10 Massive Mistakes You Should Avoid At The Airport

Stop making these common mistakes at the airport.

We all know how it goes during the holiday, summer or festive season; it goes without saying that we should expect the usual rush, buzz, big crowds, long queues, and rigmarole of bag drop, security checks, customs, and passport control associated with peak travel times.

It helps to expect the unexpected as lousy weather (harsh winters for those outside the tropics), delays, traffic, strikes, and other long-windedness.

A bit of risk mitigation and a savvy forward plan could save a fair bit of stress, money and time, provided one makes the right decisions. 

Here are 10 mistakes to avoid at the airport if you don’t want to step on your own foot.

(1) Showing Up Too Early:
I recommend you arrive at the airport at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight, as most airports open bag drops or check-in at most three hours before takeoff. 2.5 -3 hrs is the sweet spot; 2 hrs leaves little time for unplanned delays unless it’s a domestic flight.  

Arriving too early, e.g., 4 to 5 hrs before, may result in a very long waiting time at the airport. 

Note: People who live far from the airport may arrive many hours in advance to beat peak traffic times etc. Better early than late. 

(2) Showing Up Too Late:
You already know what happens when you arrive late for your flight; what’s more, during the holiday/festive season? So at worst, try to be through security checks and be available to head to your gate at least 45 minutes before departure. 

(3) Exchanging Currency:
It’s advisable to buy currency before heading to the airport. The FX rate and commissions at the airport are higher than you can get on your local high street. Check online for the retailer providing the best value rates. It may also be possible to lock in a better rate for the airport online that is lower than the rate charged in real-time.  

(4) Buying Duty-Free:
Always Google prices before you go. Otherwise, you may incur additional fees just for lugging the stuff home.

(5) Not Packing a Bottle:
Drinking water stations have gotten better at airports. So remember to bring an empty bottle along so you will only have to spend a little money in the shops.

(6) Not Booking a Parking Space:
It’s peak season, so I advise you to book a few weeks ahead. Booking ahead through the airport’s website will help you save costs, e.g., up to £80/$100 could be saved on long-term parking if you book ahead vs. the rate quote in real-time on the day of your departure. 

(7) Not Weighing Your Luggage:
Confirm the weight and size of your luggage before heading to the airport and ensure it’s within the limit of luggage restriction that applies to your ticket, as any excess rates will cost you or may result in you having to buy an overpriced bag at departures. Weights and dimensions vary according to airline and ticket type. Small portable luggage scales are handy ways to check this at home before you leave. 

Note: You are only allowed to leave up to 100ml weight of liquid in your bag while you travel. However, many countries are planning to end this rule in 2024.

(8) Not Checking in Online:
Remember, not checking in online may mean that you will have to pay to use the airport desk, regardless if you have hold luggage.

(9) Not Fast-tracking smartly:
Unless you want to be stuck in a long security queue, I recommend you pay for fast-track access, especially at peak times. 

(10) Not Tracking Your Flight:
The information boards in airport flights mostly take time to update. So using an online tracker keeps you updated by helping you get information earlier. An online tracker like flightradar24.com is an excellent place to start.

EXTRA TIPS:

The rise in delayed or lost baggage continues, with passengers suffering the stress of having their luggage arrive 1 or more days after they do, if at all. The latest advice is to:

1. Pack 1 -2 days’ worth of clothing in your hand luggage, including mini sizes of cosmetics and toiletries that fall within the 100 ml liquids and gels limit ( Luckily, due to be scrapped in 2024 by the UK Govt. and many other counties ).
2. Purchase air tags and attach these to each suitcase to locate your luggage. In light of the baggage computer system errors, people are taking matters into their own hands and using technology to track their luggage and not leave anything to chance. 

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