Flying from Pakistan? Simple Airport & Travel Tips You Need to Know

Travelling somewhere exciting is always a matter of big excitement and a matter of great joy. Whether you're off for the holy Umrah, taking your family to enjoy holidays in Baku, or travelling abroad for work, or on the other hand visiting relatives living across the border. Traveling for any reason be it for personal or professional means a really very happy occasion. On the contrary to all of this, as we all know, visiting a Pakistani airport, (whether Karachi's Jinnah International Airport or Islamabad/Lahore airport) you would definitely find it as being really very crowded, very noisy, a bit confused to most, if you're not prepared enough.

But there’s the bright side of the things that with a little amount of local preparation, you will never have to panic at the very last minute. For the passengers who are boarding their flight soon, this simple guide will assist them through the airport easily and swiftly.

# 1. Organize all your paperwork before stepping out from your residence

As much as we emphasize on this, still a number of us somehow manage to not organize any of their required travel documentations properly even before leaving home, for our trip. So, before you actually zipper up your suitcase and get it ready to hit the road, make sure the necessary documents are well placed. These must include:

* Your passport and a hard copy and soft copy (in case if you need it on phone).

* your country’s visa for your travel destination (if required by your visited country’s immigration policies)

* your confirmed flight booking voucher or ticket – a print-out as well as e-ticket.

* hotel booking or any other accommodation proof if planned

* travel insurance – not necessarily mandatory, but it’s always good to have for unforeseen circumstances.

* A little amount of local and international currency, USD or riyals etc. Or a debit / credit card for transaction.

*Return ticket and confirmed hotel reservation for first time traveler(avoid from any hassle). 

A desi pro tip: it's always highly recommended to snap or save PDF copies of your passport, your country’s visa for the destination and of your plane tickets as well as book tickets on your smart device for any urgent checks at the last moment. This will truly be a great saver if needed at the moment.

# 2. Beat local traffic and arrive on time. No compromises.

In all major cities of Pakistan (like Karachi, Islamabad or Lahore), this one is by far, the golden rule of travelling. You cannot really rely on traffic. From construction works on road to special movements for any particular personality, to traffic jams during peak hours, reaching late at the airport is the most dreadful thing that could happen while you are on your way to a happy vacation!

So, instead of testing your luck, do follow:

* For domestic flights: reach 2 hours before the flight schedule.

* For international flights: reach 3 hours before the flight schedule.

Somehow, the time might appear as being too early to waste in the airport’s lounge, but believe me, sitting there and relax is way better than sprinting towards your boarding gate, just because the immigration counter has been shut.

# 3. Pack smart, hand-carry valuable essentials.

Every airline nowadays have its own weight limitations on the bags so ensure you get the exact information for your selected flight well in advance and pack accordingly. The last thing that you'd want is to pay huge excess baggage fees. Always put all your valuables and other important items in your backpack or your hand-carry instead of shoving them into your large check-in suitcase; these include:

* Passport and boarder pass.

* phone, charger. (Power bank is strictly prohibited) 

* prescription medications.

* cash, wallet, and keys.

Please note: Don't stuff your hand baggage with any of liquids more than 100 ml capacity, sharpened items or anything forbidden at the security, or you might end up seeing them thrown in the dust bin!

# 4. Understanding what the airport routine exactly is like

If this is going to be your first flight experience or maybe it has been too long since you last travelled via airplane, fret not. Here's what exactly an airport processing usually looks like. It's simple:

1. Arrival at Airport & check-in counters: Your first and the most critical step is to get through the airport gate by showing your Passport or boarding pass. After this step, you proceed towards the airline's check-in counters, drop off your bulky suitcase, and get your boarder pass.

2. Security check area: Here you'll pass through scanning machines with your hand-carry baggage and your personal security body scan.

3. Immigration check (only for international travelers): if you’re departing from the country to anywhere international then you'll wait for your turn in the immigration queue and then get the stamping of passport from FIA Officer.

4. Boarding Gate: Now that you have all the required checks and procedures done, head on to your designated Gate to board the plane.

Just a humble tip: keep looking at the big displays at the airport; flight information changes often.

# 5. Take good care of your personal ease & comfort

Both travel by air and being in the airport environment can make a person feel really tired and bored. It’s very important that you dress comfortably. Choose loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes which will make your trip smoother and easier for you, especially if you need to walk a lot through terminals or are running late. Also ensure your phone battery is fully charged.

For longer waiting hours at the airport, make sure you grab a cup of tea/coffee at one of the airport cafes, rest your legs and enjoy your time.

Simple Planning goes a long way in making your journey pleasant and smooth

A large portion of travel inconveniences happen only due to one’s last-minute rushing and forgetting a trivial detail. Having spent just few minutes to get your things properly organized before you head out from home, could truly make a world of a difference. Whether it's a religious travel to Umrah or business travel abroad, proper planning always brings a much greater calm to any journey.

Thinking about planning your upcoming travel?

At Wise Trust Travel and Tourism, we take the burden of the entire travel plan off of your shoulder so that you don’t have to stress over it at all. From the booking of airline tickets to your hotel stay and beyond; be it Visa assistance or comprehensive travel packages for any of your destinations. Our team in Karachi is ready to serve you.

Feel free to contact Wise Trust Travel and Tourism when you’re looking for any travel solution; and let us assist you in making your journey to your dream destination hassle-free and perfectly organized!

Happy and safe journeys to you!