Not allowing enough time to get through security
As frustrating as it is, there is no way to predict exactly how long it will take you to get through the security line. That is why it’s always better to allow yourself some extra time. It’s typically sensible to arrive at the airport around two hours before your flight is due to take off and head to security shortly afterward.
Failing to check where their gate is ahead of time
Allow yourself enough time to get to your gate! Don’t get too comfortable when it comes to eating and shopping at the airport – your designated gate could be much farther away than you realize. Always scope out where your gate is located before you set about your leisure activities.
Waiting at the wrong baggage claim
Innocently waiting at the wrong baggage claim spot is a common mistake that is all too easy to make at the airport. You’re tired after your flight and you just want to pick up your luggage and get out! However, it’s worth double checking signage before you stand at the incorrect carousel. Otherwise, you risk waiting for a very long time!
Not taking enough toys to entertain your kids
Waiting around at the airport before a flight can be somewhat tedious, and it can be especially boring for little kids! To save them from going rogue or throwing a tantrum, ensure that you bring along plenty of things to keep them entertained. Travel-friendly games and electronic devices loaded with apps and videos typically do the trick.
Not weighing your luggage ahead of time
One of the most common mistakes that people make at the airport is going over their baggage weight allowance. Avoid overpacking and weigh luggage yourself before heading to the airport. This allows you to check whether you are within the allowance ahead of time, saving you from having to pay an excess baggage fee later.
Ignoring important airport announcements
Wearing noise cancelling headphones might be tempting at noisy, crowded airports, but you risk missing important announcements in doing so. Many people check the departure board just once before retreating into their own world. However, last minute changes and delays are common – it’s worth staying alert so that you are aware of any updates.
Forgetting to bring your own snacks
If there’s one thing that is true for most airports, it’s that the food is expensive! Avoid getting hangry and save yourself some money by pre-packing snacks that you can eat when you get there. If you’re health conscious, a small container of trail mix is a great option.
Packing prohibited items in your luggage
One of the worst mistakes you can make at the airport is to draw attention to yourself for the wrong reasons! Be mindful when you are packing your baggage – there is a long list of things that are typically not permitted to bring onto a flight, including knives, scissors, and corkscrews (no matter how innocent your intentions are)!
Going to the wrong gate
Familiarizing yourself with your flight details is crucial for a seamless airport experience. Many airports are large with numerous gates spread out over multiple areas. Going to the wrong gate is a simple but serious mistake! While you won’t end up on the wrong plane (à la Kevin from Home Alone 2), it will undoubtedly waste precious time.
Being unprepared at security
The security line can be somewhat intimidating but being well prepared makes it a breeze. The issue is, however, that many people get flustered and end up causing delays. To stay on everyone’s good side, make sure that you remove any jackets and belts, remove electronic devices from your bags, and have all your liquids packed in a resealable transparent bag.
Losing track of time
It can be easy to think you have hours at the airport before your flight, especially if you arrive early. However, it’s important not to lose track of the time! Many people leave everything to the last minute and then end up panicking. You do not want to be that person who is running for their flight and holding up the plane!
Wearing uncomfortable shoes and clothing
It’s nice to look nice, but there is nothing worse than feeling restricted in uncomfortable clothing at the airport. Avoid tight shoes with laces – if you are asked to take them off at security, it will take you forever to get them off and on again! Wear loose, airy layers that you can remove or put on depending on the temperature.
Forgetting or misplacing your passport
A classic mistake that people make is managing to get all the way to the airport without their passport! Before you leave, make sure you have the necessary travel documents ready and easily accessible. Keep your passport secure, for example, in a zipped compartment of your bag. Be careful not to mislay it or leave it unattended – otherwise, you may not be permitted to fly.
Ignoring security protocols
It’s one thing to be unprepared at the security line, but it’s another to ignore the security protocols altogether! Many people make the mistake of thinking that guidance somehow does not apply to them. Keep your eyes and ears open and listen to security staff when they provide you with guidance.
Checking in at the airport
While it used to the be the norm to check in at the airport, it’s now possible to check in online before you get there. Completing the process ahead of time saves a lot of hassle, especially if you are only traveling with carry-on luggage. You can also select your seat in advance instead of having one allocated to you randomly.
Not leaving enough time to eat
Airports are busy places – that’s why it’s important to give yourself plenty of time if you want to have a sit-down meal. Don’t expect to be served right away and try not to dither when it comes to deciding what you want. Be aware that asking for the check and paying can also take up extra time!
Hogging the charging stations
Avoid hogging the airport charging stations by fully charging your electronic devices in advance. Having a charged device is essential, especially if your boarding pass is stored on your phone, so it can be risky to rely on finding a free charging station. And if you do find one, you don’t want to hog it! Remember that other people may need to use it too.
Arriving at the airport at the last minute
Avoid the stressful experience of arriving to the airport late by giving yourself plenty of time. Many people fail to consider things like traffic, the difficulty of parking, and the availability of public transport – all can cause extra delays. Once you are inside the airport, there can also be long queues at the check-in desk and at security.
Trying to take large bottles of water through security
While the TSA allows passengers to travel with liquids in their carry-on luggage, each container must be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Many people make the mistake of trying to take a large bottle of water with them through security, which is not permitted. While it’s important to stay hydrated, wait until after you have passed security before purchasing bottles of water.
