Gem Lou
I am flying in July from Manchester airport to Brussels with my 7 and 3 year old children. I have paid the same ticket prices for us all regardless of age and was wondering how much luggage we could take, do my children have half the luggage allowance and are they allowed backpacks for hand luggage? I was also told that I needed to check in 3 hours before flying which seems quite excessive, is this true? I am flying with BMI airline
Thanks, any any tips of how to cope with this journey with two children will be helpful as Im not sure I can tie them to the wings lol!
Answer
Since you paid normal fare for your children, they will each be entitled to the free baggage allowance (which varies depending on the class you will be sitting in):
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/travel-information/baggage/baggage-allowance.aspx#baggageallowancetable
As long as the dimensions of the bag do not exceed a maximum length of 56cm, width of 45cm and depth of 25cm (including wheels, handles, side pockets, etc), a backpack will be fine.
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/travel-information/baggage/baggage-allowance.aspx#cabinbaggageallowance
Since your flight is within Europe, you only need to be there 2 hours before the flight. Here is what I got off their website:
QUESTION
What are the usual check-in times and when does check-in close?
ANSWER
bmi check-in desks open approximately 2hrs prior to departure on domestic and European routes and up to 4hrs prior to departure on long haul routes. We advise passenger to check-in as early as possible and allow extra time now for security checks. Most check-in desks will close 30 minutes before departure and departure gates close 15minutes before departure. Once check-in desks close passengers will not be allowed to travel as they will not be allowed to check-in for the flight.
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/contacts/askbmi.aspx (I typed in check-in time)
Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your children, such as a few books, toys, Game Boy, Ps2, iPod, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let them use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your children as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where they have a part in it so they stay interested.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your children (I let my children start this at the age of one) pick out their own carry on bags and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without them seeing so that they have an extra surprise when they open their carry ons.
Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/security/aviation/airport/airportsecurityadvertisement
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/security/rules_liquids/doc/2006_aviation_security_new_rules_poster_en.pdf
Before you travel, I always suggest preparing your daughter for what to expect so that she is not caught off guard and scared on the day of travel. You want to make sure that you tell her what is going to happen from the time you get to the airport until the time you arrive at your destination. You don't need to go into any great detail here, but give her something that she will be able to reference when actually traveling. If you are able to, I always suggest doing a dry run of the airport. This provides you with an opportunity to explain to him what is going to happen while she can see first hand what it looks like.
Here is a link that talks about what to expect when flying (also includes information to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag2EWIVjLu6XrtbsLW0v35Dty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080309151622AAfZgS4&show=7#profile-info-JvoYCwyFaa
http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/plane_travel_basics.html.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8, 6, and 3 months). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights.
I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Since you paid normal fare for your children, they will each be entitled to the free baggage allowance (which varies depending on the class you will be sitting in):
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/travel-information/baggage/baggage-allowance.aspx#baggageallowancetable
As long as the dimensions of the bag do not exceed a maximum length of 56cm, width of 45cm and depth of 25cm (including wheels, handles, side pockets, etc), a backpack will be fine.
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/travel-information/baggage/baggage-allowance.aspx#cabinbaggageallowance
Since your flight is within Europe, you only need to be there 2 hours before the flight. Here is what I got off their website:
QUESTION
What are the usual check-in times and when does check-in close?
ANSWER
bmi check-in desks open approximately 2hrs prior to departure on domestic and European routes and up to 4hrs prior to departure on long haul routes. We advise passenger to check-in as early as possible and allow extra time now for security checks. Most check-in desks will close 30 minutes before departure and departure gates close 15minutes before departure. Once check-in desks close passengers will not be allowed to travel as they will not be allowed to check-in for the flight.
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/contacts/askbmi.aspx (I typed in check-in time)
Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your children, such as a few books, toys, Game Boy, Ps2, iPod, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let them use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your children as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where they have a part in it so they stay interested.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your children (I let my children start this at the age of one) pick out their own carry on bags and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without them seeing so that they have an extra surprise when they open their carry ons.
Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/security/aviation/airport/airportsecurityadvertisement
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/security/rules_liquids/doc/2006_aviation_security_new_rules_poster_en.pdf
Before you travel, I always suggest preparing your daughter for what to expect so that she is not caught off guard and scared on the day of travel. You want to make sure that you tell her what is going to happen from the time you get to the airport until the time you arrive at your destination. You don't need to go into any great detail here, but give her something that she will be able to reference when actually traveling. If you are able to, I always suggest doing a dry run of the airport. This provides you with an opportunity to explain to him what is going to happen while she can see first hand what it looks like.
Here is a link that talks about what to expect when flying (also includes information to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag2EWIVjLu6XrtbsLW0v35Dty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080309151622AAfZgS4&show=7#profile-info-JvoYCwyFaa
http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/plane_travel_basics.html.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8, 6, and 3 months). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights.
I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Traveling tips && tricks ?
iloveyou
I've never travel for more then a few hours. I'm going to take an airplane to Europe soon and I was wondering what do you usually wear to be comfortable and what to do to keep entertain.. (:
Answer
As a frequent traveler and having rubbed shoulders with hard-core living off the suitcase type dudes, I've come to a list of travel tips. Although not quite like George Clooney in the 2009 Up in the Air, I earned my miles and am still in the top tiers.
Tip 1: Prepare Entertainment packs for kids
A couple of weeks well ahead of your trip, put together a small backpack for each kid of things to entertain him/her that is relevant to their age-group: such as coloring books, paper, colored pens and pencils, a small notebook or diary, reading books or comics, puzzles, card games, iPads/ iPhone with their favorite music, ripped videos, apps and games etc. Sometime I pack in addition what's called the "emergency pack" where I have with me extensively gift wrapped toy .. layers of gift-wrappers will keep the kids occupied.
Tip 2: Airline Food
If you foresee getting really hungry or on a night flight where you want to get the meal done quickly so you get to hit the sack. I'd recommend ordering a Vegan meal. Often you will probably be served first before other passengers. This may get you some envious looks from the passenger seated next to you but it does get you fed early.
Tip 3: Keeping Calm
Before you actually lose it, take a few deep breaths through your nose hold it for a few second and breathe out through your mouth. It helps to slow you down and think before you speak or act when temper sets in.
Tip 4: Time for luggage claim and recheck in
Often when you have connecting flight you may need to reclaim and recheck-in, this may take considerable time if the airport is huge. Just put in an extra hour into the time needed to make that connecting flight otherwise you would be rushing about the terminal like a fool.
Tip 5: Travel Light.
Some travelers have only one luggage. And to accommodate different travel needs this one luggage is often huge! This can be a problem when you are on short trips. By traveling light you may be able to expedite your entrance and departure from the airport by not using checked in baggage and stick with hand carry or carry on bags. You do save a lot of time and really beating the crowds. Think about the time when you stand at the carousel in the herd with the other travelers while you scrutinize ten thousand luggage looking identical to each other.
Tip 6: Money matters
I used to exchange local currency of the travel destination before the flight. This takes off some loads off my back but then again I realized that often withdrawing cash from the ATM locally within your bank network when you arrive does get better exchange rates. It may be worthwhile to check ahead of time what are the different rates offered.
Tip 7: Packing
Packing before flying back home in the hotel room often is the most tiring thing you could do on a trip. It's toward the end of a long trip and you can't wait to head back home. But you have to pack ....on hotel room tricks is to use the dry cleaning bag from the closet. Other than your sweaty workout clothes, you have soiled clothes which you need to stuff into your luggage alongside new ones? Most hotels offer a dry cleaning service and often they have plastic bags or recycling bags in the closet. Use this bag to isolate the smelly clothes from the new ones!
Tip 8: Protect Your Documentation.
It's a good Idea to make copies of all your passports and travel documents. You can then save them into a USB compatible storage device such as camera memory stick, or store them in the iPhone or iPad. Wherever you put yours make sure it isnât the same place as your passport. One of the things that make this so important is the brisk market for stolen travel documents. This is not a day in which you can easily explain how you identification became involved in the commitment of some fraud in a country far away from home.
Tip 9: Share the Plan.
Register with your government or state department. Tell your family and friends where you are heading. This will provide a way for you to be contacted should there be an emergency (you or your family).
