Travel Like a Pro

Top 10 Airports In The World For A Foodie!

AirWhizzOct 12, 2018 No Comments

Top 10 Airports In The World For A Foodie!

Travel Like a Pro

Stuck with a long layover at the airport and a hungry tummy?

Figuring out what to eat is often a dreaded task for many air travellers. Between the salty fast food, stress and struggle to find a seat, airport dining isn’t typically known for its desirability.

Thankfully, airports around the world are changing this and adding more world-class restaurants to cater to all types of foodies and weary flyers.

To give you some idea about how far good airport dining has come, here are the top 10 airports in the world to satisfy the foodie in you while you travel

1.Hong Kong International Airport

The third busiest international airport in the world has some amazing food to offer to its guests!

Hong Kong International Airport has won many awards for giving travellers a dining experience that they never forget.

From “Caviar House & Prunier” to “Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao”  the consistently positive dining reviews here speak for themselves.

And if you’re craving for some delicious dumplings/authentic street food and are on a budget, try Tian Xia Dumplings which is located in Terminal 2.

2.Singapore Changi International Airport

The world’s best airport offers a number of authentic and quality dining options to travellers from around the world.

The rows of street food stalls on your way to the boarding gate will surely stop you in your tracks by offering you authentic dishes like fish-head curry, spiced pork-rib soup and mutton noodles.

The best part about this airport is that it offers a variety of different cuisines which are delicious and not very expensive.

Do visit “Imperial Treasure” for some lip-smacking Cantonese food, which is located at the airport’s Terminal 3

3.Seoul-Incheon International Airport

This South Korean airport has a lot to offer to its travellers. Casinos, spas, a premier golf course, museum and of course, authentic food.

The airport has many options for foodies but it is particularly famous for ‘Bon Bibimbap’ which is located at Terminal 1 F.

Bibimbap is a warm Korean dish that mixes rice with mixed vegetables and seafood, beef or chicken which is pretty spicy but soul fulfilling.

A comforting bowl of bibimbap is the best way to prep for a long-haul international flight.

4.Tokyo Narita International Airport

Even though Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport is one of the more famous airports from Japan, Narita International Airport is known for its fantastic selection of Japanese food all around the world.

Yakitori, sushi, udon, tonkatsu, you name it! The high-quality dining experience at Narita makes it one of the best airports in the world for authentic food.

And the best part, it suit’s every travellers budget!

5.Taoyuan International Airport

This Taiwanese airport lacks in choice when it comes to food but, more than makes up for it with food quality and price.

Even if you’re here in transit, you’ll get to try a number of local Taiwanese dishes that are quick and delicious such as bubble tea and handmade noodles.

You should surely visit the “Chun Shui Tang” café which is famous for its Chinese and Taiwanese food.

6.Munich Airport

Like the country itself, Munich Airport is very famous for its in-house breweries and authentic Bavarian delicacies.

The only shortcoming for a foodie travelling through this airport is that restaurants offer food almost 40 % above the average rate. But if you have no budget restrictions then there shouldn’t be a problem.

Plus passengers are spoilt for choice for restaurants which offer high-quality food.

Visit  “Airbräu”, a Bavarian restaurant that has a large indoor beer garden, live music, and its own on-site brewery. Enjoy a glass of their house-made beer alongside a selection of tasty Bavarian treats.

7.Hamad-Doha International Airport

Apart from an amazing shopping experience, Hamad Airport in Doha has a lot to offer when it comes to food.

You can find both gourmet and on-the-go bites at the airport.

Its food court has everything from Indian and Arabic cuisine, pasta/pizza to organic sandwiches on display for passengers to eat.

If you’re looking to indulge in some hearty Italian dishes visit celebrity chef, Massimo Capra’s restaurant, “Soprafino”.

8.Vienna International Airport

The city of Vienna is famous for its coffee houses and its airport is the perfect representation of this.

The airport has different cafes and restaurants that offer a wide selection of delicious tortes, cakes, strudels along with some coffee at an affordable rate.

These hand-made delicacies are the perfect pre-flight snack for those with a sweet tooth.

9.London Heathrow Airport

More than 75 million hungry travellers have passed through Heathrow’s gates, making it the second-most travelled international airport.

Its one of the most top rated airport in terms of food quality, thanks to restaurants owned by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey’s “Plane Food”.

“Wagamama” is also another crowd attractor which offers Asian comfort food like gyoza, soba, udon and ramen.

The only drawback of this airport is that even though the quality of food is top-notch at its restaurants, it is pretty expensive.

