Travel Tips

Tips on packing

Go for strength as opposed to looks, cases can receive harsh treatment at airports, and hard-frame cases are tougher than soft nylon ones, which can tear. Take care not to over fill your case and remember to pack any valuables in your hand luggage. Attach luggage labels to every item of your baggage, and put name and address labels inside your bags and cases.

Luggage allowance

The standard allowance on charter flights is 20kg (44lb) per person (excluding infants), unless your ticket says otherwise, there is usually a charge if you exceed this amount. On scheduled flights, the allowance is normally two pieces of luggage weighing 32kg (70lb) each.
	You can also take one piece of hand luggage with you on to the plane, but this should not exceed 5kg in weight, and be no bigger than 43x28x23cms. Please note that hand luggage may be weighed, as well as cameras and handbags. The low dose x-ray machines used at UK Airports will not affect photographic film.

First aid kit

We recommend that you take with you a basic first aid kit to cover you in the event of stomach upsets, headaches, sunburn, cuts and grazes etc. Also remember to pack any prescribed medication, this should be carried in your hand luggage.

Cigarette lighters

Many multipack cartons of cigarettes purchased outside airports have a 'free' lighter attached to them. There is strong evidence that these lighters may in some circumstances self ignite. Aviation law requires passengers to carry lighters and matches on their person. Passengers are allowed to carry one lighter only. Under no circumstances should lighters be packed in suitcases or hand baggage.

What you can't take with you

These items are classed as dangerous goods, and are not allowed on aircraft:

• firearms or replica weapons, including toys

• locking blade knives or other implements with more than three-inch blades

• explosives, flares, fireworks, toy gun caps or non-safety matches

• gases of any type, including compressed cylinders, tear gas, mace or camping gas

• flammable materials such as paints, thinners, lighter fuel, petrol or fire lighters

• poisons, weedkillers or insecticides

• corrosives, including car batteries or mercury

• irritating or radioactive materials

• laser pens.

If you carry any of these items with you they are liable to be confiscated at the airport and given to the handling agent or security personnel. It will then be your responsibility to arrange for the safe return of the items when you come back from your holiday.

What you can take with you

You can take the following items onto the aircraft:

• wines and spirits in containers up to five litres

• medicines or toiletries (including aerosols) in containers up to 500ml or 500g each - up to a total of two litres or two kilograms

• gas-powered hair curlers (one per person), as long as the safety cap is fitted at all times (but refills cannot be taken with you)

• safety matches or one lighter, which uses absorbed liquid or liquefied gas fuel (but refills cannot be taken with you).

And if you plan to carry any unusual items for medical needs or sporting activities, contact the airport in advance. There may be a charge for the carriage of some items. As a general rule you should carry any medication in your hand luggage but all other items should be packed and placed in the aircraft hold.

Telephones

The US telephone system is different than that of most other countries, if you don't know what to look for, you can spend a lot of money on telephone fees. If necessary to make a call from a public phone box use a credit card as opposed to coins, if this isn't possible use a call box owned by a major service provider like Southern/Pacific Bell or Bell Atlantic as many phones operated by private concessionaries charge exorbitant rates.
Telephone cards are also available in the US they are sold in many gas stations, drug stores at at newstands and come in denominations of $5, $10 or $20.