Airfares

• The cheapest airfares can be found on the Internet although you will need a credit card and a lot of patience.
  
• Check different routings and consider using smaller more remote airports.
  
• Most airlines generally allow you to change your return date for a fee but check on low-fare tickets, make sure yours does.
  
• Late night and early morning flights tend to be cheaper but think about the time you will be arriving at your destination… you don't want to arrive in a strange city in the middle of the night with no accommodation!

Check in

• Now often 3 hours before your flight for international flights and 60-90mins for domestic. (With the amount of security now leave yourself enough time so the plane leaves with you on it!)
  
• Airlines may overbook flights assuming that not everyone will arrive. If all passengers arrive volunteers will be asked to give up their seats. (This is compensated…so if your not in a hurry…) However if there are no volunteers the airline chooses who will be denied boarding. This is usually the last to board and those with budget tickets.
  
• You will need photo ID even for domestic flights.
  
• If you get to check in really early you have a chance of choosing your seat

Safety

• Fly on Non-stop Routings, most accidents occur during takeoff, climb, descent, and landing.
  
• Travel in larger aircraft. Aircraft that carry more than 30 passengers have the strictest regulations. Also, in the event of a serious accident, larger aircraft have better passenger survival rates.
  
• Do what the flight attendants request… ask questions later.
  
• Keep your seat belt fastened.

DVT

• DVT (deep vein thrombosis) occurs when the blood solidifies, producing a clot within a major vein, usually in the legs or pelvis.
  
• You are more at risk if you are over 40, smoke, on the pill, overweight or recently undergone major surgery.
  
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate. (Dehydration causes the blood to thicken, which can increase the chance of it clotting.) Drink as much water as you can.
  
• Move as much as possible. You are most at risk when stationary or in cramped conditions for long periods of time. Walk around the plane, bend and stretch and when seated circle your ankles and rock your feet back and forth.

Want to know more?

Planet Wise travel safety training courses are packed with lots more helpful advice and tips to make sure your trip is a safe and enjoyable one. Plus you'll get to share ideas with fellow travellers and pick the brains of the Planet Wise team of experienced travel experts.