Travel smart

Here are some tips on how to be a savvy traveller, courtesy of MAS and Malaysia Airports Bhd.

Easy check-in

Avoid the queue and check yourself in by using the:

· MAS Web Check-In (malaysiaairlines.com) in the comfort of your own home or office. Passengers can now check in online anytime from 24 hours to 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This is available for flights departing from all MAS stations – except Paris, Kunming, Xiamen and Bandar Seri Begawan – to all MAS destinations. You can even select preferred seats online.

· Self-serve kiosks located at level 5A at KLIA (pic).

Bag hygiene

No, we’re not talking about the cleanliness of your bags! It’s aviation talk for a bag that is clear of old baggage tags with barcodes that could confuse the baggage sensor.

If you find yourself arriving in Sydney while your bag lands in Tokyo, it could be because of your old baggage tag. Another reason bags go missing could be the printing quality of the barcodes; bags are misdirected because the sensors can’t read the codes correctly.

Less is more

Most airports around the world now observe a maximum weight of 32kg per piece of baggage. This will not only help protect the airline workers’ health, it will be easier for you to lug your bags around.

Avoid packing dangerous goods or placing valuables inside your check-in luggage. Ensure that locks are properly secured as a lot of baggage locks are found caught between the conveyor belts.

Smaller and softer bags are usually placed inside a tray at check-in to protect the locks from contact with the conveyor belt.