A good "Flying Guide" to help keep you comfortable and healthy in the sky.

Here's a quick 'checklist' to help you prepare for a smooth 'take off'

. Don't carry sharp objects in your hand luggage.  . Know the restrictions that apply to all luggage.  . Allow plenty of time for check-in.    . Ensure all documentation is completed  . Complete departure processing as soon as    possible.  . Allow plenty of time and be a relaxed traveller.    Don't watch your flight depart without you!

On long-haul flights a practical way to approach your airplane seat is to look upon it as your own comfortable, cosy and relaxing place for  the long hours ahead.

As part of your carry-on luggage, why not include a "nesting kit" - a small, soft nylon tote bag of in-flight essentials.

Soft nylon TOTE BAG only $2.95 with any Travel Comfortable order -

. Built from 210D PU Backed Nylon
. Dual drawstring closure
. Extra thick rope for durability
. Metal eyelets for extra strength
. Dimensions: 380mm(15") W
                           470mm(18") H

     Some suggested Travel Essentials

	No Jet Lag tabs (Trip Ease if you are subject to motion sickness)
	Caire travel Essentials especially Facial Mist
	Q-Zone filter ear plugs
	Sleep Mask - to block out unwanted light.
	Neck Pillow - a luxury one is SO comfortable
	Support Flight Socks or Jet Skins

This bag is ALL you need under the seat in front of you, allowing your carry-on-luggage to be stowed overhead. This allows you to stretch you legs out while sleeping.

Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing - nothing too tight and constricting.

Before settling into your new home try and procure a blanket - some airlines don't stock enough for everyone. Also advisable to have a sweater on hand as night flights can be rather chilly.

TIP: keep seat belt fastened while seated (in case of sudden turbulence) and  take care when opening the overhead lockers (to prevent items falling onto fellow passengers - it does happen!)
 

TRAVELLING TO THE UNITED STATES? Click here  for useful Travel Tips

SOME OTHER USEFUL TIPS - Long-Distance Flying can be demanding, as your body deals with different time zones and disruption to normal sleeping, eating and exercise patterns. Altitude may make your body more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and caffeine. Also, sitting in one position for a long time can slow down you blood circulation.

NB A key factor adding to the comfort of your flight is being allocated a seat to suit your needs, especially if you have extra long legs, don't want to be close to the galley or lavatory area etc
Check out these two sites which cover the seating plans for most airlines:

www.uk-air.net
www.seatguru.com

Airplane Air:
When flying at altitude, the cabin air is pressurised to around 8,000ft.This is perfectly comfortable for most people, however it does lower the oxygen level in the blood which can make alcohol more potent.
The air in the cabin is constantly being refreshed. Throughout the flight, hot air passing through the jet engines gets diverted through air-conditioning units (called air packs) and then mixed with recirculated cabin air and fed back into the cabin. Most modern airplanes use the types of air filters that catch any airborne microbes like bacteria and viruses.

COUGHS AND COLDS - Contrary to popular belief, the recirculated air in the cabin is far from "dirty", passengers are often tired from travelling, thus lowering their immunity to bugs & viruses from fellow passengers.
ACTION TO TAKE:
Take an immune booster, such as echinacea and/or Vitamin C, up to a week before flying.

DEHYDRATION - Comfortable air humidity is usually around 60-80 percent. The humidity inside a plane cabin, especially on long-haul flights is around 25% due to recycled air. This makes it easy to become dehydrated, which can lead to higher risk of blood clots, urinary tract infections, sore throat and dry skin.
ACTION TO TAKE:
- Drink plenty of water
- Keep face and nostrils lubricated with moisturisers and   
   natural oils when they become dry and itchy. (Caire Facial Mist is excellent)

DRY EYES - The low humidity tends to dry out the delicate eye tissue.
ACTION TO TAKE:
- Use lubricating eye drops
- Avoid directing the overhead ventilator system straight 
   onto your face
- If you wear contact lenses, take them out and wear regular glasses if necessary.

SORE EARS/SINUSES - on descent, ears and sinuses can cause discomfort, due to the change in air pressure.
ACTION TO TAKE:
- Use FESS Frequent Flyer nasal spray - very good for the above.
- Yawn or swallow frequently
- Pinch your nostrils together and blow firmly into your
   cheeks with your mouth closed.
   If you have on-going problems seek advice from a flight
   attendant.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK IN MY CARRY-ON LUGGAGE?

Some "personal items" such as toothbrush, underwear, extra shirt etc should your checked in luggage go astray for a day or so - it does happen!

