Flight Checklist
Flying can be a stressful time where you can easily forget the most important things for your flight. We’ve put together a checklist, including everything from the booking to the time of travelling, to make sure you’re ready to fly!
Flight Checklist - Tips and Tricks Before You Fly
Where from?
Where to?
Departure date
Return date
Passengers
1 Adult, Economy/Coach
Before booking
Get inspiration
Not everyone knows where they want to go when going on holiday. Check out our blog for some destination inspiration, where we cover many topics such as cheapest countries, Babymoon destinations, National Parks, secret beaches and also lots of local’s guides from destinations around the world.
Reassurance
At Alternative Airlines, we understand that booking flights can be nerve-racking and stressful, especially if you haven’t heard of us before. However, check out our outstanding Feefo reviews from previous customers to see just how great we are!
Work out how to pay
We love to provide our customers with choice. Not only on the numerous airlines we can ticket (over 600!) but also a choice on how to pay. We accept over 160 currencies, on over 25 ways to pay, including localised payment methods such as iDeal or M-Pesa and many finance options such as Klarna, PayPal Credit or Affirm.
Find the best time to fly
Sometimes you may have strict dates of when you can travel, but if you have a little more flexibility, why not find the cheapest day to fly using our best fare finder. Alternatively, read our blog on the cheapest day to find and book flights.
The booking process
Book flights!
If you have not yet booked your flights, then what are you waiting for? Use the search bar above to browse flights and complete the booking process. If you need guidance on how to make a booking with Alternative Airlines, check out our guide here.
Confirm your flight details
If it has been a while since you made your flight bookings, be sure to double check the details of the flights. You can do this either on your booking confirmation or on your Alternative Airlines Account. Read our guide to using Your Account here, which includes details of how to view your flight details.
Purchase seats
To make your flight more enjoyable and comfortable, choose to pre-select your seat on the plane. You can do this with Alternative Airlines, and can be done either at the time when you purchase your flight, or after via the My Account section. Find out the benefits of reserving your seat on a flight, and guides of how to purchase them here.
Purchase baggage
Do you need to take baggage with you on your flight? You can check your flight details if your flight already includes baggage and how much. If this isn’t enough then why not purchase additional baggage for your flight. If you haven’t already, find out how to book baggage onto your flights with Alternative Airlines here.
Book a meal
If you think you’ll want a meal on the plane but have any dietary requirements of preferences, book it before you go to avoid confusion on the plane. Discover the range of special airline meals available, and which airlines provide them here, and how to add this onto your booking.
After booking flights
Leave a review
If you were impressed by the process of booking flights with us, then be sure to take a few minutes to review us. You’ll be sent a reminder by email after booking your flight.
Check-in online
Checking-in online can help save you so much time and stress at the airport. Therefore, we highly recommend you to check-in for flights online, where the airline permits it. Read about how to check-in online, including more benefits here.
Travel documents and visas
When travelling to certain countries, you may require a visa or other travel documents to be granted entry. Discover more on our pages for travel documents you may require here.
Travel vaccinations
Certain areas of the world are at risk of different diseases and illnesses, and many of these are preventable by travel vaccinations. Make sure you contact your doctor well enough in advance to ensure you are protected in enough time. If you would like to view the potential vaccinations you may require for each region of the world, check out our guide to travel vaccinations here.
Special assistance
If you think you may need special assistance at the airport or with the airline, please do not hesitate to contact us to see what we can do to help. Read more about health and mobility when flying here, or about Alternative Airline's passenger services here.
Extras
Will you require a hotel, car rental, or insurance for your trip? Make sure you’re prepared by researching or booking these well in advance.
The day of travel
Remember your travel documents and passport
Don’t forget your necessary travel documents and passport - or you will not be able to fly without them. For some airlines or countries, you may even require them for domestic flights, so be sure to brush up on the rules for your airline and country travelling in.
Packing
Make sure you pack efficiently, making sure your case or bag fits within the allowed dimensions and weight. Always weigh and measure it before you leave, as you don’t want to incur excess baggage charges at the airport. Also be sure to check you are not carrying any prohibited items, in either you hold or hand luggage.
Medication
It is always important to ensure you have enough medication with you incase of an emergency. You will often need to take this in your hand luggage, along with a doctors certificate, however these rules will vary depending on the airline and country rules. Read our guide on flying with medication here.
Money
Plan ahead and make sure you have exchanged however much money you want for your travel. Did you know there is a limit in some countries about how much money you can fly with? Discover more here.
Travelling with valuables
Talking of money, do you know how best to transport other valuable items. Read about flying with valuables here.
Airport shopping
Plan your time at the airport wisely, by arriving early enough and having enough time to get some bargains at the airport. Check out our blog on the best airports for shopping, and also read about the limits and restrictions on duty free shopping.
Eat a meal at the airport
If you have time, fill up at the airport with a delicious meal. If you’re lucky, your airport might even be featured on our blog: The Best Airports for Foodies!
Bring your own food
If you’d rather save money, why not bring your own food on the plane with you. Remember there may be restrictions on what you are allowed to bring with you on the plane, so check these out before you travel.
Wellness on flights
Have a browse of our page about staying well and healthy whilst flying, to reduce the chances of common flying problems such as DVT, jet-lag and dehydration. If you are nervous about flying, also check out our tips for first-time flyers.
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines