Traveling by air or flying has become easier compared to the past. However still some people find it difficult. Especially when it is their first time.
This article is going to explain some airports vocabulary, which may cause some confusing for some people, words like:
- Baggage claim,
- Airport transit,
- Stepover,
- Check-in desk,
- Check-in time,
- Baggage charges,
- Cabin baggage,
- Boarding pass,
- Senator lounge,
- Stepover,
- Gate.
It will also explain 4 types of flying tickets that you should be aware of. So, let’s begin the learning journey.
Stepover:
Stepover is a smart way to visit a new city before reaching your final destination. So basically, when you are traveling with some extra time, of two or three days or even longer.
You can easily break your journey, in a transit country and you can spend the amount of your free time discovering the city.
However, you have to arrange this beforehand, mostly when you are purchasing your ticket, Read More about tickets here: 4-types-of-flying-tickets-your-should-know-about/
Let’s give an example, imagine you’re traveling from Thailand to Canada. Normally there is no direct flight between these two countries and there should be a transit somewhere in a midway airport, let’s say France.
The trick is very easy, all you need to do when you are purchasing the ticket from Thailand to Canada is pick the longest transit.
Let’s say you found a ticket with a travel duration of 20-hour to reach your final destination, with only two- or three-hours transit in France.
However, you also found another ticket with a travel duration of 70-hour to reach your final destination. All you need to do is to choose the one with extra hours.
In this case the second ticket. Note that this small trick will give you an extra 50 hours to spend in France. “Traveling for free”, xoxo.
Excess baggage charges:
If you have more luggage than you are allowed on your ticket, you will have to pay the cost of each extra kilo, which sometimes costs more than the value of the goods.
Some airlines charge €10 to €20 per kilo. Therefore, it’s better to not exceed the allowed weight. However, in case you find yourself facing such a situation, it’s better if you throw some of your items that cost less than the charged amount.
Baggage claim:
Baggage claim is a specific point at the airport, where you have to go to get your luggage after the flight has arrived at its destination. sometimes it’s very fast to get your luggage.
Still, sometimes you may wait a bit. It depends on how crowded the airport is. please note that a mid-day is a very busy time of the day, especially in the peak season, when everyone is traveling.
If your plane is programmed to arrive at that period, you may expect to wait a bit to get your luggage. However, night-time is the coolest time of the day, where your baggage will arrive at the baggage claim before you do.
Transit:
This word is a bit famous in airport vocabulary, a simple definition of transit or in transit is when you are traveling and you use an intermediate airport to change flights.
In a normal situation, you don’t need to leave the airport, however, sometimes you do. This depends on the airport structure, sometimes terminal 1 and terminal 2 are not really close to each other.
So, Let’s imagine your flight will stop at Heathrow airport coming from a western country, however, your final destination is not yet there. As a result of this, you have to take another flight to reach your destination.
Usually, the transition or the changing flights is within the same airport. Still, sometimes is not the case. If by any chance you faced this during your trip. You should go to the closest reception within the airport.
They will help you find your terminal for the next flight. And who knows, maybe you find yourself taking a bus or a metro or even a train to reach the other part of the airport.
Check-in desk:
The first thing to do after you enter an airport is to go to the check-in desk, where you have to deposit your baggage and get your seat for the flight, or seats for the flights In case you have a transit.
The check-in desk will help you with your registration. Moreover, if you have any questions about the flight, the extra weight, or you have a pet, the check-in desk will assist you with all your inquiries.
Check-in time:
Usually, the check-in time is referred to the amount of time you have to be at the airport prior to your departure. As sometimes the check-in line might be long, that’s why some airlines require you to be two hours earlier.
However, with nowadays online check-in, this rule might not be applicable for all flights, especially, if you are flying light, which means that you have no luggage or just your handbag or a backpack.
Therefore, the only thing you need to keep in mind is passing through the security gate, which sometimes might take some time. Especially, during the peak period of the season.
Boarding pass:
The boarding pass is a special ticket that you will be given at the check-in desk, or when you do the online check-in, which in this case, you should call it, the e-boarding pass or electronic boarding pass.
This ticket will allow you to board the plane. note that sometimes you will be asked to show it at the security gate, and before boarding.
Also when you board the cabin crew will request to see the ticket, so they can lead you to your seat number.
Gate:
It is usually the point where you are supposed to assemble before the departure of your flight after finishing with the check-in process and passing by the security check.
Cabin baggage:
This one is about the luggage that you are allowed to take with you to the plane, it is usually one-piece luggage, handbag, backpack, laptop bag with less than 8kg, or in case you are traveling with your pet. Please note that some airline companies limit the pet weight to a maximum 5 kg.
Senator lounge:
Finally, is the Senator-lounge. This area has been created for VIPs, or a certain class of passengers. For instance, if you are in business class or in the 1st class you can for sure enjoy the service.
However, you can always check your miles, this can give you a free access or a discount. After that you can just enjoy the services provided in this space, like food, drinks, or even taking a shower.
4 types of Flying Tickets your should know about.
It is no doubt that you will buy your flying tickets prior to leaving for abroad. However, what you should know is that there are different types of tickets, which you may need to know before purchasing your ticket.
Here are 4 types of flying tickets.
Open ticket:
You can buy an open ticket which means that you do not book for a particular flight and your ticket is valid for one year on the road it has been booked for.
Also, you can just book one way and then keep the returning date open, so whenever you decide to fly back, you can just book your return.
Please note that when you want to use your ticket, you have got to book it for a flight. Make sure to do this in plenty of time.
The OK ticket:
This type of flying tickets is the most purchased among passengers, you can simply buy a ticket for a particular flight on a given day.
Usually, The Ticket will contain the letters OK in the status column tear-out voucher inside your ticket. In this case, it is advisable to reconfirm it.
Just check your email, if there are any updates from the company you are flying with. Sometimes for some reason, flight time might change or in a worse scenario, the flight will be canceled.
Requested or on request (RQ):
The status of this type of ticket usually contains REQUESTED or ON REQUEST or RQ. This simply means that you can get on a given flight only if somebody cancels his or her reservation.
Bear in mind that this type of tickets is considered a bit risky in case you have an emergency. However, if you have some free time, it is better to plan for a STEPOVER.
STAND-BY:
The last type of ticket is the STAND-BY ticket, where you can purchase it for certain flights at a discount price.
It is valid for one specific airline and one specific route. STAND-BY tickets are provided on a “first come- first served” basis.
Note that you will get such a ticket at the airport only. Therefore, you must be prepared to wait and possibly be disappointed.
Because literally, what you are going to do when purchasing this type of ticket is to wait until the company finds a seat for you. which might not be the case from the first time.
Read More here: steps-to-do-before-and-during-the-flying-journey