Discoverymundo Blog

Category: Flights

How To Survive An Airport Layover

No one is ever too thrilled to sit around in an airport all day on the way from Point A to Point B, but sometimes an airport layover is unavoidable. Whether yours is a couple hours or even longer though, it doesn’t need to feel interminable—you just need to come up with a plan for what you’ll do while you wait for your connection. Here are some tips:

Bring snacks

Buying food at the airport can get expensive, so if you know you have a layover, you may want to think ahead and bring some snacks with you. There are some TSA restrictions as to what food you can carry through security with you, but there are plenty of things you can bring. Nothing makes a layover (or a flight) drag like being hungry the whole time, so make sure you’ve got something to munch on!

Bring a drink

You can’t bring large liquids through security with you, but there’s nothing stopping you from bringing an empty water bottle through with you and refilling it at either the drinking fountains or (depending on the airport) the water refill stations set up specifically for that purpose. Remember that you can also bring small bottles of alcohol through security as long as they’re less than 3.4oz in size and fit into a quart-sized Ziplock. Again, things at the airport tend to be expensive, so rather than shell out the big bucks to keep hydrated, bring your own beverages.

Figure out where things are

Looking for restaurants, play zones, restroom locations, airline lounges or something else? You can use the GateGuru app to find everything you need, or see if you can spot an airport map. If you’re really turned about, remember that you can also ask security guards or gate agents and they can usually point you in the right direction.

Go shopping

I’m not really a big shopper, but usually when I have a really long airport layover, I take a little time to browse through the duty-free shops. Many airports offer a broad range of shops where you can buy everything from souvenirs to electronics to books and more. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it can be fun to do a little window-shopping—plus, you’ll be able to stretch your legs a little before you get on your next flight!

Think about getting out into the city

If you have one of those long layovers (5+ hours), you might be able to head out of the airport and explore the city. You should look into visa requirements if you’re traveling internationally, and you’ll need to make sure you leave yourself enough time to get into the city, back out to the airport and through security. But there’s no reason you can’t turn your long layover into a fun part of your trip. Some airports even offer free packaged tours, so you don’t have to figure out the logistics on your own.

Stream a movie

We’re all used to streaming movies on flights, but if you can find WiFi in the terminal (it’s becoming increasingly more common these days), you can stream Netflix. Of course, if you’re traveling abroad, you may be faced with an error message since Netflix restricts its services by country because of contractual agreements with the owners of the movies’ rights. But you can install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your smartphone, tablet or laptop and use that to hide your real location. It’ll send Netflix a fake IP address, making it appear as though you were back in your home country.

Brush up on your language skills

If you’re traveling abroad and want to learn the local language prior to your arrival, the airport can be a great place to cram in some last-minute language lessons. There are a lot of language-learning apps that can help you out, but my personal favorite is Duolingo, which incorporates reading, speaking, listening and writing activities into one app. You can use it to learn a bunch of different languages, from Spanish to Ukrainian—and best of all, it’s totally free!

Play airport bingo

There are some things that you only see in an airport. If you’re traveling with friends or family, turn your layover into a friendly competition by printing off some airport bingo sheets ahead of time. You can find plenty of free sheets online, or create your own. Next thing you know, it’ll be time to board.

Get comfortable

Airports aren’t known for having the most comfortable seating in the world. Depending on how long your layover is, it might be worth springing for that airport lounge or a dayroom at the airport hotel. Or just check out Sleeping in Airports to see if there are any quiet, comfortable areas in your airport where you can relax for a bit.

Take a nap

You want to enjoy yourself when you arrive at your final destination, don’t you? Traveling can really wear you out, especially if you’re dealing with late-night flights or changing time zones. You’d be surprised at how fast the time can pass when you’re snoozing away your layover—and no, you won’t look homeless if you camp out in the airport for a few hours; we’ve all been there.

Do you have any other tricks to make a layover pass a little faster? Share your tips in the comments!

