Catching a flight? Four airport hacks for a stress-free journey

Heading off on vacation can be one of the most exciting times of the year. You’ve finished up your work for a week or two and you’re ready to relax. Maybe you’re setting off for some sun, or maybe you’re away to do some exploring; whatever your plans, getting away can be a much-needed reset.

But there is one major factor that can put a dampener on your plans: the airport. Not only is the airport a stressful experience with the crowded departure lounges and potential delays, but there’s a lot you have to do prior to even getting there.

This article will explore the four main ways you can streamline your airport experience, ensuring your vacation begins on the right footing.

Prepare your paperwork
Having the correct documents is essential when travelling by plane, and these documents should be prepared at least six weeks in advance. As some pieces of paperwork might need to be renewed, like passports, you should check all are valid well before heading to the airport. This will help to avoid disappointment and frustration if your documents are not accepted.

Travelers are encouraged to have their documents ready in the order they will be needing them, such as your boarding pass when departing and valid passport, etc. The hard copies of your paperwork should be kept in one location, like a dedicated travel wallet or similar; digital backups can be stored in a folder on your mobile or other device. Keeping backups on hand is vital, especially as, according to Forbes, 57% of people worry about losing their passport.

Weigh your luggage
To check the weight of your luggage before going to the airport, you just need a bathroom scale. You can first weigh yourself using the bathroom scale before noting down your weight. After this, weigh yourself holding your suitcase; your individual weight can then be subtracted from this to calculate the weight of your luggage.

Although it can be tempting to prepare for every eventuality, you should attempt to pack light for your vacation. Overpacking can make your suitcase too heavy, which might incur an extra fee. Be sure to check your airline’s luggage size and weight limits.

Plan your arrival at the airport
Arriving at the airport on time is critical. Although many people might like to appear just before the departure gate closes, this can add unnecessary stress to your journey. Instead, plan ahead and research the recommended arrival time for your airport. With this knowledge, you can prepare when to begin travelling to the airport.

If you want to avoid leaving your own vehicle in the airport parking lot, you can book a car service or taxi for this trip. These services allow you to relax fully on the way to the airport, which is a better beginning to your vacation than rushing through traffic. Executive Car Service LAX, for example, offer the comfort and reliability of a professional driver that ensures you arrive at the airport on-time. You would be dropped off curbside at a LAX terminal, which is incredibly convenient.

Organize yourself for security checks
Once you get to the airport, you will eventually make your way through the security checks. As this process can be rather time-consuming, you should prepare yourself beforehand to ensure it goes smoothly. You should avoid distractions during this procedure to ensure you recognize the signals of security staff to know when it is your turn.

When putting your carry-on luggage and other items on the tray, remember to place all liquids in a clear, resealable bag; this should not exceed 1,000ml. This clear bag should be placed in the tray outside your luggage. Belts, shoes, and all electronics should also be placed in this tray. Then, after all security checks have been performed, collect all of your belongings and only rearrange them when you have reached a designated area.

If you follow these four tips, your overall airport experience will be much more positive. This time of your vacation does not need to be stressful and with the right preparations, it won’t be.

The article Catching a flight? Four airport hacks for a stress-free journey first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.