Terminal Temptations: The Pre-Departures Process

Hey Hey readers!  hope your week has been well and oh yeah, happy August! Since I have a lot of departures coming up I thought it would make sense to go through the pre departures process which, is one of my favorite things to do when traveling!  So in todays post I will go through my typical departures procedure and then I will give you a little update on my next destinations for the rest of the year ! 

1.﷒  Airport arrival and check in:

The first step in the pre-departures process is too check in with your airline. Now most airlines these days require a online check in 24 hours prior to your flight, the goal of this is to make your travel experience easier by already selecting your seat and paying for any extra luggage charge that is required.

*ALERT: Make sure you do the 24hr check in prior to your flight or else you might not get a seat on your flight! (particularly domestic flights with limited seats). With transatlantic flights I haven’t seen this problem as much but during this past March my friend forgot to do the check in with American airlines and almost didn’t make it on our American eagle flight from Indianapolis to Miami! So make sure to check in online!

For most passengers once this online check in is complete the only steps that you’ll need to complete at the airport are checking in large bags and printing your boarding pass. If you have more complex issues though like name changes on boarding cards and such then the crew are there to help you and to make sure that your check in process goes as smoothly as possible.

2. Security!

After you have your boarding pass and have said your goodbyes you will head over to security! To help speed up this process I would make sure that you have the items that need to be placed on the security belt at easy access. For example, ladies make sure that your makeup is put nicely in a clear zip lock bag and also make sure that you have the required sizes or else your favorite perfume will be disposed before your departure! More genetically, make sure your shoes, belts, hats, sweatshirts are taken off and placed into a bin. In most countries it is required that you also take out your laptop and place them in a separate bin,(if you are traveling from a United Kingdom destination you will also need to take out your iPad) other electronic devises should be fine to stay inside your bag, but make sure to check with security personal if you have any specific questions. Once you have placed your items on the bin you can walk to the machine that is provided and then your security check should be complete! At most airports you can expect to get through this process within 20minutes but at large airports like London’s Heathrow and Chicago’s O’Hare the lines will be longer so make sure to prepare accordingly to your boarding time.

3. Locating your gate

Before you hurry to the world duty free sections or grabbing a bite to eat, I would make sure that you know where you gate is and how far away it is from the main terminal temptations. With smaller airports like Indianapolis International airport everything is really close to each other so you don’t need to worry as much about the location of your gate. However, with airports like London Heathrow it takes at least twenty minutes to get from the main terminal to gates, so make sure to look out for that, especially if your flying internationally.

4. Relaxing!

If you are lucky enough to have some extra time before you flight, then go ahead and pleasure yourself with the world duty free selections or grab a cappuccino at terminals local coffee shop! My favorite airports to do some pre-flight spending are at Rome’sLeonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airporta  and London’s Heathrow. Both of these places offer great dining options, fabulous shopping and offer last minute souvenirs if you didn’t have time to get some while you were at your destination!  

5. Remember your flight!

Although the duty free can be incredibly distracting make sure that you still remember that you have a flight to catch, so pay attention to the nearest T.V screens to note any gate changes or delays with your flight! Once you have hit boarding time head over to your gate and let the airlines take control! Have a safe flight ;) 

Now that you have taken a look the typical pre-daprtures process you will be more prepared the next time to you take flight! As for me, I will be heading to Manhattan next week and then London in a month! All which are great opportunities to expand my travel knowledge! Towards the end of the year I will be heading to Paris and then hopefully Milan! Stay tuned for more wild adventures from me! 

Thanks for reading todays post! If you liked what you saw make sure to come back and check out other posts! If you have any questions regarding todays post or any others please contact me at:

email: ashleigh.swan@live.com

grazie millie, 

ciao, 

ash 

Entertain me with your pre-flight safety

Welcome on board 

We are happy you are here

Safety demonstration videos on flights are extremely important and its essential that all passengers pay attention to the video that is provided. The main question airlines ask themselves is, how do you catch the attention of numerous passengers and then how do you keep their attention for the duration of the video? That is why today when you travel via the air and on long haul flights in particular, airlines use a more spiced up safety video compared to the generic ones from years ago. In today’s post, we will explore the facts and progression of safety videos and then finish the post with my top five favorite demonstration videos that are currently in the air today!

