Toiletry bag

I always take a small toiletry bag with me when travelling, filled with all kinds of goodies to make the journey more pleasant.

Remember to always adhere to the LAG (liquid, Aerosols and Gels) rules for hand luggage. For more information on LAG rules look at these websites: TSA Carry on's or ACSA LAG's

Here is a list of the items I like to keep in my toiletry bag

 

Soft Earplugs	Try to find Ear Planes - they can equalise the pressure in your ears and prevent ear pain caused by changing cabin pressure.  Earplugs also help eliminate cabin noise.  Noise cancelling earphones is a better but more expensive option to eliminate cabin noise.
Inflatable Travel pillow	I prefer an u-shaped neck pillow with a flat back
Soft and thick Eye mask	Most airlines provide you with an eye mask, but I prefer using my own.
Anti bacterial wet wipes	Individually packed if you can find
Packet of tissues	Pocket size
Travel size toothbrush	Try to find one that has a cover over the bristles
Travel size toothpaste (less than 100ml)	Look for them at pharmacies, cosmetic stores or travel accessory shops.
Lip balm
Travel size hand lotion	Look for them at pharmacies, cosmetic stores or travel accessory shops.
Small mirror
Herbal sleeping tablets	To help me sleep on long haul flights. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medication
A couple of headache tablets	There is a variety of medication available to avoid motion sickness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medication
Travel sickness medication	Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medication
Two band aids
Small comb/brush combo	Look for them at pharmacies, cosmetic stores or travel accessory shops.
Chewing gum	Chewing gum or sucking on a mint can help alleviate ear pain during cabin pressure changes e.g. when descending to land
Mints	To freshen your breath

Travel size perfume

Available on some flights during in-flight shopping or at cosmetic stores.

• If you suffer from dry eyes, consider taking eye drops, as the air inside the aircraft can become very dry
• If you need to redo your make up prior to landing consider makeup removal wipes - keep the queues at the toilet in mind, there should be bathroom facilities at your arrival airport, and if possible you can freshen up while waiting for your luggage.
• For the men that needs to shave, pack in a razor and travel size shaving cream. Only safety razors are allowed - see Prohibited items.  Razors that can be opened and the razor blade removed are not allowed. Razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are not prohibited. Some airlines provide razors on board, find out more from your travel agent or airline.
• Be careful when opening makeup/lotion stored in a tube as the cabin pressure can cause it to spill.
• Please consider your fellow passengers before putting on perfume in a confined space, rather wait until you are at the airport.

Air Malta Economy Class Airbus A319

Route

KM307 Munich to Malta Luqa 17 July 2012

Duration

2 hours 15 min

On time departure and Arrival

Departed and arrived on time, although boarding was about 15 minutes late

Ground Crew and check-in

The first leg of this journey was from Munich and online check-in was not available.
Self service check-in kiosks are available at Munich Airport. Your boarding card is printed at the kiosk, and you drop off your luggage at the drop off counters.  Check-in, and luggage drop off is handled by Lufthansa
Ground staff was friendly and very helpful.

Boarding procedure

Boarding was in no particular order. The electronic boarding gates did not operate, so the boarding cards were manually scanned by the ground crew. We had a bridge to the aircraft and boarding went smooth.

Luggage allowance

Hand luggage - One carry on bag 8kg max
Checked luggage - 23kg

Seating

Number of seats - 141 in total, economy has limited recline seats.
View more information at -  A319 Economy seat information
To reserve a seat when booking your ticket, you can pay an extra €10.00, this enables you to pre book your seat (you can book a seat in the exit row which has generous legroom). The overhead locker space was adequate.

Amenities

None.

Entertainment

Small overhead screens with information on the flight progress. English, German and Maltese newspapers are available upon boarding. In-flight magazine available in seat pocket.

