10 most important things before Airline travel

I have been in travel industry for last 8.5 years and everyday speak to hundreds of customers regarding their trouble and difficulties regarding Airline Travel. All this conversations and situations has actually encouraged me to pen down few most important things that needs to be kept in mind before the Air travel are :

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS :

1. Passport :Lets start from the scratch, validity of the passport. Passport should be valid at least for 06 months.This rule can change from country to country
2. Visa : Visa is next important aspect of Air travel. Remember to take the transit Visa (if required) .This can be checked either with the Airline or with the embassy . For e.g: If you are travelling to Europe Visa UK make sure that you check with the embassy regarding the Air side Transit Visa.

FARE RULES & CONDITIONS

1. Flexibility of the dates : Are you flexible with the travel dates. If yes, then you are luck as few of the Airlines charge less fare if you travel during the weekday where as the same ticket would cost you more in case you travel during the weekend. Therefore remember to check fare for different dates
2. Fare Rules :Very Important fact , Cross check the fare rules twice before purchasing the ticket. Fare might look very cheap and attractive but these tickets are actually non changeable. Once bought can't be changed and you need to stick to the original dates.
3. Refund conditions : Other thing to check before purchasing the ticket is to check the cancellation conditions. Make sure that ticket is refundable so that if you are not able to travel on planned dates then you should be able to get the full refund of the ticket. Low cost Airlines generally has restricted tickets and does not give option of refund.

Remember to ask the travel agent or the Airline staff for the copy of the fare conditions including Refund penalties

GOOD TO CHECK

• Baggage Allowance is other important thing. Its good to know the total Baggage Allowance as well as the excess baggage charges .
• Seating is something that is close to every one's heart and try and allocate seats before the Air Travel this would give you an option of selecting the most comfortable seats. Seating plays really important part if you are travelling with small children or infants,physically disabled passengers & pregnant ladies
• Make sure you have Flight details , PNR number, E- ticket copy handy
• Don't forget to carry your travel agent or Airline's contact details
• Remember to reach Airport at least 2-3 hours before the flight so that you can easily complete all the security and immigration requirements

I think i managed to put down some vital things to keep in mind before Air Travel..

Watch out the space for important things at the Airport and in the flight..Till then Happy Flying!!