Before take-off every airline is required to orally brief their passengers on the safety features of their particular aircraft. This rule is set out by nations civil aviation authority and is recommended by international civil law. The way in which these videos are presented can depend on the airline, destination, and entertainment system. For example, when I traveled to Orlando with southwest airlines from Indianapolis the safety video was a manual demonstration by members of the crew with one member orally presenting via the intercom, but when I traveled to New York with United, they had a pre-recorded demonstration tape and the crew just did the demonstrations.  So when you travel internally it just depends on the airline and destination. Although on domestic flights the way in which the safety demonstration is presented differs, on every long haul flight their should be a video demonstration. This is due to the aircraft being larger and having more on board like the entertainment system. Even though I have noted that there are different ways in which airlines can do their safety demonstrations they all must include a list of required material to put in their videos, below I have provided what that material is:

[SOURCE: "Pre-flight Safety Demonstration." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 July 2017. Web. 20 July 2017.]

• "demonstrating or telling passengers that the safety card shows the brace position and must be adopted on hearing the "Brace Brace" command during an emergency landing. (sometimes called the safety position) (not required in the United States and certain other countries)
• the use of the seat belt. Some airlines recommend or require that passengers keep their seatbelt fastened at all times in case of unexpected turbulence.
• the requirement that passengers must comply with lighted signs, posted placards, and crew members instructions (Generally only included in safety demonstrations on Australian, New Zealand, and American carriers as the CASA (AU), CAA (NZ) and FAA (US) require it to be stated). Most other airlines only include the seatbelt and no smoking signs.
• the location and use of the emergency exits, evacuation slides and emergency floor lighting
  • that all passengers should locate their nearest exit, which may be behind them
• the requirements for sitting in an emergency exit row (varies by country and airline), in the United States it must also be stated that exit row passengers may be required to assist the crew in an evacuation.
• that all passengers must leave all carry on bags behind during an evacuation
• the use of the oxygen mask (not included on some turboprops which do not fly high enough to need supplemental oxygen in a decompression emergency) with associated reminders:
  • that the passenger should always fit his or her own mask on before helping children, the disabled, or persons requiring assistance.
  • that even though oxygen will be flowing to the mask, the plastic bag may not inflate (required in the United States after a woman fatally removed her mask thinking it was not working). Some planes such as the Boeing 787 do not include plastic bags in the oxygen masks.
  • On some planes, if there is a strap, the passenger must pull down on the strap to retrieve the mask.
• the location and use of the life vests, life rafts and flotation devices (not always included if the flight does not overfly or fly near vast masses of water although is required by the FAA (US) on any aircraft equipped with life vests)
• the use of passenger seat cushions as flotation devices (typically only included on aircraft that do not provide life vests)
• reminders -
  • that smoking is not allowed on board, including in the lavatories (some airlines, including the US on all Domestic flights and international flights going to and from the US,[9] also ban electronic cigarettes[10]).
  • that US federal law prohibits tampering with, disabling or destroying lavatory smoke detectors
  • that the use of mobile phones is not allowed during flight, unless placed in "airplane mode" or the wireless capability is turned off
  • that laptops and other electronics may only be used once the aircraft is at cruising altitude and the Captain turns off the fasten seat-belt sign.
  • that passengers must ask a flight attendant prior to using electronics
  • that seatbacks and tray tables should be in their upright and locked position, headrest stowed, and carry-on luggage stowed in the overhead locker or underneath a seat prior to takeoff.
    • and in most cases, if seated next to a window, the window blinds must be raised for take off and landing. The Boeing 787 does not have window blinds.
  • to review the safety information card prior to takeoff or to follow along during the demonstration" 

Now that we have covered the basics we can finally take a look a the progression of safety videos. The first video provided is a old BMI (British Midland International) video which, in my opinion is very bland. Yes, the video goes through all of the required information but it doesn't catch or keep my attention at all. Take a look and see what you think. 

The next video provided is the old American Airlines video (they just created a new one this year). I like this one because of its warming and inviting introduction, it makes the passenger feel good about choose them as an airline. I also like that they use numerous people from the company in the video, for me it shows how the airline connects. I will say though, that I loose my attention as the video goes back to the basic listing that we saw in the BMI video but, it is certainly an improvement. 

