Are you jetting off on a luxurious getaway or two this year? If so there’s a strong chance that an airport will be involved in part of your travel plans, and while this might excite some people, it will likely fill others with a little dread.
Whether it’s for business or leisure, air travel has become a common form of travel these days. According to statistics, in 2021, the global airline industry registered an estimated 2.2 billion passengers, while pre-pandemic years reached even higher figures – in 2019, nearly 4.5 billion passengers boarded 42 million flights to and from destinations all across the globe. This leaves no doubt that air travel is more popular than ever before.
But while the popularity of air travel cannot be disputed, the same thing cannot be said about the pleasure of flying. There seems to be a discrepancy between the prevalence of air travel and how passengers perceive this experience on an emotional level. Surely, there are some who get excited at the mere idea of hopping on a plane and taking off to any given destination, but the majority of people see flying as a drag rather than a joy.
And contrary to common belief, it’s not just the fear of flying that can make air travel feel like a hassle, but also something a lot more ordinary and benign: airports. That’s right, for many the most daunting part of air travel is not the actual flight but the pre-travel experience, namely the time spent in the airport, with all the hustle and bustle of crowds, security checks, delays, luggage drop off and so on.
If you’re one of those who doesn’t enjoy the prospect of flying and the hassle of the airport itself, then we’ve got five tips for you to follow to ensure your next long-awaited and luxurious getaway goes as smoothly as can be.
Book early flights
If airport crowds are one aspect of your holiday that you could do without then pre-empt this by booking early morning flights for a much more calmer experience. You can view all scheduled flights on AirlineInformation.com and choose an early flight for your trip.
It’s not just airports that are a lot quieter before midday, but the parking situation as well, especially if you’re flying off a busy airport. For example, Stansted parking can be a real nuisance in the afternoon, but it’s much easier to find a free spot if you take an early flight and book parking in advance. Similarly, checking in online makes the process infinitely smoother by helping you save time and stress.
If you need to book yourself into a hotel the night before to be there in time for your early flights, then do this, just make sure that you opt for a luxurious hotel to enjoy your trip from the outset.
Pack smartly
Another thing that you can take care of before you head off to the airport is your luggage. Needless to say, travelling lightly is a great way to relieve some of the burden of flying, both literally and metaphorically.
However, you should pay attention not only to how many things you pack, but how you pack them as well. That’s going to ease the security check-in process for you, which is probably the least favourite part of the whole airport experience, for passengers and airport personnel. Pack your toiletries and liquids in a separate preferably transparent bag and make sure you can reach them easily. The same principle applies to your electronics which should be held in an accessible pocket. Keep these tips in mind while you’re packing and you’ll pass through security in no time.
Get to the airport on time
If everybody got to the airport on time – which is usually two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights – airports would be much better places, with a lot less chaos to deal with.
But alas, since you have no control over other people’s behaviour or scheduling habits, the least you can do is brush up on your time management skills and arrive at the airport early. That way, you won’t have to rush to check in and drop your luggage, or worry about not finding a parking spot and losing your flight. Even if you happen to fly during peak times from a busy airport like Heathrow, being there on time and booking Heathrow parking in advance will remove a lot of the stress from the equation.
Dress comfortably
When it comes to air travel attire, this can be a tricky one, especially if the weather differs greatly from your home country to your destination. The smartest thing you can do is to find a middle ground and dress as comfortably as possible. Try to find a balance between comfort and style by dressing causally and wearing layers that are easy to take off at the security check area, but be mindful if you are travelling in business or first class as smart casual attire is typically the norm here.
Take advantage of airport lounges
If you aren’t making use of airport lounges on your trips, then you’re missing out! Since you’ll probably be spending at least a couple of hours at the airport, you might as well make sure you’re going to pass the time in a pleasant setting, and that’s exactly what airport lounges are for.
Business and first class flights will usually have lounge access, so make use of these facilities to freshen up, enjoy some food and drinks and the comfortable amenities while waiting for your flight. Having lounge access is totally worth it, as you’ll be able to relax in calming surroundings and keep yourself busy by reading a book or watching a movie in a nice and comfortable nook before departure.
Ultimately, it’s all about the way you prepare yourself for air travel that matters the most, so give these tips a try and see how your perspective will shift.
