Airports: What To Do, What Not To Do

Air travel can be a stressful experience, but being mindful of some basic dos and don'ts can make it a smoother and more enjoyable journey for everyone. Here are some essential guidelines to follow when navigating airports and air travel.

Dos:

- Arrive at the airport with ample time to ensure a stress-free start to your trip.

- Be prepared for security checks by having your documents ready and removing items like jackets, liquids, shoes, and electronics beforehand.

- Respect queues and wait your turn to maintain order and harmony.

- Keep the noise level down and use headphones when listening to music or watching movies to avoid disturbing others.

- Follow luggage rules regarding weight limits and bag sizes to prevent delays and maintain efficiency.

Don'ts:

- Overcrowd boarding gates and baggage carousels. Respect personal space and allow for a comfortable travel experience for everyone.

- Ignore hygiene practices. Maintain good personal hygiene and avoid strong-smelling or messy foods that can disturb fellow passengers.

- Leave children unattended. Airports are busy and vast, and unattended children may get lost or disrupt the flow of foot traffic.

- Ignore customs regulations. Research and declare any restricted items to avoid fines and security breaches.

- Be rude to customs or immigration staff. Ask politely if you have any concerns or special requests.

Be mindful of your luggage—its weight, size, and contents

Being mindful of your luggage is crucial when travelling. Here are some essential considerations regarding weight, size, and contents:

Weight

Weighing your luggage before arriving at the airport can save you time and hassle. Most airlines charge extra for luggage exceeding the weight limit, and you may need to rearrange your luggage or pay additional fees if it is too heavy. To avoid this, invest in a handheld luggage scale or use a bathroom scale at home. Place your luggage on the scale and subtract its weight from the total weight to get the weight of your bag. Keep your luggage within the airline's weight restrictions, and aim to stay 1 pound below the maximum weight to be safe.

Size

Understanding luggage size guidelines is essential to ensure a smooth travel experience. Carry-on luggage sizes vary among airlines, so it is crucial to check your airline's specific requirements. Generally, carry-on luggage dimensions are around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). For longer journeys or when more packing space is needed, consider checking in your luggage. This option often provides more space for belongings and allows you to bring larger items or specific equipment. However, it is important to be mindful of the number of checked bags allowed and any associated fees.

Contents

When packing your luggage, be mindful of the contents and always pack your bags yourself. Ensure you know what is in your luggage and never carry items for someone else. Keep your luggage secure at all times and do not leave it unattended. If you discover something suspicious or questionable in your luggage, report it immediately to the authorities. This includes abandoned packages, people lurking in baggage claim areas, or finding something in your luggage that you did not pack yourself.

Be considerate of other passengers' personal space

Being considerate of other passengers' personal space is a crucial aspect of airport and in-flight etiquette. Here are some guidelines to follow:

At the Airport

Personal space is essential in crowded areas like airports. Respect the personal space of your fellow travellers by avoiding overcrowding at boarding gates and baggage carousels. Creating a crowded environment can diminish the comfort of others and hinder the smooth flow of boarding and baggage retrieval processes. Giving everyone some breathing room contributes to a more relaxed and efficient travel experience for all.

On the Plane

The lack of personal space on airplanes can be a source of frustration for many passengers. Here are some tips to ensure a more pleasant journey:

• Armrests: If you're in the aisle or window seat, it's considerate to yield the armrests to the person in the middle seat. They have the first right to use both armrests.
• Overhead luggage bins: These are community property, regardless of your seat location. On packed flights, it's considerate to place jackets and oversized garments on the floor in front of you, rather than taking up limited overhead space.
• Space in front of your seat: This area is generally yours, but it becomes a shared space when the person in front of you reclines their seat. It's courteous to ask the person behind you for permission before reclining.
• Space under your seat: This area is yours, but ensure your carry-on bags don't push into the personal space of the person in front of you.
• Window shade: If you're in the window seat, you have control over the shade. However, be considerate of other passengers, especially if your shade is up during a long flight and the sun is causing a glare. Follow the instructions of the flight attendants regarding the window shade.

By being respectful and mindful of others' personal space, you can contribute to a more positive and harmonious travel experience for everyone.

