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

CabanSail · 08-04-2016 10:21am

If doing long haul flights it's a good idea to get a pair of Surgical Support Stockings. They reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. It's also recommenced to take a small dose of Aspirin before the flight. It is an anti-coagulant and will reduce the risk of clots. Also keep well hydrated and take a walk every hour or so.

Turtle_ · 08-04-2016 10:45am

CabanSail wrote: »

If doing long haul flights it's a good idea to get a pair of Surgical Support Stockings. They reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. It's also recommenced to take a small dose of Aspirin before the flight. It is an anti-coagulant and will reduce the risk of clots. Also keep well hydrated and take a walk every hour or so.

In a similar vein, it's useful to put a golf ball (or other similar small hard ball) under your foot and roll it around to help with circulation. It's handy if you're not in an aisle seat, saves needing your neighbours to hop up regularly to let you go for a walk.

Speedwell · 08-04-2016 11:29am

About those support stockings... I tried to order some online, only to find that I needed a prescription! There are some so-called support stockings available that really don't offer any more support than regular knee-high socks. Any idea where I could get real support stockings with moderate support without spending a hundred on three pair?

vicwatson · 08-04-2016 11:33am

Speedwell wrote: »

About those support stockings... I tried to order some online, only to find that I needed a prescription! There are some so-called support stockings available that really don't offer any more support than regular knee-high socks. Any idea where I could get real support stockings with moderate support without spending a hundred on three pair?

Try your local pharmacy, you dont need a prescription, that's were I got mine.

CabanSail · 08-04-2016 11:38am

I work in a hospital and asked the staff on the surgical ward. They go through loads of them. They are also available in pharmacies here, I am sure they would be over there too.

Speedwell · 08-04-2016 11:41am

CabanSail wrote: »

I work in a hospital and asked the staff on the surgical ward. They go through loads of them. They are also available in pharmacies here, I am sure they would be over there too.

Yeah, when I lived in the US, they were freely available. I take a sort of odd size because my calves and ankles can swell pretty badly, and I used to buy something called "full calf" over there. I tried buying compression socks for runners, and I did find some for a good price, but I can't even get them over my foot (darn skinny people lol).

08-04-2016 2:27pm

Speedwell wrote: »

About those support stockings... I tried to order some online, only to find that I needed a prescription! There are some so-called support stockings available that really don't offer any more support than regular knee-high socks. Any idea where I could get real support stockings with moderate support without spending a hundred on three pair?

I bought some in both Dunnes and a local Pharmacy. Both equal quality. If stuck in a middle seat on a long haul flight, circle your ankles both ways every half hour or so. I've tried the golf ball too, but the damn thing kept rolling away from me!

vicwatson · 08-04-2016 3:02pm

Compression socks in Lidl next Thursday 14th for €4.99 and infact Aldi have them also at €4.99

Gatica · 08-04-2016 3:39pm

the14thwarrior wrote: »

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.

I was not aware that you had flight privileges that you turned down, fair play to you. Although I'm somewhat confused, as I don't believe I've protested or defended anything I've been accused of too much...

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

Saying "employees look after employees" pretty much implies that you got preferential treatment because they knew you. By the very definition of nepotism: "favouritism shown to relatives or close friends by those with power or influence".
Although I do admit that they probably have a right to upgrade whomever they wish or like; had the guy been in pain instead, would they have upgraded him on the same basis?
They of course upgraded you since they know you and you weren't the rude passenger in that instance, the second IMO being a better reason. Anyway, not the thread for this discussion... :rolleyes:

but hey, maybe that's a good tip in itself, if you're nice to the staff and have an issue, you're more likely to get a positive response than if you're being disruptive and argumentative.:p

Whispered · 08-04-2016 3:54pm

Any tips for a particularly bad flyer? Panic here from the moment tickets are booked. Then proper confusion caused by shortness of breath and anxiety while in the airport. I've probably been that eejit who stopped in front of you, blocked your way, wandered in your path etc in the airport because I'm in the throes of panic

(you wouldn't know I was panicked, I just look like I'm moving really slowly)

Now I have a baby I can never see myself flying again tbh. I know the stats re driving to the airport etc and it doesn't help. It's not a logical fear.

