Stress Free Travel
Airport travel can be frustrating and time
consuming and lead to feelings of anxiety.
However, it doesn't have to be that way. If
you find travelling through airports
stressful, here are a few pointers to help
you reduce the stress and have an altogether
more enjoyable travel experience.
By preparing ahead of time you will reduce
airport travel hassles. Check your airline's
rules and regulations with regards to items
you can and can't carry onboard and the size
and weight of your luggage allowances. By
packing carefully and ensuring that any
liquids and items such as scissors are
placed in your hold luggage rather than hand
luggage, you will save time at the airport
security gates. By making sure your luggage
is within your airline's stated size and
weight allowance you will avoid any
expensive excess fees you may otherwise be
charged for.
Some airlines require you to check in and
print your boarding pass online before
coming to the airport. If you fail to do
this you will have to pay an administration
fee for the airline to print and you will be
charged an exorbitant fee for this
privilege. Read the information your airline
sends you when you book to avoid any
unnecessary charges or stressful
misunderstandings.
Leave for the airport in plenty of time.
Allow for two hours at the airport prior to
flight time for domestic and European
flights and more for international long haul
flights. Check-in can have long lines and
with security being of paramount importance
at airports, the security screening process
can be long and laborious. As long as you
are prepared for this and have plenty of
time, you will be less worried and tense.
To make the security gate procedure less
painful, have your boarding pass and
passport ready, ensure you have any liquid,
makeup or toiletries already packed in a
clear plastic bag which you can put through
the scanner separately. While standing in
the line remove any small change and phone
from your pockets, plus your watch and place
in your hand luggage. Take off your belt and
jacket. Wear shoes which can quickly be
removed and put back on and if you are
carrying a laptop remove it from your bag
ready to place in the plastic trays
provided.
If you are driving to the airport, book
airport parking in advance. The online
prices are cheaper than the drive in prices
so providing you know when you will be
travelling, book online ahead of time and
save yourself some money. Knowing where you
are going to park your car helps to reduce
the uncertainty and allows you to plan.
Allow plenty of time to take the free
shuttle bus from the parking to the airport.
If you live a long way from the airport or
have an early flight to catch, consider
staying at one of the
UK
airport hotels. Knowing you are already
near the airport will reduce the worry of
getting stuck in traffic or of your train
being delayed. Do as much planning and
preparation as you can before you fly and
you will find that airport travel becomes
much less stressful and may even be a
pleasurable
experience.
