[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

1. On domestic filghts, "check-in" starts between 4 and 2 hours before scheduled departure. So, make sure you have the schedules confirmed. This is important since once you check in, you cannot leave the terminal, and if the flight is delayed, you may be stuck inside the terminal. If you are flying a LC airline, this can get irritating and pocket-draining, since food and refreshments inside the terminal will cost an arm and a leg.

2. There is no need to go straight to the security check as soon as you checkin. I usually do security check only half an hour (or less) before flight departure. The area after security check can be very boring in some airports, and refreshments if available, will cost an arm, leg and your neck.

3. Security check starts only one hour before actual departure. (depends on the airport). So, even if you check in, you may have to wait till security check is announced.

4. While checking in, if you are asking for a window seat, ask them to avoid seats above wings. (window seats above the wings are as good as aisle seats - you get to see nothing).

5. Some airlines allow tele checkins and/or net based checkins. This is possible only if you do NOT have un-accompanied baggage. If you have, you can go straight to the security.

6. On flights with stop overs (means your flights lands at some intermediate place hyderabad on a flight like Cochin - Delhi via Hyderabad), remain seated at the intermediate destination, and make sure you have your boarding passes handy. There will be a security check and you will be asked for your boarding pass. Also, make sure that somebody else has not mistaken his hand baggage for yours.

7. If you take medicines, carry them with you in hand baggage.

8. There are rules on what may be carried in hand baggage. These will not be interpreted uniformly in all airports. What was allowed in AP of origin may not be allowed in the AP where you commence your return journey. If in doubt, put them in unaccompanied baggage.

9. Air port taxis are like autos lying outside railway stations. Even prepaid taxis will procrastinate for short distances. Any fare less than Rs. 150/- IS a short distance for them.(example - I was charged Rs. 50/- from CS domestic terminal at mumbai to lower parel railway station - this happened both ways). From Churchgate to Nariman point, it cost me 40 something, and I believe C'gate to NP was more.