Planning your Trip

Planning your trip can be very stressful, especially when organising travel arrangements for a large group of people or those with special considerations to take into account.

Planning ahead and planning for a wide range of eventualities should make your trip run smoothly, but there are certain things you can do to make planning your trip easier.

Before You Leave for the Airport

  • Ensure that you have your passport, any necessary visas, tickets and money in your hand luggage.
  • DO NOT pack banned items in your hand luggage.
  • If packing medicines, ensure that they are in their original packaging as this will help avoid a delay or confiscation at customs.
  • Do not gift wrap presents as they may have to be unwrapped by security staff or customs.
  • Dress comfortably as sitting on board an aircraft can sometimes be uncomfortable.
  • The Department of Health has dedicated a section of their site to health advice for those travelling abroad.

Getting to the Airport

transport to and from Newcastle Airport
  • Always allow plenty of time to reach the airport so that you will be there two hours prior to take off for international flights and one hour prior to take off for domestic flights.
  • Plan your transport and, if necessary, the route you will be taking to the airport.
  • If you are driving to the airport, ensure that you have booked airport parking in advance.
  • If you are being driven by a friend who wants to see you off at the airport, ensure that he/she knows where the short stay parking is located.
  • If you have hired a car and need to drop it at the airport, check with your car hire company that they have a branch at the airport and allow one way drop offs.
  • If taking a train or coach, ensure that you have the necessary tickets (if advance booking is necessary) and that there are no major engineering or road works that could lengthen the journey.

At the Airport

  • Be aware that increased security has considerably lengthened the time it takes to go through check-in and security.
  • Make sure you keep your baggage with you at all times and alert any member of airport staff to any unattended package.
  • Never look after baggage belonging to other people or carry anything onto the aircraft for someone else.
  • Keep a close eye on the display boards announcing which gate flights depart from. Check live flight departures online for any delays.
Newcastle Airport

In the Air

Planning your trip from Newcastle
  • Try to relax and, if possible, sleep.
  • If on a long haul flight, move your feet around, or get up and walk around regularly if you can.
  • Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages.
  • To reduce jetlag, have some extra sleep before the trip, get some sleep during the flight and try to synchronise mealtimes with the time it is at your destination.
  • Don't eat too heavily before or during a long flight as this will help avoid indigestion and hypertension.
  • Wearing flight socks, taking a low dose of aspirin or moving about every so often during the flight can help prevent DeepVein Thrombosis (DVT).

Newcastle Airport Luggage Storage - Stasher

There are lots of registered and trusted businesses available Newcastle on Stasher for you to store unwanted luggage while you explore the city. Prices from as little as £6.00 per day make it a no-brainer for you to travel stress free with no extra bags.

There are multiple locations across Newcastle including Premier Inn facilities, with an average rating of 4.7/5 from 12,000 reviews!

Planning your trip - stasher

Travelling with Children

Planning your trip
  • Make a list of everything you will need. New security measures mean that you can only carry a limited amount of baby food and drink onto the plane in a clear plastic bag; the bag must be no larger than 20cm by 20cm. Make sure you prepare for this to avoid any problems at security.
  • Pack extra snacks, drinks, colouring books, crayons and (if they're young) their favourite cuddly toy.
  • Many airports have special children's facilities. Have a look at the airport's website or phone their information number.
  • Ensure all of the children's passports are valid and that you have a safe, yet easily accessible, belt or pouch to carry them in. It is not advisable to let young children carry their own passports.
  • Invest in one or two large, sturdy carry on bags with multiple sections instead of using lots of small bags. This will allow you to focus on keeping your children safe and happy without having to worry about lost luggage.

Disabled Travellers

Passengers requiring special assistance can obtain information, tips, guides and support from: