105~106fm Real Radio (Wales)

Sarah and Alan ask...just been reading your travel tip page,can you tell us, if a childs buggy is allowed on top of your baggage allowance? or do we have to make an allowance for it. (its a thomas cook airline) if it helps. thank you. alan.

Jo says: As A general rule a buggy is not added on as an extra baggage allowance, so normally you won't be charged, however it's always best to give thomas cook a quick call to put your mind at rest, try their customer services number on 0870 243 0416 they are open normal hours, just speak to customer services, but normally you just get the buggy tagged at the check-in and they go in the hold just before you board the aircraft, You then pick it up at the other end with your bags. Have a nice time, hope it helps?

Nick asks... I'm not a nervous flyer,but when I fly, during take off I seem to get very sweaty palms, can you suggest any remedees?? Also, is it true you feel the power changes & pitchingof the aircraft during take off, landing and the turblance inflight, more if you are seated towards the rear of the aircraft (behind the engines, wings,etc !) Is it really true being sat over the wings or toward the front means a happier ride?? And finally... Does sitting at the back really improve you're chances in a crash!!!

Jo says: So glad you emailed me. No worries about being nervous, its a natural thing when it comes to flying, some love it , some hate it, it comes down to not being in control! The palms is just the body's way of telling you you are nervous, a wet towel might help to cool you down over that?

Now where to sit. Well it doesn't really matter but if you sit on the wing or behind it (behind the engines) you are going to hear alot more noise so I would recommend the forward area of the cabin, one thing to remember is the power changes in the engine on take off and landing (the reverse thrust) its normal, think of it like a car with your foot on the accellerator?

To combat nerves, first think of your favourite thing at home, when you think of this, place your thumb and fore finger together with some slight pressure, now breathe slowly in and out in a relaxing way, add that with a happy tune (I use the Benny Hill music, makes everything seem silly?) but think of your fave song, put it on a tape or ipod, use this method when feeling anxious onboard, reading is always good for taking your mind off it, watch a movie, and don't worry about telling the crew your nervous, they see it everyday and will look out for you. In the old days we used to take passengers up to the flightdeck but thats out now, so I would sit on an aisle seat, sometimes looking out of the window seems worse. In turbulance look straight ahead or at a book!

If by the window, put the blind down during the flight if it makes you feel worse?

Think about your happy place (naff I know?) and the song when you feel worse and look forward to the flight.

You are not on your own believe me. Sit near the front, not too near the loo (bit smelly and everyone queues near you!). Let me know how you go on.