AIRPORT TRAVEL TIPS

The world today is a much smaller place, especially due to the ease of air travel. However, airports are almost a city within a city, follow their own rules and have their own specific protocols which are somewhat alien to “normal life” Post Covid, airports have even stricter controls. Here are some tips to get you through the airport “specifics” and get you to your destination safe and sound.

Departure lounge

1.    As well as the basics, such as checking out the Covid situation where you are travelling, making sure you are in a decent state of health before you travel and that you don’t live with vulnerable people who may be susceptible to the illness. Most international travel destinations have strict protocols in place to help avoid the spread of the disease especially so in airports where social distancing is a virtual impossibility. Follow the regular health and safety standards such as mask-wearing, regular handwashing, avoid contact with sick people, avoid touching you face especially nose and mouth, avoid touching surfaces, wash your hands again, try to maintain a 2 metre distance from others, and once more …wash your hands!

Lima Airport waiting lounge

2.    Check the requirements for the destination. Different countries and destinations have different travel restrictions to be able to enter. They may require a negative test document, a 14 day quarantine or isolation period, a self-declaration, special visors or obligatory mask wearing for example. Check ahead and make sure you know the restrictions of the destination.

3.    Ziploc bags are a traveller's best friend. Whether they be for food items or toiletries intact or even protect your electric items such as cell phones etc. Ziplocs are invaluable at airports to keep your items safe .. always pack extras. 

Cancun Airport

4.    If your baggage allowance is small or you are worried about your bags being overweight, simply wear more clothes! Keep a few of the items of clothing in an accessible pocket to be able to wear it at short notice and reduce the weight of your bag.

Travelling with children increases baggage!

5.    Take a photo of your parking place. it is all too easy to forget where you left your vehicle when you return home a few weeks later! Some airport parking has unclear signs, so a photo will help you remember when your car is!

6.    If your airline provider will allow, complete your check-in online, from the comfort of your own home. Avoiding airport queues is always a good plan and makes the trip more enjoyable. If you do have to check-in at the airport, try and get in line as close to the business class line as you can. There are generally more people around to help you should you need any assistance….just in case!

San Jose City Airport

7.    Avoid jewellery, metal belts, buckles on your shoes, try and use footwear that you can take off easily, etc. Airport security is a delicate issue at the best of times so try and make sure that you transit through the protocols as quickly and easily as possible.

8.    Pack a portable battery charger for your phone. There is nothing worse than having a flat battery on your arrival to your destination so take advantage of being able to charge you phone where you can!

9.    Stow your stuff in the queue, don't wait until you get to the end of the line and then everything is rushed or hurried.

Airport queues

10.  If your flight is delayed for any reason, find an empty gate to sit and relax. it's more relaxing, there are more likely power outlets and generally fewer people. Make sure you can hear the announcements however for any new details about your flight arrangements :)

Empty gate at Panama Airport

Happy travels!