Departure from international airports is a stressful experience humans go through. This does not have to be the case. Read on for tips on how to make your next departure stress-free.
Check-In Online For A Smoother Departure
Most airlines offer online or mobile check-in hours before departure. This enables you to print your boarding pass before you get to the airport. This saves both you and the airline time because all you have to do once you get to the airport is a baggage-drop. Checking in online may also allow you to see what seats are available and select the best seat you can find.
Travel Light To Enjoy Your Departure
If you are going on a short trip, then I would advise that you only pack carry on luggage. This saves you time as you don’t have to wait for your luggage at baggage collections. Additionally, you won’t have the risk of the airline losing your luggage. However, you are going for a longer trip then pack most of your items in the checked-in luggage so that you have less to carry around with you as you walk around the airport or as you transfer to any connecting flights.
Your air travel experience will be less stressful if you pack lightly. Stick with the checked-in baggage requirements, which are usually two suitcases of less than 20Kgs each. Additionally, for carryon luggage don’t carry any sharp objects, flammable objects or liquids more than 100ml per container. You’re your 100ml liquids should fit into a 1-liter clear bag). Your passport and other identification documents should be in a bag that is easily accessible and not jammed with paraphernalia. Large disorganized handbags carryon bags and folders have been the cause of many lost passports.
Finally, make sure you carry all your identification documents, expensive items or sentimental value items, electronics, medication, and a full change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Not all airport workers are honest, and many travelers have had items stolen from their checked-in bags. Additionally, mistakes happen, and you can end up losing your checked-in bag.
Keep Time For a Stress-Free Departure
There is nothing as frustrating as missing a flight due to being late to the check-in gate. Always arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international departure flight. Once you check-in, stay in the vicinity of your departure gate so that you can go through as soon as the airline calls for passengers. It is better to be early and wait leisurely as you work on your laptop instead of getting stressed trying to catch a flight due to being late.
With regards to check-in time, please remember that a flight after midnight might require you to check in the previous day. For example, a flight that takes place at 0030 on 1st May requires you to check-in by 2230 on the 30th of April. Many people have missed their flights because they showed up on, for example, 2230 on the 1st of May.
Dress In Layers, Wear Slip On Shoes And No Metals
To have a comfortable flight dress as comfortably as possible. I recommend dressing in layers so that you are warm if it’s cold, but in case it gets warm you can take off the top layer.
To make your passage through security checks as painless as possible, wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off at the security gate. Try to avoid belts with metal buckles and heavy metal jewelry, as you will need to take them off at the security check.