Happy flying!

One of the best things about living in the middle of Europe is that you can travel to other countries by car, bus or train. But if you want to visit an English-speaking country like the US or Australia, you’ll have to fly.

Here are our top tips for making your next flight fun and easy.

Booking your flight

• Book a seat near the front of the plane. It’s usually quicker to get on and off the plane and the turbulence doesn’t feel so bad there.
  
• Give yourself enough time between connecting flights. You may have to collect your bags or even go through customs.
• Think about buying travel insurance. It can save you money later if the airline loses your bag, you get sick or you have to change your flight.

Packing

• Try not to pack a bag that is bigger or heavier than the airline allows.
• You can usually take a small bag on the plane – but not any sharp objects or bottles with more than 100 ml of liquid.
• If you’re going on a long flight, you might want to take a warm sweater, earplugs and a sleeping mask with you.
• You’ll do a lot of waiting so make sure you have things to help pass the time like a book, an MP3-player or a laptop with DVDs (preferably in English!).

At the airport

• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
• When going through security put any bottles of liquids in a small plastic bag. You may also have to empty your pockets and take off your shoes, belt and jewellery.  
• If you’re going to the US, make sure you have the address of where you are staying as you will need this when you go through customs there.

On the plane

• If you’re on a long flight, get up and walk around a few times.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Always keep your passport and money with you.
• Watch films, read a book, relax, sleep – and dream about where you are going and all the exciting things you will do there.

Happy flying!