Travel Tips

7 Important Things You Need To Know About Passports & Visas!

AirWhizzJan 18, 2019 No Comments

7 Important Things You Need To Know About Passports & Visas!

Travel Like a Pro

For budding travellers, holding their first passport is almost a magical thing, offering a sense of pure possibility and excitement.

You finally made the time and saved enough cash for your first overseas trip, but you start sweating as soon as you start thinking about sorting out your travel documents.

You’ve heard about your cousin’s 3 hour-delay at passport control or the visa approval nightmares that circulate on social media, but its not as bad as it seems.

Here 7 things about passports & Visas you need to know that will help you reach your dream international destination hassle-free.

1.Tripple Check-Your Visa Requirements

Unlike a sought-after USA or European passport, Indians have less options when it comes to visa-free countries aka hassle-free travel destinations.

Always find out about the visa requirements for Indians for the country you’re visiting from multiple internet sources and do a third check by just calling up the country’s embassy in India.

2.Applying To First World Countries

Flying to Europe, Australia or USA? Their visa processes are known to be a drag, so try to do your application three months in advance, or six weeks minimum.

Make sure you make a list of all the documents you need and that you keep a paper trail of all your transactions and interactions with the relevant embassy, in case they make life difficult.

3. 6 Months Validity Requirement

Most countries require your passport to have six months of remaining validity.

As a general rule, you should always make sure your passport will remain valid for six months beyond your planned trip. You never know if your travel plans are going to change, and the last thing you want is to be stuck.

To name a few Italy, Vietnam, Turkey & Thailand require you to meet this criteria.

4.Blank Pages

A handful of countries require at least one or two fully blank visa pages for valid entry. This requirement could be for either an entry stamp or a visa.

Countries that require a passport to have a blank page in order to be stamped include Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Italy, Sweden, Singapore, and Iceland along with several others require at least two blank pages for an entry stamp.

5.Dont Throw Away Old Passports

Hold on to your old passport, even if you’ve never used it.

Some countries want to see where you’ve been and in an age where countries are zooming in on where people have travelled before it’s better to have it than not.

It can also be used as a backup to prove your identity in case something happens to your new one.

Just make sure you don’t give the expired one to the passport control officer!

6.Make Certified Copies Of Your Passport

Before heading off on your Instagram-happy holiday, make a few scans of your newly-minted passport and go over to your local police station, post office or a gazetted  officer to get them certified.

Leave one with a close relative or friend in case you need their help back home. Also, keep a copy of the scan on your phone.

This will help you in case there is a natural calamity or you use your original passport at your destination.

You can never be too prepared!

7. Hire A Professional If You’re Struggling

Hiring a third party to help out with visa applications might seem like a waste of money when you can do it yourself, but if you have a short notice period or travelling in a large group, the hassle saved is worth the price.

They know all the loopholes to getting it processed faster and will follow up on your behalf saving you time.

There are lots of companies you can approach, but always check online reviews and ask the social media universe for advice.

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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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7 Habits Of A Highly Experienced Air Traveller !

AirWhizzDec 28, 2018 No Comments

7 Habits Of A Highly Experienced Air Traveller !

Travel Like a Pro

Lots of people think of themselves as highly experienced air travellers.

But it’s a difficult thing to measure objectively. What makes an experienced air traveller? Time spent abroad? Number of countries visited? Air miles? Buffet breakfasts consumed at the airport lounge?

The answer is that it’s all of these things – and more – but for today’s post, we’re going to focus on the useful tactics, routines and habits that you can use yourself.

1.They Have A Favourite Airline

Regular business travellers & frequent flyers know how to play the game.

They pick their favourite airline, sign up for an airline’s frequent flyer program and always book with that airline if possible, even if it’s not always the cheapest fare.

They commit to getting premier status and make the most of their significant perks.

They also use credit cards which offer rewards with that particular airline. Many of these cards provide airport lounge access, free checked bags, and other convenient features.

2.They Never Check-in At The Airport

Only rookies do this and there’s no upside to it, which is why they always check-in online.

You should check in and claim your seat online as soon as it becomes available. This also protects you from getting bumped on an overbooked flight.

