Archive for February 18th, 2009

Feb 18th 2009 Steps Before Being Able To Board Your Airplane

In recent years, as well as recent months, air travel rules have changed.If you are planning for air travel, you will get to know that most of these changes have been at the airports, especially at the airport security checkpoints.  If you are about to head off to catch a flight, whether you leave tomorrow or in two weeks, it is advised that you familiarize yourself with these new air travel rules, namely the ones that are enforced at airport security checkpoints.

When it comes to airport security checkpoints, there are many passengers who only think of one checkpoint, but there are actually three.  The first checkpoint is when you go to register for your seat on the plane. This is the time when you will be presented with your boarding passes and when you must hand over the luggage that you would like checked.  In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification. These items most commonly include a driver’s license or a government issued identification card. 

Once you have received all of your boarding passes, for all of your flights, you will need to hand over your luggage that you will be leaving below in the plane. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage. As with your carryon luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.  Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances. 

When you have been cleared to the next stage, you will need to go through the main airport securitycheckpoints. This point is where you will be required to have your carryon luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector. In the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking. At the current time, all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be x-rayed, along with the rest of your carryon luggage.

By familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane, including items that are only prohibited from being stored in your carryon luggage, an unwanted incident could be prevented. In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard of it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security.Ensuring that you leave all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary tie up, which may cause you to miss your flight.

Once you have been cleared at the main security checkpoint, you will need to go through one more security checkpoint. This is the final step before being able to board your airplane.  When entering the airport terminal, after your airline as granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass.  As this time you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. That is why it is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage. 

Perhaps, the best way to ensure that your next flight is as pleasant as it can be is to follow all air travel rules.  Knowing these rules ahead of time, including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident. 

No Comments » Posted by hotelreviews / Air Travel

Feb 18th 2009 2008 Record Year for Luton Airport

Cats Sing 'Luton Airport'

Ryanair has boldly predicted that the recession will lead to just four European airlines surviving. Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has said that as many as five to six European airlines could go bankrupt between now and Christmas.

He went on to predict that only British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France and Ryanair would survive. He said that Europe needed a recession as this will rid the industry of loss-making airlines.

The deepening recession is encouraging many Britons to stay at home and take their holidays in the UK. Bookings for UK breaks are higher than they were in 2008 as the price of overseas holidays continues to soar.

One UK airport that appears to be bucking the falling passenger figures trend is Luton. The airport attracted a record 10.2 million passengers during 2008 which is 2.5% up on 2007.

Thirteen new flights were launched from Luton airport during 2008 flying to popular destinations in France, Italy, Poland and Romania. The airport was also the first to launch low cost flights to the Ukraine. Luton airport marketing director Natalie Raper said that ‘The figures show a continuing trend for travellers to choose London Luton Airport in the highly competitive South East UK market.’

Luton airport have already announced more new flights to Lvov in the Ukraine, Prague and Jersey for 2009. The airport’s continued focus on low cost flights should enable it to continue to out perform its London rivals. The top destinations during 2007 included Edinburgh, Malaga, Glasgow, Warsaw and Belfast.

London Luton Airport was officially opened on 16th July 1938 as ‘Luton Municipal Airport’. It was and still is owned by Luton Borough Council. It employs over 500 people directly and another 8,000 indirectly. The airport provides all the facilities that today’s demanding air travellers want from an airport. Luton airport parking facilities are particularly good with no less than five operators providing secure on-airport and off-airport parking.

No Comments » Posted by hotelreviews / Air Travel