10.Amsterdam -Schiphol Airport

Schipol Airport has a bit of everything, from fine dining to more budgeted options, for different travellers.

Price and choice wise, food at the airport is very traveller friendly, however, when it comes to quality it’s not as good as London Heathrow or Singapore Changi.

Schiphol has “Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar”, the best airport bar in the world. It offers a wide selection of bubbly Champagne, plus dozens of other wines along with tasty and fresh seafood.

Want to Grab A Bite Before Your Flight? Simply download the AirWhizz App and get information about airport eateries & lounges along with real-time updates for your flight on the move. Fly Stress-Free!

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10 Screen-Free Tips To Keep Kids Entertained On A Flight!

AirWhizzOct 05, 2018 No Comments

10 Screen-Free Tips To Keep Kids Entertained On A Flight!

Travel Like a Pro

We all know how energetic kids are in general. But they can seem handful, especially in the small confined space of the airplane cabin.

When you fly with kids, its really important to pack and strategize for the flight accordingly because being unprepared can result in an exhausting experience for you, the child and other passengers.

A tablet or laptop can be an easy way to keep them occupied, but there are several low-tech ways to ensure you and your kids have an enjoyable flight.

Looking to cut down on the screen time of your kids? Here are 10 ways to keep your kids entertained on a flight without ever taking out your tablet.

1.Surprise Them With A New Toy

Before you leave for home, pack your kid’s favourite toys, but keep some room for a surprise toy.

You can pack the surprise toy in their backpack or yours, but don’t reveal it to them until the flight.

Kids are more likely to stay engaged with a new toy for a longer period of time. And though one new toy may be plenty for a flight, on long-haul flights, consider at least two.

2.Pack Crayons & Activity Books

Pack an empty book with crayons and encourage them to become inflight artists when they become restless.

You can also pack a colouring book depending on the age of your kid, however just keep a close eye on them and make sure the plane itself isn’t turning into a piece of art.

You can also set aside some flight time for their learning. Pack an age-appropriate activity book or their school homework.

Just make sure your kids are studying their favourite subject to prevent them from feeling stressed or pressured. Let them choose their subject book before you pack.

3.Download Your Kid’s Favourite Music

It’s a universal fact that kids love music, so use it to your advantage!

Download your kid’s favourite before you leave your home. Get them involved while selecting the songs so that they’re excited about the playlist.

Just remember to pack a pair of headphones.

4.Try Magnet Based Games

Magnetic board games are a great source of entertainment for your kid, especially on flights.

The pieces stick to the playing board, making it more difficult to lose them in-flight. Plus, you’ll also have great fun challenging your little one with classic games like chess, snakes & ladders or Ludo.

Stretch the game time for as long as possible and let them win every now and then so that they don’t lose interest.

You can also purchase magnetic building blocks for your kids to play with on the flight.

5.Read Them A Book

Most passengers won’t mind you reading to your kids.

Bring a few of their favourite books so you can give them options and variety. Comic books are also great since they are relatively lightweight and full of pictures.

After reading a story through once, depending on the age, challenge your kids to practice reading the book back to you.

This should keep you and your kids occupied.

6.Befriend The Cabin Crew

You can extend your kid’s excitement about the flight by bringing a new pal into the picture!

Make friends with the cabin crew and ask them to drop by now and then to say hello and congratulate your child for being so well-behaved.

This is a great way to build your kid’s self-esteem and keep him or her excited about their next trip.

When the seatbelt sign is off, you can take your kid to the back of the airplane so they can talk to the flight attendants when they are not on official duty.

Flight attendants are usually very caring, attentive and enjoy chatting with kids.

7.Play Card Games

Card games are a favourite for many parents flying with kids.

Carry a few of your kid’s favourite card games and, as with every activity on a flight, try to push the game for as long as possible.

Remember that your primary goal is to keep them distracted until you arrive at your destination.

8.Pack Plenty Of Food & Snacks

Snacks can be surprisingly distracting and entertaining for kids during a flight!

Kids tend to become fidgety and unhappy when they are hungry so make sure that you keep their bellies full.

Bring familiar foods that your kids love and enjoy at home, and then pack a special treat that they don’t normally get.

Just avoid pungent foods, as a courtesy to your in-flight neighbours.

9.Have A Conversation With Them

This is the easiest and also the most overlooked way to keep your kids entertained during a flight.

These days parents and children are often so absorbed in their electronic devices that no one takes advantage of a good conversation.

On your next flight, discuss with your kids where you are traveling, what you will see & do. On your way back talk about what they enjoyed about the trip and what they learned from it.

