Davening In Airports: A Practical Guide For Jewish Travelers

Davening in an airport can be a daunting task, but it is possible to do so without attracting unwanted attention. Rabbi Jonathan Bienenfeld advises finding a quiet corner to pray, being mindful of others' comfort and personal space. This approach respects the religious freedom of Jews while being sensitive to the public nature of airports. Some travellers have shared their experiences of praying in airports, with some feeling nervous about attracting attention and others feeling empowered by their ability to openly express their faith. Ultimately, the decision to daven in an airport is a personal one, and individuals should weigh their comfort levels and the potential reactions of those around them.

Finding a quiet corner to pray

Finding a Quiet Corner to Daven at the Airport

Davening requires intense concentration, so finding a quiet corner at a busy airport can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you find a peaceful spot for prayer and reflection.

Prayer/Meditation Rooms:

Many airports offer multi-faith prayer rooms or chapels that are open to all travellers, regardless of religious affiliation. These spaces are intended to be quiet and inviting, providing an opportunity for travellers to relax, reflect, and meditate. They are often under-utilised, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling terminal.

Empty Gate Areas:

If you have time before your flight, consider exploring the airport for empty gate areas. These quiet corners are perfect for prayer, making phone calls, or simply relaxing. Look for gates that won't be in use for the next two to three hours, as these are less likely to be crowded. International gates tend to be quieter during the day, though they may become busier in the evenings.

Airport Hotels:

Hotels connected to the airport or those offering a free shuttle service can be a good option for finding a quiet space. These hotels often cater to business travellers and provide quiet lobbies, business centres, or coffee shops where you can relax, pray, or make phone calls. Keep in mind that you may need to pass through security again if you have a connecting flight.

Outdoor Spaces:

Some airports offer innovative outdoor relaxation spaces, such as rooftop terraces, lawns, and even dog walks. These areas provide fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowded gates.

Airport Lounges:

Airport lounges offer comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and other amenities. While they can get crowded, they often have nooks and crannies that provide quieter spaces for prayer or reflection. Some lounges even have designated quiet rooms, workstations, and private phone booths.

Yoga/Wellness Spaces:

As airports increasingly prioritise health and wellness, some now offer dedicated yoga spaces or wellness areas with fitness and meditation routines designed specifically for travellers. These spaces can provide an opportunity to stretch, relax, and find inner peace before your flight.

Remember, finding a quiet corner at an airport can be challenging, but with a bit of creativity and exploration, you can discover spaces that allow you to daven and connect with Hashem amidst the hustle and bustle of travel.

Packing and preparing for security

Planning and Research:

• Research the customs laws and prohibited items for your destination country and any transit countries. Knowing what not to pack is essential. For example, pepper spray might be legal in your country, but it could land you in trouble in another.
• Check carry-on limits for your airline. Make a note of the dimensions and number of carry-on bags allowed, and stick to these limits.
• Plan any duty-free purchases. If you plan to buy liquids like alcohol or perfume, remember that these will need to be placed in checked baggage if you have a connecting flight that involves passing through security again.

Packing:

• Dress with security in mind. Wear clothing and shoes without metallic embellishments. Avoid clothing with metal buttons, studs, or snaps, and heavy metal jewellery. If your belt has a metal buckle, consider packing it in your luggage instead.
• Wear socks and easily removable shoes. You will need to take your shoes off at security, so wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Compression socks are a good idea for long-haul flights.
• Keep your medication with you. Prescription liquid medications are allowed, but they may need additional screening. Keep them separate from your other liquids, and have the necessary documentation ready.
• Pack gifts without wrapping them. Wrapping paper will only slow down the security process, and security personnel may unwrap the gifts anyway.
• Don't lock your bags. Keep your lock or cable ties separate and secure your bags at the gate.

At the Airport:

• Arrive with plenty of time to spare. Long lines are common at busy airports, especially during holiday periods. Give yourself a buffer to account for any delays.
• Have your travel documents ready. Keep your passport, boarding pass, and any other necessary documents easily accessible.
• Have your liquids bag ready. All liquids, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers of no more than 100ml (3.4 oz) each, and they must fit into a single, one-quart, clear, resealable bag. Keep this bag easily accessible, at the top of your luggage, or in an outside pocket.
• Make your electronics easily accessible. You will likely need to remove your laptop from its case and place it in a separate tray for screening. Other electronics like tablets, e-readers, and hard drives should also be easily reachable in case you need to remove them.
• Keep valuables and important items with you at all times. Don't place valuable items like wallets and phones in the trays for screening. Keep them in your hand luggage and ensure they are secure at all times.

Remember, planning and preparation are key to a stress-free security experience at the airport.

Getting through security

It's important to note that security queues can often be very long, so it's a good idea to prepare for the screening process in advance. Remove any metal items, such as jewellery or belts, before you reach the front of the queue. Make sure your drinking water bottle is empty, as it may be confiscated if it's full. Place all your documents and belongings into your bag, and have your LAG (liquids, aerosols, and gels) bag easily accessible.

Finding your gate

Once you've checked in and gone through security, it's time to find your departure gate. Your gate number should be printed on your boarding pass, but it's worth bearing in mind that this can change, so it's important to keep checking the flight departure screens for updates.

Follow the signs above you to find your gate. For example, if your gate number is G34, look out for signs pointing to "GATES 31-45" with a directional arrow.

If you have time before boarding, grab a bite to eat or a drink, but remember to always find your gate first. Airport terminals can be bigger than you expect!

Keep checking the flight monitors regularly and make sure your clock is updated to the local time zone. It's also important to be at your gate for boarding time, not departure time.

If you need help, don't be afraid to ask airport staff for directions.

Preparing for boarding

At the Airport

• Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This buffer is necessary to account for any delays that may occur en route to the airport, during check-in, or while clearing security.
• Locate the check-in counters for your airline. These are usually indicated by signs outside the terminal building on the departures roadway and the airline's logo above the counters. Join the queue and wait for your turn to be assisted. Have your ID ready when asked for it.
• If you have checked-in online and have no bags to check, you can skip the check-in counter and proceed directly to security.
• Make your way to the security checkpoint assigned to your departure gate. A security worker will check your boarding pass and ID and direct you forward.
• At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your shoes, jackets, and any metallic objects, and place them in a tray to be scanned. Any liquids should be in containers of 3 oz or less and placed in a clear plastic bag. Laptops and other electronic devices should also be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray for scanning.
• After passing through the metal detector or x-ray machine, collect your belongings and put on your shoes and jacket.

Finding Your Gate

• Now that you have cleared security, you are in the secure boarding area. Locate your gate, which will be indicated by signs with numbers. Gate numbers are indicators of the areas where you will board the plane.
• Find a seat in your gate area and wait for the plane to be ready for boarding. Ensure you have a fully charged power bank or portable charger in case of delays.

Remember to stay calm and don't rush through the process. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask an airport employee. They are there to help you navigate the airport efficiently.

Frequently asked questions