airplane

Check-In Vs Carry-On Luggage: Which Is The Best Travel Option?

AirWhizzJan 11, 2019 No Comments

Check-In Vs Carry-On Luggage: Which Is The Best Travel Option?

Travel Like a Pro

If you fly regularly, you must have had this question as to check-in your bag or carry it with you.

Fees, the risk of lost or damaged luggage and waiting time aside, deciding whether to check your bags or carry on boils down to your top priority when traveling. Is it comfort, time or money?

Whichever factor tips the scales will let you know how you’ll be traveling for your next trip.

But before we get into this debate lets see what exactly do the terms “Check-in Luggage” & “Carry-on Luggage” mean.

What Exactly Are “Carry-on” & “Check-in” Bags?

A carry-on bag is the type of luggage travellers are allowed to take into an airplane. On the other hand, checked baggage is transported in the cargo area of the airplane.

Airplanes are designed with luggage compartment spaces to store carry-on luggage. The storage space is situated in overhead lockers or under seating.

Depending on which airline or country you fly from, carry-on bags are also labelled as hand baggage or cabin luggage.

Here’s a list of essential items you can pack in your Carry-On Luggage:

  • Important travel documents (E.g. Passport)
  • Money
  • Items of monetary value (E.g. jewelry)
  • Daily medications
  • Electronics
  • Toiletries (E.g. toothbrush and toothpaste)

There is no standardized ‘one-fits-all’ rule when it comes to carry-on luggage weight and size. Rather, individual airlines are entitled to change carry-on bag size requirements. Examples of factors that determine how big your carry-on luggage can be include booking class and the model of aircraft.

The Checked Baggage Vs Carry On Debate

Travel experts are of the strong belief that traveling with carry-on luggage makes travel easier because “there’s no way the airline can lose your luggage if you haven’t checked anything”.

Famous travel writer, Ali Garland is opposed to checked in luggage because she dislikes getting, “weighed down by heavy bags” and would rather avoid having to “deal with expensive checked bag fees.”

But, as the saying goes “there are always to sides of a coin”!

Many people believe that checking in your luggage is easier. They are prepared to pay checked bag fees to forego the nightmare of trying to cram all their travel necessities in a small carry-on bag.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Choose

When it comes to choosing whether to check your bags or carry on, don’t feel like you have to come up with a perfect answer for all of your travels. Instead, just decide what makes the most sense for your next trip.

  • Do you need extra room for souvenirs? Are you willing to ship them or do you want to have them on you on your way back?
  • Are you able to pack light for this trip? Or are the activities varied enough that you need more?
  • Do you like to have more with you when you travel? Or does the idea of carrying less make you feel freer?
  • Are you okay with carrying all of your bags on the plane versus dropping them off at check-in?

Is It Better To Check Your Bags Or Carry On—Yes or No?

In a nutshell, it depends!

However, here’s what we suggest you should do the next time you fly:

  • If you really want to save money, then you should carry on your bags. (Just make sure you check your airline’s policy to ensure they don’t charge a fee for this.)
  • If you really want to save time, then you should pay for priority boarding and carry on your bags.
  • If you really want to maximize comfort, then you should check your bags but make sure your carry on has all the conveniences you want for the flight.
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7 Fun Things To Do On An Airplane To Beat Boredom

AirWhizzJan 04, 2019 No Comments

7 Fun Things To Do On An Airplane To Beat Boredom

Travel Like a Pro

It’s easy to pass time when you’re on a 2 hour flight. You can sleep, watch a small movie, catch up on some work or finish a book you’ve been reading.

But what to do when you’re on a long-haul flight?

The best thing you can do on your flight is to get yourself into the correct mindset for your trip whether you’re travelling for work or relax.

Who says you need Wi-Fi to beat boredom mid-flight? Here are a few interesting and creative activities to try.

1.Play Games

No Wi-Fi? No problem!

Seasoned travellers like enjoy playing games that can be accessed offline and have zero ads on your phone or tablet.

You can also do this the old fashioned way and play games like Ludo or chess if you’re travelling with someone or just test your skills with crosswords or puzzles.

2.Creative Writing

When traveling on a journey long enough to serve flight meals, the secret is to see the glass half full as opposed to half empty.

The silence and lack of distractions make long distance flights the perfect time to get creative and write.

You don’t need to be a journalist by trade to put pen to paper. Here are some content ideas to get your juices flowing:

  • Think you’ve got what it takes to write a short film or book? Then pick up a pen and make magic happen.
  • If you find it difficult to find the time to write your diary, a flight overseas should give you ample time.

3.Learn A Language

Before your trip, download a language app like Babbel and Duolingo.

Take advantage of the time you’ll have on the airplane and learn the need-to-know phrases of the country you’re visiting.

4.Pre-Load Your Content

Even if you have a Wi-Fi connection on your flight, it might not always be reliable or fast enough to stream movies, TV shows and music.

Long-distance travellers should pre-load their content of choice on their phone or tablet before boarding an airplane.

You can pre load a TV series, movies, blogs or books, but make sure you have plenty of it.

5.Keep Your Hands Busy

To keep your mind occupied for 8 hours, you can take up activities like knitting which you’re your hands busy.

If you’re not into that you can let your inner social media enthusiast come out, especially if you’re sitting on a window seat.

Take advantage of the view. Use your smartphone to capture different views of the sky. As the plane will be in motion, getting the money shot may take some time. But on an international trip, time is all you have.

Another thing you can do it organize your work on your laptop. It should keep you busy for a while.

6.It’s Good To Talk

Engaging in deep conversations with strangers can be a fascinating experience.

You can talk to the flight attendant and get some travel tips for the destination you’re going to.

You can talk to your seatmates, however When deciding to get chummy with your seat neighbour, we advise you to tread lightly. Be sure to take note of your seatmate’s tone of voice and body language as you attempt to talk since not everyone is very friendly.

7.Stretch It Out

When traveling on a long-haul flight, sitting in a small airplane seat can cause tension to build in your muscles. Plus, it can also cause your blood to clot.

 Yoga relieves stress and tense muscles which is why many flyers turn to this form of exercise on a plane. However, doing yoga on the airplane can be challenging as you don’t want to encroach on your neighbour’s space.

You can do simple Yoga Stretches that will help with your body’s blood circulation and keep you energized during the flight.

Our list of travel tips are not exhaustive and we would love to know what tried and tested tips you have to survive boredom on long-haul flights.

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India Gets Highest Rating In International Aviation Safety Assessment

AirWhizzDec 20, 2018 No Comments

India Gets Highest Rating In International Aviation Safety Assessment

Aviation Insider

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United States (US) aviation regulator, has retained India’s aviation rating at Category 1, after conducting an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This rating certifies that DGCA, India’s apex aviation agency, adheres to the standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and undertakes adequate oversight of Indian airlines.

Category-1 rating means that carriers from the assessed country may initiate or continue services to the USA and also take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with American airlines.

The IASA (International Aviation Safety Assessment Program) programme is conducted by the American regulator to assess each country that has carriers operating to the US.

The ICAO looks at eight areas during an audit. They include Primary Aviation Legislation and Civil Aviation Regulations, Civil Aviation Organisation, Personnel Licensing and Training, Aircraft Operations and Airworthiness of Aircraft.

In January 2014, the FAA downgraded India’s aviation safety ranking and it was upgraded to ‘Category 1’ in April 2015.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stated that India’s air connectivity has grown the fastest in the last five years (2013-18). Also, despite infrastructural hurdles, India’s aviation market has demonstrated strong growth potential for the next few years.

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10 Airplane Cabin Innovations That Changed The Way We Fly!

AirWhizzDec 03, 2018 No Comments

10 Airplane Cabin Innovations That Changed The Way We Fly!

Aviation Insider

In a bid to make flying comfortable for us airplane manufacturers, designers and airlines sometimes come up with brilliant ideas that change the very nature of the way we fly.

It’s because of these paradigm-shifting innovations, airplane cabins have changed over the decades.

To give you an insight into what these ideas are and how they changed flying forever, here are 10 airplane cabin innovations.

1.The Overhead Cabin

You may today think that small overhead cabins aren’t an innovation worth mentioning, it plays a vital role in passenger convenience and safety.

Overhead bins allow passengers to bring personal items/luggage onboard and they make the skies safer, keeping those bags secure during emergencies and turbulence.

This is one of the 1st and the most basic of airplane cabin innovations and has stuck with us since the start of commercial aviation.