10.Give Your Kid A Camera

It may sound out of the box, but this is something that many parents who fly regularly with their kids like to do.

Now we aren’t saying that give them expensive DSLR cameras, but there are many cameras for kids available out there.

Just make sure that they are seated near the window. They will be occupied taking pictures from the airplane window.

And bring along a large memory card, because once your kids get excited about having a camera and taking pictures, they just may take pictures of every single thing.

In case you forget to pack things like books, headphones or snacks, don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Simply download the AirWhizz app to get all the information about different shops at the airport along with real-time flight updates, airline information and much more.

Have a great journey with your kid and Fly Stress-Free!

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New Visa Rules Every Indian Passport Holder Must Know!

AirWhizzSep 24, 2018 No Comments

New Visa Rules Every Indian Passport Holder Must Know!

Travel Like a Pro

If you have an Indian Passport and travel abroad frequently, chances are that you’ve had to go through the, troublesome but compulsory, visa process for more than once.

As of 2018, 59 countries offer visa on arrival or visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. But that is hardly any consolation, given that most countries in Europe and North/South America still require you to get that visa stamped on your passport.

However, in what comes as slight relief, visa rules have been relaxed for some major countries where many Indians often like to travel to or live.

There is a new set of visa rules in place and if you hold an Indian passport, this might ease your travel a bit.

Let’s Take A Look At The New Rules:

1.Japan

Japan is one of those Asian countries whose visa rules for Indians used to be at par with probably the US or European countries.

But Japan has now relatively eased travel to the country for holders of Indian passport.

Travellers who want to visit ‘The Land Of The Rising Sun’ for a short while or are applying for a multiple-entry visa, you don’t need to show an employment certificate or explanation letter stating the reason for your visit.

You need your visa application form along with a valid/recent photograph and proof of your financial stability if you are travelling for tourism.

If your trip to Japan is business-related, you need documents to prove your affiliation to the enterprise.

2.France

You do not need to apply for an airport transit visa if you’re travelling through any of the international airports in France.

What this means is that if you have a connecting flight from India to somewhere via an airport in France, you do not need to apply separately for a French visa.

3.Oman

If you are travelling to Oman, you can now get a month-long tourist visa on arrival in the country for an amount of 20 Omani Riyal (Rs 3,700).

However, this rule holds only if you reside or hold an entry visa to the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan or Schengen states.

Your spouse and children accompanying you can also get a visa on arrival.

4.United Arab Emirates (UAE)

If you are a specialist in medicine, science and research, or even an exceptional student or investor, the UAE will grant you a 10-year-long work visa if you want to visit the country.

UAE wants to encourage highly skilled professionals and potential investors to visit them so that they can boost their economy.

Travellers will also be allowed to fly between India and the rest of the world through Dubai and Abu Dhabi on a free transit visa valid for 48 hours. This validity can be extended up to 96 hours by paying a small fee.

Another ruling is, that between July 15th and September 15th every year, dependents under the age of 18 can get free visas.

5.Myanmar

You can now drive into Myanmar without any hassle, as Indian travellers don’t need a special land route permit to enter into the country.

You can apply for an e-visa prior to your departure and present it at the check-post, which you will receive, in less than 24 hours and is valid for 28 days after your entry.

6.Kazakhstan

Travelling to a country on Kazakhstan‘s national carrier Air Astana or any other Kazakh airline?

You can get a 72-hour transit visa for Kazakhstan, that too for free. If you plan to stay in Astana or Almaty, book your hotel in advance and make sure to inform the airline before departure.

They have also started issuing 30-day e-visas to Indian travellers.

7.Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will issue tourist visas to women aged 25 and above, even if they visit the country without being accompanied by a man.

This is thanks to Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who wants a ‘moderate, open Islam’ system in his country.

This is the first time Saudi Arabia has relaxed visa rules on this front.

Other New Visa Rules You Should Know About:
  • Israel has now cut down its visa fee for Indian passport holders from Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,100. You need to apply for a visa in the B2 visa (business, tourism or meeting or conference) category in order to avail the new price.
  • Travelling to Uzbekistan from India is also easier now. Submit your e-visa application three days before your trip. You can get a single-entry e-visa for a 30-day period.
  • Indian passport holders can now get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. India is among the 28 countries that Zimbabwe has relaxed visa rules for.

*The next time you’re travelling abroad, Download the AirWhizz App! Upload your flight details within the app itself and get Flight Information, Airport & Airline Information, Purchase Travel Insurance And Much More!

It is the only App you need when you Fly!

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10 Tips To Save On Your Next Flight Ticket!

