The airport is the starting point for most of the best trips.
Flying can be an incredible experience, but it can also turn into a nightmare if you’re not prepared.
During the holidays and vacations, the news is full of stories of frustrated passengers with endless lines, delays and lost luggage.
After events like 9/11, pandemics, wars and terrorism, we have to take into account security procedures and adapt to new requirements.
I’ve been to over 60 countries and have faced my share of airport mishaps.
To help you avoid (or at least minimize) stress before and during boarding, I’ve put together the best strategies to make your experience smoother and more efficient.
1. Do your homework.
Weeks before you go to the airport, check the mandatory documents for your destination, such as passport, visa, vaccinations and health requirements.
Also check the airline’s boarding rules and the estimated time for check-in and security.
Extra tip: check the website of the embassy of the destination country for updated information.
2. Check the situation and entry requirements a few days in advance.
Strikes, weather conditions, wars and crises can quickly change the rules for entering a country.
Check the situation two days before your trip to avoid unpleasant surprises.
I spent time in Egypt and Jordan, right next to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a few days before the war broke out.
Between strikes, weather conditions and wars, I have seen conditions change very quickly.
3. Have copies of your documents and tickets, reservation, etc.
With everything digitalized on your cell phone, it’s easy to imagine the importance of printed copies.
In case of a lack of internet, a dead cell phone battery or loss of the device, a paper backup can save your trip.
I always keep documents, reservations, tickets and itinerary printed, as it serves as an alternative and can make it easier to search for information, especially when you are in the migration process of the destination country.
4. Pack consciously.
One of the biggest challenges when traveling is how to pack your bags.
We always want to take everything with us, so that we don’t miss anything. Furthermore, today the cost of carrying bags is very high and there are many restrictions.
In addition, there is also the issue that you will have to carry them the entire way.
Pay attention to the rules of what you can and cannot have in your carry-on and checked luggage.
There are many products that are prohibited, such as explosives, firearms, natural foods, etc.
How to choose the perfect luggage for your trip.
See the items that cannot be taken in your carry-on luggage.
5. Know your airline's carry-on baggage allowance and stick to it
Mainly due to the costs, the fear of the suitcase being lost, many people want to travel only with hand luggage.
This is where people usually have the biggest problems. Often, someone buys a suitcase that complies with the airline’s hand luggage allowance, but fills it up too much.
If the suitcase is swollen, it will not fit on the size gauges and will inevitably have to be checked in.
Since each airline has its own rules, and each plane has different baggage compartment dimensions, many passengers are caught off guard.
Check the airline’s rules and pack your bags carefully and check your allowance to minimize stress.
It is important to have a scale to be sure when you are thinking about your luggage, as putting clothes has one weight and equipment has another.
This avoids extra costs and reduces your frustration at the check-in counter and at the boarding gate.
Digital Portable Luggage Scale 50 kg, easy to weigh any product and only weighs 350 grams, which does not get in the way of your luggage.
Follow my Blog where I will give you tips on how to pack your bags.
6. Pre-order liquids to be collected from duty-free.
If you are traveling with only hand luggage and know that your shampoos and creams will not last the entire trip, it is worth booking them at duty-free stores that offer delivery after you have passed through customs.
Just be careful not to buy more than you are going to spend, otherwise you will have problems when you return.
If you are going to a well-known place or where the product you use is easily accessible, you can also order it to be delivered to your hotel or simply go shopping when you arrive.
7. Dress comfortably for the trip.
One of the best strategies for getting through the airport without stress is to dress comfortably.
In the past, flying was considered elegant, but nowadays, in addition to being much more common, there are many security rules.
In many airports, you have to take off your belts, watches, shoes, etc.
So, wearing very elaborate clothes, such as boots with straps that take a long time to unbutton, or clothes with lots of metal accessories, will certainly get in the way and make it difficult to get through security.
When I travel, I wear comfortable sneakers and layered clothing. This way, not only is it easy to put on and take off to make getting through security quick and easy, but it also makes it comfortable depending on the temperature in the terminal on board.
8. Be prepared to comply with security requirements.
Since you’ve already done your homework, you already know what you need to do to get through airport security.
The best thing to do is to plan ahead and arrive at your turn with everything ready.
- Take everything out of your pockets and leave it in your carry-on luggage.
- Take off your watch, belt, and documents and leave them in your carry-on luggage.
- If you’re carrying a computer, take it out of your luggage and keep it in your hand.
- If you have liquids, leave them in a “bag” inside your carry-on luggage.
When it’s your turn, take out the trays and arrange them as follows.
- Tray 1 – Computer, cables, battery, and electronic equipment.
- Tray 2 – Your carry-on luggage. If you have more than one, place one in each tray.
- Tray 3 – Anything liquid.
- Tray 4 – Shoes, belt, watch, shirts, and anything else you have.
Important: Pay attention to the agents’ instructions even before it’s your turn.
Since you usually don’t speak the agent’s language, your observation will make it easier for you to follow the correct procedures and this will make your passage easier.
It’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.
9. Pack wisely for possible delays, cancellations, or lost luggage.
One of the most certain things about flying is that there will be a waiting time.
The question is how long the wait will be, and you can’t estimate it, because the flight can be delayed, canceled, diverted to land at another airport, etc.
So, preparing yourself to keep busy is essential to avoid greater stress.
I really like having a good book to read, as well as something to eat.