3.They Always Pack Smartly

Frequent flyers always pack what is necessary for their journey. They prepare a checklist of the things they would need for their trip and make sure they pack only the essentials.

Also, they never keep their essential items in their check-in bags.

Keys, Money, Jewellery, Electronics, Medication, you only need to lose a checked bag once to learn this the hard way. If you can’t go a day without it, or if it’s a sentimental item and irreplaceable, make sure it doesn’t get checked-in.

4.They Breeze Through Security

You don’t see experienced air travellers struggling with belts, coins and keys when they go through security.

Instead, they put all their fiddly belongings, including cell phones, wallets and jewellery inside a carry-on bag, purse or jacket until they’ve passed through security.

5.They Board The Airplane As Soon As They Can

If you leave board to the last minute on a busy fight, there might not be room for your bag in the overhead luggage cabin.

This means your bag’s going to sit at your feet for the duration of the flight. Why take that chance?

Also experienced flyers always choose the aisle seat. You don’t have to hop over anyone to use the restroom and you can stretch out your legs in the aisle to get a good sleep.

6.They Travel With Lifesaver Items

What are lifesaver items?

A water bottle, a snack bar, sleep mask and earplugs, a universal adapter, battery pack and compression socks for flights longer than five hours.

If you’re flying long-haul, hydration is very important. Between 30-64% air humidity is what’s recommended for comfort, but airplanes can be beneath 10%.

This can cause natural moisture in your skin and body to evaporates.

7.They Know How To Get Rid Of Jet-Lag

This is a biggie because jet lag is a productivity killer.

Some people swear by not eating on the plane and then adjusting to a new time zone by feasting at the next mealtime once they land.

Others go for a jog immediately after they land and reach their airport hotel, but most are too tired to this after a long flight.

And then there’s the folks for whom a stiff drink and some chewable melatonin hits the reset button.

The key is to find out what works for you!

*Experienced Travellers also use travel management apps like AirWhizz. From Real-Time Flight updates to airline & airport, we help you plan your trip on the move.

Download the AirWhizz App NOW & Fly Stress-Free!

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10 Essential Tips If You’re Flying This Winter Season!

AirWhizzDec 21, 2018 No Comments

10 Essential Tips If You’re Flying This Winter Season!

Travel Like a Pro

Winter is upon us, and in fact it seems like it’s arrived early. That means flight delays and cancellations.

Air travel is something of a gamble during winters, especially if its foggy outside.

During this holiday season if you’re planning to fly , just make sure you keep one simple thing in mind, which is “Anticipate”.

To make sure your vacation gets off to a good start, here are 10 essential winter air travel tips that you must know.

1.Cushion Your Travel Schedule

Balance the possibilities of delays or cancellations against the importance of your arriving on time.

If you have a can’t-miss meeting or famiy celebration pad your schedule to allow for a major air-travel mishap.

That may even mean travelling a day earlier. Recovering from delays or cancellations can involve extra hours, and an extra day of travel should be kept in mind while booking a flight.

2.Try To Book Non-Stop Flights

This is a must during winters!

Even if most flights to or from your home airport or destination airports require connections, consider combining different modes of transport.

For Instance, if you only have connecting flights from your city airport to you destination, you can drive to an airport near your city which has direct flights to your destination.

3.Startegize To Minimize Risk

Delays and cancellations have a domino effect throughout the day.

On most routes, book yourself on flights as early as possible since the later in the day, the worse the situation gets.

However, do this according to the weather pattern of your city. For instance Delhi is prone to early morning fog, in which case you should book yourself on mid-morning or midday departures.

4. Get to The Airport Earlier Than Usual

Heavy fog and  traffic jams as a result of bad weather mean potential delays as you travel to the airport, and you don’t want to arrive too late to check-in or be stuck in a line at security.

Because cooler temperatures mean that everyone will be wearing more layers which also means longer lines at security, as it will take each person a few minutes more than normal to get themselves and their belongings through security.

5. Check-In Online

Almost all airlines now allow online check-in either through a website or an app at least 24 hours before your flight time.