AirWhizzSep 21, 2018 No Comments

10 Tips To Save On Your Next Flight Ticket!

Travel Like a Pro

Air travel has become really cheap in India if you compare it with the international market.

We can appreciate the government of India for its efforts in making flights economic and taking initiatives like UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), which has led to the reason for flights becoming inexpensive.

All seems good but, there is another side to all this.

The tickets are expensive on major routes and are super expensive if you need it urgently. So, let’s check out some tricks that can help you land a cheap ticket the next time you fly.

1. Decide The Days You’ll Fly

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the three most important days in a week for most of us. After all, Friday marks the beginning of our much needed weekend breaks!

However, things turn upside down when it comes to booking flight tickets on these three days.

Usually, most people fly on these three days, which obviously causes the airline to raise those airfares.

However, travel experts say that if you travel during mid-week, say between Monday-Thursday, you can easily get a discount of Rs 500 – Rs 2,000 on your booking.

2.Book Your Flight In Advance

Booking a flight ticket has become easy these days. A few minutes on the internet and your booking will be confirmed in seconds!

But have you ever thought about the best time to book a flight?

Ideally you should book a domestic flight 7 weeks prior and an international flight around 12 weeks prior to your date of travel.

This can save you as much as Rs 3000 on your next flight ticket.

3.Keep A Track Of Your Flight Schedules & Fares

Airlines often use the term ‘Airfares are subject to change’. So why not make the most of it!

Before making your next booking, keep a regular track on the flight schedules and fares.

Since the airfares are subjected to change, there is every possibility that you might get your tickets at the best possible price.

In fact, you can even get it at half of the actual price.

4.Keep Your Travel Plan Flexible

Sometimes taking a direct flight is much more expensive than taking a flight to an airport near your final destination and then travel by land or water.

It is observed that the flights to the major cities or the airports usually comes with a hefty price tag.

If you aren’t too rigid on traveling on a direct flight to your destination and are ok with a little detour then you should definitely try this.

This will not only help you save on your flight ticket but will also allow you time for a trip within a trip.

5. Try Different Airlines

Most frequent flyers prefer this, especially those who fly internationally.

As mentioned above, direct flights might be very expensive, however, if you break your journey into multiple parts, your flight cost might reduce to a certain limit.

For instance, if you’re travelling to New York from New Delhi, a direct flight might cost you more than taking a detour to a European country and booking a flight from there to New York on a different airline.

Also, considering the fact that not all the airline carriers offer the same price from a particular destination, you can always opt for the most reasonable flights and complete your journey.

6.Split Your Travelling Group Into Multiple Small Groups

It’s a common myth that booking flight tickets in bulk always results in low cost or an added amount of discount!

But sometimes airlines do offer group booking discounts on certain occasions, that too for smaller groups.

In case, you’re travelling in a large group, split it into smaller groups and book tickets individually for those groups.

Sounds a bit complicated, but it definitely does the trick and helps you save money.

7.Use The Right Website/App To Book your Flight

With the evolution in the digital world, things are now only a click away from us.

Even when it comes to booking flights, a small application in your mobile phone can help or guide you through the entire process.

On top of this, these applications and websites not only help you in booking, but also analyses the cost of the flights from different airlines and offer you the most reasonable price.

Sites and apps such as Skyscanner, MakeMyTrip and GoIbibo can get you the best flight deals from across the globe.

8.Subscribe To An Airline’s Newsletter/Website

Airlines, quite often come up with some early-bird offers, off-season sale and discounts.

Though these offers come for a short duration, they do allow the flyers to book their tickets at a discounted price.

Do subscribe to all these promotional offers and newsletters, and get the right offers at the right time!

9.Use The Right Card To Pay For Your Ticket

Debit or Credit Cards have  replaced the common trait of dealing with cash. Even while booking flight tickets online, we now prefer using our cards.

In case you didn’t know, now a days credit/debit card companies offer special travel offers exclusively to their customers.

So keep an eye out for this or you can simply ask your bank’s representative what all offers do they have for frequent flyers .

10.Join Frequent Flyer Programmes

Whether you are a frequent flyer or fly just twice a year, sign up with different frequent flyer programs.

Join rewards programs with different airlines. You can use your accumulated points to save up on your airplane seat or better, upgrade it.

Airlines always have discounts and promotional offers for their frequent flyer program members.

Use those saved up miles to travel to that destination in first class or a business class seats on long, expensive flights and fly stress-free.

If you want to know more about different airline policies, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get all the information about you airline and airport, along with real-time weather and flight updates on the move.

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10 Travel Hacks To Make Your Airport Journey A Breeze!

