Author Richard Gordon once said “There’s nothing like an airport for bringing you down to earth”, a quote that probably resonates with all of us who have spent hours or even days trapped inside an airport.
Flying used to be the luxury mode of transport, confined to those with deep pockets. The introduction of low cost airlines made flying affordable to all, but, at the same time turned airports from relaxing lounges to chaotic places, brimming with people, luggage and overpriced coffee shops.
But there must be a way to navigate these reflective labyrinths without the stress of running from gate to gate, being the last on the plane and finding there is no space for your cabin bags. The manic scenes of people wrestling for seats, attempting to stuff oversized bags in the overhead compartments and having to wait hours for people ‘blinged’ to the max to remove their jewellery whilst queuing for security, can be avoided if only everyone would just follow some
simple tips.
1. Plan your route to and from the airport in advance
It’s no good booking that 5 am flight from Luton if you realise there are no coaches, buses, or trains to get you there and a Taxi will cost you more than £100. When booking flights factor in how you will get there and the cost of your arrival. A midday flight may work out more expensive at first but not when that expensive taxi ride is reduced to a £10 coach.
2. Arrive in plenty of time
There is no worse feeling than being late particularly when missing the flight will cost you an arm and a leg. Arrange your transport to the airport and get there as the check in opens not when it closes.
3. Online check in and mobile apps
Many airlines offer online check in before your flight. You should do this whenever possible! Not only will it save you time at the airport check in desk but if you have hand luggage only you can usually proceed straight to security. Some airlines also let you choose your seats when checking in online. Certain airlines also offer mobile apps which you can use as an E-ticket on your smart phone, saving you time and the hassle of finding a printer.
4. Travel light and weigh your luggage
Follow our tips on travelling light (link to article 3) and make sure you weigh your luggage before you arrive at the airport. A handy tip is to weigh yourself without the luggage then again whilst holding the luggage. Subtract the first number from the second and you will know how much your luggage weighs. Airlines particularly low cost ones charge a fortune for excess weight so be warned!
5. Drop your bags off as soon as possible to lighten your load
Once at the airport if you are travelling with hold luggage go to the bag drop straight away so that you can proceed to security as soon as possible. You will be less likely to miss your flight and the shops are usually better and cheaper after security.
6. Prepare for security
Put all your metallic items from your pockets into your cabin bag, have all your liquids in a clear plastic bag, remove your coat, belt and jewellery and remove your laptop from your cabin bag BEFORE getting to the front of the queue. So simple yet so effective.
7. Check the flight number
Don’t look at the board and think there will be only one flight to your destination. Check the flight number to make sure you are not running from one end of the airport to the other when you realise there were two flights to Bologna at the same time leaving at opposite ends of the airport!
8. Buy before not on the plane
Many airlines will charge you a fortune for a bottle of water and a sandwich whilst on the plane so buy these after security, before you board. Avoid caffeine, fizzy drinks and heavy foods as the air pressure can make your stomach bloated.
9. Choose an emergency exit row for extra leg room
If you are confident with the procedure of how to open the doors in case of an emergency the emergency exit rows over the wings offer additional leg room. Handy for long haul flights.
10. Exercises to keep your legs fresh
Particularly on long haul flights it is important to do small exercises with your arms and legs whilst seated for extended periods. Take a walk up and down the cabin, rotate your angles and stretch your
legs, all of which will help you avoid the risk of DVT.
Do you have any more tips? Please feel free to leave a comment!