Organising a holiday is an exciting time but requires meticulous planning and organisation, particularly when it comes to the airport. Long queues, pre-flight security checks, dealing with a young family, it can all make the experience seem more stressful than it should be.
It doesn’t have to be this way, however. There are some tips you can follow that can make the whole process a breeze. From how to arrive at the airport to what you should pack, here are our top tips to help make travelling on your next holiday easier.
Sort travel to the airport in advance
If you’re heading to one of the more popular airports in the UK, such as Manchester, you should aim to get there at least two hours before a domestic flight or three prior to an international flight. You’ll want to make sure that your ride to the airport is as hassle-free as possible to start your trip off right.
While taxis may seem like the ideal mode of transport, they can be unreliable and costly. Driving is the most efficient way of getting to the airport, allowing you to set off at the right time with no delays. You can also organise Manchester Airport car parking while on your trip, allowing you to easily get back home in the comfort of your own car on arrival.
Research the airport beforehand
If you’re not familiar with the airport you plan to fly from, it’s advised you do some research first. Find out where the main facilities are, such as the terminal you’re flying from, security checkpoints, and toilets, so that you’re ready to navigate your way around.
The website of the airport is the best place to start but you can also check travel forums for people who have already been there before.
Weigh luggage before you leave
The last thing you want is to be the person at the check-in counter who’s a few kilos over the weight limit. Either you start wearing some extra clothes or you pay a hefty fine – either is easily avoidable. Simply use some luggage or bathroom scales to weigh your bags and suitcases and make sure they are all under the requirements.
We recommend wearing your heaviest clothing on the plane, that way your lighter items can be placed in your suitcase. This will save you space and will make it easier to carry your suitcase!
Be smart with your carry-on luggage
You know the drill: no sharp objects, all liquids must be under 100ml and in one resealable plastic bag, with medication in a separate bag. If you don’t know this, then following the above guidelines will save you a lot of hassle during the security checks – you don’t want to waste time unpacking everything.
There are other things to consider when packing your carry-on also. Make sure that your luggage meets the dimensions set by your airline. Some have very strict guidelines on these and failure to follow them could lead to additional fees.
Make your luggage stand out
Have you ever gone to reach for your suitcase but found someone else got there first? Well, some do look very similar. Trying to figure out which suitcases are ours can be a nuisance, especially if we’ve just arrived at our holiday destination and want to start our adventure.
While adding a name and address tag is great for those mix-ups or if luggage gets misplaced, you’ll want to attach something to make it stand out. Whether this is a bright ribbon, a sticker, or a personalised luggage strap, you’re sure to spend less time rummaging through a pile of identical bags.
Make use of online check-in
Probably the simplest, yet most effective, way of making your airport experience as seamless as possible is to check in online before arriving at the airport. The majority of airlines will allow you to do so at least 24 hours before you fly, which will save you time at the airport, especially if you don’t need to check any luggage into the hold.
You’ll likely need your passport and booking reference number to check in online, so make sure you have these ready and head onto your airline’s official website. Do note that sometimes this is a requirement rather than a time-saving measure, meaning you’ll need to do this to avoid a fee.
