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 positive this submit will likely be helpful for you. Or if you understand somebody — a relative or a good friend — who’s flying for the primary time, you’ll be able to share this with them. Even should you’re not a primary timer, that is nonetheless value studying as a result of, generally, we neglect to do or overlook essentially the most staple items.

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1. Arriving late or on the incorrect time.

Verify-in Counter Closing

Many first-time vacationers don’t know that check-in counters normally 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 once 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 really board the aircraft. So, you want loads of time. Normally, 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 now we have allowance in case get caught in site 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 around the globe comply with a 24-hour format or navy time. So in case your ticket says your flight is at 8:00, that’s 8AM. If it had 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. You could refer under for straightforward 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 may assume, “That’s so primary!” However a variety of first-timers actually get confused…and even non-newbies!

We’ve got a good friend who travels internationally lots, however for some cause, she skilled this throughout her Vietnam journey — perhaps 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. In order 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 submit about it in The Poor Traveler Assist Group on Fb. Many are nonetheless confused.

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2. Arriving on the incorrect terminal.

Many airports around the globe have a number of terminals. Ninoy Aquino Worldwide Airport (NAIA), often known 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 keep in mind 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 should you desire to examine in on-line, you’ll additionally see your designated terminal there.

It’s all the time greatest to examine instantly with the airline. You’ll discover a variety of data on-line, however since terminal assignments have modified a number of occasions over the previous years, a number of the particulars are already outdated. And it’s actually inconvenient should you make a mistake, particularly right here in NAIA, the place transferring from one terminal to a different may be fairly a problem. In the event you go to the incorrect terminal and you’re operating quick on time, you may miss your flight.

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3. Skipping on-line check-in.

Airways normally supply a web-based check-in choice, and you must make the most of it. While you examine in on-line, it accelerates your wait on the airport as a result of the road for passengers who checked in on-line is normally shorter. Though we’ve had a few situations the place it was the alternative. However generally, the road for that is shorter.

Right here within the Philippines, we nonetheless usually must line up if now we have check-in luggage. In the event you’re already checked in on-line, make your method 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 examine in their very own luggage.

And oftentimes, even should you didn’t pay for seat quantity choice however you checked in on-line early, there’s the next likelihood you’ll nonetheless be seated collectively together with your companions as a result of there are nonetheless many obtainable seats.

How early on-line check-in opens depends upon 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, should you examine in utilizing the app, you’ll be able to examine 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 should you examine in on the airport, making on-line check-in a should should you don’t need this extra cost.

4. Miscalculating your bag’s weight.

It may actually be a pricey mistake should you exceed your baggage allowance. The load restrict depends upon 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’ve these choices: Go Fundamental, Go Straightforward, and Go Flexi. Go Fundamental is the most affordable, but it surely doesn’t embrace checked baggage — solely a 7-kilogram hand-carry.

In the meantime, with Philippine Airways, checked baggage allowance is robotically included, however the dimension of the bag allowance depends upon the fare class. They’ve Economic system and Enterprise Class. Below financial system, you’ll be able to generally select from these: primary financial system, financial system saver, and premium financial system. Every one has a unique allocation — generally 23kg, different occasions 15kg. Simply examine what you e book and its inclusions. In case your ticket doesn’t embrace baggage and also you wish to add it, do that prematurely. Don’t wait till you’re on the airport as a result of it’s rather more costly.

Our tip: weight your suitcase or baggage at residence.

We use a weighing scale from World Traveler. You principally hook your bag onto it, carry it, after which it exhibits you the load. We additionally carry this once we journey, so we are able to examine 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 and so they’re not prepared to pay additional, they’ll should take away gadgets from their luggage. It’s such a problem, 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 may be positive about all the pieces that’s inside. There are lots of prohibited gadgets, and you’re liable for your personal bag or baggage.

I’ve a associated expertise once 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 concept what gadgets had been inside his bag. On the airport, we had already checked in our baggage, gone by way of immigration, and had 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 a substitute of him.

Once I obtained to this considerably secluded space, the workers spoke to me. They informed 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 will’t stress this sufficient: In the event you’re in control of the bag, you must 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 understand, it could possibly 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. Observe that they examine 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 simply examine it in. And ideally, place your liquids in a transparent pouch.

Energy Financial institution Restrictions

Lately, they’re getting stricter with regards to energy banks. There have been many instances 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 fastened instantly. Guidelines fluctuate per airline, however let’s take a look at Philippine Airways — it’s virtually the identical as Cebu Pacific.

First, you have 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 state of affairs 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 underneath 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 have to have it accredited on the check-in counter.

Since what we normally 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 occasions 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 could be 74, in order that’s allowed.

It’s additionally necessary to notice that some airways and nations require certifications for energy banks, so remember to examine that too.

7. Dropping 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 truthfully had no concept 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 on your passport and necessary 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 should you 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 on. Because it’s clear, you’ll be able to see it straight away.

Boarding passes are simple to misplace additionally, since they’re simply paper. So, generally, a digital copy can be okay. Ensure 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 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 speak about boarding time.

So while you examine 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 you ought to be on the gate earlier than that point.

It is because the gate normally closes 15-20 minutes earlier than departure time, and generally, even earlier, relying on numerous elements. 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, you ought to be on the gate by 1:40 PM. Don’t wait till 2PM!

Generally, we lose monitor of time once we get too comfy on the lounge or café, or once we’re busy buying. You possibly can actually miss your flight if everybody has already boarded and so they’ve been calling your title with no response. The aircraft will depart with out you.

Which brings us to…

9. Sporting earphones whereas ready.

I all the time say this: the interval earlier than your flight departure is NOT the perfect 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. In the event you’re sporting earphones, you won’t hear or discover the announcement since you’re not paying consideration, particularly should 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 is just not nice. It’s typically too comfortable, or if it’s loud, it’s arduous to know. So don’t overcomplicate issues by listening to one thing else, even when it’s your favourite music or artist. Do it while you’re already on the aircraft.

You may additionally 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 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 are going to begin to web page your title a number of occasions over the intercom. And should you missed these calls, they are going to depart with out you.

That additionally occurred to us earlier than. On one among our flights, we had been in a lounge. We thought we nonetheless had loads of time, however once we obtained 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 sure it received’t occur once more! We ran like loopy. It was so demanding!

It’s actually greatest to go to the boarding gate with loads of time to spare. However even should you’re already there, keep alert. You may miss a gate change or the beginning of boarding if, say, you get too absorbed in your telephone. So, you have to all the time concentrate.

10. Dismissing eTravel.

Many individuals nonetheless skip carrying out the eTravel kind 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 characteristic 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’ll already see it within the system, in order that they typically received’t ask for it anymore. In the event you haven’t achieved 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 residence, as early as 72 hours earlier than your journey.

We’ve got 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 suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey may be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers 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 price.

Updates Log

2025 11 14 – First uploaded

Edited by: Asta Alvarez