At PayingTooMuch.com we want to ensure you that you have a stress-free holiday, from booking your holiday and travel insurance to getting around the busy airport. Hopefully you have already booked your holiday and insurance, so here are a few top tips to make your experience at the airport stress-free.
Departure
1. Always arrive early to the airport where possible. The process of getting through security can be stressful at times and long queues are common, so make sure you allocate enough time between arriving at the airport and the time that you need to be at the boarding gate. With the number of restaurants and shops at airports these days, there is plenty to do prior to your flight, so getting to the airport early can actually be rather enjoyable!
2. Consider booking an airport hotel. If you have a long journey to the airport from where you live, or a very early flight, it might be an idea to book accommodation at a nearby hotel for the night before. This will mean that you are guaranteed to get to the airport on time and you will not need to worry about relying on transport on the day of your flight.
3. Familiarise yourself with baggage rules:
Hand Luggage - Any liquids that you are carrying in your hand luggage need to be less than 100ml or they will be confiscated, and they also need to fit into one resealable plastic bag. Check with your airline what the maximum size allowance is for your hand luggage, as this can vary.
Hold Luggage - There are less item restrictions for hold luggage than there are for hand luggage, so if you are putting a suitcase in the hold then we would suggest putting as much in that bag as you can. However, make sure you know what the weight restriction is before you get to the bag drop or you could be charged an extra fee.
4. Keep a sharp eye on the departures board and start making your way to the gate as soon as the gate information comes up. Some airlines, such as EasyJet, close the gate 30 minutes prior to departure, so make sure you get there in good time. Arriving at your gate early also means there is less chance of your hand luggage being put in the hold if there is no space in the overhead lockers.
5. Be aware that your insurance policy does not provide cover in the event that your flight is cancelled by your airline. This is the airline’s responsibility and EU law states that airlines must allow you to choose between a refund or an alternative flight. https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Resolving-travel-problems/Delays-cancellations/Your-rights/Your-rights-when-you-fly/
Arrival
1. Print out your travel information. If you do not have a transfer pre-booked and you require transport to get to your destination, make sure you have all of the information to hand including the name and address of where you are staying. It can be difficult to navigate through foreign airports, so booking a transfer before you travel is usually less hassle.
2. Make sure you have your passport handy ready for passport control. There is typically a mad rush to get through passport control once everyone is off the airplane, so it is advisable to have your passport ready to save you having to rummage through your bag in the midst of all the hustle and bustle.
3. Collecting your hold baggage. If you have baggage to collect from the hold, there is always a chance that this might get lost; before you set off on your travels, make yourself familiar with what you are entitled to under your travel insurance policy, as some policies will not include any cover for baggage.
4. Late night accommodation. As also suggested before departure, if you do not have an airport transfer pre-booked and have a long journey ahead of you, and/or are arriving particularly late, you should consider booking a hotel close to the airport for one night. If you decide to do this, keep a note of the address and telephone number, and perhaps even look up the location on a map to avoid getting lost. This suggestion is especially relevant if you are hiring a car abroad, as many hire companies close before the last flight arrives at the airport.
