Amid the excitement of planning and preparing for a flight overseas, it is a good idea to get everything sorted before you take off – whether you're a seasoned traveller or taking the family for their first holiday abroad.
From getting the best deal on a flight, to making sure you are at the right departure gate at the right time, there are plenty of smart pre take-off tips to help make the journey as stress-free as possible.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance has come up with ten simple hacks to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
1. Get the best price: Switch your device to private browsing when making online bookings to be sure you get the latest and potentially cheapest prices.
2. Get the best seat on the plane: If you love a little bit of extra leg room or like to get a great view from a window seat, use a website like Seat Guru to pick out the best spot before you check in.
3. Save on parking: A bit of online research can go a long way towards saving a small fortune in parking costs, especially if you find the right facility – and book in advance. But don't forget to make a note of where you're parked, it will help when you return.
4. Have it handy: When packing hand luggage, keep in mind there are certain items that need to be shown or removed multiple times throughout your journey. So, make it easy for yourself to grab things like your passport, tickets, laptop, charger or earphones – and remember a pen for any customs forms.
5. Treat luggage like a VIP: Worried about the contents of your bags? Put a fragile sticker on your case. Not only does this mean it is more likely to be handled correctly, it may also find itself at the top of the pile in the aircraft's storage compartment, meaning you'll get it back sooner after landing.
6. Prep your gadgets: Load your smartphone with Skype, Viber and WhatsApp. Whenever you are connected to Wi-Fi, these apps will let you phone, video call, text and instant message with friends and family back home for free.
7. Double up: Keep a scan or a photo of your passport and itinerary on your phone, as this means you have an extra copy in the event of loss or theft. It also comes in handy if you need to access information quickly.
8. Know your way around: Google Maps allows you to download area maps and access them offline, on your phone and tablet, so that you can navigate your way around your destination without paying hefty roaming charges.
9. Keep the beat: Some music subscriptions, such as Spotify and Apple Music, enable you to save songs and playlists offline so you can listen to all your favourite music without being connected, whether you're on the plane or relaxing by the pool.
10. Have your own departures board: If you need to check the departure board at the airport but don't want to leave the comfy spot you've found, download Flight Board to your phone and you'll see all the departure information at the click of a button.
One final check
Before you leave home, take a look on the airport website to check for any delays that might affect your travel, as well as finding out what shops and restaurants are in the terminal.
For more great travel tips and advice, visit Southern Cross Travel Insurance
www.scti.co.nz/travel-advice