The airport is like a traveller’s limbo, the place in-between home and holiday. The eager anticipation you experience as you await your flight, combined with the multiple security checks and the relative lack of freedom, can make the whole experience pretty distressing. Here are some tips for making the airport less stressful.
Be prepared for security checks
When you check your suitcases in, they go through a security check that could see them being opened and inspected. This means that accessibility is important. At the same time, you want to secure your luggage for your own peace of mind.
The solution is to go for TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by airport security professionals but will hopefully deter would-be thieves – and prevent zips opening and spilling out your possessions.
It’s normal to be anxious at the security gates, as there are so many rules to comply with and a specific procedure to follow, but there are ways to alleviate some of the fretfulness. The key is being prepared for the checks that will be conducted.
This means consulting airport guides, such as this one from Heathrow, in order to ascertain ahead of time what will happen. You can then rest assured that your liquids are stored properly, that you are not carrying and prohibited items, and so on.
In a similar vein, prepare in the queue for other security requirements, so that you do not get flustered or reprimanded by security staff once you get to the front. This might mean removing your gadgets from their cases, taking off your shoes and placing aside any metal objects.
Get organized with a travel wallet
One of travellers’ biggest fears is leaving behind their passport or plane tickets, but you can get peace of mind by using a travel wallet. These keep all important papers organised, so you can keep them safely together before you travel and then close at hand while at the airport – no more rummaging in your cabin bag.
You should also prepare for the worst by keeping a photocopy of your passport, credit cards and such separate from the originals, perhaps in hold luggage. This will speed up the replacement process in the unfortunate event they are lost or missing. It is also a good idea to keep your contact details inside cases you will be checking in, to increase the speed of reunion if they are lost.
Get comfortable
Heading to the airport generally means lugging around heavy luggage, sitting in waiting areas and then getting on your flight. Take measures to ensure your comfort throughout, and you’re less likely to get stressed and irritable.
Rather than a shoulder bag that could make your shoulders ache, go for a trolley case that are convenient to transport. Luggage Superstore has a large range of lightweight cabin-friendly suitcases that are ideal. Those with four wheels are even easier to move from A to B.
Layer your clothing so that you can always stay at the optimal temperature, even if you’re going from a cool to a warm climate, and pack an eye mask, pillow and blanket so you can comfortably nap when you’re feeling groggy.
(Photo by mrkathika via Flickr)
When you check your suitcases in, they go through a security check that could see them being opened and inspected. This means that accessibility is important. At the same time, you want to secure your luggage for your own peace of mind.
The solution is to go for TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by airport security professionals but will hopefully deter would-be thieves – and prevent zips opening and spilling out your possessions.
It’s normal to be anxious at the security gates, as there are so many rules to comply with and a specific procedure to follow, but there are ways to alleviate some of the fretfulness. The key is being prepared for the checks that will be conducted.
This means consulting airport guides, such as this one from Heathrow, in order to ascertain ahead of time what will happen. You can then rest assured that your liquids are stored properly, that you are not carrying and prohibited items, and so on.
In a similar vein, prepare in the queue for other security requirements, so that you do not get flustered or reprimanded by security staff once you get to the front. This might mean removing your gadgets from their cases, taking off your shoes and placing aside any metal objects.
Get organized with a travel wallet
One of travellers’ biggest fears is leaving behind their passport or plane tickets, but you can get peace of mind by using a travel wallet. These keep all important papers organised, so you can keep them safely together before you travel and then close at hand while at the airport – no more rummaging in your cabin bag.
You should also prepare for the worst by keeping a photocopy of your passport, credit cards and such separate from the originals, perhaps in hold luggage. This will speed up the replacement process in the unfortunate event they are lost or missing. It is also a good idea to keep your contact details inside cases you will be checking in, to increase the speed of reunion if they are lost.
Get comfortable
Heading to the airport generally means lugging around heavy luggage, sitting in waiting areas and then getting on your flight. Take measures to ensure your comfort throughout, and you’re less likely to get stressed and irritable.
Rather than a shoulder bag that could make your shoulders ache, go for a trolley case that are convenient to transport. Luggage Superstore has a large range of lightweight cabin-friendly suitcases that are ideal. Those with four wheels are even easier to move from A to B.
Layer your clothing so that you can always stay at the optimal temperature, even if you’re going from a cool to a warm climate, and pack an eye mask, pillow and blanket so you can comfortably nap when you’re feeling groggy.
(Photo by mrkathika via Flickr)
(This post was written by Callum Morton)
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