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Gatwick Airport travellers should carefully think about their preparation in order to have a relaxing and enjoyable trip. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, use our preparation guide including security tips, luggage and baggage allowances. |
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Should That Be In Your Suitcase? ... |
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Good preparation is key to ensuring you sit back and relax on your travels - with no nasty surprises before or after your trip. With this easy to use guide on security tips when you leave your home, to what your baggage allowances are you'll be prepared for anything.
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Advice on leaving your home unattended for large amounts of time, packing and luggage can be found in this section of the Airport Information site, plus general tips on travel preparation.
Don't add to those holiday blues that most of us suffer from - you know the sort of thing - mouldy food in the fridge, stacks of washing up on the side or dying pot plants. But worst of all, what if you came back to a burgled home?
The single most important thing to consider before leaving for your travels is 'have your left your home secure?'. With most break-ins happening when homes have been left empty it's something you should give serious thought too.
Here are some helpful tips on leaving your home empty for long periods of time:
- Cancel any deliveries, i.e. milk and newspapers
- Cancel or re-schedule any appointments that you've got planned whilst you are away
- Leave ordering any items that will come via Recorded Delivery or such like until you return - any Recorded Deliver that hasn't been collected from the Post Office will be returned to sender after one week.
- Arrange for post on your doorstep to be collected by family, friends or a trusted neighbour. You could also ask them to water your pot plants for you too.
- For safety switch off all electrical appliances from the sockets including your TV, computer, stereo etc.
- Discard or use any perishable items in your fridge so they don't go off whilst you are away.
- Unless you are travelling in the Winter, turn off your hot water and central heating - this will save energy and money. Should you be travelling in the winter turn down your central heating temperature and consider reducing the time it is on for.
- If you own pets make sure they are being looked after - if they are being looked after by friends or family make sure that both the person and animal are used to one another. If going into a cattery or kennel, pack some of their favourite toys so they don't get home sick.
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Check out our top 10 security tips to keep your home protected and secure when you are away.
Whilst we plan for our holidays for months, many of us don't give any consideration to securing our homes. And why not? These are often our biggest investments.
As well as the huge investment we make in our homes, the sentimental value and memories are just as important. It doesn't bear thinking about someone violating those precious things. With almost half of all break-ins happening when a flat or house is left empty, securing yours should be a priority.
Follow our top 10 home security tips and you'll enjoy extra peace of mind when going away.
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Security Tips - The Top Ten |
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1, Automatic Lighting |
Light timers confuse burglars as it looks as if your home is lived in. The time control lights going on and off at different times during the day (if it's early, dark winter afternoons) and night. |
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2. Post |
Arrange for people to visit your house throughout your time away to collect up post and papers that pile up on your doorstep - a real give away to potential burglars. You could ask a family member, friend or trusted neighbour.
It's worth considering that Royal Mail offer a service called Keepsafe, your personal and/or business mail will be kept for up to two months while you are away. |
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3. Deliveries |
Another give away for being away - milk or newspaper left on the doorstep. Cancel these deliveries for the length of your trip. |
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4. Baggage Tags: |
If you write your home address on your baggage label it's a sign that your home will be stood empty as you are on holiday. Leave it until you are checking in for your return flight, and don't write it in full, just in part for identification purposes should it get lost. |
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5. House Checking: |
Get friends, family or neighbours to check on your house occasionally. If they stagger their visits to different times of the day any potential burglar monitoring your home will be confused and think that the home is being lived in after all.
Ask the home checkers to open and close the curtains, park on your driveway (neighbours could leave a car over night) to make it look like people are home.
And don't forget to leave your contact details with people so you are contactable just in case of any emergency. |
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6. Neighbourhood Watch: |
Most neighbourhoods are part of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Sign up so you have added security for your home. You can visit their website at www.neighbourhoodwatch.net to find out more. |
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7. Valuable Items: |
If you have valuable or sentimental items or important documentation that you are leaving at home whilst you are away consider asking your bank to store them in a safe for you. Or you could leave with family and friends.
Make sure desirable items such as TVs, stereos and DVDs are not on view from outside.
Make sure your home and contents insurance is valid and it covers the value of items in your home. |
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8. Alarm: |
Make sure your alarm is set properly when you leave.
It is worth electing a friend or neighbour to be a key holder if you have a burglar alarm. Should it go off it will need to be reset, it's also possible the Security Company will need to contact someone in the event of an emergency.
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9. Outdoor Storage: |
If you have valuable items in your green house or shed consider moving them into your home for the duration of your trip - such as tools, bicycles etc. |
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10. Locks: |
Where possible, make sure all your windows and doors are locked shut properly. |
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To be extra sure your home is secured to the maximum contact your local Police Force. Many forces offer to check your home for you and can offer helpful improvements.
After checking all your security measures are in place, and your home is safe and secure, sit back, relax and
enjoy your holiday! |
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If you are prone to packing all bar the kitchen sink it's worth finding out what weight restrictions your carrier has on hand luggage and it's baggage allowances. Also their security controls relating to luggage.
Below we cover the main areas for baggage allowances, restricted and prohibited items that must not be packed in your hand luggage along with large or unusually shaped items.
With hand and baggage allowances differing, check with your Airline. This information is often printed on your ticket.
Do contact your Airline if you are planning on taking large amounts of baggage with you. Also enquire as to their limits on hand luggage and items that can be taken into the hold.
A rule of thumb is that the maximum weight of an individual bag is 32kg (70lbs) or less. If your bag weighs more than 32kg, pack into smaller bags so that the overall weight is evenly distributed. Do note however, this does not affect your overall baggage allowance that is enforced by the Airline so you can see it is worth contacting them before you fly.
To avoid any inconvenience, embarrassment and time check your allowances and the weight of your bags before arriving at the airport.
You will be asked a number of standard security questions about your luggage when checking in. This is a directive from the British Government. The level of questioning will depend on each Airline.
Visit the Security section of this website for further information on restricted and prohibited items that cannot be packed in hand luggage or your main luggage.
If your luggage includes outsized or unusual baggage inform the Airline you are travelling with for advice. Alternatively you can contact your travel agent that you have booked your trip through. |
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