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When travelling by air from Aberdeen airport its important that you make the most of the journey. Our simple-to-follow guide to air travel could help you transform your Journey. |
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What's in your suitcase ... |
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The following information has been created to prepare passengers for travel by air covering areas such as tips on securing your home before you travel, staying comfortable during the flight and general travel hints and guidelines.
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Getting to Aberdeen Airport ... |
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Aberdeen Airport is located seven miles from the Aberdeen city centre. The access road to the airport is signposted from the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.
The main car park can be found in front of the terminal building, offering short and long stay car parking.
Visit the ‘Getting to the Airport’ section in this Information Guide for more information on travelling to Aberdeen by:
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Various parking options are available to passengers travelling through Aberdeen Airport depending on budget, length of stay and level of service required.
For collecting or dropping off passengers, or for short duration trips, travellers can use the short stay car park. Short stay parking is recommended for stays of up to five hours.
Passengers travelling away for longer than a few days, long stay parking is recommended.
Travellers can choose from long stay parking with a transfer to the airport terminal, or meet and greet valet parking.
Valet meet and greet parking is available at Aberdeen Airport and means you do not need to worry about a transfer from the car park to the terminal.
Passengers using valet parking simply leave their car at a pre-arranged time with the meet and greet company representative at the airport terminal before moving quickly to check in.
The vehicle will be stored in a secure parking compound and then delivered back to you at the terminal on your return.
Valet meet and greet provides airline travellers with the ultimate hassle free start - and finish - to their holiday or business trip. The service is perfect for families with young children, people with heavy bags or sports equipment, corporate travellers, and people with disabilities.
Typical meet and greet parking costs £83 for one week and £118 for two weeks, depending on the operator you choose.
Pre-booking valet parking is advised to ensure availability. |
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| A Fast Track parking option is also available from Aberdeen Airport. The Fast Track under cover parking area is located within the short stay car park and offers the quickest and most convenient link into the terminal. Prices start from £11.00 for 24 hours or part thereof. |
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Once you arrive at the Airport, you will need to move through to departures to Check-in for your flight and deposit your hold baggage so that it can be loaded onto the Aircraft.
Security has increased considerably recently, and the length of time that it takes to check in and move through all of the security checks has increased.
Therefore, it is vitally important to arrive at the Airport in good time before your flight:
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Type Of Flight |
Check In Time |
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Long Haul Flights |
3 HOURS before departure |
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European Flights |
2 HOURS before departure |
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UK & Northern Ireland Flights |
1 HOUR before departure |
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Before check-in, it is essential that you keep your luggage with you at all times, and do not let anyone else carry your bags for you. After check-in, again it is important to keep your hand baggage with you at all times.
Never look after another passengers luggage whilst at the Airport, and in no circumstances should you carry anything else onto the Aircraft for another passenger. Alert a member of staff at the Airport if you notice any unattended packages.
When you have passed through security, keep checking the display boards to see which gate you will need to board from. In some Airports, you will need to allow enough time to travel from the Departure Lounge to your Boarding Gate. At some of the larger Airports, it can take up to 30 minutes to reach the distant Boarding Gates.
For further information on the security checks you will pass through between the check-in desks and boarding the Aircraft, visit the Airport Safety and Security section within this Fly Guide. |
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The plane journey to and from your destination can be boring and uncomfortable, especially when travelling long haul or with children and babies. However, there are ways you can make your journey more bearable.
Before you board the plane, think about what you will need to take in your hand luggage. Obvious items to pack in your hand luggage are your passport, ticket and cash.
Other essential items to think about are any prescribed medication, sanitary protection, valuables, decongestants to make the flight more bearable if you have a cold and possibly a change of top in case of delays.
Airline food can be fairly small portions so it is worth having a good meal before you get onto the plane. Also take some snacks in your hand luggage to ward off any hunger on long-haul flights. Remember that Customs will not allow you to take fruit or dairy products on the Aircraft.
Long-haul flights normally have videos throughout the flight, but it is still worth taking a book, a few magazines and your personal stereo and music.
Keeping comfortable when you’re squashed into an Aircraft is not the easiest thing to do. Cabin pressure and the atmosphere can cause swollen hands and feet and dry skin.
Whilst on the aircraft, try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting the amount of alcohol you intake. Carry some moisturiser to help prevent dry skin.
Remove your shoes so that your feet feel more comfortable, and if you are travelling somewhere hot, think about packing some sandals or flip flops for when you get off the plane the other end.