2.Premium Economy

In India, premium economy cabin is only available with Vistara, however, universally it’s a pretty popular choice for travellers when it comes to flying.

Introduced by Virgin Atlantic in the 1990s, this fourth cabin class has made comfortable long-haul travel affordable for many.

A true premium economy cabin is class apart with unique seats and loads of comfort and service features.

There are many airlines offering proper premium economy seats today including Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS and Singapore Airlines, but Virgin Atlantic has done its legacy proud by offering passengers a premium economy experience that is hard to beat.

3.The First-Class Shower & Spa

Emirates airline’s first-class shower and spa took a lot of clever engineering to accommodate, but the result is pretty astounding.

The shower rooms themselves are larger than the average house bathroom, offer heated floors with manual temperature control and are overseen by dedicated shower attendants.

For longer flights, it’s an excellent way to refresh and relax before landing, and a perfect complement to the extreme luxury of today’s best first-class service.

4.The Seat Pod

A British Airways innovation in the mid-1990s, the seat pod has evolved to include a wide range of versions, including super-lush and extra-roomy high-tech business-class seats.

Features such as automatic seat control that convert to angled-flat or full-lie-flat beds, state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, massage functions and a host of other personal comforts, make long-haul flights a breeze for passengers.

They make sure that you reach your destination well rested and satisfied.

5.The Private Cabin

Some airlines, like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Asiana Airways aim to keep first class worth the extra fare by offering private cabins.

If you can afford it, little compares to the joy of a long-haul journey with five-star pampering in a cabin all your own.

Its as if you’re flying in your own private jet.

6.Onboard Lounges & Bars

Inspired by the lounges launched by iconic airlines like Pan Am, a number of airlines are including a social space on larger airplanes, giving passengers a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy a few beverages with old friends and new.

Virgin Atlantic revived the lounge trend in the 1990s. Other International airlines like Emirates and Etihad followed soon after giving a luxurious experience to its customers.

7.The In-Flight Boutique

This is another service that most of us ignore but Duty-free shopping is one of many entertainments on offer in the skies.

Airlines have raised the bar for in-flight retail by adding shopping menus to their entertainment screens and offering passengers the opportunity to ship the goods straight to their homes.

In fact, many international airlines such as Korean Air have introduced shopping lounges that let us stretch our legs while we do a little in-flight window shopping.

8.In-Flight Entertainment

Trans World Airways branded in-flight entertainment as a key feature of long-haul air travel, but even they didn’t foresee how entertaining the skies would become.

Today, almost all airlines around the world offer a variety of blockbusters, shows, live television, music, and sports which are all on demand.

High-resolution screens, state-of-the-art technology, and the introduction of in-flight Wi-Fi provide continued improvements in this cabin comfort.

9.Cabin Lighting & Environmental Control

Airlines like Iceland Air, Virgin and Etihad have programmable LED lighting that set a pleasant mood for their guests.

Lighting also helps passengers regulate their biorhythms or body clock, during long- flights across time zones.

Improvements in climate, humidity, and noise reduction are making next-generation aircrafts healthier, more restful places.

Airlines are also experimenting with ways to use aromas to soothe us and calling on top chefs and scientists to make in-flight meals more appetizing.

10.Improved Aircraft Windows

The larger windows on next-generation aircraft like the Boeing Dreamliner and Airbus A350 provide better views of the world below and let in ample natural light, which makes the cabin feel less confining.

In fact, companies are trying to add innovations like solar-powered airplane windows, which will eventually charge your phones and tablets.

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Why Do Commercial Airplanes Fly At High Altitudes?

AirWhizzNov 12, 2018 No Comments

Why Do Commercial Airplanes Fly At High Altitudes?

Aviation Insider

It would be safe to say that most passengers have never thought about why airplanes fly at a specific height of 35000 feet.

We all assume that since its an airplane it will fly 10600 meters above in the sky, but have you ever wonder why exactly that height?

Well, we did some digging and found out there are some pretty interesting reasons why most airplanes around the world fly so high.

Why Do Airplanes Fly So High?

1.The Higher The Better

One of the central reasons behind an aircraft’s altitude is that, as the air gets thinner with every foot climbed, airplanes can travel more easily and therefore move faster and burn less fuel, saving money.

The “sweet spot” of flying is regarded as between 35,000 and 42,000 feet.

