Johannesburg - Traffic, finding parking, lugging a suitcase around and standing in a long check-in queue only to get to the front of the line and allocated a middle seat all adds to our daily stress levels being pushed to the limits. Gone are the days of air travel being a glamorous mode of transportation.
Getting from point A to B and C with as little hassle as possible as quickly as possible has become the hallmark of commoditised flight.
Whether domestic, continental or long-haul intercontinental travel, there are some hard and fast rules and tips that allow for seamless travel, limited hassle and comfort.
Luggage
Pack your bags and travel as lightly as possible; taking an entire wardrobe on your journey will just end up costing you more. Most premium airlines have a generous luggage allowance of between 20kg and 23kg checked bags with an additional 7kg hand luggage. Low-cost airlines have an average 20kg checked bag allowance while the 7kg on board limit also applies. But it can get complicated in instances.
Some airlines, such as Mango, allow checked baggage which could be made up of up to two bags with a combined weight of 20kg and others allow for one bag within the weight limit only and additional bags, irrespective of weight, are charged for. This is called the piece concept.
Other airlines charge for any check-in luggage and have no allowance; you pay for everything. It’s good to always check the carrier’s terms and conditions.
Hand-luggage dimensions are determined by regulation within specified dimensions (36cm x 23cm x 56cm) along with either a handbag or a slim-line laptop bag.
Regulations require that all hand luggage exceeding the specifications has to be checked in. Prams and car seats are managed and charged for differently by different airlines. As with baggage rules, check the rules before you travel. Liquids in your luggage and hand luggage are highly regulated. The Airports Company of SA (Acsa) strictly enforces these rules. Check the rules on www.acsa.co.za
Checking In
There is a good reason why airlines normally ask travellers to check in two hours before departure – for processing passengers. Imagine there are four or five flights leaving at similar times, each flight carries 160 people. That is a queue of at least 600 people. If everyone came an hour before the flight, it would be impossible for anyone to depart on time.
Identifying Yourself
Unabridged birth certificates are required for minors travelling outside the country (continentally or inter-continentally). Make sure to check all requirements under the new laws at the Department of Home Affairs website www.dha.gov.sa
Travelling minors do not require unabridged birth certificates when flying within South Africa. However, a state-issued identity document, such as a birth certificate, passports or ID document, is required. Adults are required to identify themselves at check-in or at any time during their journey. Only government-issued picture IDs are accepted by airlines – passports, ID documents and cards, driver’s licences for domestic travel (South African residents only) and passports (with visas) for international flights.
Credit cards
While they are convenient, there is also a lot of fraud involving credit cards. Airlines differ in the way they manage this risk. Some require pre-authentication; for others, the card or a facsimile of the card used for payment is presented at check-in or boarding. These measures are done to protect cardholders.
No jokes
Some things are just not funny. Making a joke at check-in or in an airport or on an aircraft about a bomb or hijacking will be met with decisive action. Many passengers have been denied boarding or have spent a night in jail because of making a stupid comment. Safety and security are taken extremely seriously in aviation and humour, ignorance or stupidity is not a defence.
On board
When on board an aircraft, there are several strict laws that apply. Rules are created for your comfort and safety. That being said, while cabin crew are there to provide a service, their primary role is to ensure the wellbeing of passengers. The captain is empowered by the Civil Aviation regulations and able to take any action deemed necessary to ensure the collective safety, security and comfort of all passengers on a flight. Be courteous to fellow passengers. Stick to the rules and you will have a great flight.
Remember that one should never interfere with the duties of the crew, and ignoring the safety signs all around is a no-no.
Disruptive, disorderly or indecent behaviour on an aircraft is strictly prohibited. Over the past couple of months there has been an increase in the number of passengers either removed from a flight or arrested due to negative behaviour on board. It’s okay to have a drink, but misbehaving on a flight will incur criminal charges and in some cases a restraint during the journey. Smoking on any South African-registered aircraft, as well as on most other airlines, is prohibited. Use of e-cigarettes on most airlines is also not allowed.
Pilferage
Unfortunately, dishonesty represents a challenge to airlines around the world. South Africa is no different and on occasion the baggage belt at the end of a journey holds a nasty surprise – missing items and broken locks.
Baggage is not handled by your airline. Airline employees will see your suitcase for the last time at check-in. Thereafter, it travels on a belt, is sorted, and is placed on an aircraft by a third-party provider. After landing, the process is much the same, as bags are offloaded and placed on the carousel.
Airlines the world over remind passengers continually not to pack valuables in their checked-in bags. This includes cameras, laptops, tablets, phones and any other high-value items. Take it on board or leave it at home.
Secure your bags. Use locks, cable ties or luggage-wrap it. Make it as difficult as possible to gain entry in the limited amount of time available between the aircraft, the baggage belt and your possession.
Saturday Star