The final video is Virgin America! This video is fantastic! It not only includes all of the required information but also has some singing and crazy choreography! This video catches my attention from the start and keeps me going to the end which is exactly what airlines want! This is also the perfect example of what airlines are doing all around the world to spice up their safety demonstration game: make the video more intriguing like an entertainment show and less like a boring high school teacher in a class lecture! Take a look and then you'll understand what I mean! 

Now that you have read through the basics and seen the progression its time to show you my top five favorite airline safety videos. (Number 5 is my favorite) Enjoy! 

Ash's top five favorites:

1. American Airlines

Cool and quirky: impressive 

2. British Airways

Major fan of BA! and love this all british cast! great touch!

3. Virgin Atlantic

My Favorite airline so have to add this! and extremely creative! 

4. Qatar Airways

A close second! I love the creativeness of this and FC Barcelona! 

5. Air France (MY FAVORITE) its so cool and groovy! 

Well thats all for today! If you liked what you saw make sure to come back and check out other posts! But for now, have a great day and thanks for reading! 

Any questions on todays post or any others please contact me:

Email: Ashleigh.swan@live.com

Cell: 317-625-8199

grazie mille,

Ash

Love at First Flight ~ Virgin Atlantic

Love at First Flight – Virgin Atlantic

When it comes to travel, the pre- departures preparation is indisputably very important. Within the pre-departures prep is, of course, is choosing the perfect airline. Whenever I think about making a trip across the Atlantic back to the U.K there are many airlines for me to choose from. I could go with the American carriers, like Delta, American, United, and U.S airways or I could travel to another part of Europe with let’s say, Alitalia the famous Italian airline or with Germanys world rebound, Lufthansa. Now, don’t get me wrong, all of these airlines are fabulous to travel with and each offer a unique onboard experience, but for me there is only one airline that will satisfy my needs and get me fully prepared for my arrival in the U.K and that is Virgin Atlantic. In today’s post we will explore the history of virgin, the inflight experience, and the top destinations for this youthful yet extraordinary airline.

History:

Virgin Atlantic came around in 1984 and was in a joint partnership with British Airways. At that time the only flights the airline operated were between London and the Falkland Islands. Later in 1984 the company was bought by its current owner, Sir Richard Branson. The maiden flight of Branson’s new company was on June 22nd 1984 with service to Newark Liberty International from London’s Gatwick. Since that maiden flight the company have expanded and now has mixed destinations to North America, the Caribbean, Africa the middle east and Asia. Today at any large international airport you will see the Virgin Atlantic team preparing for their takeoff to a lavish destination or a homeward bound journey to their main hubs, London’s Heathrow and Gatwick. The Airline also has a secondary home at Manchester’s International Airport.

Types of Aircrafts-

The Virgin Atlantic crew use a variety of aircrafts to get their passengers to their particular destinations. Check out this Link to get more details on each aircraft listed blow,

Boeing 747-400(London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast)

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Airbus A340-600

Airbus A330-300

The Dreamliner is my personal favorite aircraft currently. In April I had the cool experience to fly on Virgin’s new Dreamliner from New York JFK to London Heathrow in the premium economy cabin. The aircraft has larger windows, more legroom, and updated features like chargers on the seats in front. My next favorite aircraft would be the 747 or also known as the jumbo jet. The jumbo jet is actually pretty old but to me it’s still really cool! The 747 has some seats on the upper deck and then on the regular cabin deck there is also a lot more room so passengers can get comfortable, especially on long-haul flights from L.A to London. The airbus aircrafts listed are also great cabins to fly in and so if you find out you’re in one of these aircrafts for your next vacy don’t be disappointed!

On Board:

Well while you’re in the process on booking your first virgin Atlantic flight you’ll want to know which cabin you’d like to call home while in the air, so let me introduce you to the cabins on virgin Atlantic.

Upper Class Cabin:

