Air travel is becoming increasingly popular. The number of international arrivals per year has increased 56 times since 1950. It is estimated that there are around 500,000 people in the air at any moment. There are so many mistakes that people make when travelling in this way because they just don’t know better. Here are some common airport mistakes to avoid that should be helpful for both first-timers and seasoned travellers.
Not knowing your limits
Every airport has that panicked person (or 18) who is unpacking one bag to add weight to the other. Most honest travellers have found themselves there at one point or another in that very position. Find out in advance what your weight limits are. This will not only save you from the embarrassment of packing in public but could also save you from paying sinfully high excess baggage fees. You should have a scale at home with which you weigh your luggage.
Packing the wrong things
This is a common mistake, especially for first-time travellers. You need to understand and keep in mind the carry-on restrictions. Every airport has corners full of confiscated bottles of lotion and other liquids. Don’t be among those who have lost their valuables in this way. Stick to the carry-on restrictions and make sure you have no bottles larger than 100ml. It’s best to pack some small essentials in your carry-on just in case you become one of the people subjected to lost or missing baggage. Put these items -as long as they fit the guidelines- in a clear plastic bag within your bag. Travel: 5 Things You Should Have In Your Carry-On Bag
Going shopping
Airport shops are notoriously overpriced. Mediocre snacks and food can end up costing a pretty penny. Even when shopping at duty-free shops, you could find yourself paying so much more than you otherwise would for the same item elsewhere. In some airports, duty-free shops within the same airport charge wildly different prices at different gates. Do your research if you must shop at the airport, otherwise, stock up on protein-rich snacks before heading to the airport.
Not planning for the unexpected
One of the things you should expect at an airport is paradoxically the unexpected. For this reason, you should control everything you can control. Drive to the airport early to avoid potential traffic. Check-in online because the security queue waits can be unpredictable. Plan for delays because there’s almost nothing airports love as much as they love to delay flights without advance notification. As you plan for the unexpected, set aside some extra funds in case you need to buy food during an extended wait at the airport or have to get a hotel, or are forced to make alternate travel arrangements. Also, make sure you have your documents ready and well-organized together.
Bonus: Water bottle
Here’s a bonus tip, carry a water bottle with you. Many airports have water fountains where you can get water refills saving you from having to buy overpriced water. It can also help you decrease your use of single-use plastics while on your trip.
A smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.
Check out
Travel: 7 Hacks to help you sleep better on a plane
Travelling Abroad? Here Is An International Travel Checklist You Should Follow
Travel: 7 Ways To Deal With Airplane Trauma Or Aviophobia
12 Travel Hacks You Should Know Before You Take Your Next International Trip