January 3, 2016
How to board a plane
How to board a plane

Airports can have a stressful enviroment sometimes, some make it difficult for travelers to find a specific point. But if you come prepared you will have no complications and delays. So here I wrote this information you should know to board a plane:

1. Print your ticket and check your luggage

There are some airlines that let you print your ticket online, but you can do it by person at the airport. Find your airline at the airport and wait for your turn to check in. When you approach to the front desk, give your full name and ID or passport, they will give you your printed ticket and ask you for your luggage.
- If you are flying with multiple connections, you should ask the attendant to print multiple tickets for each connection.
- You checked luggage should usually weight less than 50 lbs. so you dont have to pay overweight.
- You are allowed to carry two bags with you, try to bring the right size for each one.
2. Go to Security Check Point

Have your ticket in hand, ID or passport and luggage ready. This is where your bags pass through the security check and will be revised with the computer xray.
The electronic devices must be in a separate container and your bags in another one. Liquids ans gels have to be under 100 ml, otherwise you will not be able to take them with you.

3. Find your terminal/gate

Take your bads and find your terminal or gate, you can find it in your ticket. The airport will guide you with its signs to your gate. If you can’t find any sign ask the security guide and he will help you.
If your ticket doesnt show a terminal, look for the flight screens, there you’ll find everything.

4. Wait for your plane

It is always good to arrive earlier at your gate so you have time to board your plane. You can take a walk at the shops there, connect to the internet or eat something while you wait for your departure.

5. Time to board

Normally you board 20 min before the plane leaves, so wait for the flight attendant call. Boarding is done in sections/groups, find your group number in your boarding pass.

6. Ready to fly

Now is the time for your departure, place your bags under the front passenger seat, your seatbelt on and turn off your cellphone until the pilot indicates to turn it on at sky (literally). Have a great trip!
Hope this article is helpful for you! Share it to help other travelers on their way 🙂
September 15, 2015
List of things you should never forget before traveling
Before travelling, you must have everything ready for your departure, I recommend making a complete list of things to not forget anything. Writing everything down helps you a lot even if you think you have everything in your mind. One funny and really bad thing that happened to me was the day I was already at the airport and realize my bags where in my house. I was so distracted and didn’t remember to put them on the car!

That’s how I learned by time this important list of things you should never forget before travelling:

1. Your luggage
- A few days before traveling you must have ready your luggage without forgetting any detail. For example my most important things in my bag have to be 3 outfits at least, makeup, toothbrush, shampoo, and other stuff.
- Aircraft normally let you bring two bags of 10 pounds each. If you have a long journey of more than 10 hours I recommend you bring as less as possible on hands to travel more comfortably.
- If you want to protect your bags that go under the plane, put a lock on each one in case someone tries to open them. Never forget your key….
2. Enlist your travel documents

Do not forget your travel ticket, passport, ID, medical and travel insurance card (if applicable), money, home address and important phone numbers (in case of lost luggage or emergencies). The best is all locate it in a folder so you have everything in one place.

3. Your Pet

If you know about any safe place as a hotel for dogs, it’s a good place to keep your dog safe and happy for a couple days, but a friend or family will be always better. Instead, if you are one of those who love taking your pet everywhere in the following article I’ll show you some tips for traveling with your pet.

5. Say goodbye to your loved ones

Even if you just leave for a few days it is important to say goodbye before your trip.

6. Transport to the airport

If you are traveling on a domestic flight, you must be two hours before the departure, but an international flights asks you to be 3 hours before to check in. There are several types of transportation to take you to the airport. If you want to take your family to the airport I recommend you to reserve a Van for 6 people, they are cheap if you divide the cost and also you can take all of your bags in the trunk. Don’t forget to remind the driver at what time your flight departs so you get on time at the airport.

Share this for helping other travelers on their way!
September 10, 2015
What to do with a plane if the pilot is knocked unconscious

Have you ever wondered what would you do with a plane if the pilot is knocked unconscious? If no one else is able to fly the plane, your live may depend on a number of important decisions.
Someone can guide you through the radio, but this article will help you to know what to expect and to be a little prepared. These kind of scenarios are common in movies, people who have received training have never landed a big plane in the “real world” but with some basic skills you will know the main controllers of an airplane.

