Air Travel

Nov 18th 2008 9 p.m. I am back to hotel equatorial after finishing dinner with my overseas colleagues.

Thought would place my experience on blog.

Last two days it was quite tensed, coz it is my first presentation to my boss who sits in US, global headquarters .Finally, my presentation went for just 15 minutes with not much questions - only one .

When I travelled first time to Shangai, it was third day after my baby girl's birth. I was quite restless to leave my wife and just born. Despite that, my first visit was quite enjoying - being first time, it was too crazy .Second time the thrill was not pretty much. When it came to third, I really feel pity about those who travel frequently.To travel to Shangai, Singapore is the best available route considering transit time and other things.You have no choice but to pick up mid night flight. live with lay over time minimum.

During last 4 months, I have travelled thrice to Shangai and once to Singapore. All the trip was invariably in SQ - Singapore Airlines.

Web Check in
Thanks to www. you have now got the option to do web check in 48 hours before you journey schedule time. Doing this, you need not be there well ahead of schedule departure (3 hours reduced to 2 hours / 1. 5 hours) . Anyway, even if you have got with web check in, you have no option but have to get the boarding pass standing in queue at airport terminal.

Immigration Check

If you are travelling abroad, immigration check is inevitable. You will have to fill up immigration form - details like official name, DOB, Nationality, Place of issue of passport, expiry date of passport, intended country of visit,purpose of visit, visa number etc.,

Security Check
Immediately after that, one has to pass thro' security check. You will be asked to put what ever stuffs you got in you pockets including wallets in to your hand luggage. If you have laptop, it will be taken out of bag and put it seperately in a tray. Any liquids will be double cheked for maximum quantities.For secuity reasons, more than certain levels is not permitted in to the aircraft. Any instruments like thing will be viewed / suspected seriously, even if it is just a key. If warrants,you may be even asked to drop in a bin kept at security.

Waiting @ Boarding Gate
After undergoing this, you will have to locate your boarding gate. Invariably, you will be having 1 minimum hour . Unless you have habit of reading, writing your time will be killed royally.
Announcement about barding aircraft will begin indicating the row numbers. Maintaining your patience is is a good challange.

Hospitality
Doll like crew will be waiting at aircrat gate to receive you on board . Will be directed to you seat location. Some usual rituals will start - safety instructions, emergency exits, wet towel, offering foods, drinks - cocktail or juice at your choice etc., (Once more is also allowed in case you want).
Decibel level will be maintained at very low , being service insustry. A choice of music,vedio, games will be there in front of youe seat. You can opt to put "no distrubance" on your seat. You can switch off the light right on top of your head.


If anyone has dream to travel in aircraft, dream for travelling within 2 or 3 hours, not more than that. Dream not to pick up late night departures.

Enjoy your travel!