Travellers at the terminal of an Airport. Photo Credit: airports-worldwide.com
It’s mid-work season and many of us are already looking at vacation options. Not to mention that most schools are on holidays now or will be soon. This is a great time to fly away from it all! However, the process of flying is not something to look forward to, especially at the Nigerian airports. I don’t know about you but I find it rather hectic. It’s torture to stand in line and watch an elderly woman packing and unpacking her bags at the check-in point. Time is of the essence and you don’t want to miss your flight. Luckily for you, being a frequent flier and all, I have devised ways to reduce the ‘stress’ of flying and make it less cumbersome. Do read on, as I share some of my tips…
Before you fly…
Double-check your flight time: I know this sounds very obvious, but it would surprise you just how many people take this simple act for granted. Even I have been guilty of this. Once I got a ticket and didn’t look at it until the flight day. That was when I realized that I was at the airport for a 11.23am flight at 12.13pm. Luckily the next flight was just an hour away and wasn’t overbooked yet, but I could not get over how silly my mistake was. Also, sometimes, not only may your eyes play tricks on you, the fault could be from the airline. It is not unusual for airlines to change flight times, due to a delay or technical difficulties, so go online and check the status of your flight as well.
Dress smart: Skip the belts. They have metal clasps, and you would be asked to take them off. Do not wear jackets, unless you must, as you would be required to take those off as well. Minimal jewelry is advised, and lace-up shoes are a no-no. Remember that you would have to take off your shoes at the security checkpoint. Dress as simply and as comfortably as you can, whilst keeping in mind that it might get a little chilly in the plane.
Stow your gadgets: Would you be needing your laptop during the flight? Then you can have it within reach in your carry-on, where it can be easily withdrawn and placed on the x-ray belt. Or you can invest in a transparent laptop bag. If not, leave your laptop well padded in your check-in luggage.
Weigh your bags before you fly: Do not wait till you get in line to find out that your luggage is overweight. It wastes everybody’s time- yours, that of the official behind the counter waiting to hand you your boarding pass and other travellers’. Most airports have baggage scales outside, so you can use that to check and adjust the bag. Always leave your carry on half-full. That way you can easily transfer contents. In fact, to save additional time, you could use your own weight scale at home while packing. This, and the next step, should allow you to breeze right through check-in.
Keep Important documents at hand, and carry a pen: Especially if you’re flying international. You would have to fill a form at check-in and going around asking people for pens or waiting on someone to get done will leave you feeling like the five foolish brides. Keep your important documents in the outside pouch of your bag- passport, ticket and boarding pass. You want to be speeding through security, and rummaging in your bag for your passport wouldn’t help.
Pick the best queue: Here is a secret- the best queue isn’t always the shortest queue. Pause a moment and observe, which line is moving faster? Avoid the ones with lots of children and overly dressed passengers. If there is a queue consisting mostly of business travellers, join them.
Race to your gate: Right after picking up your carry-on from the x-ray belt you may be tempted to casually stroll off to some lounge or eatery till your flight time. Don’t! By this time your flight is drawing nearer and if the time is to be delayed, now would be the best time to know. Flight times are more defined in this period. Going to the gate of your flight is the surest way to update yourself on this information, and the fastest way to fix irregularities and get an early stand-by position on the next outgoing flight.
Don’t forget to smile!: Yes, don’t forget to smile. Most times airline officials have to deal with rude customers and carrying a pleasant attitude would be such a nice change that favours wouldn’t hesistate to come your way.