Ruu · 08-04-2016 4:01pm

Whispered wrote: »

Any tips for a particularly bad flyer? Panic here from the moment tickets are booked. Then proper confusion caused by shortness of breath and anxiety while in the airport. I've probably been that eejit who stopped in front of you, blocked your way, wandered in your path etc in the airport because I'm in the throes of panic (you wouldn't know I was panicked, I just look like I'm moving really slowly)

Now I have a baby I can never see myself flying again tbh. I know the stats re driving to the airport etc and it doesn't help. It's not a logical fear.

Assuming you will be flying out of Dublin. Book yourself Fast Pass (5.95) from the DAA website, handy at anytime of the day for the nervous flyer. Lounge access (~25 euro) is a little quieter and have a cup of tea, some soup or snacks. You'll hear all the announcements, see when your flight departs, etc. I have a touch of anxiety from time to time and fly a lot so use these services.

Give yourself loads of time to get there, sometimes I might even stay in a hotel near the airport the day before so it will be no hassle to drive up the day of.

Fred Swanson · 08-04-2016 9:41pm

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Speedwell · 09-04-2016 12:19am

People, I really debated whether I should mention this, but I have helped many anxious flyers with it, even small children.

I do EFT "tapping". I heard about it years ago and thought it was silly and swore I'd never do it because it was too "woo-woo" for me. Much later, I had a friend who was a practitioner, and I refused to do it with her because I still thought it was ridiculous. A few years later, I was under way too much stress and started to have panic attacks. In the middle of one, I was truly at the end of my rope and was willing to try anything for relief, so I managed to gather enough of my wits to sit down at the computer, shaking and crying, and I found some simple instructions. I didn't think it would really work, but to my complete surprise, it helped. And it helped each time I felt anxiety or unwanted thoughts, until I found a therapist who was experienced in the technique and who helped me get back on my feet and work through the stress.

It's simple, it's stupid, you will probably feel goofy the first time you try it. My theory is that it helps distract a locked-up nervous system and gives a worried mind something else to chew on so the body can process and eliminate stress hormones and rebalance other stressed-out neurotransmitters. In any case it is quick and free and effective. Here's a link that might help: http://www.eftuniverse.com/phobias-and-fears/eft-eliminates-fear-of-flying

CabanSail · 09-04-2016 8:24am

I have seen a science show about the EFT Tapping. Yes it does sound crazy but it seems to work.

I have not had a fear of flying but for another problem I was prescribed Placebos. The problem was I soon became addicted to them. Eventually I gave them up cold turkey. It made no difference.

Gatica · 09-04-2016 8:52am

I've a nervous friend who does the tapping on flights, she said it really helps. Her bf is across the sea, so she flies all the time now. I really think a qualified therapist is what you need if you're having panic attacks.

On another note, my personal travel anti-sickness solution is a bag of salt and vinegar crisps. I open the bag and just smell it, lol... bit weird but it helps with weird smells around that make me nauseous, especially when they turn on the engines on the plane. I've used lavender or lemongrass essential oils in the past. Also having ear-plugs (if you don't have noise canceling earphones) and eye mask handy can help get to sleep if your neighbours are chatty. I bring a warm scarf I can throw over my shoulders and take off my shoes for extra comfort.
In Dublin airport you can also buy the €1 self help water after security, cheaper than buying on the flight.

If you're parking at the airport, go through your checklist another time before you leave your car. Someone I know missed a flight recently cos he'd left his passport in the car and didn't realise it til boarding.

smurfjed · 09-04-2016 10:19am

take off my shoes for extra comfort

Just remember to do this after takeoff and not before, no point in trying to put your shoes on in an emergency.

athtrasna · 09-04-2016 10:30am

I don't take my shoes off as I'd struggle to get them back on, cabin pressure makes my feet swell.

For long haul flights I always throw a pashmina into my carry on rather than use the horrible airline blankets.