Be patient and respectful to staff and other travellers

Being patient and respectful to airport staff and other travellers is key to ensuring a smooth and harmonious journey for everyone. Here are some detailed pointers to keep in mind:

Patience is a Virtue

Waiting in line might not be the most exciting part of your travel experience, but it's important to remain patient and respectful to those around you. Whether you're at check-in, security, or waiting to board, maintain your place in the queue and wait for your turn. This contributes to an orderly and calm environment for everyone. Remember that your fellow travellers are also eager to reach their destinations, so avoid any behaviour that might inconvenience them or disrupt the smooth flow of airport operations.

Be Considerate of Others' Space

Respect the personal space of your fellow travellers by avoiding overcrowding at boarding gates and baggage carousels. Giving others some breathing room not only enhances their comfort but also facilitates a more efficient travel process. Additionally, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, to ensure you're not obstructing the way for others.

Keep the Volume Down

Be mindful of your volume when conversing with companions or on phone calls. Not everyone wants to join your conversation, and some travellers may be seeking peace and quiet, especially on long flights. If you're watching a movie or listening to music, use headphones to ensure that others aren't disturbed by your entertainment choices.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Stay aware of your surroundings and be considerate of others' experiences. For example, avoid bringing odorous foods or drinks that might disturb fellow passengers in the confined space of the airport or aircraft. Similarly, if you're travelling with children, ensure they remain well-behaved and don't disturb other passengers.

Respect the Staff

Airport and airline staff are working hard to ensure your safety and comfort. Treat them with respect and kindness. Report any unusual behaviour or suspicious activity to airport staff promptly, and follow their instructions for a seamless travel experience.

Be security-conscious and aware of prohibited items

Being security-conscious and aware of prohibited items is essential for a smooth airport experience. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you are being security-minded:

Firstly, it is crucial to arrive at the airport with ample time. This allows you to navigate security, check-in, and any unexpected delays without rushing. It is recommended that international travellers arrive at the airport three hours in advance, while domestic travellers should aim for a two-hour head start. This simple step can significantly reduce stress for you and your fellow passengers.

Secondly, familiarise yourself with prohibited items. Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) are restricted to containers of 100ml or less, and these must be presented separately during screening. Any LAGs over 100ml will be confiscated by security staff. Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and corkscrews are also prohibited in hand luggage. For sporting equipment and other specialised items, check with your airline beforehand to clarify any uncertainties.

Additionally, certain electronic devices and medications require special consideration. Remove laptops and video cameras from their cases and place them in the provided trays. Always declare any medications, needles, or syringes you need to carry, and inform security officers of any medical conditions that may be affected by the screening process.

It is also important to be mindful of your clothing and accessories. Avoid wearing jewellery or clothing that may trigger metal detector alarms, as this will require further screening. Wearing slip-on shoes can expedite your security experience, as some airports encourage passengers with certain types of footwear to remove their shoes to avoid additional screening.

Lastly, be vigilant and report any unusual behaviour or suspicious activity to airport staff immediately. This proactive approach contributes to the safety and security of all travellers.

Be mindful of your food choices and consumption

Eating and drinking is an important part of air travel, but it's crucial to be mindful of your food choices and consumption. Firstly, it's important to avoid eating too much. While it's not advisable to starve yourself, it's worth remembering that the disruption of air travel can interfere with normal eating patterns. Opt for small meals and snacks to keep yourself satiated without overindulging.

When it comes to food choices, be considerate of your surroundings. Avoid strong-smelling or messy foods that can disturb fellow passengers. Opt for snacks that are less likely to spill or emit odours. This helps maintain a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in the airport and on the plane.

If you're bringing your own food, be mindful of the weight and size limits for carry-on baggage. Adhering to these rules ensures a well-organised system and prevents frustrating delays. It's also important to declare any food items, especially liquids, at security checkpoints to facilitate a smooth screening process.

For those with special dietary requirements or food allergies, it's essential to communicate these needs to the airline in advance. Inform the travel agent, customer service, or check-in staff about your requirements so they can accommodate your needs. Additionally, if you require medication, carry it in your hand luggage and declare it to the relevant authorities.

Lastly, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you're prone to motion sickness or experience dehydration during air travel. However, be mindful of your fluid intake if you have a weak bladder, as you may need to use the restroom frequently, which can be inconvenient for you and your seatmates.

Frequently asked questions