Frequent Questions About Travel

Firstly, ensure you have valid travel documents in your possession when traveling. Certain countries require a transit visa or a visit visa. Also, various countries require certain medical precautions when visiting. Make sure to check related information and contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country prior to your departure.

It is best to check multiple types of sites before you book, including the provider’s own website as well as online travel agencies and metasearch sites.

One tip to keep in mind: The more flexible you are, the better the deals will be. Moving your trip a few months from a destination’s peak season often means lower prices and smaller crowds. Flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Friday or Sunday can also save you money.

It is hard to get a deal when you want to travel at a specific time to a specific place. Easier to find the best deals by being flexible about either the time of year or the location. But if you know you have no flexibility, you should look into gaining and using airline points and miles versus waiting on a deal that may never happen.

Sometimes travel dates are not set in an exact time period. If your preferred travel dates give you some space to choose, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the “flexible weekend/month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

Airfare prices are impossible to predict as they fluctuate constantly. However, there are a few strategies that will guide you to a good deal and minimize your risk of overpaying.

For domestic travel, you will typically find the best fares 1-2 months before your trip. For international itineraries, you will often need to start searching for fares a bit further in advance, especially if your dates are firm or you are traveling at a busy time of the year. Add an extra month or two for peak travel times like holidays or major events. Some popular destinations and summer break bookings require even more advance planning.

Research suggests that if you buy your ticket when most people do — between one and four months before you fly — you are likely to find the lowest price. Do not push the button too early or too late, because fares tend to rise, especially as you close in on your departure date.

This question is widely debated and disputed among travel experts. Some claim you can find a bargain by waiting until a particular day and time, like Wednesday at 1 a.m. in the airline’s time zone. In fact, recent data has proven that the "best day" theory is a gimmick. And although prices do vary during different times of the week, the average savings are usually only $5 to $15. These savings are so minimal, that they aren`t worth your time.

Frequent flyer miles also known as airline miles or travel points, are part of a loyalty program offered by airlines and/or credit cards. Typically, you accumulate a set number of miles based on how much you spend on a ticket (or how much you spend on your credit card).

That is simple enough on the surface, but the term “miles” does not equate to the actual number of miles you have already flown or can fly in the future. Basically, airline miles are like any other rewards program: you get points for buying stuff, and eventually those points accumulate, and you get something for free (i.e. flights, accommodation, train tickets, and other forms of travel).

Cancellation policies determine the refund in case of a booking cancellation. You need to check this for everything you book – flights, rental cars, lodging, attraction tickets etc. These policies range from relaxed to super strict, that`s why make sure to read them before making any booking.

Having most of your important documents backed up can save you in emergencies. We recommend keeping digital and physical copies of your passport, driver’s license, health insurance, booking confirmations, and important phone numbers – all may be handy during your trip.

Travel insurance is a range of insurance products and options which cover individuals against personal accident and medical treatment costs, as well as delays and travel disruption on both domestic and international journeys.

Yes. To buy or not to buy a travel insurance depends on risk and your tolerance for it. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance. What is important is getting the most appropriate plan for the type of trip you are taking. If you buy an insurance, make sure you know what is included in your policy. You do not have to take your policy with you when you travel, but you do need to know your policy number.

Some countries may require proof of vaccinations (such as yellow fever vaccination) if you are arriving from a country with its risk. It is the passenger´s own responsibility to verify these regulations before traveling to the chosen country.

Policy on flying while pregnant depends on both the passenger’s stage of pregnancy and state of health. Particularly for long flights, even passengers in good health should obtain an approval from their doctor.

Usually, passengers who have not yet entered their 28th week of pregnancy are able to travel without a doctor’s note. Passengers in the 36th week or beyond, will not be able to fly even with a doctor’s report.

Remember that the date on your doctor’s report must not be more than 7 days before your flight. It is the best to have your report written in English including the doctor’s full name, diploma number, and signature.

Would you like to travel with your pets? Usually transportation of pets is not included in baggage allowance and is subject to additional baggage fees. Birds like parrots and canaries, and pets such as cats and dogs can be brought into the cabin if they are in a special carrier.

To transport a live animal in cabin or aircraft hold, the reservation must be made and confirmed before flight departure time (usually no later than 6 hours). Note that in accordance with aircraft type there is a capacity limit on the number of animals that can be carried per aircraft. Also ensure that you are carrying all the necessary documentation.

Transporting animals is subject to local country regulations. For more detailed information, contact your airline and check the destination country rules.

Usually you can bring small musical instruments like guitars and violins as carry-on baggage. Though airlines have limits on the total length, width, and the weight of the instrument which you should consider beforehand.

Transporting musical instruments requires special care, so make sure to pack your instrument in a hard case before checking it in or carrying it into the cabin to prevent it from getting damaged. For more detailed information, please contact your airline.

If your baggage does not reach your travel destination, contact your airline, and apply immediately to the “Lost and Found Office” at the airport.

