How to Breeze Through the Airport Hassle Free
We’ve all had that nightmare: you have a meeting or a test to get to, and you’re running late. Or you have an important flights to catch, and you’re rushing through the airport, only to miss your plane.
While we can’t stop you from having that nightmare, we can stop your nightmare from becoming a reality with these tips on how to get through the airport faster on your next trip.
Before you get to the airport...
Think about your connections.Don’t be that person running through the airport terminal like a madman. Make sure you allow yourself at least 60 minutes between domestic flights and 90 minutes between international flights. This will give you a buffer if any of your flights are late and allow you time to get through customs between flights, if necessary.
Check in early.Most airlines will allow you to check-in online within 24-hours of your flight. This will allow you to get great seats (and remember: the closer you are to the front, the sooner you get off the plane to make those connections!), and will also help you skip the lines at the airport. In fact, you can even check-in your luggage for curbside pickup and skip all the lines inside entirely, by going straight to security.
Think about your luggage:The fastest way to travel is to bring only carry-on luggage. This will save you from having to check your luggage when you are leaving and having to wait for it when you arrive. If possible, try to bring only a carry-on. Whether you are bringing carry-on or not, make sure to know the security protocols for liquids. For example, if you are bringing a carry-on, you should have your liquids in the designated sizes and separated in plastic bags so they are easy to show security. If you are checking your luggage, it’s probably easiest just to pack your liquids in your checked luggage.
Consider security: You know you’re going to have to go through security, so dress accordingly. Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, and if you can, avoid belts and keep your pockets empty. Also, bring a pen to help you to have all your customs forms filled out and avoid the rush for the small number of pens available.
When you get to the airport...
Have everything ready.Have all your documents, including your passport and boarding pass ready to go when you arrive. This will make checking in and any security checks breeze by.
Skip the lines and use the kiosk. Many people still line up to check in with a human being when they arrive, but the kiosks available in the airport can do the same job, and often with a much shorter wait time.
Don’t delay, go straight to security.While it may be tempting to take your time after checking in and grab a coffee before going through security, resist that urge. If there is a delay, it could hold you up, and even make you late for your flight if you don’t give yourself enough time.
Once you arrive at your destination...
Go to the bathroom before you get off the plane.The first place most people make a beeline for after getting off a flight is the bathroom, and it’s easy to get stuck in a long line for a bathroom right by your gate. While airplane bathrooms might not be your favourite, going on the plane, or even finding a washroom further away from your gate can save you lots of waiting time.
Know where you’re going.Before you leave, take 5 minutes to go online and learn about the airport you will be arriving in. Namely, where are the exits, and where do you need to go for your transportation (for example, if you are renting a car you may go in a different direction than if you are planning to catch a cab). If you know exactly which direction you’re headed in, you can often get ahead of everyone else getting off your flight.
Plan your ground transportation ahead of time.Don’t get stuck in line at an info booth. If you can, book your ground transportation ahead of time so that it is waiting for you when you get to your destination.
If you follow all of these tips on your next flight, you are sure to breeze in and out of the airport as quickly as possible, and get to enjoy your destination!