I also pack sufficient snacks so that I won't go hungry if the airline meal isn't to my liking.

smurfjed · 09-04-2016 12:49pm

I don't take my shoes off as I'd struggle to get them back on

Why don't you wear more comfortable shoes?

athtrasna · 09-04-2016 12:50pm

smurfjed wrote: »

Why don't you wear more comfortable shoes?

My shoes fit me. My feet swell when I fly. I don't see the point in buying bigger shoes for flying in

faceman · 09-04-2016 7:42pm

Whispered wrote: »

Any tips for a particularly bad flyer? Panic here from the moment tickets are booked. Then proper confusion caused by shortness of breath and anxiety while in the airport. I've probably been that eejit who stopped in front of you, blocked your way, wandered in your path etc in the airport because I'm in the throes of panic (you wouldn't know I was panicked, I just look like I'm moving really slowly)

Now I have a baby I can never see myself flying again tbh. I know the stats re driving to the airport etc and it doesn't help. It's not a logical fear.

I go through phases with nervous flying but I used to be worse. I flying mostly long haul every other month and I've tried lots of things.

Hands down one of the best things you can do is get your hands on Allen Carr's book, "The Easy Way to Enjoy Flying". I've read numerous nervous flying books and his is excellent and helped me a great deal.

A fear of flying is a logical and rational fear. Very common in people.

Some tips I can give from my own experience:

Keep yourself occupied onboard. I load movies and tv shows into my iPad.
Invest in good noise cancelling headphones.

Perfect way to remove the background aircraft noise and thus provide some comfort. (I've a pair made by Bose which cost €350!)

Try get a seat over the wing of the plane as turbulence is slightly less pronounced here.

If you're a regularly flier, try to zone out of the safety announcement. It only serves to increase and maintain the anxiety by demonstrating that "something could go wrong so you're showing you the safety features". Even our language around flying maintains the danger. Statements such "Flying is the safest form of transport" or "you're more likely to die on the way to the airport in your car than on the plane" again perpetuate that there is some risk in flying.

Tell the cabin crew you're a nervous passenger. Most airlines train their crew to help passengers like this. It's nothing to be ashamed of and they are completely understanding.

When you feel nervous onboard, take a look at the cabin crew. They will be completely calm and getting on with preparing someone's drink.

Have a watch of this video too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayXvS5b9jVE

Happy travels!

igorbiscan · 09-04-2016 8:12pm

I have a small rucksack type bag for carry-on, which I have the usual tablet,headphones etc. Passport + tickets are in the front pocket.While queuing to check luggage in,all loose change,phone,anything metal in my pockets go in the carry on bag, so once I get to security line,belt and runners come off and I'm done.No messing around,no rooting in pockets delaying people.

Fred Swanson · 10-04-2016 10:54pm

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uck51js9zml2yt · 11-04-2016 12:38am

Depending on the age of the kids , think about the concierge service for an extra pair of adult hands to get through security and take the bags for you.

shar01 · 11-04-2016 1:47pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

They were last September. Worked out well as I had stuff to do in Blanchardstown beforehand. Dropped them off just after 8pm. Had to hang around for 10/15 mins while they went through security checks "back-stage". Done and dusted in 30 mins. And didn't have to hit the road as early next morning.

Fred Swanson · 11-04-2016 1:49pm

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conor_ie · 11-04-2016 4:27pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

I got the email about it after I had checked my parents in for their flight to Malaga last week.. I'm not sure if it's listed on the web-site

Fred Swanson · 11-04-2016 4:37pm

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shar01 · 11-04-2016 6:20pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Yeah - and the twitter mention was from last year so I was wondering if Ryanair had dropped the service.

Anyhoo - received an email Ryanair this afternoon. Bag drop the night before is available

Thanks everyone.

jofeck · 18-04-2016 10:28pm

Hi does anyone have a discount code for Fast Track in Dublin Airport please (I had a great web summit one but its void now ;-)

Thanks

jofeck · 18-04-2016 10:32pm

Hi there by any chance a promo code available for discount fast track - i had one previously web summit but its void now
thanks

Spanish Eyes · 18-04-2016 10:38pm

Always smile at the flight attendants and make their job easier.