In-flight communication

None

Meals and refreshments

Lunch
On the tray -  A hotdog bun, cold meats and cheese. Small desert, butter, cutlery, wet wipe and serviette. Cup for coffee/tea, one sachet sugar and one sachet coffee creamer.
It is not possible to pre-order any special meals, you have to ask for vegetarian etc.when the crew serves your food.
Alternative choices are not always available.
I tried the vegetarian meal which consisted of a hotdog bun, cheese, tomato, lettuce and a muffin.
I am not very impressed with the food on Air Malta, in general it doesn't look very fresh and is not very tasty
Drinks are served with meals. Coffee and tea are served after meals. What I do like is the tea being served with a slice of lemon.  Alcoholic beverages can be purchased, a beer was around €3.00.

Toilets

The toilets were kept clean, economy class can only use the toilets at the back of the aircraft.
Basin to wash hands and brush teeth

In-flight shopping

None.

Travelling with Children

Some of the toilets have diaper boards.
Milk and baby food can be warmed up by the cabin crew
Read more on Air Malta - Travelling with Infants

Crew

I found the crew competent and friendly. Instructions were given in German, Maltese and English.

Disembarking

Business class disembarked first. The aircraft was park close to the terminal building and a quick walk will get you inside.

Overall opinion

What I liked
We booked the exit seat which was comfortable with enough leg room.
The plane was quiet with not too many rattles and noise.

Not so good
The meals are not up to standard.
The rest of the economy seats have enough legroom but it's not generous.

Seating



Seating at exit row



Lunch

Vegetarian lunch

La Valette Club Lounge

Airport

Malta International

Lounge

La Valette Club

Entry to Lounge

Business and First class passengers for all departing airlines
Priority pass
Member of La Valette Club

Services

Complimentary snacks and refreshments

• A choice of fruit and typical Maltese cuisine e.g Pastitsi.

Free Wi-Fi and Internet terminals

• Ask for the login details at reception

Telephone and fax
TV, newspapers and magazines
Smoking area
Flight information display
Electrical outlets to charge phones and laptops etc.

Seating

Comfortable couches

Ambiance

Mostly quiet, but can become very busy during peak times

Bathroom Facilities

Toilets are kept clean
No towels only an air dryer that are not up to standard
Basin to wash hands and freshen up
Body Lotion
No shower facilities

Emirates Business class Boeing 777-300ER

Route

EK761 from Dubai to Johannesburg 01 July 2012

Duration

8 hours 10 min.

On time departure and arrival

Departed and arrived on time.

Ground Crew and check-in

This was a connection Emirates flight and check-in was done at the start of the journey.
No need to collect and check-in luggage for connecting flights
Ground staff was friendly and competent.
Invitation to Emirates Business Class lounge for Business Class passengers.

Boarding procedure

Priority boarding for First and Business Class passengers, as well as skywards gold members, families with small children and assisted passengers.
The waiting area at the departure gate was very busy and overcrowded.
Economy class boarding was by zone, with passengers sitting at the back of the aircraft boarding first.

Luggage allowance

Hand luggage - Two pieces of carry-on baggage. One briefcase plus either one handbag or garment bag.
Checked luggage - 40 kg. Extra allowance depending on Frequent traveler status.
See more on EK 761 baggage allowances and rules

Before take-off

Moist hot towels were provided to freshen up.  A choice of champagne, apple and orange juice were offered.

Seating

42 Angled lie-flat seats. Each seat extends to form a flat bed up to 200.66cm  (79")  long.
Seat pitch - 116.84cm (46")
Seat width - 52.07cm (20.5")
Massage function
Seatmap can be viewed on Seatguru or on Emirates Boeing 777-300ER

Amenities

Toiletry bags and eye masks were provided. Included in the bag were toothpaste, toothbrush, razor and shaving cream for men, face cream and perfume for woman, scented wet wipe, small brush/comb combination and a mirror
Soft pillow and duvet
Soft duvet type of mattress to put over your seat - this was handed out by the crew after breakfast for those who wanted to sleep
Stereo headset
Moist hot towels were provided before and after meals to freshen up

Entertainment

Emirates won numerous awards for their ICE in-flight system.
See more on Emirates ICE
On demand entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, TV programmes and music.  You can also stay in touch with latest headlines from the BBC, follow the progress of your flight or view the aircraft's external cameras.
The screen was generous and the headsets of good quality.  The ICE touchscreen system is easy to use and movies can be started as soon as you are seated.  A remote control is also provided.