On my trip to Las Vegas I had a layover in Toronto.
My connection was a 4-hour wait, but after landing the airport closed due to bad weather and I only got out after a 15-hour wait.
On my trip to the Dolomites, Italy, my bags were lost and only arrived 10 days later. I could only survive, because I always have the essentials in my hand luggage.
10. Bring a portable charger and universal plug adapter.
Today we are very dependent on our electronic devices and our lives seem meaningless if we are not online.
When we travel, we use electronic tickets, GPS, and all sorts of apps.
That is why it is essential to have a portable charger and, since each country may have its own type of socket, also have a universal adapter.
There is nothing worse than the discomfort you feel when your phone’s battery runs low – especially when you depend on it to access all your tickets and certifications.
Check out some portable charger options.
I use this type of universal adapter, which can be connected in any country in the world, including Brazil.
11. Organize your clothes into packages.
There are many luggage organizers, cubes, bags, etc.
I prefer waterproof bags, because in addition to being flexible and adapting to any suitcase, backpack, or duffel, they also protect the contents of the unit from moisture, in addition to lasting a long time.
Since I also separate the clothes by use, it is very practical, because I only open what I need, so I don’t have to unpack and pack the suitcase every time.
In addition to compressing the contents, helping to fit more things.
It is also easy to separate dirty clothes from clean ones.
12. Bring a travel pillow.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination with a sore neck.
And we know that both airplanes and airport chairs are not at all comfortable or ergonomic.
So, taking a travel pillow will at least allow you to take a nap at the airport while you wait for your new flight time.
Also use your cell phone’s alarm clock so you don’t miss your boarding time.
Here are the best options, tried and tested, that you should consider investing in, from the best for neck support to the best for side sleepers.
13. Bring some simple headphones and one noise-canceling one.
At the airport or on the plane, it is inevitable that you will be disturbed by noisy children or people who do not respect others.
Having a strategy to spend this time more peacefully reduces stress.
Also, access to the entertainment on board requires headphones. By taking your own, you will reduce the use of disposable headphones. The planet will thank you.
But even more frustrating are the delays at airports surrounded by people who are anxious to let everyone else in the airport know how irritated they are.
I have good concentration and most of the time I can stay calm just listening to music or watching movies with headphones.
But if you need to, the ideal is to have noise-canceling headphones.
Your sanity is worth the investment.
14. Don't forget your water bottle.
To avoid wasting money on multiple bottles of water at the airport (and at your destination), make sure you bring your own water bottle with you when you travel.
It’s better for your wallet and the environment, so make sure it’s empty when you go through security.
Most airports have filtered water fountains available (there’s usually a water station near the restrooms), so you can fill up your bottle before boarding your flight.
My favorite bottle is the Nalgene, because it lasts a lifetime and is very functional. I also have my own water purification kit for travel, which you can see here.
On my last trip to the Balkans,
I saved €180.00 and 220 plastic 1-liter bottles, plus I had cold water all day in 30-degree heat.
15. Pre-book special assistance.
For disabled, elderly or other passengers who require special assistance, it’s important to have a strategy in place and check the airport website for information on facilities, services and accessibility options.
Booking assistance in advance can help you make sure that help is available to you on your journey, and that it’s as smooth as possible.
The same goes for your airline – try to contact the airline you’re flying with at least 48 hours before your flight.
Always plan for your ‘worst day’ when booking Special Assistance, and if you don’t need as much help as you expected when you arrive, simply let the provider know on the day.
16. Pense com antecedência ao fazer as malas.
When traveling during the festive period, it’s easy to pack lots of gifts and extra items without thinking about it. But planning ahead can save you a lot of trouble.
Following a few simple guidelines can save you a lot of headaches.
1 – Don’t pack wrapped gifts in your carry-on bag. Security regulations require that all items in your carry-on bag be easily inspected.
2 – Don’t pack food such as pies, Christmas puddings and even frozen turkeys.
Depending on where you’re going, you could lose everything. You’ll certainly have a lot of problems at security or with agricultural inspection agencies.
3 – Products that are packaged industrially are more likely to get through, but avoid any type of meat, sausages, etc.
4 – If you’re bringing something back, make sure you leave enough space in your baggage to safely bring all the gifts back, as long as they are within the product and weight restrictions, as per airline and customs regulations.
17. Be kind.
It can be difficult when we’re stressed, but it makes the travel experience much more enjoyable when we’re helpful and patient with our fellow travelers and the people who are under immense pressure to get us home safely, comfortably and on time.
Also, try to be kind to yourself and don’t let a delay or a small mistake ruin your overall experience.
More often than not, delays and cancellations are the result of genuine safety and security issues, so remember that the people working behind the scenes are dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience possible.
This is especially true during the security and customs process, and nothing will help you than being nervous and stressed, in fact it will only hurt.
Bonus Strategy:
Even with all the strategies, you may still face situations at airports where there is simply nothing to do, weather conditions, strikes, airline bankruptcy, etc.
That is why it is always good to have a plan B, that is, in case the initial trip is not possible or even if you are already at your destination and cannot return.
At the same time, as part of your plan B, you should have insurance that covers all possibilities such as cancellation, delays, lost luggage, etc.
Insurance may not solve the problem of the trip, but it will certainly reduce your financial loss.
I have been using WorldNomads for my adventure trips, as it has much more coverage than domestic ones.
For city trips, I have been using Assitcard.
