Cardiff Airport Travel Tips

Travelling Abroad Passport and Visas

Check the passport and visa requirements for the countries you are visiting / transiting in on your planned journey - make sure you apply for them well in advance of your date of travel. Check your passport and visas are valid.
Don't forget your passport and visa on the day of travel.
If you lose your passport or visa please contact the embassy or consulate immediately in the country you are travelling in.

Security At Airports

Put a luggage strap around your case for easy identification and extra security.
Make sure your baggage is clearly labeled for easy identification, how many cases are the same color.
Never carry packages on behalf of anyone else, however genuine they might seem
Never leave luggage unattended at airports, this creates a high security risk.

Health check

Check the inoculation and health requirements for all of the countries you are visiting on your journey. Please be aware some vaccinations need to be administered 4-6 weeks before travel.
If you are carrying medicines or medication with you please keep a note of your condition and the medication you require somewhere handy e.g. a piece of paper in side the cover of your passport, where it will be easily found in an emergency.
Ensure you take extra supplies of medication in case you get delayed abroad, although a lot of countries do supply what we have in the UK, but its not worth the risk.

Check Your Tickets

Check the details on your ticket as soon as you receive it, to ensure all details for your flight(s) are correct
Keep your tickets with your passport and visas and do not forget them on the day of travel

Packing Your Suitcase

Pack the night before to save rushing and being late for your flight
Check the weather forecast at your destination before travel to avoid taking unnecessary luggage. Even Book into Airport Hotel if weather forecast is bad.
Roll clothes instead of folding them, it creates less creases.
Pack travel sizes of all of the lotions and potions you require to save space.

Baggage Allowance

Check with the airline you are travelling with on the baggage allowances if your over, you will be charged , and some airlines will not take the baggage.
Ensure that your hand baggage allowance does not exceed the level enforced by the airline you are travelling with. This ensures unnecessary embarrassment at the check-in desk, having to move luggage from your hand baggage to your suitcase.

Getting to and from the Airport

Check timetables for public transport in advance to ensure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time. Book Car Parking and then travel when and where you want.
If taking your car pre-book parking wherever possible or get someone to give you a lift in order to save time. Wherever possible only use metered taxis around the airport

Foreign Currency Credit Cards

Make sure you have enough foreign currency for your immediate arrival into a foreign country, particularly if your flight arrives at an odd hour.
Always make a list of the Credit / Debit Card numbers and travellers cheques you are carrying along with the suppliers contact numbers in case they get lost. If you go as a couple make sure you have half each currency/credit cards, that way if one loses any one of these you have back up.

Special Requests

Give airlines plenty of notice for special meal requirements or seating requests. Sometimes it pays to allocate your seat numbers especially if travelling with families what worse case than not sitting with your wife and children, it usually costs £5.

General Travel Information

Try to leave plenty of time for checking in at the airport.
Always reconfirm your flights before setting out for the airport (do this about 24 hours before time of travel)
Check Duty Free allowances carefully particularly on EU destinations.
Try to book your flights outside of peak hours, in order to avoid busy commuter routes and congestion at the airport.
Do not drink too much before boarding the aircraft, as alcohol and cabin pressure cause enhanced dehydration. You are also unable to use the toilets until the aircraft is airborne and at a safe altitude for the seat belt sign to be taken off.
Check with the airline you are travelling with, as to the availability of telephone and lap top power points on board
Leave contact details for yourself either with someone at home or somebody in the office in case they need to reach you in an emergency
A phrase book is always handy - remember, not everyone speaks English.

Jetlag On long Journeys

Try to drink plenty of water whilst on the aircraft as this helps to counter dehydration.
Check in flight magazines, for gentle exercises to do whilst on board to stop stiffness and tiredness of joints.
Cleanse and moisturise skin regularly whilst on board again to counter dehydration.
Eat a light meal onboard as easier to digest, avoid excessive carbohydrates and fats

We accept the following cards at our secure online parking web site

Secure Airport Parking Site