5 Silly Myths about Air Travel

A lot of people will believe anything that they hear about air travel including a lot of the ridiculous misconceptions. Some people just don’t realise that these silly air travel myths just aren’t true, here are 5 you need to stop believing!

Pilots make a lot of money.

Pilots are believed to be up there alongside doctors and lawyers when it comes to the amount of money that they make. But did you know that ticket prices continue to decline and so have the salaries that the pilots receive?

Flight attendants are basically sky waiters.

Imagine being in the public all day long, people have had a few rounds of drinks, babies are crying, people are chatting and laughing. Now add this all into a small enclosed place and the fact that you have to smile and be polite the entire time. This is the life of a flight attendant, so be polite and be nice!

Flying is very expensive.

It really isn’t that pricey, especially when you plan ahead and get a great discount on tickets that it almost seems too cheap. Since the 1980s the prices for tickets have really gone down, so flying really was considered to be very expensive, but it really isn’t so bad.

Disasters have simple causes.

You are not going to crash and die just because you get on a plane. The only way the plane will go down because of turbulence is if it’s the final step in an improbable chain of events that have an extremely tiny, molecule chance of happening. Serious incidents always involve a whole host of factors that lead to tragedy.

Flying is the most dangerous form of travel.

If you are scared of flying then you might as well be scared of a potato or something that will never technically kill you. When it comes to statistics, motorcycles are the most dangerous form of transport. Vans kill thousands but are twice as safe as your average car and very few people die on buses. Every single year, thousands of people are killed on the road in car accidents, including pedestrians. The only reason you believe air travel is so dangerous is that you hear of every single incident.

Did you know that you are 65 times more likely to die in a car than in a plane? Do you know of anyone who’s ever been in a plane crash? Probably not, but you probably know someone who’s been in a car accident!

Do you need safe, reliable and comfortable transportation to and from the airport? Be sure to book your shuttle on Airport Shuttle’s easy online booking system or call +27 (0)21 551 8785 or +27 (0)82 951 3646.

Did you know air travel does this to your body?

Air travel is generally a safe way to travel, and you may not know it but it is a lot safer to take a plane trip somewhere than it is to drive your car. However, you can still experience some unpleasant side effects when you’re 35 000 feet in the air.

- The low oxygen will probably give you a headache and make you feel sleepy
- Blood collecting in your feet and ankles can cause swelling
- You can get seriously dehydrated
- Shifts in the pressure in the cabin can make you gassy
- The air pressure changes cause your ears to pop
- Your sense of taste may be affected, making food taste dull
- Air shifts can cause toothache
- Air in the plane can cause your skin to lose moisture leading to dry skin and lips
- When your mouth dries out in the air, bacteria will grow which can cause bad breath
- Long distance flights throw off your circadian rhythm = JET LAG!
- You may not actually get sick at all

Airport Shuttle provides airport transfer services in Cape Town and Durban. We are here to make sure you arrive at your destination safely, comfortably and on time! Book your airport shuttle quickly and easily online or contact us directly on 021 551 8785 | 082 951 3646 or email info@asct.co.za

The 10 Commandments of Travelling by Air

There are probably a range of horrifying things you’ve experienced on a plane from security checks gone wrong to irritating passengers and uncomfortable seats.

It seems like a lot of people do not know the basics and common knowledge of how to follow simple rules when it comes to air travel.

Here are the 10 commandments that you should always remember:

1.  Thou shall always arrive at the airport early

Be sure to get to the airport early to avoid getting hurried or holding other people up, you don’t want to start off your trip by being super stressed and in a rush.

2. Thou shall not jump the queue

The plane will never leave without you, so do not push and shove your way to the front of the line!

3. Thou shall follow the hand luggage rule

Always obey the rule; you can only have one bag in the overhead compartment! Remember that you are flying somewhere not moving house.

4. Thou shall not fight for the armrest

In the war, for the armrest, there are no winners, so it’s best to work out a compromise so you both can share the arm rest without one person hogging it the whole time.

5. Thou shall remember that flight attendants are not slaves

The flight attendants work really hard to make you feel comfortable, so treat them with the respect they deserve and never give them a hard time!

6. Thou shall be a considerate recliner

Think before you push your seat back! Always check if there is enough space for the person behind you before you recline it back for the entire flight.

