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10 tips to a stress-free airport experience

Although the idea of facing airport security has many Britain's planning their vacations in this country, there are a few things you can do to make the trip through the airport more bearable. While it's true that security regulations are increasing, and line-ups are lengthening, these factors alone shouldn't have you sacrificing the perfect summer vacation abroad. With a few tips, you can make your airport experience almost stress-free and enjoy a few days on a sunny beach somewhere outside Britain.

1.  Be informed and know the rules
Right now, the most important rules to be aware of pertain to liquids on board and the size of your hand luggage. All liquids you want to take on board must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and sealed in a clear plastic bag. Keep them easily accessible because you will need to present them at a checkpoint for inspection.

Only one item of carry-on luggage is allowed and it must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Carry a larger bag or two bags and you will be sent all the way back to check-in and you will have to start again.

Although these are the rules at the moment, they may change, so it's best to check with the Department of Transport well before your flight and with your airline.

2.  Stay at an airport hotel
Instead of worrying about traffic, parking and how to get to the airport the morning of your flight, do it the night before and stay on-site at an airport hotel. Some hotels have great deals on parking and all of them offer free, easy transfer to the airport. Some airlines at Gatwick have check-in services the night before a flight so you don't even have to worry about your bags in the morning.

3.  Take public transportation
Many airports still have increased security around the drop-off points for cars outside the terminal due to an attack on Glasgow airport. In several locations, the added security has caused long queues preventing people from accessing the on-site car parks. Either take public transport or book your airport parking in advance at one of the off-site car parks that provide transfers taking you directly to the terminal.

4.  Take advantage of online check-in
More and more airlines are offering their passengers the ability to check in for their flights and print out their boarding passes at home up to 24 hours before the flight. Even if you can't figure it out at home, many airlines have express check-in machines at the airport that are easy to use. Then, you drop any bags at the fast-drop baggage desk and avoid the check-in lines all together.

5.  Pick a seat near the front
You may be the last one on board but you'll be the first one off which means you can get through immigration before the rest of the airplane arrives to form that long line we all hate.

6.  Get to the airport early
There is no better advice than this, really. Typically, short flights open their check in desks two to three hours before take-off time so you don't want to arrive any earlier than this but by giving yourself lots of time, you won't have to worry, even if there is a long line for security.

7.  Wait in the departure lounge
The best place to wait for your flight if you want to avoid stress is in the departure lounge. Even if there is urgent shopping to be done, you should know where the lounge is and how long the line for security going into it stretches.

8.  Treat yourself to a club-class lounge
If you aren't flying first class and aren't a gold member of some frequent flyer programme, you can still pay for the privilege of staying in an airport lounge prior to your flight. Most lounges are quiet, serve drinks and snacks and are wonderful ways to relax before your flight.

9.  Treat yourself to a meal at the airport
Worry about one less thing and eat your meal when you get to the airport. There are several nice places to dine in airports in the UK and it gives you a chance to unwind after you've been through security. Plus it helps pass the time.

10.  Avoid the airport all together
Don't forget that it's still possible to escape from Britain without taking a plane. There are plenty of great vacations available only a train or ferry ride away. If you simply must fly, the smaller airports are generally less crowded and less stressful to navigate.



Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on Travel insurance, UK airport parking, UK airport hotelsorUK airport lounges.


 

 

Jennifer Jones Editorial


14/07/2007


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