AirWhizzSep 14, 2018 No Comments

10 Travel Hacks To Make Your Airport Journey A Breeze!

Travel Like a Pro

For frequent flyers travelling through an airport is easy, but for most of us getting through the airport can be a tricky business.

The long queues, boring waits or worst, lost luggage can ruin anybody’s holiday buzz.

But if you’re well prepared, there are plenty of tricks that can make your airport journey a bearable experience.

To have a stress free and seamless experience at the airport, here are 10 travel hacks that will make your journey from the airport entrance to the boarding gate a breeze.

1. Take Pictures Of Your Luggage

 

Losing your luggage at the airport can be frustrating, especially if the airline misplaces it.

Click a few pictures of your check-in luggage before you leave for the airport. This will make it easier for airport staff to locate it if it goes missing in transit.

Describing your bag to a member of staff at a foreign airport could prove tricky so its good to be prepared.

2.Pack An Empty Water Bottle In Your Carry-On Bag

Airports have a reputation for being notoriously expensive when it comes to purchasing food or water. Plus you aren’t allowed to carry liquids during security checks.

However, security staff will allow you to carry empty bottles.

Once your security check is done, you can go to any water dispenser located at the food court or the boarding area and fill up your bottle.

Stay hydrated and fly healthy!

3.Check-In Next To First/Business Class Line

With things becoming automated these days, airports have installed self check-in kiosks for the convenience of the passenger.

But, most passengers want to take the conventional route and collect their tickets form the check-in desks.

Many seasoned travellers suggest that you should join the check-in line near the first/business class counter.

This is because mostly these lines have fewer passengers and if the counter is free, the desk agent can help you check-in, even if you’re traveling in the economy class.

4. Make Use Of The Internet

If your flight gets delayed and aren’t sure what’s going on, avoid the sea of people crowding the desk agent and trying to get information.

Jump online and check your airline’s official website. They will update the status of your flight without fail.

It’s also worth contacting your airline on Twitter as their customer service representatives are prompt to reply with all the necessary information.

5. Go To The Left At Security Checkpoint

After you’ve checked in and collected your boarding pass, the next step is to go through a security check.

Since a majority of people are right-handed, they tend to select the security lane on the right when faced with a choice.

This means that there’ll be fewer people standing in the left side queue at airport security counter.

Going through security can be torturous, so speed up the process by turning left!

6. Prepare For Security In The Queue Itself

The security queue is always the longest, as nobody seems to be prepared for it despite the fact that the process is always the same.

Don’t wait until you get to the front of the line to take your phone, keys, loose change and other stuff.

Take care of it while waiting in the inevitable security line.

7. Check Out The Lost & Found Section

If you’ve forgotten to pack an everyday item like a phone charger or headphones, you should definitely go to the ‘Lost & Found’ desk at the airport.

Anything that has been in lost and found for up to 90 days is no longer the property of its owner.

So if they have the item, you’re looking for, that has been in their possession for over 90 days, they can hand it over to you.

8. Find An Empty Boarding Gate During Layovers Or Delays

If you have a few hours to spare and don’t want to visit an expensive airport lounge, opt for a boarding gate which is not being used.

You’ll have a peaceful and comfortable experience when you have seats, power outlets and Wi-Fi signals to yourself at an empty gate.

Just make sure that you sit at a place where you can hear the announcements related to your flight.

9. Be Careful When Wearing Headphones

Listening to music, streaming a podcast or watching a movie on your mobile device helps pass time when you are waiting for your flight.

But, it also puts you at the risk of missing important announcements like a change in the boarding gate or a boarding call.

Make sure that you’re alert at all times and keep the volume low.

10. Be Informed About Your Destination or Layover Airport

You’re probably pretty familiar with your home airport, but layover/destination airports can get confusing, especially if you’re in foreign lands.

Today there are apps that help you map the airport by providing you with information about different amenities available at each terminal.

This can save you time if you’re trying to find food or toiletries during a tight connection.

Also running around the airport looking for a gate number is hardly relaxing, so map out your route by using these apps.

If you’re wondering which app to use, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get all the information you need about your airport along with real-time flight updates, information about airline policies and many other air travel services on the move.

Breeze through the airport with these simple hacks and Fly Stress-Free!

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10 Tips To Survive A Long-Haul Flight!

AirWhizzSep 07, 2018 No Comments

10 Tips To Survive A Long-Haul Flight!

Travel Like a Pro

With air travel becoming popular each day, airlines are looking at new routes to connect us to the world.

It is finally possible to fly to far off destinations about which you have dreamed about.