7. Thou shall not bring smelly food on the plane

Try your best not to bring any stinky food on-board with you such as eggs or fish. Also keep in mind that some food will cause you to make the smell, like garlic, cabbage, etc.

8. Thou shall not hog the bathroom

Keep it quick in the bathroom; do not spend 30 minutes in there redoing your hair while other people are waiting in the queue outside.

9. Thou shall lower the blind

When you have the window seat and you can see people are trying to sleep, lower the blind so they don’t get the blinding sun directly in the eyes.

10. Thou shall relax and have fun

Face it there is no point in complaining and finding fault with everything; just try to relax and enjoy the flight, your holiday will start soon.

Looking for fast, reliable transportation to and from the airport? Contact Airport Shuttle in Cape Town or Durban and be sure to book your ride online with the easy online booking system www.asct.co.za | www.asdbn.co.za

11 Things you probably didn’t know Air Travel does to your Body

Air travel is generally a safe way to travel, and you may not know it but it is a lot safer to take a plane trip somewhere than it is to drive your car. However, you can still experience some unpleasant side effects when you’re 35 000 feet in the air.

1. The low oxygen will probably give you a headache and make you feel sleepy
2. Blood collecting in your feet and ankles can cause swelling
3. You can get seriously dehydrated
4. Shifts in the pressure in the cabin can make you gassy
5. The air pressure changes cause your ears to pop
6. Your sense of taste may be affected, making food taste dull
7. Air shifts can cause toothache
8. Air in the plane can cause your skin to lose moisture leading to dry skin and lips
9. When your mouth dries out in the air, bacteria will grow which can cause bad breath
10. Long distance flights throw off your circadian rhythm = JET LAG!
11. You may not actually get sick at all

Airport Shuttle provides airport transfer services in Cape Town and Durban. We are here to make sure you arrive at your destination safely, comfortably and on time! Book your airport shuttle quickly and easily online or contact us directly on 021 551 8785 | 082 951 3646 or email info@asct.co.za

Air Travel Secrets you probably didn’t know

You may be someone who frequently travels by plane, whether it is for business or pleasure, however you probably haven’t heard of these air travel secrets before…

#1 Airlines actually lie about their flight times. Have you been on a flight when it says it’ll be 2 hours long but as soon as you take off the pilot announces you’ll arrive in 1 hour 30 minutes? This is a tactic airlines use to improve their arrival statistics.

#2 There are almost 10 000 planes in the air right now. On average, there are about 9 728 planes in the sky at one time – check out the website FlightAware.

#3 That is not duct tape on the plane. It can be terrifying to look out the window and see what looks like duct tape holding the plane together. Don’t worry it’s actually high-tech Speed Tape, which can stay in place even at speeds over 500 mph.

#4 The shortest flight is only 1 minute long. Don’t expect any snacks to be served when you travel from Westray to Papa Westray, as it is the shortest commercial flight at just 1 minute long, however it can be flown in as little as 53 seconds.

#5 Air traffic controllers are paid well. They may be the people on the ground, but they are the ones making sure the planes don’t crash into each other!  The job requires intense concentration and is very stressful.

Did you know about these?

For an affordable, reliable airport shuttle service, give Airport Shuttle a call in Cape Town or Durban.

6 People you’ll definitely see at the Airport

If you’re a frequent traveller, you’ve probably seen it all, from annoying business men to confused first timers. At some point you might’ve even been one of those airport dwellers yourself…

Here are the 6 people that you should look out for next time you go to the airport.

     1.       The Know-it-all Businessman

He wears a suit and he walks around the airport like it’s his living room. He’s in first class with the flash of his gold membership card and he talks obnoxiously loud on his smartphone as he waits in the special security line.

     2.       The First-Timers

   

They’re the only travellers who are excited about just about everything that happens, even the safety briefing on the plane!

     3.       The Time Waster

Taking up half the line, the time waster will forget the gadgets and what not in their pockets and have to go through security half a million times. Stay away from the time waster if you want to keep calm.

     4.       The Great Member of Society

He doesn’t complain about the long lines, he keeps his ID ready and in hand and he NEVER needs to use the bathroom. This is the airport traveller you should strive to be like.

     5.       The Angry Employee

Poor Jessica had the horror of dealing with far too many time wasters and she is not happy. Try and avoid the angry employee and look for someone who has just started their work shift.

     6.       The Late Arriver

When they finally make it onto the plane, everyone stands up and cheers.

