Carry a few handy medicines for fever, cough, cold, aches and pains. Diabetics or hyper- tensive persons should carry their prescribed medication. In several countries drugs are not sold over the counter unless a proper prescription is produced.
Potential medical problems that a traveller is exposed to:
a. Extreme temperature changes, altitude or motion.
b. Diseases and illness caused by unsanitary conditions, insect bites and stings.
c. Simple cuts, scratches and bruises.
Avoid many health problems by regularly washing hands. Drink only bottled mineral water and use insect repellent as the case may be. Also carry adequate clothing as per individual travel plans and seasons.
Baggage
Checked baggage is presented at the time of check in. It is weighed, tagged and carried in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The passenger gets a receipt for it.
Normal Allowance.
First Class - 40 kg (88lbs)
Business Class - 30 Kg (66 lbs)
Economy Class - 20 Kg (44 lbs)
Some routes (notably USA) have a piece system in addition to the weight restriction for the baggage. Kindly ask the agent to check with the airline regarding this.
Unchecked baggage or cabin baggage or hand baggage remains with the passenger and is placed in the overhead lockers during the flight. Weight restrictions as per individual airline - generally 5 - 8 Kgs.
No sharp items, batteries, cigarettes, lighters are allowed in the hand baggage.
Other useful tips
a. Remember to take passport, tickets and important documents on person with you.
b. Always keep a photocopy of your passport in each of your bags.
c. Label your baggage in bold with name, address, from departure (city name) to destination (city name). This makes it easy to identify your baggage at the time of collection after disembarkation.
d. Do not panic if your baggage does not arrive at the destination. Make a formal complaint at the lost baggage counter. Check with the airline policy and ask for immediate cash reimbursement since you need to make immediate purchases. After all you cannot roam around in a single pair of clothes in a foreign land.
