Every Juan can fly

What to pack before flying?

(1.) Passport – with minimum 6 months validity, visas (if applicable), invitation letter from host, proof of Ordination/Pastor’s ID with recent photo, etc in case subject to Immigration checks and securely zipped on your person or in an easy to access location (outer zip pocket) in a hand or carrier bag.

(2.) Mobile or iPad / android version of the Holy Bible in case traveling to a restricted country, eg M.E. with earphone plugs/jacks to make private calls or access private audio/video files, etc Over-ear headsets can also protect your ears from cold during night flights if the temperature drops. Tip: try to get an aisle seat if possible that is warmer than window seats and also for easy access to the toilets.

(3.) Please charge your mobiles up to at least 70% or more since you may have long transit and transport waits between flights. Many airports have wifi so you can refer to the latest flight info. Best to have your boarding pass / tickets printed out before your reach the airport though some airlines allow electronic tickets these days (but good to print out in case your phone batteries dies or you lose your mobile / cell phone).

(4.) A good quality pen to fill up immigration forms on the plane. You’ll need to pay a bit more but you’ll need a good pen to withstand all kinds of pressures up in the cabin at cruising altitudes as well as back on the ground in the heat of the tropics. Nothing worse than a cheap pen that smears or smudges on contact with the paper.

(5.) Please be sure that you fill in the white immigration form with true answers, eg if you came in to Singapore under a different name eg, your first visit to Singapore was as a single under a different family/ surname name, then you’ll have to declare that on the immigration form.

(6.) Always good to take some mints or breath fresheners, paracetamol in case you get a headache. Remember if you are not sure, you can always consult a doctor or pharmacist before your departure who can tell you what kinds of medicaments are suitable. I always carry hand sanitizer, eye drops, nose / throat spray and some Vitamin C (effervescent) tablets that I can drop into some bottled water to rehydrate quickly in flight or after a long day at my destination. In Singapore, you can drink the water from the kitchen taps unfiltered.

(7.) Optional: Good for you to carry also a clip board for paper documents though most of the classroom training will be done on tables provided (conference style). But sometimes, there are certain uses for clipboards in order to organise or prioritise your workflow. Get a plastic type since a metal clipboard may trigger the metal detectors at the departure gate and delay your departure.

(8.) Bring a light sweater or jacket for the cold, especially for the red-eye (night) flights. Try not to sit at a window seat since there is nothing to see at night, and the temperature drops the higher the plane climbs. A small (head) flash light is also handy so that you don’t need to switch on the cabin lights and disturb others when rummaging through your bag.

(9.) Spare pair of spectacles. If you are operating vehicles, machinery, office equipment using glasses. This back up pair will come in handy in case of damage or loss. Carry a small umbrella and a pair of sunglasses in case you will be caught in very bright sunny conditions esp if your eyes are sensitive to daylight. Note: remember to take off sunglasses and hats to reveal your face as you approach immigration & customs. Or they will ask you to take these off during racial profiling. Don’t argue with airport officials. Period.

(10.) Emergency kit: spare underwear, socks, toothbrush to freshen up in case of have to do an overnight stay at an airport or hotel – or an unexpected stop-over in transit. At least you have what you need in case you get upgraded and given a free night.

(11.) A thermos flask. Even if you are making yourself a cup of coffee, your hot beverage will stay hot and if properly secured, will minimise spillages in case you or someone accidentally knock it over.

(12.) Any other travel hacks or suggestions please send to [email protected]