Travel Tips

Passenger Safety Tips
The Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority promotes safe skies for all. Passengers play an important role in staying safe on and off the aircraft. So….. be informed , aware and be prepared!
Baggage
There are strict rules about what you can bring on board an aircraft. This is because:

  • Each aircraft is different and not all aircraft have space to store your carry on baggage.
  • In an accident or emergency baggage in the aisles makes it harder to get out of the aircraft quickly.

Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Check your airline’s rules before you travel to avoid delays.

  • Before you pack, check with your airline to find out the maximum size, weight and number of carry-on bags and pieces of checked baggage they allow.
  • When you pack, put your medication and travel documents in carry-on baggage for easy access.
  • When you get to the airport, check items that are oversized or too heavy so they can be stowed in the aircraft baggage compartment.
  • When you get on the aircraft:

–         Place heavy items under the seat in front of you.
            –         Do not overload the overhead compartment.
–         Be careful to stow your carry-on baggage so that it won’t fall out of overhead compartments if it shifts during the flight
–           Ask a crew member if you’ve stowed your carry-on baggage in the right place.
Remember: All carry-on baggage must be left behind in an evacuation.
Checklist for Air Travel

  • Double-check your itinerary before your trip
  • Bring the proper photo identification. Get passports or check ID expiry dates before your trip
  • Inform your airline of any special needs, including diet restrictions
  • Be aware of any rules or regulations that apply to travelling with children
  • Be aware of any rules or regulations that apply to travelling with pets
  • Be aware of customs regulations in your destination country.
  • Pack valuables or necessities in your carry-on baggage, not your checked bags.
  • Check with airline for any rules, regulations (including size limitations) or fees that apply to carry-on or checked bags.
  • Put tags on all of your bags to help you quickly find your bags at the baggage claim or if they get lost but be sure to safeguard personal information from wandering eyes.
  • Check in 24 hours before your flight, print boarding passes at home or at self-service kiosk.
  • Arrive at the airport on time: 60 minutes ahead of time for a domestic flight and 90 minutes ahead of time for an international flight.
  • Check flight status – be aware of any delays or changes to your flight schedule

Passengers with disabilities

  • If you choose to self-identify as a passenger with a disability when you reserve your flight, the air operator may be able to provide extra help to make your travels easier.
  • Take the opportunity to pre-board the aircraft, so the crew can give you an individual safety briefing to address your special needs.

Travelling with Medications

  • Carry all medications in their original container or package in your carry-on baggage along with details of your condition and treatment. This will aid the crew or any doctors who may need to treat you during your trip. Carry a copy of your prescription with you, especially for international travel.
  •  Be aware of any potential side effects of the drugs you may currently be taking when combined with the flight environment (i.e. less oxygen). If unsure, check with your doctor or pharmacist before your flight.

Deep Vein Thrombosis
When on a long flight (and if possible on any flight), try to move your ankles, toes and legs regularly. Exercising and stretching increases blood circulation and minimizes the risk of DVT. Exercises should be done every hour for a few minutes.
Carry-on baggage should be kept to a minimum in order to leave the area under your seat empty to enable stretching. However, for shorter passengers whose feet do not reach the floor, it is recommended that feet are elevated, using luggage if necessary, in order to prevent the seat edge from compressing the back of the thighs.
Avoid taking sedatives before and during a flight in order to refrain from sleeping too soundly and to be able to move freely.
Travelling with Medical Oxygen
Not all airlines will allow you to use your own oxygen tanks during flight. But most can provide you with oxygen for an extra fee. Their equipment may be different from your home system, and may differ from aircraft to aircraft even within the same company.
Keep in mind that the air operator provides oxygen only while you are sitting in your seat, not in the airport. This makes a non-stop flight your best (and least expensive) option. If this is not possible, look for a direct flight with scheduled stops, but that will allow you to remain on board.
Generally, you may ship empty tanks and other respiratory equipment as baggage, but rules vary by airline. Portable equipment such as suction machines or compressor nebulizers may be allowed on board, as long as they are not connected to an oxygen source.
All airlines require advance arrangements when you’re travelling with oxygen. Call at least a month ahead, so you’ll have time for your doctor to complete any necessary paperwork. If the ticket agent can’t answer all of your questions, ask for the airline’s medical or special services departments.
 Airport Security
The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is responsible for screening air passengers and their belongings at Trinidad and Tobago airports as part of the pre-boarding process.
At the security screening checkpoint, you and your carry-on baggage will be searched by hand, with a metal detector or by x-ray machine. Passengers may also be selected at random for additional screening procedures, such as a full body scan or a physical search.
If you refuse to participate, you will not be allowed to board the aircraft and in some countries including the U.S., you could also be subject to arrest. Should you refuse to pass through or be refused through the screening process, your air carrier is not liable for refunding any unused part of your ticket.
AATT personnel are trained on how to address the needs of persons with disabilities as they pertain to security screening. Make them aware of your disability-related needs and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance with mobility aids and carry-on items as you proceed through the security screening checkpoint.
Also remember:

  • You will not be able to pass through security unless you have a valid boarding pass;
  • There are often long line ups at security and air carriers will not delay departures for passengers who arrive late at the boarding gate; and

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