Travel days can be stressful and long. I love the airport, they have become my greatest ‘me time’. Here are my tips to make your travel days a little bit better.
The more you know, the more prepared you are, the less stressed you will be.
Note: The below is mainly based on international flights. All airports are different, but most follow this process or something similar. You can’t go wrong by asking someone if you are ever unsure.
Be organised
- Check-in in advance – your airline will email you either 24 hours or 48 hours prior depending on the airline. I have been caught out where I needed to get to the airport at 4am, and the specific taxis that went to the airport during that time were not running then. I had to book a personal driver very last minute.
- Read specifics – example, the luggage allowance, do you need to physically print your ticket? Ryanair sometimes need you to print your tickets, just ask your hotel and they will be able to help you.
- Airport transportation – Look up how to get to the airport in advance, especially if you are in another country going home.
Get there early
If you are a little nervous about the flight or the airport, 3 hours before your international flight is PLENTY of time to do everything you need to do without being stressed.
Understand the airport check-in process
In my job, I get asked this a LOT and people tend to really get anxious about having everything they need to check in to a flight.
- Know your terminal – Before you arrive, make sure you know what terminal you need to go to and go to the right place
- Find your check-in – The first thing to do once you get to the airport is check where you need to check in, this will depend on your flight, but for most international flights, they will have a board when you first walk in. Find your airline and flight number and it will list the counter for your check-in
- Go to counter – Once you find your counter line up. They will ask for your passport and any other visa or information you need, take your bags and give you a boarding pass.
All you need is your passport and any visa’s/entry requirements. You do not need your full travel itinerary printed like you used to, you just give them your passport at the desk and they do everything else for you.
Sometimes depending on the country you are traveling to you may need to show your visa and return flight, you can show your return flight just on your phone. Save a tree.
You can check all your requirements here: smartraveller.gov.au
Security
Next step after check in, is to go through security.
Every airport is different, so check signs.
- You will need to remove anything metal from your person, including belts.
- Most do not allow more than 100ml of liquid
- Most you need to take out laptops.
I will watch the people in front of me in line to see if they were asked by staff to do anything else, example take off shoes in the US, so I am prepared when I am at the front of the line.
Tip! – Be prepared – Keep electronics and liquids easily accessible.
Follow instructions from staff and ask if you are unsure.
Immigration
If you are traveling internationally, you will need to go through security. This is also different depending on the country you are in.
Most of the time this is the process
- Line up – Normally there is a line for people of the nationality of the country you are in, and then everyone else.
- Give the officer your passport.
- Follow any instructions – example, remove hats, do finger prints etc.
- Answer any questions – example, what is your occupation.
Airports are all a step by step process
Airports are some of the most signed places in the world. I have been to a lot of airports all over the world. Most have English signage and icons/picture signage. They all follow the same process, and they make it as easy as possible for people.
Tip! – When in doubt follow all the people doing the same thing.
Same process for when you land. Once you arrive just go through the processes, follow the signs, sometimes it can take a while, have patience.
If you are ever unsure, ask someone!
Personal items
Always know your luggage allowance for check-in bags and carry on.
I normally have 1 bigger bag (carry on) and 1 smaller bag (personal item) I take on the plane with me. My smaller bag has everything I will need for the flight, including headphones, chewy gum, snacks etc. I get organised before I board so I am not messing around at my seat.
I don’t put anything I will need during the flight in the overhead bins, so I do not have to get up and down all flight. Don’t pack more than you need, how much do you really need to have with you for a flight?
Pack important items in your carry-on
Have important thing in the carry on so your are not going to be stressed if you loose it
Enjoy your flight
To me plane time is my ‘me time’ and I love it!
- Download movies, shows, podcasts and music before your flight
- Games that work offline
- Do some journaling
- Plan trip activities
- Get some shut eye
I think the most important thing when you have a long journey is to not go into it with the mindset that you hate it and want it to be over, do something you love to do! Now I associate long journeys with things I really enjoy!
Getting to accommodation
Whether you are going home or to your first travel accommodation, this part can be mayhem, everyone is trying to get out at the same time you are.
- Public Transport – Have a look at public transport options on Rome2Rio or Google maps, if there is a train or metro that is normally my go to option. Buses are also good. There has been a time where there was a shuttle bus, these are not on google maps but there was a sign.
- Taxi – make sure it is an official taxi, most airports have official places for taxis, don’t go with a person that approaches you as you walk out the door. Look up pricing before hand, so you know what to expect.
- Rideshare – Make sure you have a look at ride share options in the country before you depart to ensure you have the correct ride share app.
- Transfer – If you are traveling to a place for the first time and feel a little nervous, you can also organise a transfer service to meet you and pick you up and take you. This can be a stress free and easy option. Check to see if your accommodation offers airport transfers, and see if this is a good option for you.
Note: Having a sim for this is useful, you can use the wifi at the airport but some do not have it or it can be down. Some airports have sims there, while others don’t and a good option is an esim. Note, sims will always be cheaper anywhere but the airport, but it is good for convenience .
Arrive at your accommodation
Once you get to your accommodation, you will need to check in, if it is a hotel or hostel etc you will need to show your passport on arrival.
Enjoy your trip!
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