If the airplane flies above this limit the oxygen becomes too sparse to fuel the engines. If it ’s too low, the airplane will experience greater air resistance.

2.Weather Conditions

Flying thousands of feet above the ground also means airplanes avoid much of the bad weather people on the ground are subjected to.

You know the feeling when you see nothing but blue skies from your window seat, only to descend into your destination airport to a dull drizzle.

3.Avoid Heavy Traffic

We aren’t talking about our usual road traffic!

Of course, it does avoid the hectic city traffic, but what we mean is the airborne traffic such as light aircraft or helicopters, which fly lower, as well as insects and birds.

Light aircraft do not have pressurised cabins, therefore stick below 10,000 feet.

4.In The Event Of An Emergency

Should something bad happen to an aircraft at 35,000 feet, like losing power in its engines, the pilot has much longer to deal with the situation, than if the aircraft was just at 10,000 feet.

This may sound silly, but remember that planes can still land safely even if both engines fail

How Low can Airplanes Fly?

The lowest an airplane can fly is a 1000 feet, but this is not applicable to airliners.

Known as the Lowest Safe Altitude (LSALT), this value has been applied by aviation bodies around the world, including Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Airlines can fly at this low but there are safety standards and rules that don’t allow this. In fact, its illegal for any aircraft to fly lower than a 1000 feet.

Aircraft must not fly less than 1000 feet above the “highest fixed object” beneath them and pilots must make sure that they are high enough to clear the congested area below in the event of engine failure.

Obviously, this doesn’t apply to take-off and landing for an aircraft as it’s done in a controlled flight path.

Is There A Maximum Height?

There is no maximum altitude for flying, however, engines will struggle as the oxygen levels fall, and communication with the ground will become a greater challenge.

The record altitude for a jet plane is 123,520 feet, set by Alexandr Fedotov in 1997 flying a military Soviet MiG-25M.

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Lion Air Under Investigation After Last Week’s Airplane Crash!

AirWhizzNov 05, 2018 No Comments

Last week, an unfortunate disaster hit Indonesia, where a Lion Air crashed plunged into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 onboard.

Authorities are conducting a review of the operations of Lion Air, as the search for the main wreckage and cockpit voice recorder of the crashed Boeing jet continues into the seventh day.

The “special audit” will cover the standard operating procedures of the airline, the flight crew qualifications and coordination with industry stakeholders.

Indonesia’s aviation ministry is coordinating with institutions such as the European Union, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Federal Aviation Administration. Corrective steps will be taken on the basis of the review.

The government had already ordered a review of Lion’s repair and maintenance unit and suspended several managers after the airline had reported some technical issues a day before the crash.

Even after a week-long search involving dozens of ships and hundreds of specialists, the plane’s main wreckage and the cockpit voice recorder that’s key to unravelling the mystery, are yet to be recovered.

However, search crews have recovered a flight data recorder, both the engines, a part of the landing gear, body parts of victims and personal belongings since the flight carrying 189 people plummeted into the sea.

Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee recovered about 69 hours of flying data from the flight data recorder. The agency will begin analyzing the information from Monday to find out the reasons for the crash.

The Lion Air crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since 1997, when 234 people died on a Garuda flight near Medan. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, killing all 162 on board.

Indonesian airlines were barred in 2007 from flying to Europe because of safety concerns, though several were allowed to resume services in the following years.

 

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10 Simple Airplane Stretches To Beat Travel Fatigue!

AirWhizzNov 02, 2018 No Comments

10 Simple Airplane Stretches To Beat Travel Fatigue!

Travel Like a Pro

Whether you’re 16 or 60, it’s never comfortable being stuck on an airplane for a long flight.

Between the stress of flying and being crammed into an uncomfortable seat for hours, your body can quickly become stiff.

While these hacks may not beat the comfort of a first-class seat, simple airplane stretches and exercises can help you reach your destination without a sore body.

WHILE SEATED

There are plenty of small stretches and movements you can do while seated throughout a flight.

Neck Rolls/Stretch

Release tension from your neck by slowly twisting your neck from side to side and moving it up and down in a “yes” then a “no” movement.

After a few of these try bringing your right ear down toward your right shoulder to stretch the left side of your neck then repeat on the other side.

Finally, drop your chin down toward your chest and gently roll it from side to side.

