i have never been on a commercial plane before and i will be flying to the Philippines soon?

Question

and i would like to have some advice on what to expect and what i can and can not take with me is it hard changeing flights out side of the usa like in hong kong or guam and ive been told that the scanning machines at the airport can ruin cds and hard drives is this true thanks guys for all the advice about the philippines too....

Answer 1

OK, first thing: the scanning machines will NOT harm CDs, hard drives, flash memory cards, digital cameras, etc. They're *possibly* harmful to film if you send them through a bunch of times, but with digital that's not really a worry any more.

You can take nearly anything (with the exception of weapons, gasoline, etc.) in your CHECKED-IN baggage -- just be sure to leave it un-locked (if you lock it they'll just cut the lock off to inspect it), and don't put anything super-valuable in there. Bring valuables with you in your carry-on baggage, which is limited in size and weight -- and also what you can bring on. No knives, sharp objects all all (basically), no bottles or tubes of liquid larger than 3oz, no lighters...check with the airline you'll be flying to get the latest updates.

Changing planes is no big deal, there will be plenty of people to help you. Everybody in airports in major cities speaks English, so if you have any problems just ask!

One final word of advice -- the air on planes is very, very dry. You'll get very dehydrated. Drink lots of water, try and sleep if you can, and don't drink any (or much) alcohol, which will further dry you out. You'll have a better trip and feel better when you land.

You'll love the Philippines (I've been 10 times), but watch out for people offering taxi rides at the airport in Manila (and other airports) -- some will really "take you for a ride." Have someone meet you if at all possible. In general the people are very, very friendly, love foreigners, and the vast majority speak at least some English (but learn a little Tagalog, at least "salamat po" (thank you) and "saan ang ...?" (where is the ...?). You'll have a great time.

Answer 2

Just follow the signs and use common sense and for the most part you'll be ok. Don't be embarrassed to ask questions to anybody around you if you're unsure about anything, most people will be helpful.

I recommend you bring an inflatable travel pillow with you on the plane, something to read, and music or book-on-tape to listen to.

Bring a carry on with stuff you'll need to get by, such as clothes for a day, etc, just in case they happen to lose your luggage or it's not on the same plane as you.

Make an inventory of any important stuff you put in the checked lugguge, just in case it gets lost or stolen (by baggage handlers) and you need to file a report.
Listen carefully to the announcements during the flight and especially during the landing. I'm not sure when this happens exactly, but sometimes when there's a stopover to switch planes, you may have to go pick up your luggage and get it checked in again, listen to the announcements they'll tell you if your lugguge needs to be rechecked.

Answer 3

I'm told that the x-ray machines won't hurt CD's or hard drives.

As to what you can bring aboard, call the airport and ask. It's been changing so much due to the terrorist attempts that it's hard to say what the guidelines are anymore.

Answer 4

Scanning machines won't have any affect on CDs. They are not like audio/video tapes or camera film that can be erased.

Answer 5

Sorry I don't know the rules for international flights, but I can tell you to bring some chewing gum (so your ears will pop). you might want to have it in your mouth because I don't think you can bring it in your purse or pocket.

Answer 6

Put them in a separate bag and ask for visual inspection