
Summer season is well and truly here, a time when millions of people across the globe opt to jump on the big bird in the sky and travel the world. In what is already an pretty stressful experience, an travel expert suggests there are a few actions flyers can take to avoid any last-second panic in the airport.
Before you board the aeroplane to your sun-soaked destination, you are first tasked with arriving at the airport. On the face of it, there's a whole lot to do there, including checking in and going through security. Not at all helped by long queues, and possible flight delays and cancellations to only ruin your mood and spark anxious thoughts. Yet so many travellers make a number of the same mistakes that only makes matters worse.
1. Checking in at the airportTraditionally, passengers would have to check in to their flight physically at the airport, but these days this is typically their first mistake.
In a more modern and technologically advancing world, you should check in online instead to make sure you don't have to queue or worry about losing your boarding pass - you can also personally choose your seat in advance, another huge plus.
2. Ignoring luggage limits and rulesWhen you're in a panic, it's so easy to overpack in the hope of not forgetting anything. So please check the weight of your luggage, as well as size limits before you leave.
This will help you avoid paying any extra fees or having to repack at the airport. Make sure to also follow rules for liquids and gels in your hand luggage, and pack them in a clear plastic bag that you can easily take out when going through security.
3. Turning up last-minuteMake sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. Consider all things, including traffic, parking, public transport and any possible delays.
The aim is to arrive at least two hours before for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights. Giving you more than enough time to check-in, go through security and relax before boarding.
4. Wearing the right outfitTravelling is usually an all day thing, so comfort is key. You should wear loose and breathable clothing that are easy to put on and remove.
Avoid wearing belts, jewellery, metal accessories or anything thing else that risks setting off the metal detectors, and wear shows that are easy to slip on and off as you may be required to remove them while going through security.
You'll find there's a lot of time to kill at the airport, so remember to bring something to keep you occupied during the downtime.
Bring a book, a tablet, headphones to listen to music, or anything else you enjoy to make the whole experience much less tedious.
6. PanickingStay calm. Airports can be a stressful place, but don't let that affect your mood. Remain courteous with airport staff, security officers and your fellow travellers.
Always remember if there's an issue you can ask for help.
7. Not packing your documents correctlyIt's key to make sure your travel documents, like passports, boarding passes, visas, insurance, and any other televant papers, are ready and accessible.
Keep them in a secure place like a zipped pocket or a pouch around your neck or waist. WARNING: Do not leave them unattended or in plain sight.
8. Relying on announcements for your flightNever rely solely on announcements for updates on your flight as they can often be unclear or not entirely accurate.
Instead, check flight information screens on a regular basis - details like gate number, boarding time, and any possible changes or delays will be relayed here.
9. Not being prepared for security checksSecurity checks are completely necessary, so be prepared for them. Have your boarding pass and passport ready to show, take all your electricals out of hand luggage and place in them in separate trays, as well as ensuring to follow instructions from officers.
Once you make your way through, you can relax, unwind and look forward to the start of your long-awaited vacation.
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