What to do with a plane if the pilot is knocked unconscious:

1. TAKE A SIT

Usually, the captain sits on the left where the majority of controlls are. Call someone for any help to sit in your right. Fasten your seat belt and shoulder harness (if any). However, almost all the aircraft have dual controls and you can land one successful no matter where you sit. Do not touch the controls!!! Chances are that the autopilot is engaged to be drived automatically. Leave it for now.
Make sure the unconscious pilot is not leaning over the control (the equivalent of driving a car). Some aircraft may have a lateral control, which is a joystick to the left of the captain’s seat.

2. BREATH

You’ll probably feel overwhelmed with sensory overload and the seriousness of the situation. Breathing will help you focus. Breathe slowly and deeply tell your body and mind that you are in control.
Stabilize the plane. If you feel the plane climbs, descends and turns, slowly stibilize its altitude flight using the outside horizon as a guide. In the end all these days of video games work out today!
Search the attitude indicator. Sometimes known as the artificial horizon, the instrument consists of a miniature set of “wings” and the image of the horizon. The top is blue (representing the sky) and the bottom is brown. In some complex aircraft, the attitude indicator is displayed on a computer screen in front of the pilot. On older aircraft, it is located in the center of the top row of instruments. In modern airlines, there will be a primary flight display right in front of you. This screen displays important information such as airspeed measured in knots ground speed is also measured in knots, altitude and course. It should also show if the autopilot is turned on or not, usually indicated as AP or CMD.

3. STABILIZE THE ELEVATION

Stabilize the elevation (ascent or descent) and the lateral tilt (rotation) if necessary for miniature wings are level with the artificial horizon. If you are already leveled, do not touch the controls at all and proceed with the next step. However, if you need to level the plane, adjust the flight balance pulling the knob (or level) towards to make the front part goes up or push it foward to go down. You can correct the lateral tit (rotation) moving the knob to the left or right to turn into that direction. At the same time, you must apply a little resistance in the knob to avoid the airplane lost altitude.

4. TURN ON THE AUTOMATIC PILOT (AUTOPILOT)

If you have tried to correct the course of the airplane (driving it), it’s probably that the autopilot has been desactivated. Turn it on pressing the “AUTOPILOT” button or “AUTOMATIC FLIGHT”, “AFS”, “AP” button. In passenger airplanes, this button is located in the center of the antiglare panel where both pilotd can reach it easily. In most flights during the curse, the autopilot is on.
Only if the autopilot cause the airplane to do things that you do not want, turn it off again by pressing all the buttons you can find in the command (which will probably include the button autopilot OFF). Usually, the best way to make a plane fly in a stable way is to not touch the controls. The planes are designed to be stable and most people that are not trained pilots tend to control them incorrectly.

5. ASK FOR HELP BY RADIO

Search for the handheld microphone, which is usually located to the left of the pilot’s seat just below the side window, and use it as a CB radio. Find the microphone and repeat “Mayday” three times followed by a brief description of the emergency ( example: unconsciuous pilot ). Do not forget to release the button to hear the answer. A flight controller guy will help you to flight the airplane and land safely. Listen carefully and answer their questions as best so they can help you effectively.
You can also take the pilot headphones and press the button to talk (PPT), wich is in the control. However, the autopilot button is in the same control, if you press by accident, you can disable the system. It is BEST to use the handled radio.
If you see a red light on the panel, tell it to the controller. Under this red light, there will be a description ( example: low voltage, generator ). Obviously, this requires fast attention.
If you can find the transponder on the panel of the radio (it has four windows of 4 numbers from 0 to 7, usually located near the bottom of the panel), set it to 7700. This is an emergency code that will alert quickly the air traffic controllers indicating you have an emergency.

