Essential Airport Survival Tips That Will Improve Your Life
The adage “the journey is its own reward” applies to many of life’s experiences — provided, of course, that they don’t involve tedious layovers in crowded, noisy, uncomfortable and ridiculously overpriced airports. The bad news is that unless and until beaming technology is made available (ala Star Trek), there’s no way to avoid heading to the airport and facing the herd. But the good news is that you can equip yourself with these essential airport survival tips that won’t just change how you travel, but they’ll vastly improve your life.
Search your boarding gate upon arrival
Usually, boarding gates are advertised on departure monitors about 45 or 60 minutes before boarding. Sometimes, you can customize the airline application in your smartphone to receive alerts when the door information is available. Anyway, some people prefer the traditional method, to go to the big screens and look for the flight and your door. Once you have the boarding gate noted, set an alarm on the phone to notify you fifteen minutes before boarding (enough time to walk to the boarding gate), you can now visit the terminal or chill around.
Head straight for an airport lounge
Despite the fact that nobody intentionally wants to wait in an airport, the folks who design them have made them (for the most part) painful places to hang around. The chairs are too small, the environment is either too hot or too cold, and you can forget about finding an available outlet to charge your smartphone or laptop. The alternative to this pain and suffering is simple: head straight to an airport lounge. Ideally, you can get free access through your credit card. If not, then consider buying an access pass through Groupon, or even directly from the airline’s website. Like getting a decent hotel room, it’s money very well spent.
Become an airport shortcut ninja
Being in an airport is a lot like shopping at IKEA: the vast majority of people move around by following the overhead signs created by firms like the Landmark Sign Company. But a few shrewd travelers save plenty of walking and time by taking advantage of shortcuts. Before your next trip, head online and discover the secret ways of the airport shortcut ninja.
Don’t stand in line if your flight is cancelled
It’s adding the straw that broke the camel’s back when, after being told that your flight is cancelled, you have to stand in a long line to find out what to do next. Instead, find a nice quiet corner, put your feet up, and call the airline’s toll-free customer support number. The rep who answers the phone will have the exact same information as the gate attendant, and might be able to book you on the next flight — while everyone else in line has to wait overnight.
When packing, always remember: less is more
Avoid the temptation to pack for all potential weather conditions or occasions — from fast food to fine dining. Bring the essentials (including stuff that’s suitable for the climate your destination), and enjoy the joy of flying through the airport while your fellow passengers slowly haul their oversized, over-stuffed luggage.
Customize your suitcase
Give your suitcase a personal touch to better distinguish it on the conveyor belt with a piece of cloth, a bow or a sticker that helps you identify it more quickly and to prevent another passenger from taking yours by mistake.
