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.

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Sleep peacefully on your next Flight with these 3 Tips

Travelling can be a stressful task, whether you are flying a short distance or flying to the other side of the world, it’s stressful all the same!

Short trips seem to be a little easier as they are over before you know it; however, the long flights seem to last for an eternity! Here are 3 important tips on how to get some proper sleep on those long journeys.

Plan your Trip to the Tee! 

When planning, it is smarter to choose the non-stop flight. There is nothing worse than getting comfortable and drifting off to 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.

Dress Comfortably!

Always 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 pajama 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 climb into something a little more comfortable.

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; it’s recommended that you consult a medical professional before jumping to these extremes. 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. Try closing your eyes with some music on and lay back, more often than not you’ll land up getting some sleep in.

For comfortable and on-time transportation to and from the Airport. Book your airport shuttle with Airport Shuttle in Cape Town or Durban today!

Never make these Mistakes at the Airport

We all make mistakes, but making these mistakes at the airport can cost you a lot of time and money.

Here are some air-travel mistakes that you should know better than to make…

#1 Leaving your bags behind

Take note of how many bags you have and make sure to do regular bag counts when you’re leaving home, arriving at the airport and waiting at the check-in counter.

#2 Being barefoot

If you have to take your shoes off for a security check, make sure to wear socks because you won’t want to be hobbling across the dirty airport floor.

#3 Forgetting to pack snacks

Airport food will burn a hole in your pocket, so make sure you pack something healthy and nutritious for when you’re waiting in a long line or if your plane doesn’t sell anything appropriate.

#4 Arriving late

On a busy travel day, arrive at the airport a few hours early – it’s better to be early than have to pay extra for a later flight.

#5 Parking in the most expensive lot

You’ll pay a lot more to park in the closest airport parking, so rather choose a cheap parking and take a short shuttle drive to the terminal.

#6 Over-packing

Huge, heavy bags result in you having to pay over the top penalties. Pack less and stress less!

#7 Losing your cool

From rude air-hostesses to creepy airport security, everyone has a complaint about someone at the airport. The fact is there are more doing good than bad, so relax and take a breath before you start to complain.

#8 Crowding around the baggage carousel

Unless you can spot your bag from a mile away and can grab it without bashing into everyone around you, don’t join the scrum around the baggage carousel, rather pick a safe spot where you’re less likely to injure someone.

We’ll let you in on a few secrets that will make your time at the airport a lot better!

Airport shuttle is an affordable, comfortable way to get to and from the airport! Book your shuttle in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg!

How to Travel with your Dog

Bringing your dog on a trip with you can really add lots of fun to your trip. However you need to do your homework when it comes to dog travel.

By planning your furry friends travel ahead of time, you can have plenty of time to sit back and relax...

     1.       PLAN. Some places may require special tests to be done before you travel into their country. Make sure you take the necessary steps before you take your trip.

     2.       BREED. If you have a short-nosed pooch some airlines will not allow them to travel due to their potential breathing difficulties. It’s best to check with the carrier beforehand.

     3.       CHECK & CARRY. Will you be checking your pet as cargo or bringing them on the flight with you. If you have a small dog it is up to you what you do, however larger dogs need to be checked.

     4.       CALL. Some airlines prefer it if you call them ahead of time and make plans for your dog.

     5.       SHOTS. In some countries you will need to present a certificate showing that your dog has the right rabies shots.

     6.       SLEEPING PILLS. Yes, its okay for you to pass out on the plan after taking some sleeping pills, but giving your pet a tranquillizer could make it difficult for them to breathe! Instead check first with your vet to see what pills you can give your dog.

     7.       FOOD & DRINK. Always keep food and water attached to your carrier in case your pet needs feeding if there is ever an emergency situation.

Make your trip fun for you and your dog!

Looking for a shuttle service that can get you where you need to be comfortably and on time? Book your Airport Shuttle online here... 

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.

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7 ways you’re paying too much for your travels

It happens to all of us when we decide to go on holiday - we end up spending way too much then we need to! 

So, how can we stop spending so much money on traveling? Here is a helpful list of ways to save some serious cash...

1. You always travel on the weekend

It is more convenient to travel over the weekend, but it is also very expensive. Try to make a plan to fly mid-week and you'll see some huge savings.

2. You use your credit card to withdraw money

Using your everyday credit card to withdraw money is not the best option, because foreign transactions and fees can cost you an arm and a leg. It's best to take cash with you and use your credit card as a backup.

3. You exchange currency at the airport

It's best to take cash with you when you travel, but avoid exchanging your money at the airport as you probably won't get the best exchange rate. 

4. You eat out for every meal
Going to restaurants to eat breakfast, lunch and supper every day can be fun, but it will cost you a small fortune! Try to book accommodation that includes breakfast and find a cheap shop where you can buy fruits, snacks and drinks. 

5. You travel during the high season

Yes, we know, it’s really tempting to book a holiday during the summer. The weather is lovely and it feels like everyone else is jetting off somewhere exotic. However, you could save loads by travelling off-peak. 

6. You buy food at the airport or on the plane

Food at the airport can be really expensive. Check out our tasty pre-flight and in-flight meal ideas that you can prepare at home for a fraction of the cost of airline prices.

7. You hire a car at the airport

Hiring a car at the airport can cost you a small fortune. By booking it all before you go, you can pay significantly less for the hire of the vehicle. Book a shuttle with Airport Shuttle in Cape Town, Durban or Gauteng and it’ll save you cash for your trip!

You can save money by flying First Class!

Your friends are hosting a ladies night weekend in Vegas, but as you do the math on airfare costs, you notice something – a first class ticket doesn’t cost THAT much more than flying coach. Sure, it is a bit of a splurge, but maybe it is worth it? Here are five reasons why it just might be…

YOU NEED TO TAKE A CAB TO THE AIRPORT

Nowadays, a lot of airlines actually provide first-class passengers with a complimentary ride to the airport. Some high-class airlines even offer VIP pickups in cars ranging from Mercedes-Benz to Porsche.

YOU’RE PLANNING TO CHECK A BUNCH OF BAGS

Think about it, you could end up shelling so much more extra in baggage fees alone. Most of the first-class tickets come with one of the best air travel perks there is: free bag check!

YOU ALWAYS BUY FOOD AND DRINKS ON THE PLANE

Put away your credit card, because when you fly first class, food and drink typically comes included with the ticket price. Who wouldn’t want free drinks and delicious snacks?

YOU’RE TRAVELING WITH YOUR KIDS

Major US airlines will soon offer on board nannies to first class passengers (Etihad Airways already does). Hard to put a price on that, right?

YOU’RE ALL ABOUT STATUS

By booking first-class, you’ll accumulate “status points” at a much faster rate. Those points can be put toward airfare, upgrades and more. 

Looking for a cheap, speedy way to or from Cape Town International Airport? Contact Airport Shuttle today and we can get you where you need to be comfortably and on time!

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.