E-passport gates - arrivals made easy

Automated e-passport gates offer an alternative to conventional passport checks.

Simply scan your e-passport at the barrier. The system runs a face-recognition check against the chip in your passport, and then if you're eligible to enter the UK the gate opens automatically - all in a matter of seconds.

You need to be over 18 and have an e-passport (look for the 'chip' logo on the front) issued by a country in the European Economic Area.

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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. There is one inconvenience you have to be prepared for when you're travelling long distances by plane. It's a difference between the time you are accustomed to and the time of the place you're travelling to, especially if it's far from home. At first you won't feel very well because of that difference in time, - that's called "jet lag" -but don't worry about it, shortly you'll be as good as new!

 

Stopovers in Britain

 

There is nowhere to sleep in the airport. If your booking includes a stopover in a local hotel, then follow the signs to Arrivals: Leave the airport via passport control, baggage reclaim and Customs, then check in as normal when it's time to continue your journey.

 

Air Quality

The air that you breathe insidean airline cabin isn’t nearly as good as what you will find in most other places.

The cabin is pressurized, since the air is so thin at altitude. However, they don¢t pressurize it to sea level; it is substantially weaker. (This is part of why air travel can be so draining; you can end up with mild altitude sickness!)

Furthermore, the air is very very dry. This can lead to dehydration, which can also make you feel lousy, I strongly advise bringing a litre or two of water with you, and guzzling that non-stop throughout the trip.

Noise

Planes are also very noisy. You might not think this is a big deal, but it wears away at you. Consider bringing some earplugs with you.

Some of thy large jets have sound systems built-in. Many of the newer planes also have built-in TV systems for movies and informercials. Usually, you have to pay a small fee (generally around five US dollars) to rent headphones if you want sound. You can bring portable tape and/or compact disk players aboard with you, bur airlines may restrict their use (especially on takeoff and landing). There is some concern that the electromagnetic fields generated by consumer electronics can interfere with the airplane’s navigational signals.

 

Non-flights

Occasionally, you will notbe able to go out on your scheduled flight. Sometimes the bump will be because the passengers did not follow statistical means, and fewer people cancelled than the airline expected. In such cases, the airline will usually give you some sort of prize - free tickets or vouchers for travel on that airline. Occasionally, the bump will be for safety reasons: because of fog, thunderstorms, a (apparently false) smoke alarm.

If you are stuck somewhere overnight because of something that was the fault of the airline, they will usually furnish you with a hotel room, breakfast, and the first flight out in the morning. If you are stuck somewhere because of the weather, that's your own problem. Either you hang out in the airport (another good reason to bring food with you!)or you impose upon your great-step-half-aunt Martha that you haven't seen in seventeen years.

If you miss a flight because of your own stupidity, most airlines will help you out if it doesn't inconvenience them too much.

If you are waiting to board a flight and it is suddenly cancelled, there will be a race to the next airline counter to try to get on the next flight. Instead of following the sheep to the counter, head for the nearest phone and phone the airline reservations system. You get the same result without standing in line.

Pets

You can ship your pets on an airline, but you need to put the animal in a special animal container. Flying can be pretty traumatic for people, who know what is going on and asked for it; imagine what your poor pet is going through!

Almost all vetsrecommend stronglyAGAINST tranquilizing pets in aircraft, especially in the hold. In some breeds with short noses, they can suffer breathing problems and other side effects.

Some countries have really strict pet quarantines. Island nations (e.g. Britain, New Zealand) are particularly paranoid about rabies, and require quarantines that are a significant fraction of a pet’s lifetime.

 

Special Circumstances

There are some things beyond your control, and airlines actually have some flexibility in these circumstances. If youare ill, you can usually cancel or reschedule your flight. You will need a note from your doctor and to fill out a number of forms at anairline office.

If you are flying to a funeral of a relative, many airlines will waive the advance purchase restrictions on fares, resulting in muchcheaper tickets. You will need to tell the airline the name of your relative, your relationship to the dearly departed, and the name, and phone number of the dearly departed’s funeral home.

 

Answer the following questions:

1. Have you ever cleared electronic passport control?

2. Is it obligatory to remove your passport from a passport holder?

3. Do you carry a conventional or a chipped passport?

4. Have you ever watched kids while in flight?

5. Can children travel unaccompanied?