Preparation and Travel Tips

Before You Leave for the Airport

Ensure that you have your passports (and any necessary visas), tickets and money in your hand luggage.
DO NOT pack these items in your hand or carry on luggage.

If packing medicines, ensure that they are in their original packaging as this will avoid delays or confiscations at customs
Do not gift wrap presents as they may have to be unwrapped by security staff or customs.
Dress comfortably as sitting on board an aircraft can sometimes be uncomfortable.
The Department of Health has dedicated a section of their site to health advice for travelling abroad.

Always allow plenty of time to reach the airport so that you will be there 2 hours prior to take off for International flights and one hour prior to take off for domestic flights.
Plan your mode of transport and, if necessary, the route you will be taking to the airport.
If you are driving to the airport, ensure that you have booked airport parking in advance.
If you are being driven by a friend who wants to see you off in the airport, ensure that he/she knows where the short stay parking is located.
If taking a taxi, ensure that the firm you intend to use has taxis available for the time you wish to travel, ask them how long they expect the journey to take at that time of day.
If taking a train or coach, ensure that you have the necessary tickets (if advance booking is necessary) and that there are no major engineering or road works that could lengthen the journey.

Be aware that increased security has considerably lengthened the time it takes to go through check in and security.
Make sure you keep your baggage with you at all times and alert any member of airport staff to any unattended packages.
Never look after baggage belonging to other people or carry anything onto the aircraft for someone else.
Keep a close eye on the display boards announcing which gate flights depart from. Remember that Gatwick does not announce flights and that it is a large airport so getting to your departure gate from the lounge can take up to 30 minutes.

Try to relax and, if possible, sleep.
If on a long haul flight move your feet around, or get up and walk around regularly if you can.
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Don't eat too heavily before or during a long flight as this will help to avoid indigestion and hypertension.
To reduce jetlag, have some extra sleep before the trip, get some sleep during the flight and try to synchronise mealtimes with the time it is at your destination.
Wearing flight socks, taking a low dose of aspirin or moving about every so often during the flight can help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Make a list of everything you will need. Some things (bottles, food) cannot be packed in advance so divide the list into "advance pack" and "last minute".
Pack extra snacks, drinks, colouring books, colours and (if they're young) their favourite cuddly toy.
Ensure all of the children's passports are valid and that you have a safe, yet easily accessible, belt or pouch to carry them in. It is not aviseable to let young children carry their own passports.
Invest in one or two large, sturdy carry on bags with multiple sections rather than using lots of small bags. This will allow you to focus on keeping your children safe and happy without having to worry about lost luggage.
Many airports have special facilities for small children. Have a look at the airport's web site or phone their information number.

Passengers requiring special assistance can obtain information, tips, guides and support from:

Edinburgh Airport Guide