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Flight checklist: What do I need to do before flying?
Plan your next trip with confidence with our flight checklist, which covers everything you need to do before flying
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There’s a lot to consider when you’re preparing for a holiday abroad. What do I need to do before flying? How early should I get to the airport? What documents do I need?
Our flight checklist covers everything you need to plan and prepare before you leave home, with key flight tips to make sure your next holiday starts smoothly.Â
How early should I get to the airport?
No one wants to begin a holiday abroad with a mad dash for their flight.
For an international flight, plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure time. This should give you plenty of time to collect your boarding pass, check your luggage in, clear security and find your gate.Â
Boarding normally begins 45 minutes before take-off and the gate closes around 15 minutes before departure. If you are flying during peak holiday times or with family or young children, allow extra time in case of long queues or unexpected pit stops.Â
For domestic flights (those within the UK), aim to arrive two hours before departure. As with international flights, you may be able to arrive a little later if you have checked in online, already have a boarding pass and are taking carry-on luggage only.
What documents do I need to fly?
When travelling internationally, carry official identification documents such as your passport, travel visa, boarding pass, national ID card and driver’s licence. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and no more than 10 years if travelling to the EU.
If travelling in Europe, make sure you have your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) as well as your travel insurance policy.
Check fitness to fly guidelines
If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, injured or have recently had surgery, you may be asked to prove your fitness to fly.Â
Medical certificates
The airline will ask you for information about your condition and may also request a note from your doctor confirming the information you have provided.Â
Flying with medication
You can take your medicines and supplies on board, as long as the amounts are reasonable for the length of your trip. If you need to carry large quantities of medications, or more than 100ml of liquid medicines through airport security, your airline will ask for a medical certificate confirming the quantities.
Flying during the Covid-19 pandemic
Coronavirus restrictions have made travelling abroad more complicated. The rules and requirements of entry vary from country to country and change frequently, making it difficult for travellers to plan ahead.Â
Keep on top of entry guidelines
Check the FCDO Foreign Travel Advice website before you fly for all countries you are visiting or travelling through. You may need to quarantine on your arrival or comply with curfews or other restrictions at your destination.Â
Bring proof of your Covid vaccinations and tests
Some countries require proof of vaccination before permitting you entry and many require a negative PCR test result in the two days before you leave the UK. It can cost up to £200 for a private PCR test, so make sure to also include it in your travel budget, especially when travelling to countries such as the USA, where tests can be much more expensive.
What to expect on flightsÂ
Most airlines require you to wear a face mask for the duration of the flight and ask that you only leave your seat when absolutely necessary. Some have changed their in-flight menus to limit contact between the cabin crew and passengers, and many offer antibacterial wipes during the flight to help limit the spread of germs.
Travel with confidence
Make sure your next trip abroad runs as smoothly as possible from start to finish with a comprehensive travel insurance policy from the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service. The cover, provided by AllClear, protects you in the event of a range of unexpected problems including cancellations, loss and theft, accidents and injuries. Policies also include Covid-19 cover.
Relax and enjoy your next holiday knowing you’re covered if things go wrong. Get a quote today for a comprehensive travel insurance policy with AllClear now.
Read more:Â
- Why you need cruise travel insurance before you set sailÂ
- Travel insurance Europe: A Guide
- How to find the best travel insurance for diabetics
- What travel insurance do I need for Australia?
Telegraph Media Group Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited, a company that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a trading name of The Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions click here.