	Passport (also good for identification) Check the name on your airline ticket. It must match the name in your passport exactly.
	Wallet
	Driver's License and/or other proper photo identification
	Credit cards
	Travellers cheques
	Airline, Cruise or Train tickets
	Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying
	Medication if required ( always divide it into two lot's. Carry one with you and put the other in your luggage)
	If you need them, don't forget your reading glasses (also prescription should you lose them)
	Lots of one-dollar bills for all those immediate tipping opportunities (if travelling to USA)
	A small amount of local currency for immediate use to hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange.
	'travel essential kit' - see above

NB If travelling with a friend, it is a good idea to pack half your clothes in their luggage and vice versa. If one of the bags is lost, at least you will have some items to tide you over.

PACKING TIPS
Packing "lighter is better" and don't forget to pack 'YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR' !

	What about clothes? The key advice from almost everyone is to pack carefully and take only what you really, really need.
	Of course not everywhere you'll be staying will have a washing machine, and laundry charges can be costly, so be sure to pack some washing gear. See my Clothes Care page
	Take garments that are made of 'easy care' fabrics.
	Pack cheap plastic raincoats for rainy days (anywhere in the world). A light nylon all-weather jacket with a hood and lots of pockets is useful.
	Keep clothes colour co-ordinated. Tops (T-shirts and long-sleeved blouses) and bottoms (trousers or skirts) co-ordinated around two colours will give you variety but cut down on the number of shoes and accessories you need
	For temperature comfort, the layered look is best. Then you can peel as the weather changes. For example: a nylon rain jacket can fold into a pocket; a cardigan can be tied around the hips; a shirt can be unbuttoned or taken off to reveal a tank top.
	Remember - you can always go shopping!!

PACKING FOR SECURITY

For your own security, and to keep your time at security check points to a minimum, here are some simple steps you can take while planning and packing for your next trip:

Try and pack your own bag - you will often be asked at check in.

Use an identifier like a coloured luggage tag or strap - it's easier to spot on the baggage carrousel at your destination. If travelling within the USA a Travel Sentry lock gives 'peace of mind'
Tell Tags  are excellent for zippered luggage.

With heightened worldwide security, particularly in the USA, footwear is often 'swiped' - wearing 'slip on' shoes will speed this process.

When labelling luggage, use your first initial, surname, contact phone number, and a business address. For security reasons try not to label luggage with your home address. Do you want people to know you are away?

Before leaving home take 2 copies of relevant documents (including passport) - leave one at home-base with a friend and have the other stored in you luggage but separate to the originals.

WARNING: Confiscated items may not be returned. If you're unsure whether or not an item will pass through security, you're safest packing it in your checked-in luggage or leaving it at home. If you've acquired items you're unsure about during your trip, you may want to have them shipped to you at home.

Lock your bag: Some travellers wonder if a lock will be cut off if there is a need to inspect your checked bag. While policies are set individually by airlines and are subject to change, those airlines we spoke to still recommend locking or sealing your bag to prevent tampering. If travelling within the USA, use locks recognised by the TSA.

Passengers flying coach class are usually limited to one carry-on bag with size limits. It pays to check regulations with the airline you are travelling with.
 

PERSONAL SAFETY - It pays to check your country's own travel advisories - here are a few......

New Zealand - www.safetravel.govt.nz
Australia - www.dfat.gov.au/travel/
United Kingdom - www.fco.gov.uk

TRAVEL COMFORTABLE  also offers you a few simple tips for your personal safety:

	Food/Drink   Unless otherwise notified by the hotelier or restaurant, it is best to avoid ice, raw or pasteurised milk, salads and poorly or uncooked seafood or meat. Always check out the drinking water….if in doubt don’t drink it!
	Safety On The Street Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets- seek local advice. Try not to walk alone at night .
	Safety in Your Hotel Keep your hotel door locked at all times, meet visitors in the lobby and do not leave money or other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use hotel safes for passports & valuables – ask for a receipt.
	Guard your Purse/Wallet Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
	Crime against Motorists In many places frequented by tourists, carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your rental car.
	Taxis Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs.
	Beware of Pickpockets A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket and be wary of groups of vagrant children that may create a distraction while picking your pocket.
	Keep a Low Profile Don't wear conspicuous clothing items that have university logos, sports team logos, or other name brand logos, etc. that identifies you as a foreign tourist and do not carry large amounts of cash or wear a large amount of jewellery.
	Photography Some countries are sensitive about photography. If have any doubt about permission to take photographs, ask permission first.

         "Be SAFE, Be AWARE and most of all  ENJOY."
                                                                                       
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