Three Tips to Cut Down on Airport Time
If you travel extensively on work, chances are that you are sick of the sight of airports by now. Even if you aren't a frequent flier, but airports make you uneasy with all the sound, lights and crowds, there are ways to cut down on the amount of time you actually spend in an airport. Indians tend to arrive hours ahead of time for their flights (mostly), but that isn't really necessary. Here's how you can spend the minimum amount of time in an airport.
1) Travel Light
If it's a short trip you are going on, try to fit everything you need into your hand baggage. Don't carry those two extra shirts “just in case”! Optimize on the space by using smart packing hacks. Fold into rectangles or rolls, not into squares. Pack socks inside shoes.
With only hand baggage, you skip the giant queues to drop off your check-in baggage. You also save on the time taken at the other end while waiting endlessly for your baggage to appear on a carousel. You can just walk in and out with one bag, cutting down on a lot of unnecessary time.
2) Plan ahead
All airlines in India today allow a web check in feature when you book with them. If you are carrying only hand baggage, it saves you from having to puzzle out the self check-in machine at some airports. If you do have luggage to check-in, it cuts down on the time it takes you to complete the process.
Additionally, this feature gives you the freedom to choose the seat you want. You can then plan ahead in terms of where to board from – front or rear and how soon you can de-plane and be on your way.
3) Get timing down to a T
First, sort your transportation to the airport out. Once you figure out how you are getting there, budget an extra half an hour for any emergencies or unexpected road-blocks. Airlines like GoAir send you text messages about the status of your flight, so you can stay updated wherever you are. Keep an eye on the news, and unless there's a protest or major gridlock, there's no need to leave 6 hours ahead of time and spend 4 hours at the airport.
If you are carrying check-in baggage, you might want to check in towards the tail end of the line. This way, your luggage is loaded last and unloaded first in most cases. Add an easy identifier to your bags and make sure you can get on your way as soon as possible.
While you can cut down on the time you spend in airports, you definitely don't want to cut it too fine and stress out about missing your flight. Or be so laid back that you actually miss it! So plan well, get the timing right and say adios to endless cups of airport coffee.