General Advice

• Avoid Dehydration - Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated as this is a common cause of discomfort when flying. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
• Avoid deep Vein Thrombosis - Try not to sit still for extended periods. Move around the cabin when possible or go to the toilet. Most airlines include a handbook of exercises that you can do whilst seated which you will find in the pocket of the seat in front of you. If you feel unwell at any time alert a member of the cabin crew immediately.
• Finally, never travel without insurance because this will protect you should something happen which results in your travel plans changing.

Check-In

This step-by-step guide should help your check-in run more smoothly:

• Check your baggage allowance with your airline before you leave home. If your luggage is over your limit, you can be charged a hefty fee. You could even be forced to leave some of your belongings behind. This can hold you up.
• When you arrive at the airport check the screens which will direct you to the correct check-in area.
• Disabled Parking is available for badge holders.
• Try and check in with plenty of time to spare before your flight. As a guide, for domestic flights allow one hour, for European and long-haul flights allow three hours. Not only will this allow you to do some all-important duty-free shopping, but it will ensure that you don't miss or hold-up your flight.
• Finally, check that you not only have your passport, but that is it still valid. Little can be done for passengers who do not have a valid passport in their possession.

Departure Lounge

While you are waiting in the departure lounge, you will need to check the boards regularly to find out which gate your flight is boarding from. These details are usually posted around 45 minutes prior to the departure time. The guide below gives an idea of how long it will take you to walk to each gate from the departure lounge: Please note: Smoking is only permitted in the designated areas.

Duty Free Allowance

• Your duty free allowance will depend upon which destination you are travelling to.
• Passengers travelling outside the EU are entitled to 50% off UK high street prices, and can shop in the Green area of Duty Free Shop.
• Passengers travelling within the EU are entitled to 15 - 20% discount on UK high street prices on a range of brands, and can shop in the Blue area of the store.
• All passengers can save up to 40% on fragrances after security control.

Security

With airport security being tightened over recent years, it is important that you follow security guidelines to avoid delaying yourself and other passengers, or worse, being refused boarding. Follow our tips as a guide:

• Check-in in plenty of time so that any hold-ups do not result in you missing your flight.
• Do not carry any sharp or harmful objects in your hand luggage. These include knives, tweezers, scissors and aerosols. If any such object is found in your luggage you will be asked to remove it and leave it behind.
• All bags and coats must be placed through the x-ray machine.
• There are many bars and restaurants at Newcastle Airport, but try to resist the urge to drink too much before boarding as this can often lead to refusal to travel by cabin staff for the safety of themselves and other passengers.