My Absolute Top 10 Tips At The Airport

Getting You Off To A Flying Start On Your Vacation! Read On For My Top 10 Airport Tips

I have put together my ‘Top 10 Airport Tips’ that have been tried and tested to help you get the perfect start to your trip, no matter where your travelling!

#1 Short Stop-over?

Connecting Flight? Short stop-over? Don’t be afraid to ask the staff at check-in for a seat closer to the front of the plane. The closer you are to the front of the plane the quicker you can get off! They may even be able to organise assistance at the other end to get you to your gate on time for your connecting flight.

Check-in at the airport — *Don’t ask, don’t get!*

#2 First or Last on?

The dilemma we have all faced before… first or last on the plane? Like most people, I hate waiting in line. I have waited to be one of the last on the plane and also being one of the first. Being last on does allow you to see any spare seats that may be available to jump into. However, I have also had to put my carry-on luggage several rows behind me. This then causes delay and stress trying to retrieve it on disembarkment. So, combine #1 with getting on your plane as early as possible!

overhead storage on plane — *First come first serve*

#3 Free Stuff?

Forgotten something?! How many times have you got to the airport and realised you have forgotten your phone charger or another essential travel item? Head over to the lost and found. Did you know that any items that have not been claimed for 90 days are basically up for grab? Ask to borrow a phone charger if there is one available, chances are, if it has been there 90 days they will let you keep it!

Lost property — *90-day window at lost property*

#4 Rule of Left

Lines at the airport can be such a drag. Whether it be security, passport control or check-in desks, no one likes waiting around longer than needed. But have you ever heard of the ‘Rule of left’?

When faced with a ‘fork in the road’, instinct usually pushes people to go to their right, as this is most peoples dominant side. Wherever possible head to the queue furthest left. I have tried this several times and always seems to get me through faster! Give it a try next time you’re faced with queuing at the airport!

#5 Handle With Care!

Maybe the most annoying queue we face at the airport… surely it must be baggage reclaim? If you want to get your luggage asap, and who doesn’t, try putting a ‘fragile’ sticker/wrapping around your case. By doing so, this ensures that your luggage is handled with care as well as being put on top of the luggage pile on the plane. With your luggage on the top, it is more likely to be the first off the plane and straight onto the carousel!

fragile luggage labels on cases — *Save your luggage, and your time!*

#6 Tea for Free?

Fed up of paying extortionate prices for drinks at the airport? Everyone knows that the prices of food and drink are so inflated, just look at how much a bottle of water is!

However, did you know and that the majority of kiosks will give you hot water for free if you just ask? Take your own tea bags in your hand luggage and save yourself that extra cash for when you are actually on your vacation!

What’s more, there are usually water fountains dotted around the airport. Take your own empty bottle with you through security and fill it up on the other side for free!

#7 Early Bird…

Flying long haul? Check-in on your flight as soon as you have purchased your tickets. It can be so easy to keep putting it off until literally the day before your flight. Rethink your options here! On long haul flights and even some short-haul, it is possible to check in straight away. This also means picking your seats. The earlier you do so the more chance you have of being seated in a good spot. Keep away from the noise of the steward’s stocking the trolley or smells of the lavatories at the back of the plane! So don’t be stuck with the short straw middle seat, check-in early and you may even nab yourself an extra legroom seat!!!

airplane, cabin, passenger — *Don’t get left in the middle*

#8 Know Your Seat

Before taking the advice in #7, check out seatguru.com. Ever booked yourself a window seat, only to find you have no window? This website allows you to type in your flight details, and then it shows you the blueprint of the aeroplane you will be on. There is even a ‘key’ which outlines some comments for seats for good or bad. Those phantom window seats are pointed out. Double-check your seats while checking in early for your flight for maximum comfort.

plane map on seatguru — *Know Your Flight with seatguru.com*

#9 Stay Hydrated

Keep hydrated on your flight! Due to the air pressure and air-con on the plane causes EVERYTHING to dry out! Carry on moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid wearing contact lenses. your eyes dry out as well as the rest of your body. Ditch the contacts and stick to the specs!

One of the biggest causes of jet lag is dehydration. A great tip I have picked up on my travels is to carry rehydration sachets. You can get them almost anywhere from pharmacies to supermarkets. Add a sachet to water every couple of hours. Doing this will keep your body hydrated and will reduce the effects of jet lag when you arrive at your destination!

Remember tip #7? Just ask the air staff to fill up that spare water bottle you brought with you rather than keep asking for small glasses of water!

#10 Last But Definitely NOT Least

Such a simple yet essential piece of equipment you should always have at hand… a pen! In an age of digital electronics, social media and even creating shopping lists with the help of ‘Alexa’, it is so easy to be caught out. Flying international usually requires you to have to fill out immigration or landing forms. Do not expect the air stewards to have any spare to hand out. Make sure you have one to hand… you may even end up being the one lending it out!

Declaration and Customs forms. With A Pen — *Always carry a writing stick*

Thanks for taking the time to read my ‘Top 10 Airport Tips’. If you have found any of these top 10 tips to be helpful, or have any others you wish to share, post in the comments below!

Top 10 Tips At The Airport