| |
|
SJps123
|
19-08-2007 02:41 PM
|
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 4
| again just thought I'd say hi. going on holiday to the algarve in 4 weeks (can't wait) looking for some advice on what to do at the airport etc as I've only ever been away with parents and not paid attention! any advice for a newbie traveller?
|
|
|
Helspeth
|
19-08-2007 04:23 PM
|
Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 153
My Profile
| There's not a lot to know really. You need to check your tickets and see what the recommended check in time is, and make sure you stick to it. Then once you are through baggage check, go into departures and relax until your flight is on the electronic board. Do check the board as not all flights are announced. Keep your tickets and passports handy at all times as you are required to produce them, along with your boarding cards. Don't drink too much beforehand - they may refuse boarding if you overdo it.
To be honest, since being an adult responsible for my own holidays I have NEVER flown out of a large airport. So the procedure for Manchester or Gatwick (as I may find out next year!), may be different; my advice relates to small one-terminal airports.
Hope this helps, and I hope I havent missed anything.
Have a really good holiday.
|
My Latest Review: May 2008 Blue Aegean Aparthotel, Gouves (10/10) + Photos
|
|
Helspeth
|
19-08-2007 04:25 PM
|
Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 153
My Profile
| Hi, I'm a terrible 'poster' I have to keep coming back. Do you mean the arrival at resort airport? After passport control and baggage reclaim you just need to find your rep who will direct you to the appropriate transfer coach, I assume you haven't gone for car-hire from the airport, if you have I can't give advice on that.
|
My Latest Review: May 2008 Blue Aegean Aparthotel, Gouves (10/10) + Photos
|
|
lilibet
|
19-08-2007 05:25 PM
|
Joined: 26 Jan 2007
Posts: 209
My Profile
| Hi just to echo the comments by Helspeth it really is straightforward from any airport, check the max weight of you luggage and the size of the bag you can take onto the plane, arrive in plenty of time and line up to check in. You will need to have your passport and ticket to hand. Your luggage will then be checked in and you will then be handed your boarding card, after that you go through and have your hand luggage passed through xray. ( just follow the others) Remember that you cannot take liquids with you but when you get through you can make purchases at any of the shops there. Keep looking at the electronic boards as they will not only tell you when your flight is going but also which gate and depending on which airport will depend on if you have a walk to that gate. Gatwick and Heathrow are well signed so you will not get lost. Dont go to the gate too early or you will just be sitting around. , but also dont be the lat passenger lol. At the other end you need to follow the rest of the passengers and then look for your rep.
When you return the process is pretty much the same but check the boards to see which belt your luggage is comming through on.
It isnt as scarey as it seems and i am sure you will do fine, Have a wonderful holiday.
|
My Latest Review: Mar 2008 Hotel Continental, Palma City (10/10)
|
|
sun, sea and sand
|
19-08-2007 05:41 PM
|
Joined: 03 Jun 2007
Posts: 60
My Profile
| Hi. There is not much to worry about. I always travel from Gatwick and treat the airport as part of the experience, but as Helsbeth recommends don't get drunk. Allow yourself plenty of time to check in and because of the high level security these days I recommend you go straight through to passport control once you have checked your bags in. Then shop, shop, shop!! BUT make sure you keep checking the screens for your flights boarding gate. Have a great time. I'm going to the Algarve in 3 weeks I'm sure we'll both have fun holidays.
|
My Latest Review: Aug 2008 The Griffin Guest House, Brighton (9/10)
|
|
carole2000
|
20-08-2007 11:53 AM
|
Joined: 23 Dec 2005
Posts: 183
My Profile
| Hi, just to add that Faro airport is really very easy and compact - you'll probably get a bus from the aircraft steps which takes you to the Immigration where you need passport, but if you have passport with a chip in it you can go through the fast track system here. There are staff who come down the queue to advise you what to do. Once through there are only about 5 baggage carousels and your flight number and origin will be displayed on the screen above the relevant one. When you've got your bags just go through Customs which is behind the baggage area and look for whichever tour operator or transport you have arranged for transfer to resort. Again, on your return once you check-in the Security is just behind the check-in desks and once through there there are screens to advise you what time you will be boarding, allow time to get through Passport Control as the queues here sometimes get long. Once through to the gate areas there are no shops or cafes. Enjoy the Algarve - it's a lovely region!
|
My Latest Review: Jun 2008 Aloe Hotel, Marmaris (9/10)
|
|
SJps123
|
27-08-2007 11:01 PM
|
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 4
| Brilliant, thanks everyone!
|
|
|
