F.A.Q.
Each airline has its own rules for the amount of checked baggage you can bring (number of suitcases, weight, and dimensions). Moreover, this depends on the route you’re flying. It’s best to keep in mind that if you take domestic flights, these regulations may differ from the previously flown intercontinental flights.
The weight and number of luggage pieces may depend on the class you’re flying; First and Business class travelers are usually allowed to bring more luggage. Most tickets state the maximum weight. It usually varies between 20 and 30 kg. For low-cost airlines, this is usually only 15 kg. A piece of luggage should never weigh more than 32 kg.
Check the airline’s website, where you’ll find all the information, as well as details about extra sports equipment, pets, and prohibited items.
The carry-on luggage you’re allowed to bring is limited and can also vary per airline. Therefore, check the conditions on the airline’s website. You’re usually allowed to bring a handbag as an extra item.
Always put valuable items (money, jewelry) and important objects (documents, medication) in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage (in case it gets lost). Liquids in carry-on luggage are subject to certain rules (see below).
Less mobile passengers are allowed to bring a wheelchair (fully foldable) or a pair of crutches. Passengers accompanied by young children are allowed to bring a foldable stroller up to the entrance of the plane.
If you wish to bring liquids in your carry-on luggage, they must meet the following conditions:
Containers of maximum 100 milliliters. Gels, creams, toothpaste, etc. are all considered liquids. The sum of the contents of all containers must not exceed 1 liter. These containers must be carried in a transparent, resealable plastic bag.
The following items will be confiscated if you have them as carry-on luggage:
A complete overview can be found on the airline’s website.
Sometimes for free, sometimes for a small additional fee, you can bring sports equipment in addition to standard luggage. We’re thinking of skis, snowboards, bicycles, diving equipment, golf clubs, hunting and sports weapons. You need to report this in advance. Some items need to be properly packaged. More information can be found on the website of the respective airline. Musical instruments that fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you can be brought as extra hand luggage at no additional cost. If the instrument doesn’t fit and you wish to keep it with you in the cabin, you need to book an extra seat.
There’s always a chance that your luggage gets lost. It’s best to ensure that each suitcase has a label on the outside with at least your name, address, and final destination. You can obtain these labels from your Kati Travel advisor. We also recommend including your name and address once more inside each suitcase. When checking in your luggage, a tag with a barcode is attached. The duplicate of your barcode is usually stuck on your boarding pass. With this barcode, the airline can quickly trace your luggage. You need to report it yourself at the ‘lost and found luggage’ desk. If your luggage is delayed for a longer period, you’re entitled to financial compensation from the airline. If you have taken out travel insurance, it’s best to contact their emergency number as well. Check the conditions; you might be allowed to make some initial purchases from them.
There’s always a chance that your luggage gets damaged. You need to report it yourself at the ‘lost & found, damaged luggage’ desk. They will make a status report and open a case (file) with the airline. You’re then entitled to financial compensation from the airline. If you have taken out travel insurance, they will likely compensate you as well.
Despite the abolition of border controls in the Schengen countries, all travelers, including children, must always be in possession of the required documents.
Take a few photocopies of your travel documents with you on your trip and keep them separate from the originals. Also note their numbers on a separate piece of paper, in your agenda, or on your mobile phone.
a) Identity Card
For a number of countries, a valid identity card is sufficient. These are the member states of the European Union, some countries bordering them, and some distant countries that are tourist attractions.
The general rule is that identity cards (including identity documents for children) must be valid at least until the date of return – at least if the return date can be determined.
Different rules apply for certain destinations. Always check the applicable rules for your destination at www.diplomatie.belgium.be.
People over 75 who want to travel abroad must have a valid identity card. Once you turn 75, you’re no longer summoned by the municipal administration to renew your identity card. No problem as long as you don’t leave Belgium, but for travel abroad, you need to request an identity card with an expiration date, still valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Your travel documents, identity card, or passport must be in good condition.
b) Passport
An international passport (the burgundy booklet), also sometimes called a passport, is a booklet containing your identity information. The passport is recognized as a valid travel document by all countries in the world. An international passport is required for travel to countries where an identity card is not sufficient.