Got so many snipes of champagne on a long haul to Beijing with BA from Heathrow. Just because I was nice.

It pays not to be an absolute asshole. Take note.

They will also save us if anything goes wrong. It is not all about perfume sales.

ItssDylannnn · 19-04-2016 10:17pm

Does anyone know anything about the 'Business plus' with Ryanair? I was reading into it and I seen it said;
"FLEXIBILITY & FREQUENCY
We offer you the option to change your flight time, destination or even departure airport at no extra cost on the day of travel. We have the biggest network operating to 200 destinations across 31 countries with 1,800 daily routes offering high frequency departures on key business routes."
Quoted from Ryanair website.
I was thinking to my self. If I was to book a flight to England, would I be able to go to the airport and use the 'Flexibility and frequency' feature to change the flight to Spain/Portugal. I was thinking if the price of the flight to Spain/Portugal was more expensive than the business plus would it be worth risking it?
Im not planning on doing this but it was a thought I have always had when I was booking flights with Ryanair.

I was also wondering about the 'Rewards' when you sign up for the Ryanair website and fill out all the preferences. Has anyone ever got any good rewards from it? If so, what do you get?

Kat1170 · 19-04-2016 10:52pm

I'd say they mean no extra admin. cost not swop a cheap €0.01c flight for one costing €200.00 on the day.

JCX BXC · 19-04-2016 11:01pm

Kat1170 wrote: »

I'd say they mean no extra admin. cost not swop a cheap €0.01c flight for one costing €200.00 on the day.

Business plus will never cost €0.01 though thats the point!

cee_jay · 19-04-2016 11:12pm

Answer to your question here I think: https://www.ryanair.com/ie/en/useful-info/help-centre/faq-overview#11-2. You have to pay the fare difference but not the change fee. You can change your flight route between the same departure and destination countries.

whomitconcerns · 19-04-2016 11:16pm

If flying in to Amsterdam save yourself queuing for the train ticket machines. Dutch websites and most machines only take Dutch issued cards. But you can book your trains on the Belgian railways site with your Irish card before you leave Ireland, saving you loads of time in schipol.

Thoie · 20-04-2016 12:09am

To add to the before you leave the house things - I put a post-it note on the inside of the front door with the checklist.

Passport
Money
Credit card
Tickets
Bag 1
Bag 2
Turn off immersion
Turn off heating
Close windows

Or whatever's on your own list.

I'm also one of those people who gets to the airport and starts wondering if I've locked the front door (only do it when flying, never worry about it any other time). I have a standing arrangement with a neighbour to go and check as soon as he can after I've left, and he runs through the list on the back of the door too and checks that I actually turned off heating, etc.

BrookieD · 20-04-2016 8:13am

on my final run around the house before we leave will be a check on the following

Money
Cards
Tickets
passports
Travel Insurance details (just in case)
flight details
Take digital copies of important documents and saved to a shared folder in google to share between, partner/in-laws and trusted persons
Lights are off - I have Wemo lights so set them on a random evening pattern to come on and off at certain times
Taps are off and sinks unplugged ( this one i missed a few years back caused all sorts of flooding - not fun on a return to the house)

I am 8 weeks from a month long family trip to Australia and will be following this thread for tips that may make things a little better

good thread everyone

Gatica · 20-04-2016 8:30am

That reminds me, another good tip, not necessarily for flying but when away from home for an extended period of time. Get one of those programmable timer socket switches if you don't have smart home/lights. Program up different times in the evening to turn lights on and off and plug in a bright lamp, don't forget to leave it on. It will hopefully look like you're not actually away.

To prevent spillage of liquids in luggage, my grandmother gave me this great tip - get a bit of plastic (like from the fruit and veg supermarket bags) and put over the bottle neck before screwing on the cap. It helps prevent leaky bottles. Really good for shampoos, mouth wash, sun lotions, etc..., that can leak all over your clothes.

