Travelling for the First Time
- Ensure your passport is valid for the total time you will be away ... particularly if you are embarking on long journey with return flights several weeks or months after departure.
- Check visa requirements with your travel agent and/or the embassies of countries you will be visiting. Visas may take some time to be approved and regulations vary according to nationality.
- Some countries require transit visas, exit visas or re-entry visas, so be specific about your exact journey itinerary. And remember, regulations change frequently so ensure you are up-to-date on all travel requirements.
- Health requirements also vary between countries and you may require certification of innoculations before permitted entry. Again check with your travel agent, doctor, or appropriate embassy, and ensure you have vaccinations at an early date before travel to allow recovery time.
- Malaria continues to be endemic in many tropical areas and you should consult your doctor about recommended anti-malaria medication. Any course of treatment should be started before travel commences.
- If you take medication on a regular basis, ensure you pack sufficient supplies to cover the duration of your travel. Any traveller on restricted medicines such as barbiturates and sedatives should carry written medical approval to avoid any complications at customs.
- Certain items such as alcohol or even foodstuffs are restricted in different countries. Check baggage allowances and duty-free allowances with your travel agent, Gulf Air offices or embassies.
- Always advise us of your telephone contact numbers in your country of origin, as well as at any stopover points or final destination ... this will enable us to reach you in case of any unforeseen schedule changes.
- A variety of dietary special meals can be ordered when you make your ticket reservation (see Special Meals section).
- Ensure that your passport and valuables are packed in your carry-on hand baggage.
- Leave plenty of time to get to the airport; arrive at least two hours in advance of departure and note that some countries charge an Airport Departure Tax that may have to be paid in cash at a special counter.
Before You Pack
For safety reasons, the following articles are not permitted in passengers' cabin baggage.
- Flammable, non-flammable or poisonous compressed gases such as butane, oxygen, propane or aqualung cylinders.
- Corrosive agents such as acids, alkalis or wet cell batteries.
- Etiologic agents such as bacteria or viruses.
- Explosives, fireworks, flares, hand guns, rifles and ammunition, including blank cartridges.
- Flammable liquids and solids, such as lighter fuel or refills, lights that need inverting before ignition, matches and other articles that are easily ignited. (Matches are only permitted when carried on a person).
- Radioactive material.
- Oxidising material such as bleaching powder and peroxides.
- Apparatus containing mercury (eg, thermometers), poisons such as arsenic, magnetised materials (eg, compasses) and any offensive or irritating material.
- Sharp edged or pointed objects such as scissors, knives, knitting needles, etc.
- Medicines with alcohol content, and toilet articles such as hair sprays or perfumes, are permitted in limited quantities for passengers' personal use during the journey.
Note: For more information on banned items, plus the carriage of items needed for medical use such as oxygen tanks, please contact your nearest Gulf Air office.
Health Tips
Peak practices
At Gulf Air, we aim to look after our passengers in the air and also ensure they arrive at their destinations in good shape.
As we all know, flying can be rather stressful but there are ways of alleviating muscle aches and swollen feet and stimulating blood circulation to have a more comfortable journey.
But, please consult your doctor if you have a medical condition or temporary health problem, including pregnancy, and do not attempt exercise if you feel any strain on the areas involved. (Gulf Air withholds responsibility for any claims to injury as a result of this fitness programme).
Before you leave...
- Get a good night's sleep.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
- Eat light and easily-digested food.
- Take a brisk walk or shower.
- Wear loose fitting clothing, comfortable shoes and, if necessary, support tockings.
- Consult your doctor on the usage of anti-embolic medications before you fly.
On board regime
- Do not place your hand baggage in the space under the seat in front of you as this will restrict your ability to stretch out and move your legs.
- If you are travelling to a destination for less than 48 hours, keep your watch on its usual time, but if your stay is longer, change to local time as soon as you board as this will help you to cope with jet lag.
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine products such as coffee during the flight as these will dehydrate your body.
- Opt for light foods, particularly those low in sugar, salt and dairy products, or pre-order the vegetarian special meal.
- Do not cross your legs as this will restrict your blood circulation.
- Try not to fall asleep in a cramped position.
- Drink plenty of fluids - water or juices will be offered to you on a regular basis.
- Do not smoke cigarettes.
- Try to move around where possible.
Air time action
The following exercises are easy to do in your seats without disturbing your neighbour or drawing attention to yourself. Only stretch as far as comfortable and remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
At your fingertips
- With your palm facing down, stretch your thumb towards your wrist, and breathe out. Repeat 20 times with each hand.
- Palm up, stretch each finger downwards, breathing out each time.
- Rotate your wrists 10 times clockwise and 10 times anti-clockwise.
- Vigorously shake out your hands.
Feet first
- Rotate both ankles 10 times clockwise and 10 times anti-clockwise.
- Stretch your legs out and spread your toes, bringing them up towards you. Now clench toes and point downwards. Repeat 10 times with each foot, flexing your ankles.
- With feet on the cabin floor, raise your heels and then relax. Repeat 20 times.
Back to front
- Rotate your neck slowly five times in each direction, taking care not to overstretch.
- Shrug your shoulders upwards towards your ears. Breathe out and lower them. Repeat five times.
- Rotate your shoulders backwards and forwards, five times.
- Without moving your hips, turn your head to face the back of your seat, first to the left side and then to the right. Repeat five times.
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