Travelling is back on the cards for people who are ready and comfortable to pack their bags and get abroad. Our news feeds are beginning to fill with new holiday pictures as people take a well-deserved breaks. Although travel has started up again it is important to note that it is not the same experience as before.
Here is our checklist for getting ready to travel:
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Staying informed of restrictions, guideline and requirements
As we all know, each country has their own travel restrictions, guidelines and requirements. It is up to individuals to educate themselves and stay up to date with these requirements for both the country they are travelling to and when re-entering Ireland too. The last thing you want is for your holiday to come to an abrupt end if you are denied boarding, delayed or incur a fine, in some cases.
For all the current guidelines and advice from the Irish government refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs. If you are fully vaccinated, you can find all the information on the Digital Covid Cert from Gove.ie.
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Getting Travel Insurance
Once you book your trip, the next thing we recommend you do is get travel insurance. Whether you want to get Single Trip or Multi-trip insurance, it’s up to you. Get a Travel Insurance quote online and purchase 24/7.
Single trip will cover you for the duration of your trip. Multi-trip has the benefit of having a full year of cover if you plan on taking a few trips in the space of the year. With KennCo, Multitrip travel insurance will also cover you for staycations in Ireland, provided your accommodation is pre-booked in advance. All the benefits and details of cover are available on our website.
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Planning your trip to the airport
As normal, you should give yourself plenty time at the airport to check in any bags, get through security and of course have a look around the shops. It is recommended that you arrive 2 hours before your flight for short haul flights and 3 hours before a long haul flight. You can keep an eye on the Dublin Airport Twitter account for any updates in delays with security etc. Don’t forget to factor in the possibility of traffic on your route too.
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Packing your hand luggage
Hand luggage should be kept to a minimum and you can check your airline to understand the allowed allocated amount per person. You may have carry-on baggage included or you may need to pay extra for this option. Bring what you need for your flight in your hand luggage. There is a list of prohibited items for hand luggage. These range from sharps objects, liquids over 100ml, tools and weapons to name a few. The full list is always available on the Dublinairport.com and your airline.
Our 10 tips for smart travelling blog will help you with packing and remind you of some of the essentials you may need on your next trip.
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Check in online
Be sure to check in online for your flight to avoid any late check in fees. The airline you are travelling with will provide this information to you but most prefer you to check in online where possible to avoid longer delays and queuing at the airport. Social distancing measures will be in place at airline check in desks.
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Prepare for Security Checks
There will be social distancing at security which may cause delays so it is important to also factor this into your planned arrival time. If you know you are going to be tight on time, you can avail of the Fast Track Security Service for a small additional cost.
Nothing else about the security process has changed. There are a few things you can do to speed up your own time going through security.
- Remove electronics and have them ready to put into their own security tray
- Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on once you go through security
- Liquids should all be in a clear resealable plastic bag and all under 100ml
- Remove jackets, jewellery and coins and insert into a tray
For more details on how to get through security quickly, see our blog on the Top 5 Airport Security Tips for a quicker journey.
7. Last but not least, enjoy your holiday
