1. Make a Checklist

It’s a really awful feeling to arrive at the airport and realize you forgot something you really wanted to have with you while traveling. That’s why you should make a checklist of everything you’ll need on your trip. Do this a few days before traveling, review it regularly, and once you’re sure you haven’t forgotten anything, trust God and start packing your bag.

2. The Passport

There are two things you must check.
First, make sure the passport is actually yours — because it’s not funny at all to stand in front of the immigration officer and hear him say, “Sir, this is your wife’s passport.”
Second, make sure the passport is valid. Most countries require at least 6 months of validity, especially if you’re getting a visa on arrival.

3. For Men Only

If you think that having a passport and visa means you’ll leave the country easily, you’re dreaming. Quite simply, a military exemption or postponement certificate — or a travel permit if you’re still a student — is more important to the immigration officer than your presence itself.

If you reach the airport and the officer asks for your military certificate and you don’t have it, calmly pack your things, postpone your ticket, and go get the certificate. Crying, begging, or swearing that you spent your life savings on the ticket won’t help — he won’t let you travel even if you convince him this is your only chance to go to Mars.

4. Some Important Documents

Keep with you:

  • Your flight ticket reservation

  • The address of where you’ll stay (hotel or a relative’s home)

In countries like the USA, they may ask for travel insurance covering your entire stay (around 200 EGP for one month).
Finally, if you have any medical condition that prevents you from passing through security scanners, bring a medical certificate — and of course, it must be in English.

5. Money

You might be the type who doesn’t carry cash — but Cairo Airport is still part of Egypt, so you’ll hear “happy new year,” “a tip please,” and all the familiar talk.

When you arrive safely, you’ll need cash — but definitely not Egyptian pounds. The best option is US dollars since they’re accepted everywhere. Sometimes ATMs have no cash (believe me, it happens), or your card may not work — usually because you didn’t inform the bank that you’re traveling.
Bottom line: do me a favor and carry some cash in both currencies, and always keep it with you on the plane, not in checked luggage.

6. Time

Time is extremely important when traveling because, unfortunately, planes don’t wait. Try to arrive at least 3 hours early, especially if you still need to complete boarding procedures. Waiting at the airport is much better than running with your bags — or missing the plane altogether.

7. Dress Light

You’re traveling, not attending a meeting on the plane. Wear comfortable clothes, preferably sandals, and no belt — I’m not joking — it’ll make security checks much easier.

Wait… where are you going?! This point is just for you.
Seriously, there’s no surprise gala happening on the plane, so no need for high heels or a kilogram of makeup. At some point you’ll fall asleep, and we passengers aren’t responsible for getting scared mid-air when you wake up with smudged makeup all over your face.
One last request: jewelry doesn’t belong here — not out of jealousy, but because it’s a waste to keep everyone waiting behind you for an hour while you remove it at security.

8. Your Phone Charger

If I were writing this back in the Nokia 3310 days, I wouldn’t mention chargers — but here we are. We’re doomed to charge our “smart” phones 23 hours a day (why not 24? Just so I don’t exaggerate).
Since you’ll be waiting at the airport, keep your charger with you and kill some time on your phone.

9. No Liquids

Never put liquids over 100 ml in your carry-on bag, and they must be in transparent bags. Otherwise, you’ll watch the officer take out your perfume and throw it in the trash right in front of your eyes.

10. Tag Your Bag

Your checked bag will already have an airline barcode when you check in, so keep the receipt with the code. But extra caution is always good: write your name, phone number, and destination address on the bag.
You can also tie a colored ribbon or put a visible mark so you can recognize it among other bags.
If the bag still gets lost after all that… then review your conscience, assume the money was lawful, and let God compensate you.