Follow our top travel tips, in conjunction with Travel Aware to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip

Our top travel advice

In conjunction with the Government's Travel Aware campaign, we want your journey from London Gatwick and beyond to be with as few issues as possible.

Many of the things that often go wrong for travellers abroad can be prevented, which is why together with the UK travel advice service we've put together some of our top tips which we hope will help you to have a great trip.

Preparing for your trip

These simple points can make a big difference to the success of your trip:  

  • Make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy, even if you’re only planning a short trip 
  • Check if you need vaccinations for your trip by visiting a travel health clinic or your GP at least six weeks before you travel
  • Read up on your destination, including weather conditions, the local laws and customs. Always check the travel advice for the country you are visiting
  • Be prepared for the weather conditions when you get back to the UK. It may be sunny on your holiday, but snowing back in the UK
  • Make photocopies of your passport, visas and insurance details, whilst also leaving a copy with a relative or friend at home
  • Check details for the British Consulate at your destination, where they are and what they can and can't help you with
  • Decide how you are going to get to the airport. For the best parking deals, make sure to book well in advance of travel. There are lots of different options, but Official London Gatwick Parking is the closest to the airport, offers total security and peace of mind and has options for all budgets and needs
  • If you require special assistance, please make sure that you've booked mobility assistance through your airline or tour operator at least 72 hours in advance. If you forget to do this, we will do our very best to help anyway. Find out more in our special assistance section.  

What if I have a fear of flying?

This is very common and the symptoms can range from mild anxiety to a full panic attack. If you’re affected it’s a good idea to reserve a seat with extra legroom at the centre of the aircraft where you will feel less enclosed and there should be slightly less turbulence. Please don’t suffer in silence, make sure you let a member of the cabin crew know, so that they can look after you. Keep yourself calm by occupying your mind with a good book, a game or some calming music through headphones.

Image showing passengers looking out over the airfield, relaxed before their flight

British Airways Flying With Confidence course

This tailored one day course can help you fight your fear of flying and is run by British Airways pilots and crew, supported by a clinical psychologist. It also includes a short flight at the end of the day so you can practise everything you’ve learned.

The team are experts in their field and have helped over 45,000 people in the last 25 years. They have a 98% success rate based on what customers tell them and they hope you give it a try and let them help you too.

Find your local British Airways Flying With Confidence course.

easyJet's Fearless Flying course

easyJet's course uses proven techniques to help any nervous flyer conquer their fears. It's hosted by Lawrence Leyton from Channel 4’s TV Show 'Fear of Flying' and will also feature one of easyJet's senior captains who will explain the principles of flight (including all those funny noises!) and answer any questions that you may have.

The fearless flyer course is divided into two parts:

Part 1: Deal with any misconceptions that you may have about flying and give you proven techniques to be able to delete those old mind patterns that you have running in your head.

Part 2: You will go on an 'experience flight'. to put techniques you've learned into practice.

Find your local easyJet Fearless Flying course.

Fly and be Calm

Fly And Be Calm™ is a download consisting of 6 MP3 tracks which include instructions, a fear removal tool and two hypnotic tracks. The 12 minute fear eraser almost always removes anxiety after just one or two listens, though sometimes a little more repetition is required.

By far the least expensive option on this list, Fly and Be Calm™ is takes very little time, works on the root cause of your problem – the fear, is guaranteed to work very quickly and the effects will often be immediately noticeable. 

If you aren’t 100% happy, they will provide you with a full refund.

Download your copy of Fly and be Calm.

Hypnotherapy

Some people have found that a course of hypnotherapy helps combat their fear of flying. You can find your local specialist on the hypnotherapy directory website.

Health advice when travelling

We all look forward to a holiday or trip abroad, but it can bring its own stresses. We've pulled together a few tips to help your holiday get off to the best (and healthiest) possible start:

  • Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. There's nothing more stressful that a last minute dash to your flight
  • Check road or rail travel updates well before you leave to make sure there are no unexpected delays on the day
  • Know the rules on what you can and can't take in your hand luggage and carry any necessary medication on you
  • If you feel very unwell, delay your trip
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes
  • If you have any health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult your GP before flying

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a blood clot in the deep veins of the body, usually in the legs and has been linked with long-distance travel of four hours or more.

  • Try to move around the aircraft whenever it is safe to do so
  • Avoid taking sleeping pills, because they'll leave you immobile for a long time
  • Wear loose clothing to aid circulation

Elastic flight stockings improve circulation and can further help lower the risk of DVT. You can buy them at pharmacies or at Boots at the airport.

Dehydration

Air travel can make you dehydrated due to the pressurised nature of the cabins, so be sure to always drink plenty of water and fruit juice. Also avoid alcohol, fizzy drinks or drinks containing caffeine.

Ear problems

Some people suffer from ear pain or even temporary hearing loss as the aircraft descends.

  • Keep swallowing, sip water, suck a sweet or chew gum, even yawning helps
  • Babies can suffer this condition – feeding during take-off and landing may help them
  • Don't wear earplugs during the descent
  • If you've had or are waiting for ear surgery or have an ear infection then it is always best to check with your doctor before you fly

Jet lag

Crossing multiple time zones can disrupt your body's daily rhythm and lead to fatigue, clumsiness, loss of appetite, memory loss, digestive problems and flu-like symptoms. Although unavoidable in most cases, you can help your body adjust to the new time zone by rest well the day before flying, keep well hydrated during your journey and eating meals at the times of your destination.

Motion sickness

If you're affected by travel or motion sickness, symptoms can include: nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cold sweats and vomiting.

  • Ask your doctor about suitable medication
  • Reserve a seat by the wing
  • as there is usually less turbulence in the middle of the aircraft
  • Avoid over eating before and during the flight
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before flying (and in-flight)

Travelling during pregnancy

Air travel is generally safe for expectant mothers, however wvery airline has its own guidelines so you should check with yours to make sure you can travel.

  • Always get the all-clear from your GP before travelling and take possible vaccinations into consideration when planning your trip
  • Check your airline's policy – many carriers won't accept passengers who are more than 28 weeks pregnant
  • Consider long flights as they can be very uncomfortable during late pregnancy
  • Make sure your travel insurance covers pregnancy should anything unexpected happen