2016 1:07am

I'm also with the people in the camp of liking the Ryanair philosophy of non reclining seats. Ok they most likely do it to cut down on costs..firstly the price of the seats to buy with that feature and secondly the associated maintenance over the years ie. on the recline mechanism and replacement parts.. Whatever way you look at it most airline seats when reclined provide in theory the person in that seat with more room and comfort (not sure myself, see below) and the person behind them with less room and discomfort. Kind of a weird trade off. As regards the recline itself I never do it. I just find that the seats in the general recline position put you at an unnatural angle, not lying back and not sitting up and to me personally it's not all that comfortable or natural a feeling.

Since the thread is about tips and what not... if you must recline your seat please do it slowly & gently. i paid 4.50 for that tiny can of Heineken, not to be worn on my jeans ! Also I dislike the whole grabbing the headrest of my seat to hoist your fat ass up out of yours :P

rsh118 · 06-04-2016 2:49am

Honestly, hanging is too good for anyone who reclines on a 1 hour flight. Speaking as a tall person that is.

CabanSail · 06-04-2016 4:31am

First Up wrote: »

If you want to increase the chances of having an empty seat beside you, book Row 13. For some reason. a lot of people seem to think that they are more at risk of crashing - or not surviving a crash - in that row than anywhere else.

Yes it's true. There have been many incidents where only Row 13 crashed but the rest of the aircraft was unaffected. It's the same as Business Class arrives an hour earlier than Economy on long haul flights.

munchkin_utd wrote: »

ive no problems just using regular in the ear earphones in blocking out background noise.

I have had the bud type earphones which also had noise cancelling. It makes a huge difference.

The headphones supplied in Business are usually noise cancelling.

Do not smuggle food. There are reasons why it's not allowed. Some things can be taken if you check. I brought some Dulse back to Australia. It had to be commercially packed in sealed bags. I declared it and had it inspected. They passed it after looking it up on the system. If they had said it had to be destroyed that was the risk I took.

First Up · 06-04-2016 7:44am

2Mad2BeMad wrote:

Which reminds me Anyone have any idea what british airways seats are like? off topic i know maybe you could pm me, im going to vegas in september through them and I need to know whether to book an emergency seat or not ha

Look at netflights.com.

vg88 · 06-04-2016 12:17pm

DAA lounge is 20, Aer Lingus is 25. I would probably recommend DAA lounge as there isn't really a difference between the two. Eithads lounge though brilliant, however it's only business or first class.

Unless you're spending more than 2 hours really I don't see the point in the lounges unless you're taking the morning flights. Maybe if you have a long haul flight you could easily stock up on food and drinks (non-alcoholic) in the lounge for yourself and maybe a friend or two.

Strumms · 06-04-2016 1:38pm

I travelled at Easter there out of T2 and I should really have availed of the lounge access in advance... I wanted to grab some food and a couple of pints in the Slaney and the Q was back towards the duty free and not a seat to be had.. same with that market place upstairs.. eventually i opted for a poxy Burger King followed by a pint at that way down yonder cafe bar by the boarding gates... forget what its called but the peace and quiet of the lounge would have been worth the 20 Euro even if it had meant only snacks and a can of Guinness...

Flying out of DUB in a couple of hours again (no lounge access mind) but be interesting to see has our thread and the advice everyone has contributed influenced the behaviour of the traveling public in any way.. ill report back

mfceiling · 06-04-2016 9:14pm

I'm heading out to paris early in the morning (up at 3.30, airport for 4 and flight at 6.30).

Some great tips here. All my lot are well versed in airport/airplane etiquette. One carry on bag between us, the rest of the hand luggage is checked in...what the actual fcuk do people need that they are up and down 20 times getting something from the overhead lockers. It's a 2 hour journey, not a fcuking voyage to Mars.

Smile at the staff and say please and thank you...It's amazing how many dopes out there just grunt and then wonder why they get no assistance if they have a problem.

Have loads of change if you want to buy something on board (coffee or juice). No bigger tosser than the lad who orders a coffee and hands over 50 notes...He should get his entire change in coins.

Bags are packed and sitting at the front door. All passports and everything other document are in a strong a4 zip folder. Yes I've seen the fools who start unpacking bags at the boarding gate because they can't find their passport. I honestly believe some people are too stupid to be allowed outside their front door never mind the country.

shar01 · 06-04-2016 9:30pm

Evening all,

Stupid question but I've searched and can't find the answer. Last September we were able to drop bags off the night before flight. Can't see if this service is still available. If it isn't, do all passengers have to be present at bag drop?

Thanks,

S.

mfceiling · 06-04-2016 9:53pm

shar01 wrote: »

Evening all,

Stupid question but I've searched and can't find the answer. Last September we were able to drop bags off the night before flight. Can't see if this service is still available. If it isn't, do all passengers have to be present at bag drop?

Thanks,

S.

You can do it. I got an email yesterday to say it can be done. One person can do the check in but you *must* have all the passports of the people whose bags are being checked in *plus* their boarding cards.

Turtle_ · 06-04-2016 10:55pm

mfceiling wrote: »

Bags are packed and sitting at the front door. All passports and everything other document are in a strong a4 zip folder.

Agreed with everything other than this. It's like leaving your car keys on the hall table.

Any bag with anything valuable like passport, keys, wallet etc shouldn't be left next to the hall door. Those items should always overnight in an occupied bedroom...

JCX BXC · 06-04-2016 11:05pm

Anyone who likes their house tidy, if you're going on a Long Haul journey make SURE you tidy your house before you leave. You know how annoying it is to have a mess that you don't feel like fixing when you come back from a weekend away, couple that with Jetlag and you have a nightmare.

I've never had to do much of the cleaning :P But it is quite annoying.

Birdsong · 06-04-2016 11:18pm

Loving this thread. I travel a bit with work and I have my toiletries in the clear bag in my handbag and my passport in a wallet with a side pocket where I can put all receipts for reclaiming expenses.

Flat shoes all the way to, converse or sketchers, besides security there is a fair bit of walking distance in airports. In Luton in particular you can be standing for the long time

paddyirish23 · 07-04-2016 12:02am

Gmaximum wrote: »

Book your seats before you travel to make sure you (I'm assuming your partner is going too) sit together. If its a busy flight and you don't there is a chance the grown ups could be split up. Most people genuinely don't mind sitting beside a baby or toddler but its easier when there's two of you.

If you're flying Aer Lingus, they may let you check in and drop your bags off at the airport the night before. If you can do it I would just means less queuing for the little man at the airport. If its an early morning or evening flight when the airport is going to be busy buy fastrack, again will reduce queues and stress

Bring snacks from home that he'll be familiar with but do buy him something from the cart too, all adds to the entertainment.

You can bring calpol etc no issues, just treat it as any other liquid or cream. If you've an expensive travel system I'd advise against bringing it and buy a cheap buggy or second hand one. They get thrown around a bit depending on the airport you're travelling to.

Thanks yes have the cheap buggy ready to go and we are flying with Ryanair took the seats up by the front so we can get out fast with him! Do they allow you to bring your own food ?? Thought they take it off you at security check?

Torricelli · 07-04-2016 12:18am

Don't do what I did last year. Come back from Greece's 35C in shorts and t-shirt only to be greeted with 8C and pissing rain in Dublin.

The coldest I've ever been.

afatbollix · 07-04-2016 1:00am

I recently had some surgery done and had to head aboard for an ill Aunt last minute.

I decided that short term parking was worth it as it was only a short walk instead of getting buses so an extra 30 minutes in bed. I booked via Ryanair and it was cheaper than the airports website! (Stansted)

As I was in a sling I paid for fast track security where it was empty and they helped me with my bag and were just so much nicer than normal, Not sure if it was because I was in a sling or they were just happy to have someone to screen.

London has 6 airports depending on where you want to go it might be cheaper to spend more to fly to a different airport. If I was to fly to Stansted it would cost £30 each way for a train to where I live. Yet only £1.50 bus fare from Heathrow and a £10 train fare from Gatwick. That £5 fare to Stansted might end up £100 after everything is added in. Yet Aerlingus or BA might be a few extra euros but you wont have to spend it the other side.

Esel · 07-04-2016 1:37am

Torricelli wrote: »

Don't do what I did last year. Come back from Greece's 35C in shorts and t-shirt only to be greeted with 8C and pissing rain in Dublin.

The coldest I've ever been.

"B-b-baby, you ain't seen nothing yet!"

shar01 · 07-04-2016 7:18am

Lovely. Now that you mention it, I did get an email a few days before departure. I'll be checking in online today so that'll probably trigger the notification.