But before you reach your destination you’ll be sitting in a stuffy aircraft cabin for more than 8 hours ,which might sound like a nightmare to most.

However, a little preparation can make long-haul International flights a breeze!

To help you start your holiday refreshed and relaxed as soon as you airplane lands, here are 10 travel tips to survive a long haul flight.

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

One of the most essential long-haul flight tips is to think ahead and choose a good seat on a flight which is scheduled to depart at a comfortable time.

Make sure that you check-in online and pre-book your seat. Whether you’re an aisle person( for ease of moving around) or a window person (for views and something to lean on), it’s essential to ensure you don’t spend your time for elbow room in the dreaded middle seat.

Also, try to book a seat in the emergency exit row if possible, so that you have extra legroom.

2.Book The Right Flight

The cheapest flight isn’t always the best!

Yes, if it’s a short journey you can survive the small seats and the lack of service. But when it comes to long-haul flights you have to think about what that flight is actually going to be like.

Many budget carriers have long layovers at terrible airports, so keep that in mind. It’s better to pay a few thousand rupees more to travel in comfort.

Also, try to book a flight that arrives at your destination in the morning. This way you can sleep through most of your journey and begin your holiday when the sun is up and the city is active.

In case, you have budget restrictions, read more about “Top 10 Budget Carriers That Fly Out Of India”.

3.Wear Comfortable Clothes For Your Trip

Dress for Comfort, not looks!

Wear an outfit that you will be comfortable in, even after 10 hours of flying.

Remember, sitting still and being blasted by an air-conditioning system can get chilly. Wear several loose layers to help you adjust to the temperatures inside the cabin.

Also, wear closed toed shoes rather than flip-flops. Make sure you don’t wear any footwear that’s too tight because your feet tend to swell up at high altitudes.

4. Prepare Yourself For Sleep

You’ll be on the airplane for quite some time, so it’s worth bringing a few long-haul flight essentials.

Start with a lightweight blanket and invest in a good travel pillow to make sleeping on an airplane more comfortable.

An eye mask and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can make you forget about the other 300 odd passengers sitting inside.

Read More About  “10 Travel Essentials You Should Bring On A Long-Haul Flight”

5.Don’t Stuff Your Carry-On Bag

Don’t pack too much in your cabin luggage. While a few little extras definitely help, keep things travel-sized and to a minimum.

There’s nothing more stressful than carrying around a big suitcase and trying to fit it in the overhead bin.

Try to carry a small suitcase that you can keep in the overhead bin and a handbag or back pack (depending on your airline’s hand baggage policy) to keep smaller essentials such as your headphones and tablet/laptop within your reach.

6.Pack Your Own Snacks

Of course, you’ll get meals on long-haul flights, but the timing of those meals might be an issue.

International flights travel through different time zones, which means you will end up with breakfast at dinner time and a heavy meal, first thing in the morning.

To avoid feeling hungry while you wait for the food trolley to come, pack some fruits, salads, nuts, protein bars or other healthy homemade snacks.

7. Stay Hydrated

Did you know? Our body sheds up to 1.5 liters of water during a three-hour flight!

The air inside the airplane is almost 15 % drier than the air that we breathe on the ground and the chances of becoming dehydrated are high.

Remember to regularly drink water during a flight. It will keep the oxygen levels in your body up and will help boost your energy. You will feel energetic and lively.

8. Move Around The Airplane

Not moving enough on the airplane is the biggest reason why you feel inactive after a flight.

Why not use the aisle instead?

Stretching and small muscle-friendly exercises will help you keep your energy up and your body active. Speaking of which, mind your posture as well! A simple shoulders-back-and-spine-straight stance will go a long way.

9. Make A Few Friends

Flights are a great opportunity to meet interesting people going your way.

One of the most fun ways to survive a long-haul flight is to strike up a conversation with your seat-mate.

Making small talk can be an exhausting task, but chatting with a fellow traveller keeps you alert when you’re flying. It keeps your mind active, engages you, and who knows, you may end up with a  new travelling companion by the time you step off the airplane.

10.Relax & Enjoy Your Ride

There is no better time to just forget about your worries and do nothing than when you’re flying. No mobile phone coverage, a dedicated crew to pamper you and someone else in the driving seat.

Use the time to catch up on that book you haven’t had the chance to read, the list of movies you didn’t get the time to watch or get excited about your destination by going through the guidebook.

See those eight, ten or twelve hours as bonus time and your long flight will immediately become a positive thing rather than a drag.

So, the next time you fly and are looking for travel accessories, headphones, sleeping gear or just a nice book to read, download the AirWhizz App. Avail exclusive discounts on Swiss Military accessories as an app user and get information about airport shops and their location on the move.