You will be able to select your seat, pay any baggage fees, and provide contact information where you can be reached if there are any disruptions to your flight.

Plus, checking in online allows you to skip the check-in lines altogether and head right for security when you arrive if you don’t have a check-in bag.

6.Keep In Touch With You Airline

Blizzards, fog, freezing rain- there are so many winter-related events that can cause flight delays or cancellations.

Avoid waiting at the airport, or arriving for no reason, and check the status of your flight about an hour before you plan on leaving for the airport.

Also, make sure the contact info you have provided can be checked regularly or easily accessed. That way you will receive any flight status updates as soon as they happen and not only when you are in front of the screens at the airport.

7. Check The Forecasts

You can sometimes spot delays before your airline officially lets you know about them.

That means keeping tabs on weather forecasts several days in advance for any airport you plan to use—departure, hub, or destination.

8.Have A Plan B

No matter what, you can’t avoid all problems!

Figure that something might go wrong, and be ready with your own alternative schedule rather than waiting to see what your airline offers.

The earlier you start to change, the more likely you are to avoid extended delays. In any major weather event, you airline is likely to waive re-ticketing fees, so be ready.

9. Be Ready To Ask For A Refund

If your flight is severely delayed and no longer want to make the trip, or your flight has been cancelled, you can ask for a full refund.

Airlines often allow you to change your flight to when the weather clears, though if you’re so delayed that there’s no point going, get a full refund instead.

10.Buy Travel Insurance

People don’t realize this, but travel insurance offers free compensation for weather delays and cancellations.

It also covers your emergency medical care (in case you fall sick during your travel) and loss of belongings while travelling.

If you didn’t buy travel insurance, check your credit card rewards. Apart from providing airline miles, they also do cover you during your air travel snarls.

So, the next time you book your ticket, Download the AirWhizz app and apply for a travel insurance with us. We at AirWhizz have partnered with prestigious travel insurance companies such as HDFC Ergo to help you plan for any unforeseen changes that might occur.

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7 Clothing Tips For Long-Haul-Flights!

AirWhizzDec 14, 2018 No Comments

7 Clothing Tips For Long-Haul-Flights!

Travel Like a Pro

Frequent flyers know that it takes a combination of factors to have a positive trip, and that comfortable clothes play a huge part in it.

This is why to have the best travel clothes, your outfit should not be left as a last-minute thought.

To help you with that, we have narrowed down a few pieces of clothes that won’t slow down your airport stride or make you twitch uncomfortably in your cabin seat.

Travel Clothing For Women

Putting together your airport outfit is no easy feat. One has to take in factors like alternating air cabin temperatures and destination climate. And all the while, there’s pressure to preserve some sense of style.

Hopefully these items will help you do just that:

1.Jacket

This outerwear piece is the quickest way to look stylish and increase the chances of an airplane seat upgrade.

We advise you to wear a classic long jacket at the airport. This will make it easy to conceal your casual wear underneath.

Depending on the weather, opt for a lightweight fabric like a cotton/polyester trench coat or wool fabric.

2.Long Cardigan or Pullover

Six-hour flights and above involve long hours of sitting in an airplane cabin. A long cardigan or pullover will give you warmth when the temperature drops in your cabin.

3.Scraf Or Pashmina

When it comes to air travel, a maxi scarf/pashmina has a dual function!

With the right size, texture and design, it will make you look smart and fend off the chilly cabin temperature.

4.T-shirt Or Top

Your tolerance to cold will determine how many tops you layer with.

T-shirts, blouses and vests are some of the pieces you can wear underneath your bulkier top.

5.Trousers That Stretch

Frequent flyers prefer wearing trousers over shorts or skirts. This helps avoid your bare legs making contact with germs on airport and airplane seats.

Personal style will dictate which comfortable trousers you wear. The options include harem trousers, leggings and palazzo pants.

You can also opt for athletic-inspired trousers since its trending and very comfortable.

6.Socks

During long-distance flights, air passengers who have to remain seated for long periods are prone to deep vein thrombosis.