The Upper Class Cabin is the chief and most prestigious cabin on virgin Atlantic. If your ticket has upper class on it, you’ll most likely be turning left when you enter the aircraft. Once you’ve arrived at your seat, you will enjoy some preflight refreshments including Cru Champagne or Bucks Fizz. After take-off and you are airborne upper class crew will offer you pre dinner drinks which includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. At some point during the beginning of the flight you will also be given a menu which comprises of starter, main course and pudding selections for you to choose from. If the three course meal is not your cup of tea, then maybe the Upper Class bar is a better fit for you. Upper Class members are able to get up during the flight and sit by the bar which offers a selection of drinks and snacks including, crisps, savory nibbles, sweet treats and fresh fruit. After your stomach has been delighted you can enjoy the relaxation of your upper class suite. If you’re feeling a little sleepy after a early wake up at Heathrow or a busy day in New York then the Upper class bed is perfect for you. At the touch of a bottom you can make your upright seat into one of the longest beds in any business class. Ask the crew  to wake you up so you can refresh yourself before arriving in the hustle and bustle of Los Angles or the hot temperatures of Dubai. If your traveling for business the upper class cabin offers a seat power sockets and lives news feed so you can stay update with your work and still enjoy the luxuries of the cabin. And, if your just trying to occupy yourself while on your long haul flight to Miami, you can enjoy the virgin Atlantic entertainment system which offers 300 hours of movies, television and music! But if you don’t want to sit down the entire flight head to the bar to chat with crew and other upper class members and before you know it you’ll have arriving at your destination.

Another cool element of Upper Class is that you can pre-book a chauffeur to pick you up from your house or office and it will drop you off right at the doors of the airport. Most of the destinations that you fly to will offer this service but make sure to check the virgin Atlantic website to see if you can get a chauffeur.

Costs of the Upper Class Cabin vary on the season and current deals but, if you can I would highly recommend flying upper class at least once with Virgin Atlantic.  

Premium Economy Cabin:

The Premium Economy Cabin is the second highest cabin with Virgin Atlantic. This is cabin is great for people who want more leg room but don’t want to travel in the upper class cabin. When you arrive at the airport , a  smooth check in process is guaranteed with Premium Economy having a separate check in from economy. Once on the board the aircraft you will have a large leather seat so rest. The virgin PE seats are also one of the largest out of all the airlines and have been known for their class comfort. While in the air PE passengers can charge their phones and use the on board Wi-Fi or watch movies, T.V., or listen to music on the entertainment system. In this cabin you will also be greeted with preflight drinks including orange juice or sparkling wine. Once in the air the crew will come around and offer you a drink of your choice accompanied with some pretzels (a personal favorite). After the crew will come around with a menu for you and from their you will receive a choice of a meat option or vegetarian option with the appetizer and pudding of the day. If your traveling on a night flight then when you wake up you will be served a small breakfast option, if you’re on a day flight a lunch will be provided for you.

Costs for the Premium Economy Cabin also vary but, in my opinion this cabin is the perfect balance of comfort and economic efficiency!

Economy:

The Economy cabin is the most popular cabin with Virgin Atlantic and has the most seats on aircrafts. I enjoy this class because even though it’s a economy cabin it still entails that virgin Atlantic sparkle that most airlines lack. Everyone will have a bottle of water when you arrived on the aircraft to keep you hydrated while in the air. Just like the other cabins you will have the choice of pre-dinner drinks and tasteful pretzels. After you will be served your meal with a meat or vegetarian choice. After your meal enjoy the entertainment system or go for a sleep with the provided pillow and blanket. One of my favorite parts about being in Economy is during the flight from London Heathrow to JFK , about halfway through the flights the crew will offers the FAB ice-lolly, it’s very delightful and very unique!

Costs for the Economy cabin will likely be the best price for people, epically families and youth travelers. Now, I know that other Airlines may have cheaper prices but, those other airlines do not include the dazzling experience that Virgin Atlantic has to offer. So, for me, the choice is crystal clear.

Destinations:

Las Vegas (LAS)

Orlando (MCO)

Atlanta (ATL)

Boston (BOS)

Los Angeles (LAX)

Miami (MIA)

New York Newark (EWR)

New York JFK (JFK)

San Francisco (SFO)

Seattle (SEA)

Washington D.C (IAD)

Delhi (DEL)

Hong Kong (HKG)

Shanghai (PVG)

Johannesburg (JNB)

Dubai (DXB)

Lagos (LOS)

London Gatwick (LGW)

London Heathrow (LHR)

Manchester (MAN)

Glasgow (GLA)

If you liked what you saw on today’s blog about Virgin Atlantic, I highly recommend that the next time you take a trip to consider this very lavish airline and the next time you are at an international airport make sure you say to hello one of the crew members!

Next Week’s Post: Coolest Airports in Europe

Well, that’s all from the Takeoff section today, come back next week to check out the coolest Airports in Europe!

Ciao,

Ash