My Traveler’s Checklist: Things to Keep in Mind on Flight Date

Photo by Alan Light via Flickr

Mentally checking my travel checklist as I got in a cab for my early morning flight, I felt excited, nervous, nauseous and anxious all at the same time. Day one of my first, of hopefully, many adventures. It was just my second out-of-the-country trip and my first time doing it solo. I was not able to get a shut-eye hours before because I was scared I would miss my flight :p

I was already in a cab at 2AM for my 6AM flight and even requested the driver to drive-through a Jollibee branch to buy some much-craved food ’pasalubong’ for the brother-in-law and his fiancee; chicken joy, jolly spaghetti and jolly hotdog. Honestly, if I haven't had any chicken joy on a regular basis for more than a year, I might have asked the same thing!

This was not my first time to fly to Thailand as a tourist hence I was pretty much aware of what I needed. So with my baggage all packed and ready, here’s my checklist that might be of help to you on the day of your flight:

1.  For international trip, ensure you have all the documentary requirements ready; passport, visa (if applicable), other documents needed by the immigration for your departure and destination countries.
2. You need to be at least 3 hours early so you will have ample of time in case you will experience delay in any of the counters. 
3. To avoid hassles and stresses, always follow the airport/airline rules and regulations e.g. items allowed for hand carry versus items to be checked in, no bomb jokes etc.
4.  As soon as you pass through the first x-ray machine, go to;

• the travel tax counter and pay your taxes or you may also pay this online in advance (applicable for Filipino tourists)
• the bag-drop and check-in counter for your boarding pass
• the immigration counter and prepare to answer questions by the immigration officer
• the final and more stringent x-ray machine for a more thorough check

Inside the plane

All ready for a shut eye

Our plane took off a little after 6AM and 2 hours later, I am in Suvarnabhumi Airport. First thing I did after checking in at the immigration counter was to connect to the airport’s wifi to get in touch with my brother-in-law. And soon enough, I was with family who were there to pick me up. Off we go to their condo which will be my home for more than a month.

With my brother-in-law and his fiancee, at the airport

After settling in, with assistance, here are the first few things I did to help me easily get around:

1.  I went to a trusted currency exchange branch and had my money exchanged. You might need to do it at the airport if no one will pick you up. Those currency exchange branches usually have lower rates compare to when you are already in the city. Keep this in mind as you handle your finances while on your trip so you can decide wisely.
2. To easily get around the city and access maps and information, I bought a data sim. Since I’ll be staying in Bangkok for more than a month, I chose to get the package with the highest data (12gb for THB 799) with free calls and messages, usually a package the service provider offers to tourists. This was not a wise decision on my end since my phone is locked to a service provider in the Philippines and I will only be using the pocket wifi when I go out. I should’ve bought the package with the lower data limit for less since I will also be able to reload if needed. Before purchasing a data pack, estimate your usage and make sure you’ll be able to maximize the service to avoid wasting cash. As for me, it’s a lesson learned I’ll keep in mind in the future.
3. And thirdly, I went to the groceries to get whatever I need that didn’t fit my bag; e.g. hygiene kit, slippers etc.

I was all set. Then the fun ensued…

With my brother-in-law and his fiancee