To avoid your legs becoming red, swollen and heavy due to constrained movement, compression socks are a must. They help to stimulate blood circulation, thus lowering the risk of DVT.

7. Sneakers Or Comfortable Shoes

Again, this boils down to personal preference. For some, comfortable shoes are sneakers, for others, it’s soft leather flats.

It important to remember that feet swell up when you fly, especially on long haul flights, so choose your footwear wisely.

Travel Clothing For Men

When traveling a short distance, it’s more convenient for businessmen to travel in their formal work clothes. However, for the majority, wearing a suit for a long-haul flight is incredibly unappealing.

For menswear travel clothing, the key is to wear structured layered pieces to avoid looking unkempt. Here’s how you do that!

1.Jacket Or Blazer

This is the key piece that will elevate your entire look. Wear a jacket in a neutral style that will work seamlessly with your other travel ware.

Keep the texture of your jacket wrinkle-free. To enhance mobility during your trip, avoid stiff textures like leather.

2. Shirt

This could be a casual short-sleeved T-shirt or a smarter button-down shirt. Shirts are versatile as they can be worn on their own or combined with your other travel clothes.

3.Sweater Or Pullover

As tempting as it may be, leave your hoody nestled in the depths of your carry-on. A sweater or pullover will make you look more put together.

4.Comfortable Trousers

When it comes to air travel getup, it’s vital that your trousers are functional. This is because your airport journey will involve movement.

This could be standing in a line that moves at a snail’s pace or walking briskly to catch your flight.

One suggestion is you can replace your jeans with Khakis. They are also more comfortable than dress pants or jeans to sit in with for hours. Another attractive feature (when compared to jeans) is khakis offer a more casual yet professional look.

5.Scraf

A scarf will add depth to your airport ensemble. It’s also an easy way to add color or character to your outfit.

This accessory will come in handy when the air cabin temperature drops.

6.Socks

As mentioned before, wear compression socks to help you tackle DVT or swollen feet. Also for hygiene purposes, this is a must.

7.Sneakers or Slip-on Foot ware

Sneakers are really comfortable and its perfect if you’re tavelling in casuals, but it may not be a very good option if you’re wearing clothes on the formal side.

If that’s the case then go for convenience and choose footwear that are easily to slip on and off like formal Loafers.

How do you strike the balance between style and comfort?

Are there any garments or accessories we’ve missed on our list?

We’d love to hear from you & share your thoughts!

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8 Food Items You Should Avoid Before A Flight!

AirWhizzDec 07, 2018 No Comments

8 Food Items You Should Avoid Before A Flight!

Travel Like a Pro

With good inflight-food scarce or expensive, passengers have learned to bring their own snacks to keep away hunger during a flight.

But not everyone can pack homemade healthy snacks for their trip, and bank upon the greasy fast food burgers, oily pizza and heavy snacks like samosas or patties.

Put in a long layover or a flight delay in the mix and you’re surely tempted to go to the airport lounge and have a nice hearty meal with a tasty alcoholic beverage to go with it.

But the problem is that they are not very travel friendly and cause some serious health problems when you fly.

So, before you board your next flight, avoid these foods and beverages to fly stress-free.

1.Fast Food

As we’ve mentioned before, burgers and pizza are easy options to fill your stomach, but they’re definitely not viable when you’re travelling.

According to the medical studies, the body doesn’t do so well digesting foods filled with sodium and saturated fats in the first place and digestion at 35000 feet proves even more difficult.

So it’s common sense to avoid these worst offenders before flying.

But beyond the digestion problems, there’s also the issue of in-flight blood circulation. Eating greasy food  can cause an almost immediate restriction ofblood flow.

And because we’re inactive during a flight, the chances of getting health related problems can increase.

Alternative: Plan ahead and pack a light sandwich or a wrap.

2.Crusifirous vegetables

“Always Eat Your Vegetables” is something we’ve always heard growing up , but it isn’t the best advice before a flight.

Things like onions, cauliflower, cabbage, beans and lentils are difficult to digest, which can lead to bloating, cramps and gas in a pressurised environment.

This is because these vegetables contain high-sodium foods which retain water, contributing to that bloated feeling.

