Nowadays it is so common to travel, either for business or leisure. With our lives becoming more mobile, the hustle and bustle of airports has become part of life. These tips will help you navigate the airport better for an easier exit when you finally reach your destination!
There are many ways to make your Airport transfer experience smoother. For example, if you’re trying to get through an international security checkpoint that is covered with people in front of your gate, stay put and allow others to filter out before trying at another security checkpoint farther down the line. This allows people in front of your gate who need extra time (like families with children) enough time to move through without shoving past you or waiting behind.
If you’ve checked in and you’re carrying a bag, it might make your life easier to go ahead and find a seat in the waiting section of your gate. Having to get up once the final boarding call is made can create a lot of unnecessary jockeying for position.
Pack your bags with care. Make sure all your papers are put away, including any notes about connecting flights. Put any medications together in one place, or use plastic zip-top bags, since airport security may have to look through your bag. Don’t lose anything, and don’t forget that your boarding pass is still valid even if your ticket says you’re not allowed to board.
Before you start rushing around the airport, let the agent at the check-in counter know you’ll be using another line and to expect a longer wait. You can use this as an opportunity to ask questions about connections or connections for other airports. If they find out there’s a problem with your ticket, they can move you up in line and one of them may ask passengers who look like they need help (for example, very elderly passengers) to come over next.
If you’re holding luggage, make sure it won’t get in the way. If you do bring something with wheels, make sure it’s small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you when necessary. While this doesn’t necessarily cause problems when flying, people can forget to take it out when they know there won’t be room for it. Just keep in mind that wheels can be dangerous because they can pierce overhead bins in an airplane.
If you’re traveling alone or with your spouse, children or other family members, don’t wait until the last minute to call family or friends saying that you’ll be late because of long lines at security. If you have to, call in advance so they won’t be worried about you being late.
If you booked your flight on a website, check their website to see if they have an application for accessing flight information via your smartphone or tablet. You can check the status of the flight, gate numbers and delays right from your phone’s screen. If you’re not comfortable with technology or are running late, talk to an employee at your airline’s check-in counter or customer service booth about their app.
Be sure to pack accordingly when traveling by air. It is important that you do not over pack because it will make it more difficult for yourself and others during the trip. If you have a laptop, pack it in your carry-on bag so that if you lose your luggage, you will still be able to work. You can even bring extra shoes or entertainment for your trip!
For international travel, consider not filling out the customs card when they ask. When you do this, they will not bother you when you arrive. This is helpful if it is late at night and you just want to get home or if there are lines that are too long at customs after getting off of your flight.
When you are trying to find the right gate, follow the signs until you find it. Once you see the correct gate number, look for signs that tell you where to go next. These are usually at the ends of each concourse, near the food establishments. At Concourse A in Terminal C at DFW Airport, for example, when you get close to Gate 28A or 28C, there will be large “28” signs that tell when that is your destination.
As a last resort, call your airline. They will try to direct you in the best way possible so that you do not have to wait too long between flights or miss connections completely.
Shop around when purchasing tickets because airline prices can vary greatly. Consider using websites like Travelocity or Expedia because they may have special offers that are exclusive to their site. When you are booking your ticket, keep in mind that flying during slower periods in the day will often save you money. For example, if you are traveling on a weekend, schedule your flight to arrive early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer travelers present.