When preparing to
fly, passengers are requested to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure
time. They must register their tickets, get a seat assignment, and weigh and
check their luggage.
Most airlines have at
least 2 classes of travel, first class and economy class. Economy class tickets
are much less expensive. Each passenger more than 2 years old gets a free
luggage allowance. Generally this weight limit is 20 kg of checked baggage for
economy class passengers and 30 kg for first class passengers. If you check
excess luggage you’ll have to pay a fee calculated by the number of extra
pieces and the extra weight. Every passenger is also allowed one small carry-on
bag, for instance a laptop computer or small suitcase.
The rules for
passengers who are traveling abroad are similar in most countries but there
are, sometimes, slight differences. Here are some things to remember: if, for
instance, you need to go through Customs, try to fill in the customs
declaration before you talk to the customs officer. He will ask every passenger
the same, routine questions about whether he is carrying anything he wants to
declare: like tobacco, alcohol, presents, and sums of money.
At the check-in
counter, your ticket is looked at, your things are weighed and labeled with
their destination. The next formality is filling in the immigration form and
going through passport control. Remember to have a black or blue pen with you
because the immigration form has to be filled in block letters. You write your
name, nationality, permanent address and the purpose of your trip. In most
countries there is also a security check when your carry-on-luggage is
inspected.
After fulfilling all
these formalities you go to the departure lounge where you can have a snack,
read a paper or buy something in the duty-free shop and wait for the
announcement to board the plane.
When you arrive at
your destination, some of these same formalities will undoubtedly be repeated.
Often while on board the plane you will be given a customs declaration and
immigration form to fill in. At the airport you may be met by a specially
trained dog whose job it is to make sure that no passengers are carrying any
illegal drugs. In addition, the immigration officer might want to inspect your
visa, your invitation and even your return ticket.