How to Stay Warm and Comfortable on a Long Flight!

Long flights are usually uncomfortable and not something one would look forward to, especially during the colder months. However if you prepare properly, you can ensure that you stay warm as well as comfortable when you’re flying on a plane…

1. Choose the right seat. When you are choosing your seat, stay away from the seats close to the exit doors as these areas will be the draughtiest. Also remember that although window seats are nice, they also tend to be the chillier option.

2. Dress comfortably. Wearing your winter coat at the airport will not only keep you warm but also leave up some extra space in your suitcase. Layer as much as you can to keep warm as well as to open up some luggage space.

3. Wear a scarf, hoody or shawl. Apart from keeping you warm during your flight, these items can be taken off and double as a pillow or a blanket. It is also possible to use these items to cover your face and tune out the world if you’re considering taking a nap.

4. Put on sensible shoes. No matter where you are travelling to, it is always more comfortable for you to wear socks and shoes. These will keep your feet warm as well as comfortable during your trip.

5. Bring a travel blanket. Always bring a travel blanket along with you on your flight. Use it to cover yourself and stay warm and comfortable – it’ll also help if you’re having trouble falling asleep.

6. Keep yourself entertained. Keeping yourself entertained will ensure that you enjoy your flight and you’ll get through it a lot quicker. Bring along your laptop or your favourite book and you’ll be there in no time!

Do you know of any other tips on how to stay warm and comfortable on your flight?

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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

How to Tip in South Africa

Tipping is a confusing topic because every country has its own etiquette, so much does thank you cost in the rainbow nation?

Car Guards

Service – Car guards only seem to occur in South Africa. They are people who help you with parking and look after your car while you go about your business. There are always two sides to every coin though. Some car guards are legit and are working towards feeding themselves and their families, while some have simply claimed a yellow vest and “watch” your car in between sips of wine. Use your discretion when dealing with car guards, they are not responsible if anything happens to your car, but they will swear on their grave that it is safe under their watch.
Tip – R2 – R5 per parking
Do – Make sure you have some small change available (they don’t usually carry change)
Don’t – Feel like you HAVE to leave a tip, especially if they seem drunk or if they are nowhere near your car when you return.

Taxi Drivers

Service – These guys will drive you to your requested destination. In South Africa, there are two types of taxis on the roads, minivan taxis, and metered cabs. The minivan taxis don’t require a tip, but the metered cabs do, depending on the service. Tip – Round up to the nearest 10 or leave up to R20 for city-to-out-of-town driving
Do – Judge your tip by the number of stops you make and the distance you are taken
Don’t – Be bullied into a set price, always ask for the meter to be put on

Hotel Staff

Service – Porters are the guys who take your bags to your room, while another team will cook and bring you’re your food. Housekeepers keep your room clean and tidy during your stay and other general staff may wait on you in the hotel restaurant or organise books and tours for you.
Tip for Porter – R10 – R100
Tip for Room Service – Leftover change
Tip for General Staff Box – R100 – R500 depending on the length of your stay and meals.
Do – Carry envelopes for tips you want to give to certain people
Don’t – Feel like you have to tip at self-catering lodges

Bar Staff

Service – Bar staff serve you your drinks at the bar and help you to enjoy your get-together. When tipping bar staff in South Africa, it’s quite common to leave small change on small rounds and a bigger tip when ordering a bigger round.
Tip – 10% - 20% of the bill
Do – Use your discretion and value the bartender’s time.
Don’t – Leave money on the bar, give it directly to the specific bar staff you would like to tip

Waiters/Waitresses

Service – They take your orders at restaurants, bring you your food and drinks then clean up after you are done eating and drinking.
Tip – 10% of the bill, more for special service
Do – Check your bill, sometimes the tip is included.
Don’t – Tip more than you would like if you haven’t received good service.

