Not flown for 17 years - going to Rome - what do I need to remember?

[I8toys]

Its seems like forever ago and obviously before the rules and restrictions that are now in place.

What are the obvious things I need to remember when packing? Any tips gratefully received.

[hipsrose]

Are you taking just hand luggage or a suitcase too?

If you're taking any liquids in your hand luggage, don't forget they have to be no more than 100ml and in a clear bag! Oh and make sure the bag is easy to access if you are just taking hand luggage - I always see so many people in the security line desperately searching for the liquids that are right at the bottom of their bag

[I8toys]

4 of us going for 4 days

4 x hand luggage and 1 x suitcase. Just reading up on the liquid thing - nothing over 100ml in a bag- can you have this in your hand luggage as well as your hold luggage? What about phones and electronic gadgets?

[hipsrose]

Yes you can take liquids in both, but the 100ml limit doesn't apply if you're taking it in your hold luggage - it depends if you want to take travel size toiletries/buy them when you get there or just take full size bottles and put them in your hold luggage.

As for electronics, they're fine for hand luggage, I take them and you just have to put them in their own tray as you go through security, separate from coats/bags. When you go through, put your coats/bags in one tray, and then any electronics/kindles in another tray (that's what the people working there always instruct when I go through).

[Roystonv]

Check if your airline allows handbags as well as hand luggage, check what 'liquids' includes, watch for shoes, watches, jewellery, belt buckles when being scanned. Some staff friendly/helpful others quite unpleasant.

[I8toys]

Thanks all - was imagining my teens on board without phones and ipads. Nightmare! They would have to read an actual book!

[specialsubject]

it is NOT liquids. It is LIQUIDS, GELS AND PASTES. All slap and toiletries are covered except solids.

all instructions clearly on the airport website.

hand luggage - no LGP over limits, no sharps except as allowed.
hold luggage - nothing pricey, valuable, fragile or essential.

[Ch1neseM3al]

If you wish to use debit or credit cards abroad you need to provide your bank with the dates and where you are going abroad, otherwise the cards will get barred
You can do this yourself if you have online banking or go to your bank or phone bank before you go on holiday
Secondly, if you take money out of an ATM abroad some cards have an "abroad charge". Your bank will provide you with the charges. However, some banks have no extra charges

Passport
Flight booking information
Hotel/accomadation booking information
E111 card
Travel insurance
Travel plug adapter so that you can charge your electronics

Enjoy your holiday !

[hevonbu]

The paper-based boarding cards are long gone, too, from what I reckon. Last time I had mine in an app on my smartphone. Otherwise I'm like you and avoid the hassle of flying if I can.

[BarbaraofSevillle]

If you wish to use debit or credit cards abroad you need to provide your bank with the dates and where you are going abroad, otherwise the cards will get barred

Not true. I travel abroad several times a year and have never told my bank I am going away.

Look for rules on luggage etc on the website for your airline and the airport you are using because all the airlines have different rules about baggage sizes and not all airports allow phone boarding cards.

[LIZS]

We found it cheaper, and quicker, to take a taxi from the airport (assuming Fiumicino) but make sure it is an official one with fixed charges. Prebook a slot at the Vatican museum, either early or late on the day, to avoid the queue. Other museums like the Villa Borghese also have a prebooking system and you may not get in on the day at peak times otherwise. Buy a dual ticket for the Forum and Colosseum at the Forum entrance (shorter queue!) and if you are there on the first Sunday of the month museum entry is free.

[Ch1neseM3al]

travel for 4 days -

I would not pack to the maximum weight. I would leave some weight\space to bring back some souvenirs

Bank cards, insurance, travel vaccinations etc
You dont have to inform your bank, you dont have to have insurance
But, it helps to be prepared incase things go wrong, especially if you are miles from home !

[BarbaraofSevillle]

If going abroad you MUST have insurance and. It will cost hardly anything for 4 days in Europe.

Check the weight and size limits on luggage for your airline. Put all liquids gels and pastes in the hold bag. Take small rucksacks rather than trolley cases on the plane where possible, there's a fight for locker space on many flights. Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the flight. Have a great holiday!

[LoniceraJaponica]

"The paper-based boarding cards are long gone, too, from what I reckon"

No they aren't. We were issued with boarding cards when we flew to Sicily last summer.

[LouiseBrooks]

. I travel abroad several times a year and have never told my bank I am going away.

Maybe it depends on the bank or since you are a regular traveller they will know it's not an unusual spending pattern?

My bank say you should and since I had to phone them from Sicily a few years ago when they blocked my card without contacting me to see if it was a legitimate transaction, I always notify them now through my online banking.

[hevonbu]

Surely apps are more prevalent now? 17 years ago (or at least 20) ot was entirely paperbased. Then you could also bring a bottle of sparkling water aboard, I miss that.

[dementedma]

you can do paper based or app.I hate the whole faff with flying, especially all the queuing and undressing at security. and the scrum on board as people try and cram their hand luggage (some of which is pretty big) into overhead lockers.
i have to travel from Edinburgh to London quite a lot and always take the train to avoid the above. (obviously this isn't an option for a short stay in Rome!)

[LoniceraJaponica]

hevonbu we checked in online, but had cases to drop off. We were still issued with boarding cards. I still like to print off my check in details as I don't always get a signal on my phone.

demented I travel by train reasonably frequently and find that there is never enough space to store luggage. The racks aren't deep enough and the rack at the end of the coach isn't big enough, especially if you are on a train that stops at an airport.

[Amyxmarie]

specialsubject Did you used to work in security? I remember saying "it's on the website" a million times a day to passengers