No matter where you are going on vacation and how much you are looking forward to it, there is one part of the trip that no one likes—the airport.
Long lines, angry passengers, delays, discomfort, security—it’s not the best way to start or end your vacation. So here are some tips for how you can avoid the worst airport experiences and get through it painlessly.
Don’t Rush
The one thing you really don’t want to be doing at an airport is rushing, but this is also one of the easiest things to avoid doing. It just takes a bit of careful planning.
Find out how long it will take to get from your home or your hotel to the airport.
If you are staying somewhere like the Marriott Courtyard St. Augustine Beach, make sure you know the exact distance to the airport, then check the traffic using a service like Google Maps and plan to arrive with plenty of time.
Also, find out how long it takes to get to your gate once you arrive. Some airports involve train rides and long security queues, so make sure you plan time for this as well.
Don’t Get Angry with Security Guards
Passing through security can always be one of the most stressful parts of your time at the airport, but it doesn’t have to be.
Don’t get angry with the security guards because they are only doing their job. Be polite and do what they say to avoid any holdups. You can avoid problems by finding out in advance what you can and cannot take by visiting this page on the TSA website.
Also, don’t get angry with other airport staff. If something has gone wrong and there is a delay, you will only make things worse by taking it out on the staff.
Don’t Complain in Long Queues
Long queues are a fact of life in airports. No matter how well you prepare and how early you arrive, there is always the chance that you will get caught up in a queue.
But don’t complain about the experience. Everyone else is in the same situation, and no one will appreciate your complaints, so just deal with it.
Don’t Let the Kids Go Wild
Keeping kids happy at the airport is hard work, but one thing you don’t want to do is give up and let them go wild. Other passengers will not appreciate screaming kids running around.
Seek out a play center if there is one, give your kids a tablet each to keep them happy, carry a selection of games to stop them getting bored, and do your best to keep them calm.
Don’t Take Up More Seats than You Need
When you arrive in the waiting area, don’t take up lots of extra seats with your suitcases and bags. If there is a lot of space, it’s not such a problem. But if space is limited, be respectful of other passengers and only take up one seat per person in your group.
Travel Through the Airport Without Problems
The airport is never the best part of a vacation, but there is a lot you can do to stop it from becoming a nightmare. These are some of the things that you should make a real effort to avoid doing, and this will make the experience better not only for you but for the other passengers traveling at the same time.