Queuing at airports before arriving at the departure gate can often be slow-going, but it doesn’t have to be. KAYAK.com.au recommends using these simple tips to help you breeze through airport checkpoints.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
Always check your flight status. Yes, this seems like a very obvious box to tick, but you’d be surprised by how many people fail to do it. There’s nothing worse than heading to the airport only to be told your flight is delayed, or has been cancelled. We suggest a final check before you exit your ride and head to the terminal; flight statuses change by the minute, so a last-minute check is always worthwhile.
Check in online. This can save you a heap of time – especially if you are not checking bags. Also, before you leave for the airport, put your ID, credit card and boarding pass (if you’ve printed it) in an easy-to-reach part of your wallet or bag. There are two reasons for this: first, it will ensure you don’t leave home without these crucial items; and second, you’ll save time for everyone involved in you fumbling around when you need them. We’ve all been that person. Pack everything you won’t need between your front door and your airplane seat safely out of reach.
BEFORE YOU CHECK IN
Prep your documents. If you didn’t check in online, and also have to check bags, you should make sure you have all your documents at hand before you get to the front of the check-in queue. Having this stuff ready to go makes everyone happy: you, the airline staff, and the people behind you in line will all appreciate your efficiency.
Weigh your bags. Many airports have scales installed in front of check-in areas. If you suspect your check-in baggage may tip the scales and you want to avoid unexpected extra costs for overweight luggage, weigh it before you get in line, and do any necessary swapping between your bags before you reach the baggage drop counter. Otherwise, you may need to pay a little extra to take all your essential belongings with you on your trip.
BEFORE SECURITY CONTROL
Place liquids and gels in checked luggage. The fewer items you carry that need to be individually screened, the faster you’ll get through. If you have to carry liquids or gels, carry the minimum possible – and always stay within the 100ml per container allowed (in a clear 20x20cm resealable bag).
Put your mobile phone away! Do you really need your phone in your pocket immediately before, and immediately after, you go through airport security? While others are fumbling for their phones, you can step around them and proceed through x-rays and metal detectors faster.
Avoid accessories containing metal. Don’t be ‘that person’ who spends five minutes placing all of your accessories in the blue scanning bin – sunglasses, watches, shoes with metal embellishments, belts – this is a major time waster. Avoid accessories containing metal as much as possible, or be prepared to place it in the trays before reaching the security check.
Wear slip-on shoes. This is particularly valuable when travelling to and through places in the USA, which requires passengers to remove shoes for scanning. If you can kick shoes off, and slip them back on quickly (without worrying about buckles and laces), you’ll hit the ground running.
Avoid loose-fitting clothes. Loose clothes aren’t prohibited, but travellers sporting baggy apparel, such as droopy pants, flowy skirts, and bulky sweatshirts, may be subject to extra screening.
Last but not least, wear a jacket with pockets. It can be worn on cold flights, used as a blanket, can keep you dry, and, if it has pockets, can also help you to slip through security screening faster. Put your coins, keys, phone (if you can’t bear to leave it in your bag), passport, wallet, and boarding pass in the pockets, then simply remove the jacket and throw it in a screening tub to be x-rayed as you pass through metal detectors. As soon as it’s passed through the x-ray, you can swing it onto a shoulder as you stride on past the screening staff performing particle detection scans.
KAYAK Travel Tip: To make your travel planning and itinerary management easier, use KAYAK’s Trips feature. This personal trip assistant allows you to organise, manage, and share your trips, reminds you 24h in advance to check in online, sends real time flight status alerts including information on flight delays and cancellations, gate and terminal changes, on-time arrival, and even baggage claim information. This useful travel tool is also available on KAYAK’s apps, providing you with airline and airport information, and keeping you up to speed and informed on the go and wherever else your travels may take you.
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