5. USE THE CALL SIGN OF THE AIRPLANE WHEN YOU TALK TO THE DRIVER

The call sign of the airplane is on the panel (unfortunately, there ir no standard location, but the call signal must be somwhere in the panel). Ringing tones for registered USA aircraft begins with the letter “N” (example: “N12343” ). This letter can be confused with others on a radio, so say “November”. Announcing the call will identify clearly the airplane and also it will give the flight controllers the important information about the airplane so they can help you land it.
If you are on a commercial flight (one operated by an airline such as UNITED AIRLINES), the airplane is not known for its beginning letter “N”, but for its call sign or for the flight number. Sometimes, pilots put a sticky note on the panel as a reminder. Ask a flight attendat what number is. When you call the Radio, tell first the name of the airline and then the number. If the flight number is 123 and the airline is United Airlines, the flight signal will be “United 1-2-3”. The figures shouldn’t be read as a single number, so do not say “United one hundred twenty three”.

6. MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED

Search the speedometer (generally indicated as ASI, airspeed or knots), which is usually found in the top left of the instrument panel, and watch your speed. The speed is read either in mph (miles per hour) or knots (whose values are similar). Do not fly a small two-seater plane to less than 70 knots and a big one (Jumbo) less than 180. Basically, just make sure the needle stays in the “green” zone indicator for normal flight until you can receive someone’s help through the radio.
If the airplane speed begins to inrease without you’ve touched the accelerator, there’s a chance you’re going down. If the speed decreases, lower gently the nose to increase it. don´t lt the plane fly too slow, specially if you are near the ground, it could stop and the wings stop producing lift.

7. THE LANDING BEGINS

The controller which you talk has to facilitate the landing procedures for the aircraft and guide you to a safe place to land. Chances are that you head for the runway at an airport, but in some rare circumstances you may need to land in a field or road. If you have to land and you can not get to an airport, avoid places with power lines, trees or other obstacles.
To reduce the plane’s altitude, pull the throttle (to reduce power) until you hear the sound indicating the change of engine and then stop. It is impossible to generalize, but probably you’ll only have to move ½ cm (1/4 inch). Keep the airspeed within the green margin. The nose should drop by itself without pushing forward command.
If you are needed to push or pull the remote control to constantly maintain stable the plane, use the compensator to alleviate these pressures. Otherwise, it can be very tiring and distracting. Trim wheel is approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) in diameter and rotates in the same direction as the wheels of the landing gear. They are often located near your knees on either sides. It is black and has small bumps on the outer edges. While maintaining pressure on the joystick, gently turn the trim wheel. If the pressure you are keeping becomes higher, turn the wheel in the other direction until you no longer have to maintain the original level of pressure. Note: In some small aircraft, wheel balancer can be found in the roof panel and with a crank shape. Also in larger aircraft, this wheel is shaped like a switch on the control button. It is usually found near the top left. If the plane pushes the lever toward you, then push the lever down. If the knob gets away from you, push the lever up.

8. LANDING

You have to use a variety of driving devices (slats and flaps off the accelerator) to slow the airplane without losing elevation. Lower the landing gear if it’s a retractable case. If the train is stationary, always will be down and you dont need to do anything. The landing gear handle (the end is shaped like a tire) is usually found just to the right of the center console above the knee of the co-pilot. However, if you need to land on water, do not lower the landing gear.
Just before landfall, you will need to raise the nose to make the maneuver pickup (flare) and you will have to land first with the main wheels. Usually, raising the nose is about 5 to 7 degrees in a small aircraft while in some larger can reach 15 degrees.
If you’re flying a large commercial jet, activate the reverse thrust, in case the ship counts with one. In a Boeing, there are bars behind the throttle quadrant. Pull them back as far as you can and the thrust will be directed forward to help stop the plane. If all else fails, pull the throttle back as fast and far as possible.
Reduce power to a minimum pulling the throttle toward to you until you reach the “off” signal (idle). The throttle is a black color lever that is usually located between the pilot and copilot.
Apply the brakes gently pressing the top of the rudder pedals. Use the pressure required to stop the aircraft without skating. The rudder pedals are used to drive the plane into the ground, so do not use them unless the plane is off the track.

9. CONGRATULATE YOURSELF!!

Once you’ve gotten help for the unconscious pilot, you can finally pass out. Go ahead, you’ve earned it. And if you can dear to see another plane and even get on one, you may have what it takes to fly and may want to consider the possibility of taking flying lessons from a certified instructor. Although you may be able to do so. You can also write a book about your experience.

September 9, 2015