Which of these people have you met at the airport and have you ever been one yourself?

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Annoying Things that People do on Planes

Travelling can be a stressful time, but some people just don’t know how to hold themselves together. When or if you hit the skies this holiday, try not to be that annoying person, or avoid the person that is that annoying person!

* Getting Drunk *

It’s okay to have a glass of wine or a cocktail to calm your nerves. However once you start getting into the drunken zone, it’s only going to end in horrible, annoying behaviour.

* Being a Jerk *

If you see someone struggling with something, like they can’t get their luggage into the overhead bin, and you have the strength to help them – lend them a hand!

* Trying too Hard to Make Conversation *

If you sit next to someone and the conversation comes naturally, so be it. But if you have to force it and you see they are busy reading or trying to watch a movie, them leave them alone.

* Reclining as you Please *

Instead of pushing your seat all the way back without even checking if the person behind you is busy eating or drinking, look around to see first. You wouldn’t want someone aggressively slamming their seat into you.

* Letting your Kids do What They Want *

Travelling with children is difficult, but this is a plane with other people that would like to have a peaceful flight, not your living room. Do your best to control them! Let them watch a movie on your tablet or break out the yummy snacks to distract them.

* Being Rude the Flight Attendants *

Flight attendants have to deal with people’s nonsense the whole day, the best thing you can do for them is to simply be polite. So, listen to what they say and say please and thank you when necessary.

* Eating Stinky Food *

There is a time and a place to eat tuna cakes, eggs and broccoli, but it is not on a plane. Try to stick to food that doesn’t give off a smelly odour, and steer clear of beans, excessive garlic and any other food that’ll cause you to give off a smelly odour.

Don’t be THAT person – show some respect on the plane.

Need a reliable ride to or from the airport at an affordable price? Visit the Airport Shuttle website and book your shuttle service from the comfort of your own home!

8 Ways to make your plane ride more comfortable

The only thing standing in the way of you and a comfortable plane ride is chatty Cathy on your right and the man eating pickled eggs on your left. Good thing the flight is only 9 hours.

There are 8 ways to upgrade the experience so you feel like you are sitting in first class instead of coach…

Wear loosely-fitted clothes
Tight, restricted clothing is the fastest way to feel claustrophobic in a flight. Instead, wear pieces that are relaxed, like sweat pants and a t-shirt. You don’t want to pass out mid-flight because your skinny jeans are restricting your blood flow.

And slip-on shoes
So, what could be better than breezing through airport security and slipping off your shoes right as you get to your seat. Worried about smelly feet? Sprinkle a little baby powder in your shoes before you head to the airport.

Stow all your stuff in the overhead
Believe me, those few inches of legroom definitely make a difference! Plus after you’ve taken out everything you need, like your headphones, lip ice and cellphone, what else could you need?

Pad your neck with an ostrich pillow
Or, if you don’t want to look completely stupid, you can use a normal pillow.

Don’t forget about your back
Airline seats can sometimes make your lower back work overtime. The fix: request a complimentary pillow or blanket and tuck it behind your back to support your natural arch.

Pack your own snacks
Instead of waiting for the flight attendant to roll by with the cart, plan ahead. Pack your own snacks and make sure they are healthy and not so greasy that they make you feel sluggish and bloated.

And water
Those tiny water bottles aren’t going to cut it. Save yourself the trouble and carry your own and fill it up once you get on board.

Do whatever it takes to signal “DO NOT DISTURB”
A light-blocking sleeping mask, or a pair of noise-canceling headphones should do the trick and send the message loud and clear that you do not want to be disturbed.

You’ve checked your bag, sailed through security and got to your gate on time, now all you need is to have a comfortable plane ride!

Need a shuttle service to get you to or from Cape Town International Airport? Book now with Airport Shuttle and we can get you to your destination safely and comfortably.

Games you can play on your next flight

There may be a time when you are stuck on a flight with nothing to read, listen to or watch. This is when you have to find a way to entertain yourself! From the traditional games to the plain weird, here are some games you can play on your next flight.

1. How long can you last without putting your seat back?

Everybody’s hand is always hovering over the button, just waiting to squeeze. The moment the person in front of you caves and leans their seat back, you’re forced to hit your button too. See how long you can last before the seat in front of you touches your nose.