Many thanks!

uck51js9zml2yt · 07-04-2016 7:35am

For those thinking of bringing food into Oz, just watch Border Patrol before you go.

07-04-2016 9:46am

paddyirish23 wrote: »

Thanks yes have the cheap buggy ready to go and we are flying with Ryanair took the seats up by the front so we can get out fast with him! Do they allow you to bring your own food ?? Thought they take it off you at security check?

Check Ryanair site. They often have a "Chat" thingy that you can ask a question and they will answer straight away. Save and print off the answers given. I've seen parents showing jars of babyfood and they seemed alright.

vg88 · 07-04-2016 10:04am

I work in the airport and deal with almost everything that a passenger would face for any airline. If anyone has any questions about anything I probably have dealt with it

. From check in, immigration, security etc.,

Quick tip with Ryanair. Always try to board last and be the last person to use the backsteps. From rows 30-33 there is usually a free row, while the rest of the plane is full. I often do this even if I'm in row 12 or something. If you're the last person on through the back steps, you will know no one else is coming down to these seats as the vast majority (or if all) the passengers are on already.

Pat Mustard · 07-04-2016 10:19am

moloner4 wrote: »

Quick tip with Ryanair. Always try to board last and be the last person to use the backsteps. From rows 30-33 there is usually a free row, while the rest of the plane is full. I often do this even if I'm in row 12 or something. If you're the last person on through the back steps, you will know no one else is coming down to these seats as the vast majority (or if all) the passengers are on already.

If you board last, aren't you more likely to encounter a difficulty with lack of storage space for your bag in the overhead lockers?

vg88 · 07-04-2016 10:23am

Pat Mustard wrote: »

If you board last, aren't you more likely to encounter a difficulty with lack of storage space for your bag in the overhead lockers?

The new Next generation jets have much more room now for overhead stuff, but it'll take a while to get put onto all the jets. I've done this 5 times in 6 months now, 99% of the time there's a whole row free so you can put your bags underneath a seat or two and there is no issues. I've put my rucksack under seat a, sat in seat b and had no issues.

Gatica · 07-04-2016 11:18am

rsh118 wrote: »

There should be reclining law. Flight under 2 hours? No need to recline!

Over 2 or at night, recline after your meal. I'll happily at this stage after too many crushed meals on 14 hour flights, hang over the front of the seat and tell the langer in front to please unrecline while then lean over their meal.

Well, that's more to do with staff not enforcing the sitting during meals rule and people being somewhat ignorant. If people sat up during meal service, it wouldn't be such an issue.

the14thwarrior wrote: »

I chuckle to myself - employees look after employees

Not something to be proud of. Politicians look after politicians, doctors look after doctors, etc... Hardly a fair system.

Nice that it worked out for you in first class though if you'd a back injury and the passenger behind wasn't being considerate, seems good enough reason to move you without nepotism.

paddyirish23 wrote: »

Thanks yes have the cheap buggy ready to go and we are flying with Ryanair took the seats up by the front so we can get out fast with him! Do they allow you to bring your own food ?? Thought they take it off you at security check?

If you're talking about your own food as an adult, then anything non-liquid/gel is fine. We've brought sandwiches and fruit no problem. However, my mum had a jar of almond butter taken off her under the liquids rule. If it's baby food, then as long as you'd be ok to taste it at security, they usually allow enough for your flight for your baby's needs.

smurfjed · 07-04-2016 11:34am

people being somewhat ignorant

You have no idea where that other passenger is coming from, what might be a short flight for you, might be the continuation of a long journey for them.

It's worth counting the number of rows between you and the emergency exit in both directions as when the time comes you might not be able to see them. (Same applies to hotels)

roundymac · 07-04-2016 11:39am

I flew with KLM recently, they made people sit up during meal service, the couple in front of me reclined their seat the minute the hostess moved on, a quick press on the call button sorted that out, told in no uncertain terms not to do that again.

CJmasgrande · 07-04-2016 11:42am

Get a good set of noise cancellation headphones. Eliminates a lot of stress and especially eliminates listening to people around you talking ****e and young kids

secondrowgal · 07-04-2016 11:59am

benjamin d wrote: »

At the security scanners, a massive queue of single men or business travellers will be much quicker than a small group of old folk/families/women/spanish students etc.
*awaits sexism accusations* :P

Don't think it's sexist, but do think it's slightly inaccurate.