Speedwell · 20-04-2016 8:57am

I just remembered flying to California one summer when I was a teenager to visit my grandmother. She helped me unpack my suitcase and laughed, "Don't you think I buy soap?" I had used up plenty of space in my bag to pack every toiletry item I thought I would possibly need, from hair spray to bubble bath.

Rookie mistake, but a good point for all travelers... don't bother packing it if a) you probably won't need it en route, b) the place where you stay will give you some, or c) it's cost-effective to just buy some at the destination.

Gatica · 20-04-2016 9:00am

yep, same goes for towels, unless you're hiking or something. I do bring own shampoo though cos I'm particular for that. Shower gel though wouldn't give a toss. Hotels or family will have it.

lawred2 · 20-04-2016 9:01am

My sole advice is to not use the recliner save for when cabin lights are dimmed on long haul flights..

Anything outside that is being a d!ck

Diemos · 20-04-2016 10:42am

I placed all my valuables in my jacket before security.

Wallet, coins, watch, phone, passport.

The security areas tend to be very busy, and you can easily misplace things as you pack and unpack.
By placing everything in your jacket / bag, you can speed up the process and be certain not to loose anything.

Take a good look at the security lines, people tend to join what they think is the shortest queue but give no thought as to where the queue begins.

If you have a rental car and more than one person, then one person should leave without luggage to take the rental car, avoid the queue that will develop when the rest of the flight make their way to the rental desk.

Make sure you know if your car rental company is in the airport or if you have to get a bus.

Don't rent a car with Goldcar, EVER.

AndyBoBandy · 20-04-2016 5:46pm

One thing I hate doing is packing full tubes/cans of things, only to have to bring most of it back home again like deodorant or toothpaste or shaving foam.

Bringing over a full tube of toothpaste to use it for a few days, and then bring 90% of it back home again, to me is just extra weight that's not needed in my bag in the first place, same applies with deodorant/shampoos' etc...

With the toothpaste, I always try to bring a tube that's only maybe about a quarter full, trying to only bring what I'll need.

With deodorant/shaving foam, I try to bring the smaller 'travel' versions, so again I'm not bringing back a large can that's still 90% full.

Liquids are heavy, and those extra few grams might be the difference in an excess baggage fee or not!

degsie · 20-04-2016 6:33pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

... and those extra few grand might be the difference in an excess baggage fee or not!

I wouldn't be encouraging the carrying of loads of cash...:p

Esel · 20-04-2016 6:43pm

degsie wrote: »

I wouldn't be encouraging the carrying of loads of cash...:p

Safer than carrying a few grams..

AndyBoBandy · 20-04-2016 7:23pm

degsie wrote: »

I wouldn't be encouraging the carrying of loads of cash...:p

I actually did that before, went to America with $10,000 & €5,000 all in cash for my sister (moving her Irish savings to america to buy a house), this on top of all the Superquinn sausages & bread I brought!!
It's amazing how little they check you when your in business class!

lawred2 · 21-04-2016 8:51am

roundymac wrote: »

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.

that's just pig ignorant

Sultan of Bling · 21-04-2016 9:51am

When an ignoramus refused to put their seat back up during meal service for me, I told him I was going to kick his seat during the whole flight. I did this for about 2 mins when hey presto the seat went up. Childish I know but it did work.

igorbiscan · 21-04-2016 3:54pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

One thing I hate doing is packing full tubes/cans of things, only to have to bring most of it back home again like deodorant or toothpaste or shaving foam.

Bringing over a full tube of toothpaste to use it for a few days, and then bring 90% of it back home again, to me is just extra weight that's not needed in my bag in the first place, same applies with deodorant/shampoos' etc...

With the toothpaste, I always try to bring a tube that's only maybe about a quarter full, trying to only bring what I'll need.

With deodorant/shaving foam, I try to bring the smaller 'travel' versions, so again I'm not bringing back a large can that's still 90% full.

Liquids are heavy, and those extra few grams might be the difference in an excess baggage fee or not!

Ever tried King of Shaves oil? Tiny bottle,think its only 15-20ml. Great product,you only need a few drops!. Always bring this when travelling.

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

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