Check the rules and regulations for your destination and make sure you’re aware of any restrictions on the items that you can and can’t take with you.
Put simply, if you don’t obey the rules of the airport and/or airline, you may not be allowed to fly. Make sure you are aware of the latest requirements, including restrictions on size, weight limit and contents of both your checked-in and your hand luggage, by visiting:
www.baa.com
www.dft.gov.uk

Remember to take care of your belongings and never leave your bags unattended. In this climate of heightened security, they’re likely to be removed or even destroyed.

For contact details of UK airports, please see our Travel Directory, or for more in-depth information go to www.worldtravelguide.net and click on airport guides. Scheduled flights are operated by the airlines themselves, and are split into classes – typically Economy, Business and First – with varying degrees of comfort and luxury. Luggage allowance is generous and can depend on which class you’re flying. Food and drink is normally included – you might get a hot meal and drinks and snacks may be complimentary, too.

Discounted rates are rarely available, but different fares offer different advantages: for example, a higher fare can give you a ticket that’s more flexible, if your plans are liable to change.

Some airlines offer a proportion of their seats to consolidators who may impose restrictions in exchange for cheaper ticket prices. These are known as consolidated fares.

Charter flights are arranged by tour operators and are typically part of a package holiday. The seats are generally all the same standard, although a few companies, such as www.firstchoice.co.uk now offer upgraded seating for a surcharge. A meal is usually included in the ticket price, but you may have to pay for extra drinks and snacks.

These tickets are non-flexible, so any changes to the itinerary will incur a charge. Prices vary: last minute tickets may be cheaper, as the tour operator offers attractive deals to make sure the plane is full.

Budget or “No frills” airlines fly frequently and, as the name suggests, offer cheap tickets in return for basic seating and a small luggage allowance. Food and drink is not included and it is often cheaper to buy a new ticket rather than try to change the itinerary. For bus timetables for travel within the UK visit www.traveline.org.uk or call 0871 2002233.

For train times within the UK visit www.nationalrail.co.uk