Keeping a complete itinerary of a trip handy makes the travel easy and convenient. You do not need to go overboard with it, but it is crucial to keep the necessary documents with you whenever you head to an airport. Essential documents help you pass through the airport hassle-free and board the flight on time. If you are traveling for the first time, you should know what all you need to carry. Take a look.
Flight ticket
Whenever you book a flight ticket, make sure to put in the same name on your travel ticket as it appears on your identity card. Your flight ticket will do two things for you. First, it will serve as an entry pass to the airport premises. Second, you will get your boarding pass only when you show it on the airline counter. With smartphones in every hand, travel agencies and flight operators can send you an e-copy of the ticket, which is accessible from your smart wallet. If you are comfortable with the old school printouts, take one along before moving towards the airport.
Identity card
The airport has got designated security areas with aggressive security protocols to ensure the safety of millions of passengers every day. It is vital to allow restricted access to keep the trouble at bay. The identity card of every person going through the gates is scrutinized, to keep track of the movement. In India, BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) issues the list of documents that can serve as your identity proof. Currently, you can use your passport, voter identity card, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, service identity card, student identity card, nationalized bank passbook, pension card, or disability identity card, as your identity proof.
DOB Certificate (if travelling with an infant)
An airfare of Rs 1000 approx is charged for each infant traveling with you. You will need a date of birth proof to justify the minimum infant fare. If your baby has not got any identity proof issued against his/her name yet, you can carry his/her date of birth certificate as an age proof. A boarding card will be issued for the baby only after the flight personnel verifies the age.
Medical certificate (if pregnant)
If you are in the last trimester of your pregnancy, the flight authorities will let you board when they are assured of you not being a high-risk case. Consult your doctor before the travel date. Your doctor, after a medical check-up, will issue a certificate mentioning that it is safe for you to travel via a flight. Keep this certificate handy to show it to the airport personnel for a hassle-free boarding.
Domestic travel insurance
Travel insurance covers your medical contingency, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and other emergencies that might occur while you are on a trip. Though it is not mandatory to avail travel insurance, doing so ensures a worry-free travel experience. While most people prefer travel insurance when going abroad, things can happen on a domestic trip too.