Have a comfortable flight and Fly Stress-Free!

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10 Things That Are Restricted On Airplanes In India!

AirWhizzAug 20, 2018 No Comments

10 Things That Are Restricted On Airplanes In India!

Travel Like a Pro

Planning to go on a vacation to your dream destination?

Well, You definitely don’t want to start off your trip by being pulled out by the security personnel at the airport because of that ‘Restricted Item’ you forgot to remove from your bag.

Often with the excitement of beginning a new travel journey, we forget to check the things that might cause hindrance in our travel plans.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

To help you pack efficiently for your next trip, here’s a list of items that most international or domestic airlines in India don’t allow you to carry or have certain restrictions on them.

1.Tools

Mechanical tools such as saws, hammers, drills, wrenches, pliers etc are not allowed in hand baggage.

This is because they can be used to physically harm/threaten people or destroy airline/airport property. Make sure that your bag doesn’t even have a tiny screwdriver before you leave.

However, you can pack them in your checked-in luggage and has to be wrapped properly.

2.Scissors

The extent of why scissors are despised by airlines can be proven by the fact that it comes on two types of lists of prohibited items – once under sharp objects and again under personal items.

Scissors of any kind aren’t allowed in flights, whether it’s a grooming scissor or a normal one.

3.Lighters

Lighters are banned from flights for obvious reasons!

They can cause fire because of their combustible nature, so you must not carry them with yourself.

Another important thing to note here is that even matchsticks aren’t allowed on flights.

4.Toy Weapons

Kids love toys and we often pack it to keep them busy on flights, but if those toys are replicas of weapons, airport authorities will ask you to get rid of it.

Make sure you don’t pack such toys in your or your kid’s bag. They aren’t allowed in check-in luggage as well as hand-baggage.

5.Knives

Knives, just as mechanical tools, can be used as an arm to hurt people.

Whether it’s a small knife or a big one, you can’t carry one in your check-in or hand luggage.

However, there’s an exception that allows you to carry a butter knife which has round edges and not sharp ones. But you will definitely be asked to open your bag even if you have a butter knife, so avoid carrying one.

6.Weapons

Of course, guns are a big ‘No-No’, but here we are referring to Martial arts and Self-defence items.

Things such as Brass Knuckles, Nunchuks, Mace/Pepper Spray, Stun Guns/Shocking Devices or Throwing Stars aren’t allowed on the flight.

You can pack them in your check-in bag, however, you can be asked to step aside at the security queue while your bag is checked physically.

7.Power Banks

Power banks aren’t allowed in the check-in luggage because they contain lithium cells and they have a tendency to combust.

However, you can carry around a power bank in your hand or even put it in your hand-baggage.

8.Radioactive Material

Corrosive items like acids, alkalis, mercury, batteries, oven or drain cleaners are not allowed on airplanes.

The carriage of pencil battery cells is now allowed only if its attached to the device you’re carrying. But loose cells can only be carried in carry-on bags and not in checked-in luggage.

9.Magnets

We all see magnets every day and they seem harmless, but for an airplane, they can be catastrophic.

An aircraft has a standby compass in the cockpit which is a normal magnetic compass. This compass must be fitted and must be working in case of extreme instrument failure.

Magnetic goods in the cargo can interfere with this compass and for precautionary reasons, they don’t allow them in your bag.

It can also interfere with the sensors fitted on aircraft and can cause electrical noise.

A few examples are briefcases attached with alarm sensors or toys with magnets inside them.

10.Spray Paints

The paint inside the can is combustible and spray paints cannot be carried in either hand baggage or check-in luggage.

In fact, any kind of paint cannot be carried because they come under the ‘Flammable Liquids’ category.

If you want to know more about different airline policies, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App to get all the information about you airline and airport, along with real-time weather and flight updates on the move.

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Children Flying Alone? Everything You Need To Know!

AirWhizzAug 17, 2018 No Comments

Children Flying Alone? Everything You Need To Know!

Travel Like a Pro

Today, more than ever, children are flying without their parents. It’s safe, largely hassle-free and quite exciting for them.

But the world of airport terminals and baggage claims can get a bit overwhelming, especially for a kid whose flying alone.

Children who fly alone are referred to as Unaccompanied Minors (UM’s), and every airline has different requirements and regulations for children traveling without an adult.

But before we get into these rules, let us give you some handy tips that will help your child prepare for their first memorable solo airplane ride.

