Anna Maria Richards
While everyone loves to travel and see the world, one part of the experience that many people don’t enjoy is having to go to the airport. The lines are often long, delays are common and getting through security can be a difficult and lengthy process. This is especially true if you are running behind.
Being at the airport is stressful, and there are few things worse than missing a flight due to some sort of airport-related problem. However, traveling by air and dealing with airports doesn’t need to be a nightmare. Whether you are travelling to Anaheim, Las Vegas or Paris, these airport-related tips can help ensure your travels go off without a hitch.
Plan Things Out Ahead of Time
One of the best ways to ensure your airport experience is a positive one is to plan things out ahead of time. The better you plan, the smoother your experience will be. Take some time to find out which gate you need to go to, when your plane leaves, and how busy your local airport generally is at the time you need to be there.
Sure, this planning can take a bit of time and effort on your part, but it is well worth it. Also, if you need extra help or transportation like a Hilton Anaheim airport shuttle, it is a good idea to book it well ahead of time. If not, be sure to know exactly where you need to be and at what time. Being unprepared is often the root cause of many airport-related issues, so always take a bit of time to to plan ahead.
Know the Baggage Size and Weight Limits
Next, you want to ensure you know the size and weight limits for bags on the airline you are flying. It is valuable to know not only how large checked bags can be, but also carry-ons, as many have restrictions on these as well. Knowing this information beforehand can prevent you from having to empty things out of your bag in the airport, which can be both annoying and time-consuming.
Airlines will have this information on their website, so measure and weigh your bags at home to ensure they are within the limits. In a similar vein, be sure to know what the costs of checking additional bags or having a carry-on will be. Prices can differ from airline to airline, and some can get expensive if you’re not careful.
Arrive Earlier
Arriving earlier to the airport is another great way to ensure your experience is simple and painless. It is generally recommended to arrive two to three hours before your flight, depending on whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. This can ensure you can get through every part of the airport process and still have time to get on the plane with plenty of time to spare.
Of course, this time also depends on the size of your airport. If it is smaller and sees less traffic, you can likely go a little later. However, it’s always better to be early than it is to be late, so keep that in mind.
Also, another great way to save time is to have your important documents readily available. This includes your ID, boarding passes, passport and other documents. Keep them in a pocket or your jacket as opposed to in your bag or suitcase, as you may need to show them frequently.
Ensuring Your Airport Experience Is a Good One
While airport experiences are often one of the worst parts of travel for many people, they don’t have to be. Use these airport tips to ensure your next flying experience is simple, easy, and straightforward.