Avoid consuming them before or during your flight.

Alternative: Munch on sliced capsicum, carrot, cucumber and snow peas.

3.Salty Snacks

Chips, pretzels, instant noodles etc at the airport can curb your hunger in a jiffy but they’re very high in salt content.

Excessive salt is bad for everyone, but it is worse for frequent flyers since foods with high amount of salt increase the chances of high blood pressure and retains fluid in your body making you feel bloated when you fly.

Alternative: Opt for protein-rich snacks like dry fruits to keep you full for longer. You can also eat a freshly prepared meal at one ofthe airport restaurants and request the chef to add less salt to your food.

4.Caffine

Coffee or tea? The answer is neither.

It is said that you loose 1/3rd of water from your body when you’re flying and caffeine in itself causes dehydration.

Plus, even though you’ll be fresh for a while, but by the time your flight will land you’ll start feeling sluggish.

So, save your coffee fix for later since a fresh brew tastes far better on land.

Alternative: Herbal or Green Tea. Try peppermint to help digestion and ginger to eliminate motion sickness.

5.Carbonated Beverages

Sweetened fizzy drinks are a recipe for digestive disaster when on an airplane.

Since you’re sitting in one place it can cause gastro-intestinal problems leading to bloating up of your stomach.

Not the most comfortable feeling in the world!

Alternative: Fruits are a great source of vitamin C to boost your immune system and keep you hydrated. Oranges and watermelons can be easily found around the airport Or you can pack it yourself.

6.Chewing Gums

Gum seems like the best choice for an airplane since you’re not eating heavy, indigestible food.

While this might be true, chewing too much gum can actually wreak havoc on your system, causing bloating, gas, and Diarrhoea. 3 things you most definitely don’t want to battle while flying.

Artificial sweeteners in chewing gums can cause Diarrhoea and when you chew gum you swallow a lot of air, which causes gas and bloating.

Alternative: There aren’t many great alternatives but you can chew on mint leaves or use mint sprays to keep your mouth fresh.

7.Alcohol

You’re not going to like this but the fewer alcoholic beverages you have, the better your body copes with the flight.

Alcohol is extremely dehydrating, and the low humidity and high pressure in the aeroplane cabin causes further loss of water.

And in case you do feel like having a beverage make sure that you drink lots of water.

Alternative: Have a fruit juice or lots of water. Make sure you keep your hydration up.

8. Meaty Salads

Do not eat the tuna salad, chicken salad etc available at the airport. No, they aren’t healthy! They contain lots of mayonnaise, cheese,and other fatty dressing.

These so-called salads are quite deceiving. They make you feel bloated and uncomfortable on the flight and don’t really help with that diet you have been following to stay fit.

Alternative: A vegetable or fruit salad.

Conclusion

Even though we’ve mentioned some alternatives, many must be wondering what exactly should we have before a flight.

Well, the answer is ‘Nothing’!

According to a study published in the journal “Science”, researchers suggested that fasting for about 16 hours before a long flight may actually help to fend off jet lag.

In a nutshell, if you make your body think it’s starving,you’ll be able to remain awake and alert until it’s dinner time in your new destination, resetting your body clock.

It really tough to follow this but if you want to fly comfortably it’s definitely doable.

* The next time you fly and want to know where to eat at the airport, download the AirWhizz app. It gives you information about airport restaurants and their location at your airport terminal. You also get great deals and discounts at the airport, live flight updates and a whole bunch of services for your trip.

#FLYSTRESSFREE with AirWhizz.

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10 Ways To Avoid Falling Ill When You Fly!

AirWhizzNov 30, 2018 No Comments

10 Ways To Avoid Falling Ill When You Fly!

Travel Like a Pro

Being ill while travelling is probably something that has happened to most of us.

Whether they’re found in the less-than-sanitary conditions of an airplane or a hotel room, germs lurk everywhere and it takes a lot of preparation to avoid getting sick when you travel.

Airplanes are notorious breeding grounds for nasty germs and its no surprise if you think of the number of people who have sat on your flight’s seat.