1. Prepare Your Kid For Flying

Before your child goes on their first airplane ride alone,  fly with them and let them sit away from you to see how they manage.

Tell them how to find seat numbers, discuss who they can talk to if there are any issues while flying, and what to do when an airplane lands.

Also, make it a point to discuss in-flight etiquettes with your kids.

In case you don’t get the chance to travel with them before their solo journey, you can always take them to the airport a few days in advance, show them around & if possible, make them meet the airline staff.

2. Pack Efficiently

Pack your child’s luggage as smartly as possible, keeping it light but including everything that is necessary.

Make sure your child will have plenty to do on the flight. Pack their carry-on bag with a few snacks, medicine kit, their favourite toys, electronic devices like tablets, puzzles, colouring books, headphones and emergency cash.

Also, teach them how to use the cell phone, at least enough for them to be able to call the person picking them up when they land or in case of emergency.

3. Book A Direct Flight

While choosing the airline, opt for a direct flight so that your child doesn’t have to deal with the hassle of connections.

If possible, try and choose one of the first few flights in the day, as later ones have a greater chance of being delayed.

4. Prepare An Information Card

Prepare a card with all the relevant information about your child. This should include their name, age, address, flight number and destination.

Include the name, contact details and if possible, the photograph of the person who will be picking your child up at the other end, as well as any emergency contact details. Do not forget to mention any medical conditions or allergies that your child might have.

5. Arrive Early To The Airport

On the day of travel, make sure you reach 2 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time so that you can make the necessary arrangements to accompany them to the gate.

You will have to get a Guest Pass and fill out an ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ form. Also, introduce them to the airline crew and the gate staff.

Make sure that your child can identify the uniform colour and the people they can reach out to.

Communicate with the person who is picking your child up, letting them know when the flight takes off, and if there is any delay.

Most airlines require parents to stay at the airport until the flight takes off so that if there’s a problem, the child can be returned.

Now that you know how to prepare your child and yourself for their first solo flight, let us tell you which airlines, that fly in India, allow UM’s and the rules regarding it.

Indian Airlines

In India, rules for unaccompanied minors are almost similar across all airlines except the age limit.

Here is the list of airlines that allow UM and their age limit-

  • GoAir – Ages 5 to 18
  • Jet Airways – Ages 5 to 12 (Domestic Flight) & Ages 6 to 12 (International Flight)
  • SpiceJet – Ages 5 To 12
  • IndiGo – Ages 5 to 12
  • Air India – Ages 5 To 12(Domestic Flight) & Ages 5 To 16( International Flight)
  • Vistara – Ages 5 To 12

The flight crew from the above-mentioned airlines accompany your child every step of the way, from boarding the flight to claiming baggage and making sure they reach the person picking them up.

Airlines that allow unaccompanied minor travel require parents or guardians to fill up an indemnity form with details of the minor, person seeing off at departure and person meeting on arrival.

Also, some airlines such as Jet Airways do not permit online booking for unaccompanied minors; the ticket has to be booked at reservation or ticketing offices.

International Airlines

1.Lufthansa (Age Limit – 5 to 11)

The German airline has special check-in counters and supervision rooms with movies, toys and games, at many airports across the globe.

Children are given a yellow pouch, to be worn around the neck at all times, containing their travel documents.

On board, they are seated near the crew and given toys and colouring books. There is a special in-flight entertainment system and a children’s menu.

2.Air France (Age limit – 5 to 14)

This airline gives unaccompanied minors priority boarding. Once on board, they are given games, films, cartoons, radio programs, gifts to play with and a children’s meal.

In case of a delay, a staff member will be with the child throughout, even if they have to stay at a hotel overnight.

3.Singapore Airlines (Age Limit – 5 to 12)

The airline takes its unaccompanied minor travel so seriously, that they change all aspects related to children’s travel every quarter.

These rules vary across domestic and international flights so that children travelling frequently get a variety.

They provide your child with water bottles, toys to play with and souvenirs to take home.

4.Emirates (Age Limit – 5 to 12)

They require you to inform them in advance about your child’s seating and food preferences so that they can arrange it accordingly.

If your child is travelling on their birthday, they will have a cake waiting for them on board. There is a special in-flight entertainment for children.

5.Etihad Airways (Age Limit – 5 to 12)

The luxury airline has a dedicated childcare crew member called the Flying Nanny on long-haul flights.

Identified by their orange aprons, they are trained in child psychology and well-equipped with supplies for arts and crafts, magic tricks and quizzes.

If you want to share your child’s flight information with your family or friends, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App and share the details on the click of a button. You will also get real-time flight updates and all the airline/airport information you need on the move.

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