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Everyone has seen it in the movies – one of the characters is running through the airport, heading to the gate, and they are allowed to board by a laughing staff member. However, this is only what happens in the movies. In reality, very few people manage to arrive at their gate with seconds to spare, especially when you consider the check-in and security processes.
With this in mind, most travelers will have a slight fear of missing a flight, especially when traveling during peak times. This can be a tough situation to plan, but the tips outlined in this post can help you arrive with time to spare.
Arrive Early
Most airlines will encourage travelers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This should be factored in when calculating your plans for traveling to the airport, especially if you know you will be heading off during peak hours. You should also allow for more time if you plan on parking your car at the airport.
To avoid wasting time during this, you might book a professional car service to travel to the airport. These services have the expertise and knowledge to plan efficient routes from your home to the airport. Some chauffeur services, like Executive Car Service LAX, have a range of vehicles that can cater to individuals or groups, and they even have the facilities to transport families with young children.
Although you might arrive at the airport and feel like you have an abundance of time, this is better than the alternative of missing your flight completely.
Check-In Online
Checking in online allows you to bypass long queues at the check-in counters when you arrive at the airport. This allows you to avoid the crowds and head directly to security if you only have carry-on luggage. If you have suitcases, these must be dropped off, which can add time to your airport experience.
Once you have checked in online, you will likely feel less anxiety and stress. You can enjoy your spare time at the airport before boarding.
Know Your Gate and Terminal
As airports can be complex buildings, with multiple gates and terminals, it is important to know where you are heading ahead of time. You should ensure you are aware of your gate and terminal in advance, especially as it could help you during transportation; many car services will drop you off at the terminal.
Knowing your terminal and gate can also help you plan your journey through the airport. This includes the distance to your gate. It might sound overly prepared, but you should be able to plan your bathroom breaks, meals, and shopping before the boarding time. This will prevent you from missing opportunities or rushing decisions.
Prepare for Security
The final stage before you can head to your departure gate is going through security, and this can be a time-consuming task if you aren’t prepared. Proper preparation can help you avoid delays and navigate the security process smoothly. It might also be useful in avoiding anxiety.
You should know the guidelines set out by your airport to ensure you only carry what is allowed. This means checking how much liquid you can have in your carry-on bag. Alternatively, you can also be prepared by unlacing shoes and removing belts and jackets.
To conclude, there is a lot of pressure when traveling by plane. The airport holds a lot of this pressure; if you are late here and miss your flight, then your entire trip could be ruined. Thankfully, the four points listed in this post will help you avoid missing your flight in the future.