Thanks to the rise of low-cost airlines, flying is now within everyone's budget. Every year, new destinations become accessible from more and more airports, driving up the number of air travellers.
Below we've gathered the points to watch out for and our best tips to help you prepare as well as possible for your flight and your time at the airport.
Click on the many links marked in blue throughout the article to find out more about the topics that interest you.
To do well before departure
1. Choosing your destination
- Choosing your destination sometimes depends on the airports and modes of transport available in the region. Find out (online) which airlines serve the local airport, what connections are available, ticket prices (comparison sites), and don't hesitate to book your transport ticket well in advance.
- Most of the time, prices are more attractive if you book well ahead of time.
- Don't lose sight of the fact that an airline (low-cost) will sometimes dare to inform you at the last minute of schedule changes or route changes.
- Want to know the best seats on the plane you're going to take? Read our tips on this here.
2. Vaccinations and medical preparation
- If you're heading to a far-off destination, find out about recommended or mandatory vaccinations and health precautions.
- If you take medication, make sure you have enough for the entire duration of your trip.
- If you suffer from an illness or need to follow a treatment, consult your doctor and tell them about the trip you plan to take.
3. Accommodation
- Will you stay in a hotel, or rent accommodation on site? Here too, it's best to get well informed and book in advance. Read "how to properly book your hotel online" on this topic.
- If you need to stay in a hotel near the airport while waiting for your flight or due to a late arrival, you'll also need to book in time. Airport websites often list the hotels located nearby.
4. Modes of transport
- Do you want to drive to the airport in your own car and leave it in a car park near the airport during your stay? Find out well in advance. Airports often have several long-stay car parks, but there are also companies located near the airport offering (cheap) parking and shuttle services.
- Check public transport websites if you're travelling to the airport by train or bus, to find out the timetables.
- Also remember to book your rental car in advance.
5. Official and travel documents
- Do you need a passport or a visa? You'll find this information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Don't forget the Kids-ID for your young children.
- If you're heading to a far-off destination, register on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Travellers Online website.
6. Insurance
- Do you want to protect yourself during your trip (medical expenses, medical repatriation, early return…)? Check out the various annual or temporary insurance plans.
- Also consider cancellation insurance if you want to protect your holiday budget in case you're prevented from leaving at the last minute.
7. Money and credit cards
- Do you need to change euros into local currency and would you like to get that currency before you leave? Check with your bank branch to order your currency in time.
- Also find out about the fees for using your credit card on site.
8. Your pet
- If you have a pet and want it to travel with you, you'll also need to arrange its transport well in advance. A prior vet visit will be essential (vaccinations).
- Be well informed about local legislation and take care to properly prepare your pet for transport.
- It goes without saying that it's always better to avoid flying your pet if you can. If you decide to leave it with a pet-sitter or a kennel during your holidays, plan ahead and make the right choice.
To do before departure
1. Luggage
- What to put in your hand luggage? (Put your toiletries in a separate clear plastic bag.)
- What are the tips for properly packing your suitcases?
- If you're travelling with several people, try to spread your personal belongings across different bags. That way you'll always have some of your own things with you if one suitcase or another gets lost.
2. Documents and your travel medicine kit
- Gather your official documents (passports (visa), transport and accommodation bookings, certificates (insurance, medical treatment, vaccinations))…
- Also remember to check your medication and your travel medicine kit.
3. Smartphones, PCs, laptops and apps
- The electronic devices you carry on you or in your luggage may be checked at the airport. Be prepared.
- Also be careful about fraudulent internet use at your destination.
- Many airports have an app that lets you get useful information and check flight schedules.
4. Last checks
- Check the holiday departure checklist.
- Allow enough time to get to the airport (route, traffic density…).
To do just before leaving for the airport
- Check for possible delays or cancellations on the airport's website.
- Wear light, comfortable clothing.
At the airport
- If you've followed the recommendations above, you should normally arrive at the airport without worry and without stress.
- Once there, all that's left is to go through the various checks. Note that for certain flights, there are "Priority lanes" or "Fast lanes" that let you get through checks faster.
- If this is your return flight, pay attention to which goods you do or don't need to declare to customs.
Potential issues
Sometimes things don't go as planned.
Know how to react to the following problems:
- Your flight being overbooked
- Your flight being delayed
- The airline going bankrupt
- Losing your luggage
Have a good trip!