Seated Twist

Grab on to your seat’s armrest with both hands and gently pull to twist your torso to one side helping stretch and relax the spine. Do the same for the other side.

Ankle Stretches

Start with both feet flat on the floor then flex your ankles by stretching your toes upward then bringing them back down. From there, roll through your feet, lifting your heels up with your toes still on the ground. Repeat these movements several times to get the blood moving in your legs.

Ankle Circles

Additionally, lift one-foot slight off the ground and gently roll your ankle in a circle changing directions every couple of rolls. Repeat on the other side.

Leg Extensions

If you’re in an aisle seat, try lifting your foot up extending at the knee to stretch out stiff legs and really get the blood circulating. Do a couple of these movements for each foot.

WHILE STANDING

Though everyone knows they should stand up and walk around during a long flight, that’s often easier said than done. Make sure to try some of the seated stretches, but when you’re able to stand up, take advantage of this time with these exercises.

Quadriceps Stretch

Rest your left hand on the wall or back of a seat for balance and use your right hand to reach back and grab your right ankle, bending your right foot up so your knee is pointing down.

Hold this for several breaths before gently releasing your foot to the ground and repeating on the other side. This stretch will help release tension in your quadriceps (front thigh) and hip after sitting still for a long time.

Calf Raises

Stand with your feet a couple inches apart and raise your heels so you’re standing on the tip of your toes, hold for a couple seconds then lower back down feeling the stretch in your calves and waking up your legs.

Lateral Stretch

Standing with your left arm down, stretch your right arm straight up then softly start to bend to the left side stretching your arm over your head to feel a lengthening stretch in your right side.

Come back up to center, release your right arm and repeat on the other side.

AFTER THE FLIGHT

Once you reach your final destination, take a few moments to relax into these two restorative stretches that will help melt stress away.

Child’s Pose

This common yoga pose is a great way to stretch your hips, back, shoulders and chest while also having a grounding, calming effect.

Kneel down on your knees and slowly stretch your upper body forward toward the ground, reaching your arms in front of you until your forehead touches the ground. Stay there for a couple of minutes before sitting back up.

Legs Up Against The Wall

This position may feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll soon notice that after a couple minutes your legs will feel lighter and less lethargic.

Sitting on the ground next to a wall, lay down on your back as you slide your legs together straight up the wall. Stay here for at least three minutes letting your stress drain away.

When you’re ready to get out of the pose, slowly swing your legs down to one side and rest there for a couple breaths before sitting up.

If you’re looking for a yoga room at the airport to stretch your tiredness away, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app and get all the information about Yoga rooms and spa’s along with other amenities located at your airport & fly stress-free.

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“Lion Air” Flight Crashes In Indonesia,189 Passengers Missing!

AirWhizzOct 30, 2018 No Comments

Indonesia, which was coming to terms with the recent havoc created by an earthquake in the region, has yet again been hit with a tragedy.

Indonesia’s “Lion Air” airplane carrying 189 passengers and crew crashed into the Java Sea on Monday morning, moments after taking off from Jakarta Airport.

Flight JT 610 from Jakarta to the city of Pangkal Pinang, disappeared off the radar 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital at around 6:20 a.m. The airplane crashed and sunk deep into the sea.

The aircraft carried 178 adult passengers, 1 child and 2 babies. The flight’s crew consisted of Captain Bhavye Suneja and Captain Harino as second in command along with 5 crew members.

According to the Acting  Director Of Civil Aviation, Mr. Pramintohadi Sukarno, search operations are underway and rescue squads have been deployed around Tanjung Karawang, the site where the airplane was seen crashing.

A crisis center has also been established at Terminal 1B of the Jakarta Airport & Pangkal Pinang Airport to help families of the passengers.

Local media reports have said that the preliminary flight data shows a drop in the airplane’s altitude and increase in speed before the transmission got cut. The airplane appears to have plunged into the sea just off the course of Indonesia.

Lion Air hasn’t released an official statement.

The deadly crash of a Lion Air has renewed questions about the safety of Indonesian airline soon after U.S. and European regulators removed prohibitions against them.

Indonesia’s aviation industry has had a shaky past. The United States and the European Union banned its airplanes from their skies in 2007.

Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands but has a poor aviation safety record and has suffered several fatal crashes in recent years.

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