2. Can you stare out the window without making the person with the window seat uncomfortable?

It’s nice to have the aisle seat for the legroom, but a glance out the window won’t hurt. Your challenge is to look past them subtly without making the person with the window seat assume you want to talk to them.

3. Order something using another language

A foreign flight is the best time to test your French, especially since you last spoke a word of it thirty years ago. When the flight attendant replies to your order in your own language though, that means you’ve lost the game.

4. Visit the tiny bathroom

It doesn’t matter if you have to use it or not, just get in there! The game element occurs when you try to get up before anyone else. Sometimes someone in a row ahead might beat you there, leaving you awkwardly standing with everyone staring at you. This is when you know you’ve lost the game.

5. I Spy

Be warned, if you do decide to play I Spy, try to play it with another person. If you play alone, it’s just looking at things and you’ve missed the point completely. Plus it may be a bit creepy for the people around you.

6. How many times can you press the button for an attendant?

Flight attendants have an incredible amount of patience and calm, but just how much? Find out yourself by pressing the call button every ten minutes, try playing during a night flight when everybody’s asleep. The flight attendants will simply love you.

7. See how long you can ignore the stranger who wants to talk to you

Oh no, the person next to you looks like a nervous flyer. The best thing to do is try and pretend you are completely absorbed in your book. If they try to talk to you, hold your nerve and ignore them. At least try and see how long you can hold out!

Do you recognise any of these games? Next time when you are bored on your flight, try some of these and you may be able to entertain yourself without getting into too much trouble.

Airport Shuttle can get you where you need to be safely and comfortably! Book your shuttle online or give us a call today!

Travel Hacks that will make your life so much easier

When it comes to travel and advice, there is no such thing as too much. If you love travelling, here are 21 travel hacks that will help you have the best trip ever!

Hack 1: Travel by land
Traveling by land allows you to see more of the country. It is also generally a lot cheaper than flying. Visiting Cape Town? If you find that you’d rather take a shortcut and fly there, contact Airport Shuttle and we can take you to or from Cape Town International Airport – quick and easy!

Hack 2: Leave guidebooks at home
Why lug them around when you can get to know the locals? It is a good way to sharpen your language skills too.

Hack 3: Pack less
Do you really need to pack all that stuff? Be honest with yourself and only pack the items that you need. You will have a lot less to carry around and more space to fit souvenirs.

Hack 4: Go vegetarian on the flight
By going for the vegetarian option, you will get a fresher and healthier meal. This can have a positive uplifting effect, plus it can also help with jet-lag.

Hack 5: When searching for flights browse privately
Many travel companies use cookies to monitor your browsing so that they can raise prices. You can get cheaper flights by setting your browser to private ort using another internet connection.

 Hack 6: Bring a hoodie
This item of clothing has multi-purposes. A good example if to fold it up and turn it into a comfy pillow!

Hack 7: Dummy wallet
Take a spare wallet with old bank cards and a bit of cash. This is a great way to get the better of muggers and turn them into dummies.

Hack 8: Eat like a local
Not only will you avoid the over-the-top tourist prices, but you will generally get better quality food and have an authentic cultural experience.

Hack 9: Get a room on the second floor
The second floor of your accommodation is optimum. It’s more difficult for people to try break in and you will have much better views of the scenery. Book in at 808 Cartwright for an affordable self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City.

Hack 10: Use a local Sim card
Roaming costs are extortionate! By using a local simcard in your smartphone, you will save so much money.

Hack 11: Smart sandwich bag
If you are going to visit the beach, store your smartphone in a sandwich bag. This is a smart way to protect your phone from sand and water.

Hack 12: Fragile
If you luggage is labelled as fragile, people will be more likely to handle it with care. This means one less headache for you.

Hack 13: Save space
Roll your belt into your shirt collar and put all your socks and underwear in your shoes, these nifty tricks are a great way to maximize luggage space.

Hack 14: Depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday
Save yourself some money. Research shows that flights are generally cheaper on those days.

Hack 15: Learn the best way to pack
There is an art to packing. Master it and you will get rid of any suitcase headaches forever.

Hack 16: Weigh your luggage
Avoid the nightmare of being told your luggage is too heavy. Way it before you leave and guarantee yourself a smooth check-in.

Hack 17: Pack necklaces in straws
Bringing your favourite necklaces along? Put them inside drinking straws, this is a great way to prevent them from becoming tangled up.

