How to survive the wait at the airport?

How to survive the wait at the airport?

airport panelLong stopovers, interminable waits, sometimes complicated formalities, luggage or the simple fact of waiting in the airport are sometimes a real source of stress that can spoil the start of a pleasant stay. Each year, nearly 60 to 90 million passengers are welcomed at the largest airports such as Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. With such crowds, everything takes longer and this can be a source of stress for travelers. Here are our tips for starting your trip being as zen as possible.

Before flying away

The golden rule to avoid stress is above all not to be late. To arrive on time, plan for traffic jams and other traffic jams throughout your journey to the airport. Remember to get information before taking the road on the traffic information channels (for example for France by listening to “Autoroute Info”) or by checking the traffic situation using Google Maps.

In addition to the duration of the journey, do not forget to take into account the time related to registration once there. Note that you need:

3 hours early for check-in if you are taking a long-haul international flight
2 hours in advance for a European flight
Before your departure, check on the internet if there are any last minute changes to your flight schedule. Keep up to date with possible delays, cancellations, strikes and other unforeseen events that may affect your airline.

Be careful about the contents of your luggage, take only the “essentials”. For safety reasons, the carrying of sharp and flammable objects (pair of scissors, razor blade, knife, petrol lighter, etc.) is prohibited in the cabin. In the hold, so-called “dangerous” goods (such as weapons, fireworks, etc.) are not accepted. If you plan to bring back souvenirs, do not wrap your gifts because if their contents seem suspicious, you will have to unwrap them. Checking in the luggage as quickly as possible is already a relief for some, because we are sure (a priori!) that the suitcases will follow you safely!

Adjust the weight of your luggage to respect the maximum weight. In the hold, you are generally entitled to a weight varying between 20 to 30 kilos depending on the airline and the destination. If you are traveling on a low-cost flight, this weight can be limited to 15 kilos.

To save time, if the airline offers this service, check in online. This is available on the company's website between 24 and 48 hours before departure. It is also possible to check in yourself when you arrive at the airport using the check-in kiosks.

Warning ! For some destinations (such as the United States), you must provide the address where you will reside once you arrive in the host country.

Also remember to reserve your seat. You will be able to choose the seats you prefer and enjoy better comfort.

Of course, before check-in, make sure that all your administrative papers are well organized and at hand. Review your identity card, visa, passport, travel insurance, bank card, plane ticket... To pass all checks smoothly, make sure you don't forget anything thanks to a "checklist".

Security controle

Once the baggage has been checked in, the next step is to go through the security check. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, here is what you need to know:

 

 if a camera, computer or tablet is of great use to you on board the aircraft, note that it will also be subject to a thorough search. To save time during x-rays, put all your gadgets and electronics in one bag, out of your suitcases. Above all, do not put anything else in it so as not to disturb the scanner control when the time comes. For some destinations such as the United States or the United Kingdom, security guards may require you to turn on these electronic devices. Make sure they have enough battery life.
Strictly speaking, there are no prohibited liquids apart from those considered dangerous such as corrosive, flammable, explosive, incapacitating and neutralizing products. Please note that the quantity authorized for other liquids is regulated. You can only carry bottles with a maximum capacity of 100 ml on board. In addition, your liquids must be contained in an airtight, transparent plastic bag whose dimensions do not exceed an area of ​​20 cm by 20 cm. Only one bag is granted to you for all your liquids (shampoo, cream, gel, paste, etc.), take care to store it well
you have every right to take your liquid medicines on the plane if they are accompanied by a personal and legible prescription. The same is true for your capsules and other tablets.
being searched at the airport is somewhat embarrassing. It is best to leave all objects made of metal in your luggage. Empty your pockets and remove belt, hair clip, jewellery, chain and badge because these accessories will ring the alarm of the control gates
wear simple clothes that you are comfortable in. Prefer a jacket instead of a sweater, in case you have to take it off for verification. For shoes, opt for a pair that is easy to remove and don't forget to put on socks either, so you don't have to walk around barefoot.
each company has its own regulations regarding the weight and size of hand and cabin baggage. While handbags and cabin suitcases are considered two different pieces of luggage for some, for others, especially low-cost ones, passengers should only carry one throughout the flight. Before packing your bags, take the time to ask your company about the characteristics of the baggage to which you are entitled. To avoid last-minute disappointments, check if your hand luggage fits in the cages provided for this purpose. Otherwise, you will still have time to reorganize and put some things in the hold
During a stopover

airport-attendanceIn order to limit stress and waiting during your stopover, here are some tips:

Before landing at the transit airport, pay close attention to the directions provided by the aircraft staff. If baggage claim is recommended, do so upon arrival. Otherwise, take advantage of this moment of rest to relax. It is also important to identify beforehand the place where you will have to go when boarding.

For a short stopover, try not to stray too far from your next boarding point. You can, for example, eat, connect to WiFi or download online games. Some airports offer a free connection time, others will charge you for this service.

For a layover of 2 to 3 hours, take advantage of the entertainment that the airport has in store for you. Go to a relaxation area, a massage parlour, a spa or a beauty salon. It can also be an opportunity to eat at a restaurant while taking your time. If you are religiously inclined, many international airports have an ecumenical place of worship. For duty-free fans, the on-site shops are often worth a visit. You can also take some souvenir photos.

For a long layover that lasts more than 5 hours, walk around the city if you are allowed to leave the airport. If you don't want to travel, you can read or watch a movie on your laptop. If none of that appeals to you, use those few hours to rest and take a nap. It will do you good, especially if you have trouble sleeping on a plane.

At the arrival

That's it, you've passed the landing stage, it's high time to start your stay in a good mood by respecting these last precautions:

before getting off the plane, check that you have nothing left behind. Take a look under your seat, on the backrest, on the net... Be sure that you are not missing any luggage or administrative papers (passport, visa, identity card, etc.)
keep in mind that you still have to go through passport control. Identify the different receptions for the local and international passport in order to put you in the right queue
don't waste time looking for your luggage. Go directly to the beginning of the treadmill. If you are traveling as a couple, divide up the tasks. One could pick up all the luggage while the other looks for a taxi, for example.
the customs declaration is subject to strict regulations. Find out in advance what small souvenirs you are allowed to take with you. Do not try to transport prohibited goods (shells, food, etc.) to avoid any inconvenience
Going through the airport without stress requires good preparation. ACS gives you access to many tips to help you make your travels a success. You can also easily find the travel insurance that will best cover you in the event of loss or theft of your luggage or in the event of possible health problems.