There are horror stories regarding the travel business in every news outlet right now. People who have waiting a long time to take a vacation, go on a business trip, or see family for a while often have valid complaints. Though it’s disheartening to read that the government is placing blame on the airlines for the current operational challenges, given that they ended the furlough scheme when passenger numbers were down 55% and the industry was still experiencing rapidly changing travel restrictions, the modern traveller has paid for their ticket in good faith and simply wants to be able to enjoy their trip without any hiccups.
I have seen my share of delays, huge waits, and passenger meltdowns over my 17 years working in aviation, having started at the check-in counter, becoming senior cabin crew, and now managing our people department. In first half of this year, I have taken around a month’s worth of trips, some for work and some for vacation. During these trips, I’ve seen differences not just in the way people travel and the places they visit, but also in the people they meet. Most of us were used to hopping on planes like they were buses before the pandemic, but now we must either relearn the procedures or get acclimated to the new expectations.
Every one on the ground and in the air is working very hard to smooth over as many rough spots as they can for passengers. Here are a few common sense tricks that can come in handy on your next trip and help you avoid uncomfortable circumstances and save time.
Get your work done.
If you’re flying anywhere, brush up on the current passport, visa, vaccine, and Covid requirements before you go for the airport. The last thing is you want to do is wait in a check-in line only to be told you can’t board because of changes that have occurred since your last trip.
Before booking a flight, be sure you meet all entrance criteria.
While it’s true that limits and face mask rules are loosening globally, past experience has taught us that this trend can reverse with little to no warning. That’s why it’s not enough to just check the country’s admission criteria before you leave. You should double-check them a few days prior to departure and once more the day before you fly.
Please print the attached files.
E-tickets and certifications downloaded to a phone may appear convenient, but in the current climate, a paper copy of your documents will get you through security faster. For future flights, I plan to have all necessary documents printed and placed in a transparent wallet. Rather than having to dig through many emails or files on my phone, I can just deliver the wallet to whoever is processing my entry or exit. There is no need to worry about a dead phone battery when dealing with paper documents, especially in the event of delays.
Place items in bags side by side
As a general rule, while travelling as a family or a couple, it’s best not to bring multiple suitcases. Spreading your belongings among multiple bags ensures that if one is lost, you’ll still have some clothes to get by with until you’re reunited with the rest of your party.
Get familiar with your airline’s policy on carry-on bags and pack light if you can.
Many passengers choose to fly with only carry-on items, rather than taking the risk of checking bags. It’s easy to see why, what with all the viral videos of mountains of lost luggage floating around the internet. Frequently, passengers will purchase a bag that meets the size requirements of their airline’s carry-on policy, only to find that they have packed too much for their trip. If the bag gets too full, it won’t pass the size requirements and will have to be checked. Due to the lack of a universally accepted limit on carry-on luggage, many passengers fall victim to this common blunder. To avoid unnecessary anxiety and hassle at the airport’s check-in and boarding areas, be sure to pack light and double-check your baggage weight and size restrictions.
You can pre-order drinks and pick them up at the airport terminal.
Knowing that Boots and World Duty-Free both provide an airside click and collect service can put your mind at ease if you’re just bringing carry-on items and are concerned about bringing enough 100ml bottles to last a week. You can order larger shampoos, specific skincare products, and even baby necessities online and have them delivered to the designated airside store on the day of your flight.
Ready your wardrobe for the trip!
It’s often nice to see other people making an effort to look well when they fly, and I certainly like doing the same. However, I find that overly extravagant attire (such as strappy footwear) sometimes causes delays at security. They arrive at security feeling anxious, the people in front of them feel annoyed, and the line becomes longer as a result of yet another pointless delay. My go-to travel attire consists of slip-on sneakers and a layered ensemble. That way, you may be comfortable no matter the climate in the terminal, on the plane, or at your destination, and it will be easy to take on and off for security checks.
Make safety preparations in advance.
Don’t wait until you’re towards the front of the line to start putting your belongings in the tray; do it as soon as you realise you have to. Get rid of your shoes and belt, remove your beverages and laptop, and empty your pockets while you wait. If you have a flight bag with specific sections, you can speed up this process even more.
Prep as though you’ll be delayed or cancelled.
You may not end up needing to wait, but if you do, it’s best to be prepared with something to distract you from getting bored. To pass the time and possibly drown out individuals you’d rather not share your travel experience with, bring a portable charger for your electronic devices, a food (which won’t be confiscated at security or customs if you forget it), a decent book, and headphones.
Be sympathetic
Even though it’s difficult to be helpful and patient when we’re under pressure, it makes for a much more pleasant trip when everyone on board is doing their best to bring us to our destination safely, pleasantly, and on time. Also, be patient with yourself and try not to let a minor setback completely spoil what was otherwise a positive experience.
What do I need to know before flying 2022?
Table of Contents
1 Dress comfortably.
2 Stay hydrated.
3 Use points to pay for your flight.
4 Know how to get over jet lag quickly.
5 Use packing cubes.
6 Download movies before your flight.
7 Know how to book cheap flights.
8 Pack valuables in carry-on luggage.