I would lump some men/businessmen in with the second group. I travel a lot and the amount of time that I am stuck behind a man who has everything in his (different) pockets and then finally realises that the belt has to come off is so frustrating!

I would also pay for Fasttrack in Dublin airport to sail through security. Think it's €5 or €10, worth every penny.

Poochie05 · 07-04-2016 1:29pm

If you're passing through Heathrow* pick up some of their zip lock bags for hand luggage liquids. They have a handle on them and makes it even easier to grab them out of your bagand in to the tray at security.

*Maybe available in other airports...

Arbie · 07-04-2016 2:12pm

http://www.seatguru.com/ provides seatmaps for the plane being used for your flight so you can choose the one to suit you best. It gives all sorts of useful info and you can use it to compare planes and airlines re: seat width, WiFi, and so on. Very handy for those of us who are taller, wider, fussier about our seats, want to ensure access to a socket, etc.

Yamanoto · 07-04-2016 2:40pm

smurfjed wrote: »

It's worth counting the number of rows between you and the emergency exit in both directions as when the time comes you might not be able to see them. (Same applies to hotels)

Simple tip & singularly the best piece of advice posted thus far.

Speedwell · 07-04-2016 2:53pm

If you have a sensitive bladder and/or mobility issues, use SeatGuru to choose a seat aft of the toilets for your section, if possible, so you can see when there isn't a line. Go, if you can, just before you are served drinks/snacks/meals so you don't have to go when everyone else does.

If you have a medical issue requiring assistance, even if you don't normally have mobility issues, you are still entitled to mobility assistance (push chairs, motorized buggies, assistance getting on/off the plane). I sprained my ankle in Dubai on a business trip (an entitled young mall rat shoved me out of his way so he could get on an escalator in the Mall of the Emirates before me) and all I needed to do was call the airline to let them know I needed a chair. Try to do this at least 24 hours before the time of actual need. Note: if you request this service at Heathrow terminal 5 between flights, they will park you in a room away from the fun (and give the monitor your boarding passes) where you will be bored to literal tears until they come to get you and put you on the next flight. If you can shuffle around a bit, they will sometimes allow you to go have a meal or look at a few shops, so long as you swear to be back in the room 30 minutes before you expect to be transported to the next flight.

Three or four times, I've been on hand so early for a flight that the desk agent asked me if I'd like to go on an earlier flight than the one I booked. It appears that the flight I booked was so overbooked that they were thinking of asking for volunteers to go on another flight anyway, so it helped both of us.

ecaf · 07-04-2016 10:24pm

I've been looking about this since I got my email about checking in online - and maybe this is completely obvious to some.... but Can you check in on line the night before and then leave one bag to the bag drop and then just make your way to your gate?
Going to be our first time travelling with kids and 6 months pregnant too, so I really want to make sure I have it right before we get there!

the14thwarrior · 07-04-2016 11:14pm

Not something to be proud of. Politicians look after politicians, doctors look after doctors, etc... Hardly a fair system.

Nice that it worked out for you in first class though if you'd a back injury and the passenger behind wasn't being considerate, seems good enough reason to move you without nepotism.

re above. seriously? not something to be proud of? its not something to be ashamed of either! its a bonus. its an airplane. how can you compare being moved up to first class because you already have flight priviledges (but choose not to use them) to doctors and politicians? without nepotism? its a commercial flight, it's not like I jumped the public hospital waiting list or get a pay back / secret payment. me thinks you protest too much! but I do have a bad back, and I had to fly with a sore neck, not my choice. I didn't go stand by because I had to be sure of getting the flight.

shar01 · 08-04-2016 6:41am

ecaf wrote: »

I've been looking about this since I got my email about checking in online - and maybe this is completely obvious to some.... but Can you check in on line the night before and then leave one bag to the bag drop and then just make your way to your gate?
Going to be our first time travelling with kids and 6 months pregnant too, so I really want to make sure I have it right before we get there!

Seeing as you're travelling with kids, would you be better doing the check-in now to ensure you're sitting together - rather than wait until night before and risk being scattered around the plane.

But to answer your question - yes you can.

Airport Tips&Tricks (incl baggage-drop;connecting-flight & terminal-info)

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