An e-ticket is an electronic ticket that is issued when you purchase a flight ticket. The e-ticket number is a 13-digit number and is always unique for each passenger.

A PNR or record locator is a 6-digit alpha numeric code that you receive when you make a booking. You can use the PNR and the last name to retrieve your booking when needed. One PNR can have multiple passengers booked in it, as it is not unique to each passenger.

Your ticket is generated as an electronic ticket (e-ticket) when you book your flight. Your boarding pass is your “ticket” to board the plane, it is generated upon check-in.

A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to board the airplane for a particular flight. At a minimum, it identifies the passenger and contains information about the flight number, seat assignments for that flight, the date and scheduled time for departure. A boarding pass may also indicate details of the perks a passenger is entitled to (e.g. lounge access, priority boarding) and is thus presented at the entrance of such facilities to show eligibility.

Boarding passes are provided either in person at the check-in counter or online. Online check-in is generally available 24 hours prior to the flight. Once you have checked in, you can usually either print your boarding pass, send it to your mobile phone, or to your email address.

Online check-in is an airline service allowing passengers to check in to the flight online, choose the seat, update travel preferences, and print a boarding pass. You can use this service from anywhere that has access to the internet. Online check-ins save time at the airport.

Click on check-in on the airline website and enter the ticket number/PNR and the last name of the passenger. When checking-in online, your flight must be within the check-in timeframe (usually 24 -48 hours before the flight).

No. Usually you do not need to take a printout of your e-ticket to the airport with you. When checking-in at the airport you need to present a form of identification or the booking confirmation provided to you when purchasing your ticket.  You can complete all procedures at the check-in desk with your ticket number, booking code (PNR), and ID.

However, we recommend that you carry a hard copy of the e-ticket receipt with you as you may need to present this to the airport security or the immigration authorities, depending on airport regulations.

It is recommended that you reach the airport 2-3 hours prior to your departure. Some airports could have different check-in times. Make sure to contact your departure airport or your airline for precise information.

This may vary depending on your airport of departure. Check-in typically opens 3 hours prior to departure and closes one hour before departure. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure. Make sure to contact your departure airport or your airline for precise information.

Usually boarding gates close 20-40 minutes prior to departure. This may vary depending on your airport of departure. Make sure to contact your departure airport or your airline for precise information.

If you legally change your first/middle/last name, title, or any combination of them, you will have to support your name change request with an official certificate (legal document) of such changes. You will need to contact your airline for assistance with that correction.

Any flight which spans across the Atlantic Ocean is referred to as a transatlantic flight. For example, any flight to the United States of America or Canada from Europe, Africa, or Middle East.

Passengers who have a stopover of under 24 hours anywhere between the starting point and the final destination of their journey and then board a connecting flight with the same or a different airline are referred to as transfer passengers.

Passengers who land between the starting point and the final destination of their journey and then board a connecting flight with the same flight number are referred to as transit passengers.

We have been taught to fear the interference of our portable devices and an airplane's sensitive electronic systems. The issue is still being debated, but it` better to follow this rule.

If your flight is cancelled, immediately go to the ticket counter to determine your options. While you are in line, we recommend calling the airline to see if a customer service representative can assist you over the phone.

Know that your rights in this case vary depending on whether the situation is the airline’s fault (such as a mechanical delay) or due to some uncontrollable outside force (like unpleasable weather conditions). Every airline’s policy varies, but most state that for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, passengers are entitled to be rebooked on the next available flight, possibly transferred to another carrier, or to receive a refund for the unused part of the ticket. Some airlines provide meal vouchers, hotel stays, and ground transportation at their discretion.

When the situation is beyond the airline’s control, a refund is all that most airlines promise. Most airlines waive change fees during major weather events, so you can reschedule even before you get to the airport. If you do not like available rebooking options, you may request a refund even when your original ticket is non-refundable.

An all-inclusive resort charges one fee that usually includes the price of a room, unlimited food, beverages, activities, and entertainment without any surprise costs. All-inclusive resorts vary the benefits they include in their all-inclusive vacation package. It is important to do your research in advance, as the quality and amount of these options may vary, depending upon the hotel or resort that you choose.

If exchanges at your home country don`t provide the needed currency for your travel, there is no need to worry. Instead, get currency out from the ATM when you arrive to your destination country. Usually they offer the best rates possible but be aware of any extra fees charged by your bank. Also, make sure to use bank owned ATMs as they tend to be safer than independent machines.

To cover yourself in an emergency, make sure to stash some extra cash in a few different places. If you lose your wallet, your card stops working, or the ATMs run out of money, you will be glad you did.

It depends entirely on where you are from and what kind of mobile plan you have. Check out your mobile provider`s international plans. If you don’ t like suggested options, then you have a couple of options. The first is to keep your phone in an airplane mode and to only use Wi-Fi. The second is to unlock your phone and buy SIM cards in new countries. The key tip is to make sure that you do not use mobile data abroad without an international plan or a new SIM card as it will be very expensive.