Keep reading for some tips to board your flight and avoid as much nonsense as possible.
The airport is always a bustling place, but as we navigate the pandemic it has become even more chaotic and stressful. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get through the airport in style, without stressing about the situation and without missing your flight. All the little things add up and affect your overall experience at the airport and getting through security. Keep reading for some tips to board your flight and avoid as much nonsense as possible.
Check in early
The first step is to check-in early. You should always get to the airport with plenty of time, but now you also have the option to check in on your phone beforehand. There is also TSA pre-check. Even if you have already checked in and just need to drop your bags, don’t shop in any of the stores before security. Don’t eat anything in this area. Checking in should be your priority. It doesn’t matter whether you need to check bags or not, do yourself a favor and check in right away.
Travel with a removable carry on
Many bags these days can be used as a large backpack, wheeled around, or turned into a large duffle bag. Another benefit of these bags is that a lot of them come with a detachable day bag. Use this as your personal item. These small daypacks can carry many things, but they aren’t that heavy. This will not only help you keep personal items with you on the plane, but it will also cut down on the weight of your checked luggage. Look up your airline's requirements ahead of time and know the maximum weight of the carry on and for the checked luggage without being charged. Then you won’t deal with any delays at the counter.
Be security ready
A lot of people overlook being security ready when they arrive at the airport. This means you should avoid wearing a belt or anything you will have to take off to go through the metal detector. Don’t wear boots that take a long time to untie. Instead, wear sneakers you can slip off and avoid metal jewelry and accessories. Furthermore, have your laptop and liquids ready to be taken out. A lot of people wonder, “can you take cologne on a plane?” The answer is yes, if you take it out of the large bottle and put it into a 3-ounce travel bottle. Whatever you are traveling with, being ready for security will eliminate a lot of the stress.
Stay calm
If you get to the airport with plenty of time, you should be able to stay calm through the process. Nothing is worse than being stressed out in security and anxious that you might miss boarding. Give yourself enough time to turn it off. This means that you should have a stoic approach to security. Just do what they say and get through the process as quickly as possible. You will see the real travel pros almost go limp while they’re in the security line. Don’t use your valuable energy getting worked up at the airport. You will likely need it on the plane or when you arrive at your destination.
Bring entertainment
After you have followed all these steps, you will pass through security and have plenty of time before your flight. This is when you can eat if you are hungry. Have a drink if you feel like it. But the main thing is to have some entertainment. It’s a great feeling to be seated at your gate waiting to board while reading a great book, listening to some music, or playing a game. When you know how to handle the airport, you will have precious downtime. Don’t just sit there idly. Time will go by faster if you keep yourself entertained.
Few people like the airport, but you don’t need to hate it. It’s not necessary. You can find a rhythm. You can learn how to conserve your energy and get through the process quickly. The most important thing is to stay calm. Once you have mastered the Zen of airports, you will have the tools you need to become an expert traveler. Remember, get there early to avoid all the stress of almost missing your flight.
Photo by Marco López on Unsplash
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