In-flight communications

Satellite phone.
Mobile phones could not be used on this flight.

Meals and refreshments

Meals were served on china tableware, on tray tables laid with fine linen. A bar service was on offer, with a wide selection of cocktails, wines and other beverages.
The choices on the menu were:

• Appetisers - choice of two
• Salad
• Main Course - choice of three
• Desserts - variety
• Cheeseboard
• Fruit
• Coffee and Chocolates

Breakfast and Brunch were served. Specify any dietary requirements at time of booking e.g. vegetarian.

Refreshments
Coffee/tea was served after meals. Drinks and wine were served before and during the meal.  Bottled water at every seat

Toilets

The toilets were kept clean. 
Soap, body lotion, aftershave and fragrance were provided.
Toothbrush and toothpaste were available
Cotton towels and tissues.
Basin to wash hands and brush teeth.
Flowers.

In-flight shopping

In-flight shopping was available after breakfast, with a good choice perfumes, jewelry etc.

Travelling with Children

Changing tables in toilets. Baby bassinets must be pre booked. Meal request for children must be made at time of reservation.
Milk and baby food can be warmed up by the cabin crew
Read more on  Emirates - Travelling with infants   

 

Crew

I found the crew competent and very friendly.

Disembarking

First class disembarked first, then business class.

Overall opinion

What I liked
The flat-lie seats are very comfortable
Entertainment system
Service
Tasty and well presented meals
Complimentary chauffeur drive for first and business class passengers

Not so good
None

Entertainment System

Remote control

Keeping it light and compact

Airlines are putting more and more pressure on passengers to keep their checked luggage light and compact. Some airlines even charge extra for checked luggage. Checked luggage is your luggage that you hand to the airline at the check in counters (or drop-off counters when checked in online). You need to collect your luggage again at your arrival airport.
Some airlines impose weight as well as size limitations. Some also limit you to one bag.
In Europe, most airlines only allow 23kg per bag, one bag per person. You will find more information about luggage allowances on your airline ticket, your booking agent or from the airline.  You can expect to have a more generous allowance when booking a higher class ticket e.g. business class, or having a higher frequent flyer status.

I must admit, I used to be a nervous packer, trying to fit in just one more pair of shoes, in case the other three pairs don't go with my outfits. You soon realise that you wear less than half the clothes you packed and end up sticking to your favourite pair of jeans and comfortable shoes. Today's blog is focusing on holiday packing only. 

Packing tips

• It is important to keep your destination in mind and to respect their culture.  Some countries do not allow woman to wear pants or go out in public with bare shoulders.
• Keep your type of accommodation in mind, it will be different for staying in a hotel, backpackers or self catering facility.
• Plan ahead, check the weather and have a list of activities - pack accordingly.
• Make a list of what you need to pack.

Clothes

• Try to pack clothes that you can mix and match, and that can be dressed up for going out at night.
• Consider darker clothes that can be worn more than once. A pair of dark jeans will match with almost any top or shirt.  Do not only pack jeans, they weigh heavier than cotton pants and jeans do not work well in hot and humid climates.
• Always pack something warm that does not fill up your suitcase e.g. a cardigan.  When travelling to colder climates pack accordingly, and try to wear your jacket while travelling as it can take up a lot of luggage space
• Pack lightweight clothes that you can layer for different temperatures
• Always pack swimwear but keep beachwear for the beach, not for sightseeing.
• For ladies - a pashmina can be very versatile and it's easy to carry in your hand luggage. It can keep you warm on the aircraft or on outings. It can be used as a scarf or wrapped around your waist. It is also very handy when sightseeing as most places of worship will not allow you to enter with bare shoulders
• Try to pack clothes that do not crease/wrinkle easily
• Pack enough underwear, if you consider washing them while on holiday, take along a bar of detergent soap or liquid detergent

Shoes

• Travel with comfortable shoes that match most of your outfits. Try to keep shoes to the minimum as they take up a lot of luggage space. Pack only one extra pair that you can wear to dress up your outfits - darker colours works best. Keep comfort in mind.