Hack 18: Take advantage of free WiFi
Don’t go and pay crazy internet café prices. Simply find out the WiFi hotspots and check your emails for free.

Hack 19: Pack an empty bottle
Don’t pay rip-off airport prices for mineral water, take an empty bottle with you and fill it up with water on your own.

Hack 20: Charge your phone
If you’ve broken or lost your charger, this is a great way to keep your smartphone powered up. All you need is a USB cable that connects to your device.

Hack 21: Dryer sheet in your suitcase
This will keep your clothes smelling nice and fresh on all those long journeys.

Knowing the tricks of the trade and mastering these inside skills will always get you a lot further, plus you will have the best experience ever.

Strange things that have happened at the airport

Millions of people pass through airports every year, and a few of these experiences are bound to be a bit unconventional. With the madness of the airports themselves, it’s not really a surprise that strange things happen.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most bizarre things to happen at the airport.

Radioactive Woman
The threat of terrorism has become part of daily life and airports are naturally high profile targets. Technology plays a big part in countering this effect, but incorrect results aren’t uncommon. One case involved a woman who managed to shut down a whole terminal when she triggered a radiation alarm. Yes, it would have been a cool story if she has been a 50m tall radioactive woman with crazy powers; in reality she has recently taken the isotope Iodine-131 as part of her cancer treatment.

Lounge Bare Essentials
Anyone who has spent time in an airport lounge will know that feeling when the remote control has vanished, forcing everyone to watch the CNN updates. It’s clearly impossible to please all of the people, all of the time when it comes to TV programming. However, in 2005, someone in New Delhi airport made this task even more difficult by screening 20 minutes’ worth of pornography on several screens in the visitor lounge.

Did you Pack the Case Yourself?
The staff at the airport are used to most tricks pulled by passengers trying to get around hand luggage restrictions and fees. Agents at Bromma airport in Sweden discovered that the extra weight of a checked bag was actually a dwarf. Apparently it was just a prank, so the airport didn’t press charges, but they failed to see the funny side.

And Then I Woke Up in…
Have you ever woken up in a strange place after a heavy night of drinking, like a dumpster, the street or a hospital? Well a traveler decided to sleep in the airport the night before his morning flight, but unlike most people he was totally wasted when he made this decision. The quiet, welcoming spot he chose to sleep on turned out to be the baggage belt, and when the system started in the morning, the drunk man went in and his happy journey came to an end when the security staff spotted him going through the X-ray machine.

Sir, You Need to Change your Diet
Gold smuggling is popular in India due to high import duties, and criminals have tried everything to trick customs. Unfortunately one man who arrived at Goa airport got caught out when a body cavity search revealed six gold bars in his rectum! Whether the bars had to be extracted manually, or nature took its painful course is unknown.

Quick Survival Tips if you are ever stuck at the Airport

Stuck at the airport? It could be for a number of reasons; a winter storm, a late flight or technical issues. Whatever the reason may be, make sure you are fully prepared with some of these invaluable tips.

Keep your cell ready > As soon as your flight cancellation is announced, quickly call the airline or your travel agent. You can book a new flight to prevent you from getting stuck at the airport again.

Get a business lounge day pass > Many airports now offer one-day passes to their business lounges for a small fee, which means access to  a business centre with desks, data ports, computers, WiFi hotspots and sometimes even showers.

Look beyond the gate > If you don’t need to camp out right at your gate, consider relocating to one of the less busy eateries inn the terminal, where you’re more likely to find an available electrical outlet.

Pamper yourself > If you’ve got the time and money, most major airports have reasonably priced services for massages, facials and haircuts to help the time go by a little more pleasantly.

Stock up on supplies > Most airport’s food stores close before midnight, so if you’re stuck overnight, make sure you stock up on enough food and drink to last the night.

Practice safe napping > If you have to take a nap, put your feet on top of your bags. Stick your cash and credit cards in your shoe or in the pocket of your pants.

Network > Getting cancelled can actually mean a great opportunity to network and make connections with fellow business travelers. Carry extra business cards just in case!

Have you tried any of these tips before?  Make sure you are prepared just in case cancellations or delays occur at the airport.

For a reliable shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport, book one of our taxis with Airport Shuttle today!

5 Carry-On Travel Essentials

When you travel by airplane, whether it is for business or with your whole family, it is extremely crucial to be ready for the unexpected. These are five absolute must-haves to include in your carry on!

- Mini-flashlight - When your cellphone, wallet or any other small item rolls under your seat at night (especially your baby’s dummy) you’ll be so glad your flashlight is at hand.

www.walmart.com

- Refillable Water Bottle -
Staying hydrated on a long flight is so important! Small cups can easily fall off a tray, and just won’t do for air travel. Use a container that can be kept in your pocket or bag and ask to fill it with ice and water. You should get one water bottle for every traveler.

www.realsimple.com

- Lip Savers -
Always keep a lip balm in a small baggie within reach along with the next few items. Your lips can dry out easily in the dry air on board the airplane, so a lip balm close at hand is essential.

www.burtsbees.com

- Eye Drops -
Like a handy lip balm, these are a must! Dry red eyes are not only unsightly but can be very uncomfortable. Plain saline nasal spray can also combat the dryness of plane travel.

www.takealot.com

- Special Treat -
Whether you, your companion or the kids, pack a small surprise or two to pull out when the trip gets dull. Maybe a sweet treat for yourself or maybe an unexpected toy/game or puzzle for the little ones. The newness will break up the boring.

www.amazon.com

When air travel takes you beyond a few hours, you always need to have these five carry-on essentials on hand!

For a reliable shuttle service in Cape Town, give Airport Shuttle a call and one of the friendly drivers can shuttle you to and from Cape Town International Airport. Need a self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City? Book in at 808 Cartwright today!

Written By: Christine Romans

10 of the most annoying people you see at the airport

In a perfect world, airline travel would be stress free, all passengers and airport workers would be polite and delays wouldn't exist. We’d also all be holding hands, singing and dancing while waiting for our flights. But since none of that is going to happen anytime soon, let’s work on some things that we can change.

We all have our irritations when it comes to other people’s behavior. If you see yourself on the list below, it’s a good time to own up…

1. The person who doesn't realise water is a liquid
A liquid could also mean moisturizer, coffee, soup, shower gel – just about anything that is an actual liquid really. The liquid smuggler likes to hold up the security line with their illegal cream soda and banned milkshake. They can usually be heard saying, “Oh, I totally forgot that was even in there.”

2. The person who hasn't been on a plane since 2000
We all know what happened in 2001. Laptops and liquids need to be taken out; shoes need to come off etc. This particular person doesn't seem to realise that you can’t just walk up to the departure gate anymore. They can usually be found surrounded by security personnel, who have to try and use diagrams and sometimes puppets to explain the rules to them.

3. The person who puts their bag before humanity
This person also goes by the name of Seat Hog. This traveler believes their carry-on, coat and shopping bags all deserve their own seat. Old ladies and frail people, we’re looking at you!

4. The person who forgets they’re at the airport to actually take a flight

This person is usually found drinking it up at the airport bar. They are currently the subject of a new type of phenomenon – passenger shaming. Well, at least at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport they do… they announce the offending passengers name followed by, “You are delaying the flight! Immediate boarding please at gate XYZ or we will proceed to offload your luggage!” Oh, those darn Dutch.

5. The person who thinks the flight is going to leave without them
This person is usually skulking directly in front of the boarding gate, waiting for the first sign of movement towards boarding the plane. They can also be found hounding the gate agent for early boarding or seat upgrades, usually they can be heard saying, “I've got a nervous tic syndrome/scoliosis – I NEED to get on the plane early to settle myself.”

6. The person with free range kids
This person has given up on the enforcement side of parenting, they occupy a wondrous zone somewhat between oblivion and neglect, not realising or caring the havoc their spawn are creating. If this sounds like you and your children, make sure you read up about how to keep them – or you – busy.

7. The person who doesn't understand how escalators work
This person can usually be found scratching their head and looking confused at the top or bottom of the escalator. This particular person suffers from a similar ailment – blocking the path of people behind them and hogging the entire width of the moving walkway.  

8. The person who thinks the airport is an extension of their living room
This person can be spotted with their shoes off and their feet leaning on whatever structure is handy – probably the seat across from them. This type of annoying passenger generally leaves their coffee cup and MacDonald’s packet scattered on the floor when they finally board. They are in firm belief that their mother does indeed work at the airport and clean up after them.

