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Flights information and tickets

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Flights information and tickets

Check-in is an art. For most holiday-makers it is a stressful, painful experience. As a backpacker it is your duty to make it a fun part of your trip.

Check-in for long haul is usually 2 hours before the flight and 1 hour for short haul.

Tips

Get there early to avoid the queues and to get good seats

Always ask politely for an upgrade - you never know!

Always try to get the seat you want (see below) to avoid the middle seat between a flatulent nun and a screaming baby miles away from the TV screen for 14 hours

If there are long queues invent or play the ‘People watching game’ or make your backpack into a comfy seat and read your book

No matter what happens, chill. Nothing is every achieved by stressing and having a go at people who can’t change anything

If they have over-booked the flight immediately offer to put your seat up in return for compensation. The best we have ever heard was a night in a 5 star hotel followed by a First Class seat the following day from Bangkok to London. Let us know if you beat this...unlikely!

Getting the seat you want

Things to think about which should help you decide exactly what seat you want:

Communal TV screen vs. screen in the back of the seat in front. If communal too close is impossible to see and will keep you awake. Too far away means you can’t see it. Ask for at least 5 rows back. Screen in the seat? Sit anywhere

Seats near the toilet get loads of people walking by and a lovely odour, especially after curry dishes are served

Window seats are great to lean against and to get the view as you take off / land, but will trap you in

Aisle seats are great to stretch your legs out, but you will get disturbed by others wanting to get out

Middle seat - avoid at all costs, unless you have a mate you can lean against

Empty plane? Get seats at the back, preferably the whole section, so you can make a bed for the best nights kip

Front seats and emergency exit seats are always worth pitching for, just as long as you aren’t right in front of a screen - leg room is great

Try and pre-book seats if you can from your travel agent

If you are over 6’4' you are classed as having a disability and so can claim one of the seats with legroom.

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