Check the validity period of your passport carefully. Many countries require that your passport is still valid for a considerable period (e.g., 6 months) at the time you leave that country. Be sure to apply for a new passport in time and take into account the time needed to obtain it. You can apply for a passport at your town hall. A standard procedure can take up to 3 weeks, an urgent procedure maximum three days. Passports remain valid for 7 years and are not extended.
If you’re traveling with children, also keep in mind that they need to have a valid proof of identity, namely a KIDS ID or passport. Consult the following website for more information: www.diplomatie.belgium.be.
c) Visa
For travel to certain countries, you need a visa. This is a permission to stay there for a specific period of time. Visas are requested at the embassy or consulate of the countries to be visited, which are entirely free to grant you a visa or not. Inquire in time about the delivery time, which documents you need to submit, and whether you can arrange everything by mail. The price for a visa differs depending on the country to be visited and the validity period of the visa. Some countries grant the visa upon payment when you arrive in the country.
There are specialized companies that can take over this administration for you for a fee.
d) International Vaccination Certificate
Many countries, especially in risk areas, will deny you entry if you don’t have an internationally recognized certificate of vaccination against certain diseases, the so-called ‘yellow booklet’.
Your family doctor can inform you about the mandatory and/or recommended vaccinations. These depend on the destination. These rules can be different if you have previously traveled to an area infected with cholera, malaria, or yellow fever. You can also contact the Travelfoon of the Institute of Tropical Medicine at the phone number 0900 101 10.
Travelers with non-Belgian nationality should inform themselves at the competent authorities (embassy, consulate) about the formalities they need to fulfill.
If you’re traveling to the USA, you need to go through a special registration procedure called ESTA. Go to this site for this: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Without this procedure, you are not allowed on the plane!
People who use a wheelchair or have difficulty walking or climbing stairs can request assistance during boarding. At the arrival airport, the necessary assistance can also be provided. This guidance can only be organized upon prior request. The absence of prior notification may lead to improvisation and delay at the time of boarding, or even refusal to board. A request, stating the nature of the disability or limited mobility, is mandatory when booking.
Wheelchairs are transported in the cargo hold. Depending on the type of battery of an electric wheelchair, the traveler must take various precautions for its transport. Also for blind and visually impaired, deaf or hearing-impaired passengers, assistance must be requested before departure. For safety reasons, the number of passengers with assistance is limited per flight.
Pregnant women are allowed to travel until the 34th week of pregnancy upon presentation of a recent medical certificate stating the expected date of delivery and confirming that there have been no complications during the pregnancy. If you are more than 34 weeks pregnant at the time of travel, medical permission from the respective airline is required.
Minors traveling alone must or can (depending on age) request assistance with boarding, during the flight, and upon arrival at the destination. Children under 5 years must always be accompanied by a person of at least 18 years old. The assistance must be requested at the time of booking.
You need to fill out the necessary ‘UM’ documents before departure. Children traveling alone up to and including 11 years old must always receive special assistance. From 12 to 18 years old, assistance can still be requested optionally.
These travelers can also request assistance with boarding, during the flight, and upon arrival at the destination. The assistance must be requested at the time of booking. The fee is determined by the airline.
The earlier you book, the more advantageous your ticket. The price of the ticket becomes more expensive as the supply decreases. This is contrary to the last-minute principle that used to apply in the past.
An e-ticket is the electronic version of the classic paper ticket. This ticket is stored in the airline’s database. You receive a print or an email from your travel agent where you can print the ticket yourself. At Kati Travel, we’re happy to print this for you, so you have something tangible.
We recommend you always take a print of your ticket. In case of loss or theft, there’s no problem, you can still depart. You check in directly at the airline’s counter with your identity papers.