9. The person with the emotional baggage
This person suffers from the most foul of ailments – the need to hog the baggage carousel. They can be spotted at the exact point where the baggage exists the carousel, loudly cursing when theirs is not the first out of the chute. Similarly this person is also prone to extended bouts of baggage confusion, like picking up luggage that isn't theirs, then throwing it back in disgust.

10. The person who has everything together
This person is seen gliding effortlessly through the airport, fashionably dressed, while they exude an unassuming confidence. Doors seem to open for them, they whisk through the security line and they get upgraded without even asking. They always have their boarding pass and passport at the ready, open to the identification page… in short they are the absolute perfect passenger, and that’s why they’re annoying!

Do you notice any similarities between you and any of these annoying people at the airport? If so, you might want to get that sorted out right away! What annoying behaviour have you seen at the airport?

Make sure to book in at 808 Cartwright if you are travelling to Cape Town - for the best, most affordable self-catering apartment, with amazing views of the Mother City. Need a shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport? Contact Airport Shuttle today!

Written By: Christine Romans
CopyWriter  at The Computer Guyz Cape Town

Five Ridiculous Myths about Air Travel

There’s something annoying about people believing all these air travel misconceptions, I mean people complain all the time about how dangerous driving a car is, but then they’ll be too afraid to get onto a plane! So, humans may have evolved to walk, but we have learnt to fly… Here are some myths that really need to die:

#5 Pilots Make Tons of Money

Pilots are well known to be up there with doctors and lawyers, except did you know that ticket prices have actually declined because pilots’ salaries have also declined 42% in the past three decades? Pilots make a lot less then you think they do.

You can cut a pilots pay to the point where they’re so overworked they push the wrong button due to sheer fatigue and crash into a building, but they’re still going to be lining up to fly – because they have to. It’s up to us to not be people who take advantage of some of the rare people in the world who have a real passion for something, like flying.

#4 Flight Attendants = Sky Waitresses/Waiters

Imagine if you had to deal with the public every day. Now imagine having to deal with the public every day after they've had a round of drinks. Now add in a soundtrack in the background of crying babies and people talking and laughing loudly. Now lastly, set this all in a small enclosed space. Imagine being a flight attendant, you’d have to smile the whole time and selflessly leap to the aid of everyone.

Becoming a flight attendant is tough enough in the first place, I mean, you have to pass several interviews, go through months of training and endless tests. Not to mention, if you are late once, you’re gone! Too many people look at the job and say, “oh, I could easily do that: it’s just waitressing.” This is why you should give them a sizeable tip and just be nice!

#3 Flying is Expensive

It really isn't, did you know that you can get tickets on discount airlines for a price that is almost too cheap? Did you know that if you stupidly arrive late for your miraculously cheap flight that you should only blame yourself.

Prices for airline tickets have really plummeted since 1980, because flying used to be expensive, much as it used to be something people didn't take for granted. There might be a correlation there, so if you find yourself thinking of flying as just another common travel option and one that should be cheaper, then odds are it already is.

#2 Disasters Have Simple Causes

You are not going to die, just because you get onto a plane. The only way that turbulence is going to bring down your airliner is if it’s the final straw in an improbable chain of events that your could live for literally 123,000 years and never see.

All you have to do is look at the serious incidents and see that there was a whole host of things that precluded the factors that lead to a full-on tragedy. Things like crew training, aircraft design and safety procedures all prevent your death.

#1 Flying is Less Safe than any Other Form of Travel

If you are afraid of flying, you might as well be afraid of pillows, marshmallows and flowers and other things that could technically kill you, but most certainly won’t. Statistically, motorbikes are exactly as dangerous as you think they are. And vans kill thousands, yet are twice as safe as cars. And very few people die on buses. All driving is safer than walking or biking. And cars… tens of thousands of people die every year in car accidents, and several thousand pedestrians with them. The only reason air travel seems so dangerous is because you hear about literally every single incident.

The more convenient a form of transport is the less safe it likely is. Did you know that, you are 65 times more likely to die in a car than in a plane? Oh, and while air crashes are never single-factor, being in a car accident is terrifyingly easy.

Do you know someone who has been in a plane crash? Odds are that you don’t. But, you probably know someone who has been in a car crash, or you were in a car crash. We are way too afraid of airplanes, and not even close to afraid enough of cars.

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How to sleep peacefully on a plane!