Petrol Attendant

Service – Petrol attendants are also a South African only service. These people fill your tank at the petrol station while you remain in your car. Depending on what you need, they will also check your oil, water, tyre pressure and wash your windows.
Tip – R2 – R5 per petrol stop
Do – Take into account the services being offered, like checking your tyre pressure and washing your windows.
Don’t – Feel obliged to give a big tip, or any tip at all, especially if you just make a quick, simple stop at the petrol station, especially if you have to wait long and hoot for the petrol attendant.

Always remember, as, in other countries, a tip is an acknowledgment of a certain kind of service, so use your discretion and be the judge of your own experience.

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Always remember these Safety Tips when travelling to South Africa

Safety is an important issue throughout the world, you need to know what to do and what not to do. Fortunately the Tourism Safety Task Group of South Africa has compiled the following helpful tips for tourists and migrants who come to the country…

At a hotel:
Never leave your luggage unattended
Store all your valuables in the hotels safety deposit box
Keep your room locked at all times, whether you are inside or not
Always check who is at the door before you open it
Leave your room keys at the reception desk when leaving the hotel

In the street:
Avoid over-the-top displays of expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables
NEVER carry around large sums of money around (a better option is to use URCard)
Steer clear of dark, isolated areas at night
It is better to travel around with a group of people and stick to well-lit, busy streets
Plan out your route beforehand so you know where you are going
A police officer or traffic officer will be glad to help if you are lost
If you ever need to call a taxi, your hotel or a tourism information office can help you out

In a car:
Plan your route in advance
Keep your car doors locked and wind the windows up if you are in an unsafe area
Lock all your valuable items in the boot of the car
At night, always park in a well-lit area
NEVER pick up strangers
If you are in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice

In general it would be advisable to always carry a reliable map with you. Plus you should keep a certified copy of passports and other important documentation, like flight tickets in a safe place such as a bank or the hotel’s safety deposit box.

Always leave your valuables at home. There is a chance your luggage may be opened and your valuables stolen when you are at the check out area.

- Do not wear expensive jewelry
- Never allow yourself to be separated from your hand luggage
- Always remember that laptops, phones and handbags are targeted items
- Do not allow yourself to be distracted by one person while another runs off with your possessions

South Africa is not the only country where the above list applies; it applies to majority of destinations around the world. Tourists are often caught up in unpleasant situations because they are not vigilant and wise because they are “on holiday” and in a carefree mood.

 Do you need a reliable shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport? Give Airport Shuttle a call today!

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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5 of the best first-class seats that are better than your house!

Imagine if you could get on a flight and not have to deal with the constant neck aches, unsatisfying meals, and annoying passengers. 

Your flight would be relaxing and luxurious, just like any fancy hotel!

Here are five of the best first-class seats that are possibly better than your own house!

Emirates Airline 

The Emirates first-class suites are packed with luxurious features; a fully stocked minibar, your own recliner, a full-length vanity mirror and let’s not forget your own personal shower and complimentary pajamas!

Etihad Airways

Instead of a normal airline seat, Etihad Airline more of an apartment in the sky! A bedroom, private shower and living area is what you'll get, not to mention your own butler and private chef.

Cathay Pacific Airways

As soon as you enter the cabin you get full access to your own leather recliner and an LCD touch screen that controls lights and the position of your chair. You also get to sink your teeth into a delicious three-course meal and complimentary wine.

Lufthansa Airways

Enjoy the elegance and stylish seats with Lufthansa, along with plenty of fine dining like caviar and champagne and plenty of entertainment options, you also have a separate bed in addition to your seat!

Singapore Airlines

This amazing airline has long been known as the best airline in the world! Fully enclosed private suites, LCD entertainment systems and comfy pajamas along with an actual bed instead of converted seat beds are just some of the luxuries offered.

Sitting in a long, uncomfortable flight can be a huge pain, if you choose to step onto one of these luxurious and lavish airlines you’ll definitely be leaving all your stress behind, you probably won’t ever want to leave!

For transport to and from the airport, whether in Cape Town or Durban, be sure to get in touch with Airport Shuttle and they can make your travels just as luxurious as your flight!

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!