And unfortunately, plenty of studies have shown that even when they’ve been cleaned, airplanes are still pretty gross.

But don’t let your next trip be ruined by an unwelcome bug that leaves you feeling awful. These healthy habits will help you avoid getting ill so you can stay fit and make the most of your holiday.

1.Use Antibacterial Wipes Before You Sit Down

Pretty much everyone will agree that one thing every traveller should stash in their bag is antibacterial wipes.

They can be used to quickly sanitize everything you touch.

On an airplane, wipe down the tray table, arm rests, buttons, seat belt, window shade and air vent knobs before you sit down.

It may seem a bit weird to others but remember that this you’re doing this to keep yourself protected against germs.

2. Avoid The Airplane Seat’s Back Pocket

While the seatback pocket on an airplane may seem like a handy compartment to store things you’ll be using in-flight, you might want to think twice about it to avoid getting sick when you travel.

Many passengers treat that pocket like a wastebasket, using it to dispose of their trash, used tissues, and even dirty diapers.

Since it’s unlikely that cleaning crews are thoroughly disinfecting each seatback pocket, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

3.Wash Your Hands Frequently

No matter how careful you are, your hands are bound to come in contact with germs when you travel.

Everything you touch is potentially carrying something you don’t want. Make sure you wash your hands frequently to get rid of any germs.

4.Avoid Touching Your Face While Travelling

This tip may seem odd but there’s a practical explanation for this.

Keep your hands away from your face , especially your mouth, nose and eyes.

If you’ve picked up a bug from shaking someone’s hand or while holding on to a pole in your bus, the germs tend to linger on your hands.

When you then touch your face (eyes, mouth or nose), you increase the chances of that bug transferring from your skin to a mucous membrane, where it can thrive and cause illness.

5.Keep Your Seat’s Air Vents On

You may be prone to turning off the air vent above you on an airplane because you think it’s circulating stale air or because you’re cold. But according to travel experts that might be a mistake.

Using that tiny vent can actually work to your advantage, as it can help you avoid contact with certain microorganisms that can get you sick during a flight.

6.Bring Your Own Blanket & Pillow

These days, many travellers try to travel with only a carry-on to avoid baggage fees, which means eliminating a lot of excess stuff.

But you might want to consider carrying your own blanket and pillow on the airplane with you.

While it’s difficult to pass judgment on all blankets and pillows on all airlines, it’s probably a safe bet that they’re not as clean as your own personal items.

So the next time you try to get cozy and catch some sleep on a flight, use your own blanket and pillow so you don’t need to worry about the cleanliness of the airline’s.

7.Avoid Tea Or Coffee In-Flight

A good cup of tea or coffee can start your morning right but maybe not on an airplane.

According To Business Insider, the water for tea and coffee comes not from bottles but from the airplane taps which have been known to fail safety standards.

In fact, USA’s Environmental Protective Agency recently did a study which found coliform and E.coli in the water on many airplanes.

Plus, the coffee and tea served in-flight is not brewed to a boiling point, which would kill off bacteria.

So, skip the lukewarm beverage and wait until you’ve landed to get a good, hot cuppa.

8.Choose Your Seat Wisely

Try to sit towards the front of the airplane so that you can exit quickly.

After landing (on some flights), the back door is opened and fumes from the fuel enter the airplane, especially affecting the back seats.

Avoid these fumes by choosing your seat wisely.

9.Stay Hydrated

Dehydration makes it easier to pick up illness.

And drinking alcohol contributes to dehydration. Avoid alcohol on the plane and even the day before you fly.

Once you pass the security gate you can buy or fill up water in an empty water bottle before your flight.

10.Use A Mask Or Nasal Screens

A mask can offer some protection for you if other passengers are ill or for other passengers if you are ill.

If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a mask, try nasal screens, which are almost invisible and allow you to even eat while filtering your air.

 

*After taking these precautions if you still fall ill while flying, don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

Download the AirWhizz App and get information about shops, emergency contact details and other services available at the airport on the move. We have also partnered up with prestigious travel insurance companies such as HDFC Ergo, so you can book your travel insurance via the app itself.

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