As the next semester of college is just around the corner, that means some people are going to have to face the airport once again for this terrible season. As I live pretty far from Norwich, this guide on how to survive the airport through every step of the way has helped me tons.
1. Pack appropriately for your destination.
Most airlines have a weight limit for checked bags, which can sometimes make packing hard. Sometimes it's not about how much stuff you can fit into the bag, but what is inside the bag. So make sure you take what you think you need before you pack what you think you want.
2. Bring a spare bag.
Sometimes you do end up going over the weight limit, and paying for that extra two pounds costs an arm and a leg. Keep an extra either in your car or a carry a small, cheap duffel bag in your check bag so you can take out that extra weight to save some money. It costs a lot less to pay for a second bag on the plane rather than paying for two pounds over. An alternative idea is leaving space in your carry-on bag.
3. Self check-in and keep photo ID's handy.
Once you enter the airport you will see self check-in kiosks. These will make check-in a lot faster and help you navigate baggage check in quicker as well. Although these machines only take credit cards, they are probably the best way to get in the airport and avoid all the other lines of checking-in. Once you're done with the self check-in and give up your checked luggage, you move to the security line. If you are in a military personnel uniform, you will be put through a less evasive security check through. However, other people will need tickets and IDs out and ready to hand to the officer. You will need your IDs and ticket readily available so you can make the process as quick as possible.
4. Find the correct terminal.
Finding your terminal can be hard, but some airlines offer apps so you don't have to hunt for a board telling you the correct terminal. The apps are also more convenient because they are updated more frequently or quickly. Each airline offers this app and it is very helpful because once you land, you are allowed to re-power up your phone while you wait on the plane. With the app, you can know exactly where you are going as soon as you get off and can go straight to your terminal.
5. Make sure you have cash and credit cards handy.
While going through the airport you may get a bit hungry, they have all sorts of choices for you to eat. Most of these places prefer cash but some you can pre-order your food with your credit card and wait for it to be made. Just be warned that airport food is terribly expensive!
6. Sleep while in the terminal.
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Some flights are super early in the morning or super late at night. Maybe you had a really long lay over and just feel like taking a quick nap. However, you have to be really careful while doing this. Normally, I find a small corner and put my in the corner then prop myself up on the bag to prevent people from putting anything in the bag or taking something out. Also, I hold anything extra on my person so if some touches me or something I am holding, I will wake up instantly. Make sure to set an alarm on your phone to wake yourself up so not to miss your plane.
7. Board the plane — first or last?
Once at the terminal, a timer is on a TV screen until the plane boards. I recommend using the bathroom before boarding so you don't have to get up and use it as much while on the plane. Also, make sure you know what order you are boarding. Each ticket has a number on it, your number indicates what order you will board. Boarding first isn't the best sometimes, because you feel rushed to sit down and just cram your suitcase into the small cramped overhead compartment.
8. Keep your headphones handy and your drinks pure.
Some people have a rough time with take off or landing. This is time where your headphones can be a life saver. People say that going to sleep before takeoff or during landing can make the adjustment to the air pressure harder for your body. While you are in flight, your flight attendant will offer you a drink and sometimes a free snack. Drinking anything in a can or a bottle is a safe choice, try to stay away from coffee or tea. Airplanes have a certain amount of water that is stored and filtered. It can sometimes make people sick if it is not filtered or changed as frequently as needed.
9. Leave the airport safely.
If you do not have a car already pre-arranged there are plenty of cab choices once landed and leaving. If you are going from a warm climate to a cold climate you may want to change your clothes, so as not to freeze to death once outside. Or going from a cold climate to a warm climate change so not to over heat yourself.
These are just a few steps for a beginning traveler to make things go smoother the first time. I learned this all first hand. The last and final step is to enjoy your vacation or college semester.