Tip 10: Beware of travel scams
Do take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: Try not to wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. While traveling do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
Beware of travel scams like the infamous broken camera: When everyone is shooting away at sights and attractions, someone comes up with a camera and asks that you take his picture. But the camera or cell phone doesn't seem to work. When you hand it back, the "tourist" fumbles and drops it on the ground, where it breaks into pieces. Often he will either ask you to pay for repairs or pick your wallet while you are bending over.
Article by Best Resort Asia
As a frequent traveler and having rubbed shoulders with hard-core living off the suitcase type dudes, I've come to a list of travel tips. Although not quite like George Clooney in the 2009 Up in the Air, I earned my miles and am still in the top tiers.
Tip 1: Prepare Entertainment packs for kids
A couple of weeks well ahead of your trip, put together a small backpack for each kid of things to entertain him/her that is relevant to their age-group: such as coloring books, paper, colored pens and pencils, a small notebook or diary, reading books or comics, puzzles, card games, iPads/ iPhone with their favorite music, ripped videos, apps and games etc. Sometime I pack in addition what's called the "emergency pack" where I have with me extensively gift wrapped toy .. layers of gift-wrappers will keep the kids occupied.
Tip 2: Airline Food
If you foresee getting really hungry or on a night flight where you want to get the meal done quickly so you get to hit the sack. I'd recommend ordering a Vegan meal. Often you will probably be served first before other passengers. This may get you some envious looks from the passenger seated next to you but it does get you fed early.
Tip 3: Keeping Calm
Before you actually lose it, take a few deep breaths through your nose hold it for a few second and breathe out through your mouth. It helps to slow you down and think before you speak or act when temper sets in.
Tip 4: Time for luggage claim and recheck in
Often when you have connecting flight you may need to reclaim and recheck-in, this may take considerable time if the airport is huge. Just put in an extra hour into the time needed to make that connecting flight otherwise you would be rushing about the terminal like a fool.
Tip 5: Travel Light.
Some travelers have only one luggage. And to accommodate different travel needs this one luggage is often huge! This can be a problem when you are on short trips. By traveling light you may be able to expedite your entrance and departure from the airport by not using checked in baggage and stick with hand carry or carry on bags. You do save a lot of time and really beating the crowds. Think about the time when you stand at the carousel in the herd with the other travelers while you scrutinize ten thousand luggage looking identical to each other.
Tip 6: Money matters
I used to exchange local currency of the travel destination before the flight. This takes off some loads off my back but then again I realized that often withdrawing cash from the ATM locally within your bank network when you arrive does get better exchange rates. It may be worthwhile to check ahead of time what are the different rates offered.
Tip 7: Packing
Packing before flying back home in the hotel room often is the most tiring thing you could do on a trip. It's toward the end of a long trip and you can't wait to head back home. But you have to pack ....on hotel room tricks is to use the dry cleaning bag from the closet. Other than your sweaty workout clothes, you have soiled clothes which you need to stuff into your luggage alongside new ones? Most hotels offer a dry cleaning service and often they have plastic bags or recycling bags in the closet. Use this bag to isolate the smelly clothes from the new ones!
Tip 8: Protect Your Documentation.
It's a good Idea to make copies of all your passports and travel documents. You can then save them into a USB compatible storage device such as camera memory stick, or store them in the iPhone or iPad. Wherever you put yours make sure it isnât the same place as your passport. One of the things that make this so important is the brisk market for stolen travel documents. This is not a day in which you can easily explain how you identification became involved in the commitment of some fraud in a country far away from home.
Tip 9: Share the Plan.
Register with your government or state department. Tell your family and friends where you are heading. This will provide a way for you to be contacted should there be an emergency (you or your family).
Tip 10: Beware of travel scams
Do take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: Try not to wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. While traveling do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
Beware of travel scams like the infamous broken camera: When everyone is shooting away at sights and attractions, someone comes up with a camera and asks that you take his picture. But the camera or cell phone doesn't seem to work. When you hand it back, the "tourist" fumbles and drops it on the ground, where it breaks into pieces. Often he will either ask you to pay for repairs or pick your wallet while you are bending over.
Article by Best Resort Asia
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