Take a warm jumper as you may get cold in the cabin. This jumper can also double up as a pillow if you want to try and get some sleep.
Remember to pack earplugs and an eye mask if you have trouble sleeping with the normal aircraft and passenger noises.
If you suffer from travel sickness, make sure you have packed remedies, i.e. pills or wrist bands.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. There is evidence that long-haul flights, especially when passengers have little or no exercise, may increase the risk of developing DVT.
Make a conscious effort to walk around on the flight, especially if travelling on a long-haul journey. Wiggle your toes and do some simple leg stretches to try and get blood circulating.
For more advice on DVT, who is more at risk and how to help prevent it, visit the Department of Health website.- Click Here
Finally, read our article below - ‘Tips on Staying Comfortable When Flying’ before you travel.
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Staying Comfortable When Flying |
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1. Upgrade |
If you really want to stay comfortable when flying, try and get an upgrade to Business Class or First Class. |
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2. Front Row Seats |
If you are unsuccessful with the upgrade route, the next best thing is to get a front row seat or a seat by an emergency exit. These seats normally have extra leg room. |
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3. Aisle Seats |
As a last resort to get a bit of extra leg room, your best bet is to try and get an aisle seat. At least with an aisle seat you can occasionally stretch your legs out (as long as you don’t trip up anyone walking down the aisle). An aisle seat also makes it easier for you to get up and down to stretch your legs, and means you can get to the bathroom without having to climb over other passengers next to you. |
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4. Pillow |
To help you sleep on the flight, think about taking your own pillow and light blanket. The familiar smell of home can help you to get more comfortable and sleep better. If you are worried about carrying your own pillow and blanket, you can buy a blow up neck supporter pillow to save on space. Ear plugs can also help to shut out some of the onboard noises, so you can get to sleep easier. |
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5. Painful Ears |
If you suffer from painful ears during take off or landing, special ear plugs are available which equalise the air pressure on each side of the ear drum. These ear plugs are especially useful if you have a cold or allergy / sinus problems. One common brand that you can buy is called Earplanes. |
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6. Dehydration |
Flying can cause dehydration, so make sure you drink lots of water during your flight. Take your own bottle of water onto the plane with you, just in case. |
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7. Snacks |
Airline meals aren’t always the most filling, so it is wise to take some of your own snacks on the plane. |
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8. Anxiety |
There are many options for you if you suffer from anxiety when flying. Learn some simple breathing skills that you can use on the flight to reduce your stress and calm you down. Take some activities like crosswords or a book that you can concentrate on. If you think your anxiety is too intense, it could be worth talking to your Doctor as he or she might be able to recommend something to help keep you calm before and during the flight. |
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Travelling with Children ... |
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If you are travelling with children, pack some small toys in your hand luggage for when you are waiting at the Airport, and for on the aircraft.
Items such as colouring books and crayons, soft back books and sticker books are good to keep your children amused. Another good idea is to wrap the different toys, so that each new activity is a surprise.
Most major Airlines offer some sort of child activity pack for when they are on the aircraft, however, these do not normally hold the child’s attention for a long period of time.
Take some toys that you can use to play games with your children, for example, dolls, toy cars, toy planes, etc. Stories can then be built around the different toys, maybe even with a journey, holiday or aeroplane twist!
When travelling with a young baby, you will probably need to carry a fair amount of bits and pieces in your hand luggage. Pack plenty of baby food or formula milk just in case of delays, nibbles in a container, cold water sterilising tablets, spare nappies and plastic rubbish bags.
Also pack some warm clothes for your baby in case the temperature drops in the cabin whilst flying, and some favourite toys to try and keep them amused. |
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Travelling with disabilities / Special Needs ... |
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Most Airlines are well equipped to assist passengers travelling with disabilities or special needs.
Passengers with disabilities are advised to check that any special assistance required is included in the price of the ticket before booking.
Before travelling, ensure that the Airline you are flying with is aware of your disabilities or special needs well in advance of your travel dates.
Some Airlines will ask passengers with disabilities to transfer to an airline wheelchair at check-in. If you would like to stay in your own wheelchair to boarding, double check with your airline if this is possible before you leave for the airport.
Aberdeen Airport is a large building with a huge number of boarding gates. This means that there are often long distances to walk to travel between the terminals and to the gates.
Special assistance vehicles are available for travellers with disabilities. Passengers should pre-arrange the use of these vehicles to prevent any delays in the airport. |
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