Travel’s a little different right now and there are some extra things you’ll need to think about before you set off.
1. CHECK THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COUNTRY YOU'RE TRAVELLING TO,
PLUS THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RE-ENTERING THE UK
• You may need to complete a pre-departure form or get yourself tested for COVID-19 before you leave for your holiday. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to, you could be denied boarding, fined or delayed.
• We recommend you sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.
• It’s a good idea to make sure you know what you’ll need to do before your holiday begins. Make a note of the UK Passenger Locator Form that you'll need to fill in before you return home, and to book any tests in advance if required. • You may need to purchase a visa for entry to your holiday destination, too.
• It's also helpful to download the NHS App for your Covid Pass or call 119 for a copy in the post.
2. SORT YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
As always, everyone on your booking needs to have travel insurance in place. We recommend ensuring your policy covers Covid related incidents, to be sure that should any member of your party not be able to travel, you'll be covered.
3. DOWNLOAD TRAVEL APPS
Alot of tour operators now have easy-to-use apps to help keep contact as minimal as possible on your holiday, this means they can keep in touch with you every step of the way. You can use the app if you’ve got a package holiday or flight-only booking.
We, at All About Travel have our very own Travel App - you will receive all your Travel documentation; Confirmation, Receipts, 'Tickets' and Certifications from us via this App. It also features a handy 'chat' function to send us messages and a cute countdown to your departure date so make sure you download the App when we first email you upon booking with us.
4. CHECK IN ONLINE FOR YOUR FLIGHTS
• Many Tour Operators have online check-in these days, they open anything from 14 to 60 days before your flight takes off. Some are open up until three hours before departure, check with your Operator to find your dates. You'll normally need to check in for your outbound and return flights separately.
• You may be asked by the Operator to complete a brief health declaration before you fly.
5. DON'T FORGET YOUR FACE MASKS
• Most Airlines have a requirement for all passengers to wear a face mask on flights, what age this is from will depend on which airline you're flying with, so you'll need to ensure you check with your airline as to what their current rules are. You’ll need to wear a mask even if you’ve had your two vaccinations. Your face mask must cover your nose, mouth and chin – you can wear a face shield, but you’ll need to wear a face mask, too.
• You’ll need to bring your own, and make sure you have enough to allow you to change your mask every four hours. • Once you arrive, face mask regulations – for both adults and children – will vary depending on your destination.
• If you can't wear a mask for health reasons, you may wish to wear a face shield instead, you will need to discuss your personal requirements with your Airline.
• You can check the local requirements for your destination by visiting the FCDO website.
6. PACK SMART
• Crew won’t be able to help you put luggage in the overhead lockers, so try to keep hand luggage to a minimum – ideally it should be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. • Powerbanks, e-cigarettes and loose or spare batteries including spare laptop batteries should always be packed in your hand luggage, rather than your suitcase.
7. LEAVE EXTRA TIME
Social distancing measures could mean that it takes longer to get through airport security checks and to board the aircraft, so please leave plenty of time.
8. GO CONTACTLESS
• Be prepared to use cash a lot less often.
• Some outlets will ask for card payments only, so make sure your cards are set up to be used abroad and, wherever possible, are contactless.
• It might be worth bringing a small amount of cash, too, just in case.
9. GET READY FOR SECURITY CHECKS
Security checks may take a little longer. To get through as quickly as possible, here’s some useful advice:
• Make sure that any larger electrical items are separated from the rest of your hand luggage where possible. This will help airport security staff complete their checks more easily. Placing phones, iPads, headphones etc. in a separate tray is a good idea.
• Try to travel in slip-on shoes, as you may be asked to remove them and place them in a tray for x-ray.
• Be prepared for bag checks and potentially more x-ray checks than usual.
• Remember to keep liquids to 100ml or under, to pop them in a resealable bag and to keep them easily to hand to be placed in a separate tray before screening.
• Expect airport security staff to be using personal protective equipment (PPE). Please be patient if they need to change gloves or other disposable items.
10. MAKE SURE YOU'RE PREPARED FOR RE-ENTERING THE UK
• It’s a good idea to make sure you know what you’ll need to do before your holiday begins.
Make a note of the UK Passenger Locator Form that you'll need to fill in before you return home, and to book any tests in advance in required.
• Make sure you have your UK Passenger Locator Form completed and ready on arrival. • As every passenger needs to have their travel documents checked by a UK Border Force agent, there may be delays as you re-enter the UK. We recommend you have an extra bottle of water to hand and allow for extra time in the airport if you have any special requirements. FCDO guidance on re-entering England >
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