Everyone can agree that traveling can be a stressful task. Whether you are flying a short distance or flying to the other side of the world, the stress is all the same. Short travels seem to be a little easier as they are over before you know it, however the long flights seem to last for what seems an eternity. The better prepared you are for a flight the better the experience. Here are some tips on how to get some proper sleep on those long tedious journeys.

     ·         Plan your journey carefully 

When planning your itinerary, it is smarter to opt for the non-stop flight. There is nothing worse than getting comfortable and drifting off to a deep sleep and being interrupted only to change planes. However if your flight plan doesn't have a non-stop flight option, try choosing an option with the longest single leg as this will give you ample resting time and you’ll have more uninterrupted time to snooze.

When choosing a seat, remember that the closer to the front of the plane you are the quieter your flight will be. If you have miles saved up and you’re able to splurge for the longest single leg flight, it would be wise to opt for the business-class. If you aren't able to afford such luxury’s, a smarter option will be choosing a window seat in the Emergency exit row, you won’t be disturbed by neighbours and you will have all the room you need to stretch out.

     ·         Dress for comfort

When getting dressed and ready for your flight it is important to remember that you are not entering a beauty pageant, you are about to sit in a seat for a lengthy period and there is nothing worse than being in clothes you can’t truly relax in. In your carry on it is a good idea to pack a pair of comfortable pyjama bottoms and some woolly socks. When the plane has reached its cruising point and you are able to get up and walk around you should use this opportunity to brush your teeth, wash your face and climb into something a little more comfortable. Once you return your seat please keep your seatbelt buckled at all times.

     ·         Prepare your body

Keep hydrated during the day so you can avoid eating and drinking on the plane and adding unnecessary bathroom breaks. Most people will use sleeping pills and other prescription sleeping aids to help them get some rest, its recommended that you consult a medical professional before jumping to these extremes. If the sleeping pills don’t work people jump to alcohol as the next best thing, however its probably the worst. Alcohol coupled with the dry air can cause you to dehydrate and make you wake up with nightmares. Avoid caffeine and sugar; rather drink sips of water but not too much as you’ll be running to the restroom every hour.

If none of these tips help and you still find you are struggling to sleep, you can always rest. Switching on a movie will just waken you more; try closing your eyes with some music on and lay back, more often than not you’ll land up getting some sleep in. If you don’t get any sleep at all at least you’ll be more rested than if you had been fully alert the entire flight.

If you need comfortable, self catering apartment to rest and recuperate from your long journey. Contact 808 Cartwright. For transport to and from Cape Town International Airport. Contact Airport Shuttle.

The ten commandments of air travel

We've all experienced horrible things on plane rides; security hassles, annoying passengers, uncomfortable seats and constant headaches, it seems that way too often other passengers don’t have the common knowledge to follow some obvious rules, and so I give you the ten commandments of air travel:

                       I.    Thou shall arrive early to the airport
Arrive early to avoid getting hurried or holding someone up; you don’t want to start off your holiday with a panic attack.

                       II.    Thou shall not be a queue jumper
What is the point of pushing and shoving your way to the front of the line? The plane will not leave without you!

                       III.    Thou shall obey the hand-luggage rule
You can only store one bag in the overhead compartment, there is only so much space on board, you are flying not moving house.

                       IV.    Thou shall not fight the art rest war
There are no winners in this war, work out a compromise; share the space and don’t hog it the whole time.

                        V.    Thou shall not treat the flight attendants as thou personal slave
They work really hard to make your flight as enjoyable as possible, treat them with respect and don’t give them a hard time.

                        VI.    Thou shall be considerate in your reclining
Think before you push you seat back, check how much space the person behind you has before you wedge it down for 12 hours.

                       VII.    Thou shall not bring stinky food onto the plane
Yes you are hungry, but try to avoid bringing food that will stink up the cabin for the entire flight.

   III.    Thou shall not hog the bathroom

             Keep it quick; don’t do your make-up or hair in the mirror while seven people are waiting in the queue outside.

                        IX.    Thou shall lower the blind
When you have the window seat and you can see people are trying to sleep, lower the blind so they don’t get the blinding sun directly in the eyes.

    X.    Thou shall relax and enjoy oneself

             Face it there is no point in complaining and finding fault with everything, just try to relax and enjoy the flight, your holiday will start soon.

            

            If you ever need a fast, reliable shuttle service to take you to or from Cape Town International Airport, Airport Shuttle is the one to choose for a comfortable journey and friendly drivers.

           Written By: Christine Romans