Toiletries

• Liquids are heavy and take up a lot of space, consider buying small plastic bottles (that seal well) and fill them with shampoo, face wash etc.  Consider using 2-in-1 products or try to buy travel size items e.g. toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant
• Keep toiletries and makeup to the minimum.
• Consider buying sunscreen, batteries, insect repellent etc at your destination if possible
• Always pack a face cloth
• Ladies - Consider removing unwanted hair, e.g. waxing,  before going on holiday so you don't need to shave

Good ideas

• Find out what is available at your place of accommodation e.g. hairdryers, bathroom towels and beach/pool towels as well as toiletries. Do they offer a laundry service or are there any Laundromats nearby. Hotel laundry services can be very expensive, it is more economical to opt for a Laundromat, but this will take more time out of your day.
• Stuff shoes with socks and other small items
• Do no put any valuables in your check luggage. 
• Pack medicine, phone chargers, sunglasses, valuables in your hand luggage
• Put tags on your suitcase with your name and contact details on it. No need to put your physical address on it, just your name and telephone number.
• Make use of electronic travel guides or keep travel books to the minimum
• Wrap bottles that contain liquids with news paper or a towel and put it inside a plastic bag (ziploc works good) - Pressure inside the aircraft can cause bottles to leak.

Emirates Business class Airbus A330-200

Route

EK108 from Malta to Dubai 30 June 2012

Duration

7 hours 15 min. One hour stopover in Larnaca.

On time departure and arrival

Departed and arrived on time.

Ground Crew and check-in

Online check-in 24 hours before departure. Connecting Emirates flights can be checked-in as well and luggage will be checked through to your final destination on your Emirates flight.
There were no dedicated drop off counters at Malta airport, you still need to hand in you luggage at the check-in counters.  This was the same line as for Business class.
Separate lines for First and Business Class.
Ground staff was friendly and competent.
Invitation to La Valette Club lounge for First and Business Class passengers.

Boarding procedure

The boarding was not done in any order. Passengers lined up and got onto the bus service to the aircraft. No priority boarding was done.

Luggage allowance

Hand luggage - Two pieces of carry-on baggage. One briefcase plus either one handbag or garment bag.
Checked luggage - 40 kg. Extra allowance depending on Frequent traveler status.
See more on EK 108 baggage allowances and rules

Before take-off

Moist hot towels were provided to freshen up.  A choice of champagne, apple and orange juice were offered.

Seating

42 Spacious sleeperettes with a generous recline
Seat pitch - 137.16cm (54")
Seat width - 45.72cm (18")
Seatmap can be viewed on Seatguru or on Emirates Airbus A330-200

Amenities

Toiletry bags and eye masks were not provided as it was not an overnight flight
Soft pillow and lined blanket
Stereo headset
Moist hot towels were provided before and after meals to freshen up

Entertainment

Emirates won numerous awards for their ICE in-flight system.
See more on Emirates ICE
On demand entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, TV programmes and music.  You can also stay in touch with latest headlines from the BBC, follow the progress of your flight or view the aircraft's external cameras.
The screen was generous and the headsets of good quality.  The ICE touchscreen system is easy to use and movies can be started as soon as you are seated.  A remote control is also provided.

In-flight communications

Satellite phone.
Mobile phones could be used on this flight.

Meals and refreshments

Meals were served on china tableware, on tray tables laid with fine linen. A bar service was on offer, with a wide selection of cocktails, wines and other beverages.
The choices on the menu were:

• Appetisers - choice of two
• Salad
• Main Course - choice of three
• Desserts - variety
• Cheeseboard
• Fruit
• Coffee and Chocolates

Lunch and dinner were served. Specify any dietry requirements at time of booking e.g. vegetarian.

Refreshments
Coffee/tea was served after meals. Drinks and wine were served before and during the meal. Godiva chocolates were served with the coffee after dinner.

The meals were very tasty but the swordfish I had for dinner was a bit dry.

Toilets

The toilets were kept clean. 
Soap, body lotion, aftershave and fragrance were provided.
Toothbrush and toothpaste were available
Cotton towels and tissues.
Basin to wash hands and brush teeth.
Flowers.

In-flight shopping

In-flight shopping was available after dinner, with a good choice perfumes, jewelry etc.

Travelling with Children

Changing tables in toilets. Baby bassinets must be pre booked. Meal request for children must be made at time of reservation.
Milk and baby food can be warmed up by the cabin crew
Complimentary baby stroller service at Dubai airport.
Read more on  Emirates - Travelling with infants   

 

Crew

I found the crew competent and very friendly.

Disembarking

First class disembarked first, then business class.

Overall opinion

What I liked
The seats were comfortable with a generous recline and footrest.
Entertainment system
Service
Tasty and well presented meals
Complimentary chauffeur drive for first and business class passengers

Not so good
The aircraft is a bit old and flat bed seats in business class would be nice as on other Emirates aircraft

South African Airways Economy Airbus A340-600

Route

SA260 Johannesburg to Frankfurt 07 July 2012

Duration

10 hours 45 min

On time departure and Arrival

Departed and arrived on time

Ground Crew and check-in

Online check-in 24 hours before departure.
There were dedicated drop off counters at Johannesburg International airport
Ground staff was not over friendly but competent.

Boarding procedure

Business class passengers and selected Frequent Flyers (Voyager Gold, Platinum, and Lifetime members, Star Alliance Gold) have priority boarding.
Passengers with small children and assisted passengers
Economy class passengers

Luggage allowance

Hand luggage - One carry on bag 8kg max
Checked luggage - 23kg

Seating

Number of seats - 275 recliner seats. Seats against the bulkhead can have limited recline
View the seat maps on  SeatGuru or on South African Airways A340-600
Seat pitch - 85cm (33.5")
Seat width - 43.18cm (17")

Amenities

Bag with socks, slumber shades, toothbrush and toothpaste
Small pillow and blanket
Stereo headset

Entertainment

Personal touchscreen monitor with remote control. I was not very impressed with the entertainment system, to scroll to the program you want to watch takes too long. The touchscreen had a delay. The system had to be rebooted as some passenger's screens/systems did not work. This took about 30 minutes and you had to again find your program, and forward to where it stopped. This also happened on previous SAA flights I have taken. 
The selection of programs was adequate and up to date with the latest movies and music. 

In-flight communication

Satellite phone

Meals and refreshments

Dinner
A choice of beef stew, chicken and vegetarian (Brinjal curry)
On the tray - Salad, whole-wheat bun, eclairs for dessert, chocolate, butter, cutlery, wet wipe and serviette. Cup for coffee/tea
I had the beef stew, it was tasty and the meat was tender. My travel partner had the Brinjal curry and noted that there were not enough brinjals in the curry and the rice was bland
Breakfast
Hot breakfast was served.
On the tray - Fruit salad, yoghurt, whole-wheat bun, butter, cutlery, wet wipe and serviette. Cup for coffee/tea
Refreshments
Drinks were served before and after meals. Coffee/tea was only served after meals. Water was available in small bottles and were served at regular intervals

Toilets

The toilets were kept clean although the dustbin needs to be cleaned a bit more often. 
Soap, Body Lotion as well as face wash were provided.
Paper towels and tissues
Basin to wash hands and brush teeth

In-flight shopping

In-flight shopping was available after dinner, with a good choice perfumes, jewelry etc.

Travelling with Children

Some of the toilets have diaper boards. Baby bassinets must be pre booked. Meal request for children must be made at time of reservation
Milk and baby food can be warmed up by the cabin crew
Read more on South African Airways - Travelling with Infants

Crew

I found the crew competent and friendly.

Disembarking

Business class disembarked first. We had to wait for ground crew to attach the passenger bridge, after that disembarking went smooth and fast

Overall opinion

What I liked
The seats were comfortable with enough leg room. The recline was adequate for economy seats. I never felt the reclined seat in front of me was too close.
Water in bottles that you can keep with you during the flight.
The plane was quiet with not too many rattles and noise

Not so good
The vegetarian meal was not up to standard.
Entertainment system is clumsy and had to be reset