Not having your boarding pass ready for checking
Don’t hold up other passengers by fumbling to find your boarding pass when asked for it. Be aware that you will be typically requested to show it before boarding the plane or when shopping. If you have a paper copy, ensure that it is stored securely yet within easy reach. If it’s on your phone, save the document to a convenient folder.
Letting stress get the better of you
Many people let stress get the better of them at the airport, especially when faced with inconveniences such as delays or cancellations. Though it’s easier said than done, try not to let anger and stress get the better of you. Focus on working with staff to come up with a solution, rather than flying off the handle at everyone.
Failing to pre-arrange transportation from the airport
It’s common for travelers to focus all their efforts on catching their flight, but don’t forget to prepare for after your arrival as well. Once you land at your destination, leaving the airport may be more difficult than you anticipate. Consider pre-arranging an airport transfer in advance to avoid waiting in long lines for a taxi.
Not asking for assistance when you need it
Not many people realize that there is support on hand for those in need at the airport. For instance, if you have any disabilities, you can let staff know ahead of time. Many airports have wheelchairs available to use. Staff can also provide extra assistance with non-physical disabilities.
Drinking too much alcohol
It’s common to feel anxious about flying but drinking more than one or two alcoholic beverages is not recommended! Intoxicated passengers often end up becoming disruptive to others. Not only that, but the combination of alcohol and dry cabin environment can be dehydrating, so you’ll feel less than fresh when you step off the plane.
Crowding the gate area when it’s not your time to board
It’s common to want to board the plane as soon as possible but avoid crowding the gate area if you zone hasn’t yet been called. The system is in place for efficiency and to prevent delays. Be patient and only make your way to the front when it’s your time to board!
Not checking your airline’s baggage allowance
Each airline has its own requirements and allowances when it comes to baggage. It’s therefore important to check which airline you are flying with in advance. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach – the bag that worked for you last time may not be accepted this time round. Avoid paying extra fees by double checking before you leave for the airport.
Forgetting to budget for airport food and drinks
Buying food and drinks can get seriously expensive as airports know that many passengers don’t have any other choice. If you plan to dine at the airport before your flight, it’s a good idea to budget for this ahead of time. And if you want to save money, you can always take your own snacks from home.
Failing to check the layout of the airport beforehand
Many travelers underestimate just how large some airports can be! To avoid getting caught out, it’s worth doing basic research on your airport before heading there. You can get an idea of how many gates there are, view maps, and scope out the restaurants and shops ahead of time.
Working on the public Wi-Fi network
Many people travel for work, so it can be easy to make the mistake of undertaking confidential work tasks on the airport’s public Wi-Fi network. While you might not think this is a big deal, it might be riskier than you realize. To protect yourself from hackers, it’s a good idea to set up a virtual private network (VPN) on your devices.
Turning up way too early
While turning up late is a big mistake, you don’t want to turn up way too early. Aim to arrive at the airport no earlier than two to three hours before your flight is due to depart. Otherwise, you will likely face long waits and will simply get fed up!
Not getting travel insurance
Traveling doesn’t come cheap, and paying up for insurance might just seem like another hidden expense. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you encounter an unforeseen travel emergency, such as a missed connection or a health issue, your insurance will protect you.
Going to the wrong terminal
When you get to the airport, make sure that you are dropped off at the correct terminal for your flight. Some major airports have terminals that can be a mile or two apart from each other! Going to the wrong one may result in a strenuous, lengthy hike.
Getting mixed up between boarding and take-off times
Don’t assume that boarding times and take-off times are the same thing! You can’t simply board the plane five minutes before take-off as you would with a train. Be aware that gates usually close around 30 minutes before departure. This means you must board the plane much earlier – keep an eye out for departure boards and announcements to stay in the know.
Not staying hydrated enough
With all the stress and chaos of making your way through the airport, staying hydrated is likely to be the last thing on your mind. However, don’t make the mistake of forgetting to drink enough water – planes are extremely dry environments! Consider taking a reusable water bottle with you which you can fill up after passing through security.
Joining the wrong lines
Airports can be confusing places! While it might be tempting to follow the herd, this can lead to you joining the wrong lines and ultimately wasting your time. Look carefully at signage and don’t be afraid to ask staff for assistance if you are utterly lost.
Not using luggage with wheels
While no-one ever intends to run for their flight, having luggage with wheels is a lifesaver if you end up having to do so! Large holdall bags might be softer and more aesthetically pleasing, but you’ll certainly feel the weight of them the longer you traipse around the airport. Invest in a case with wheels and you’ll be able to glide around the airport effortlessly.
Trying to use the wrong currency
If you are traveling internationally, don’t make the mistake of trying to pay with the wrong currency at the airport! Keep track of what country you are in if you are catching connecting flights. It’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash in the relevant currency so that you can pay for meals and drinks.
Forgetting where you’ve parked
Take a picture of your parking spot if you are driving to the airport. Hardly anyone remembers where they parked after returning from a week’s vacation! You’ll likely also be exhausted and will want to get home as quickly as possible after landing. Avoid wandering aimlessly around the lot by snapping a picture of your car’s location before you fly.
Not charging your phone before you get to the airport
Charging stations at airports are undeniably useful but don’t count on them. If the airport is busy, you’re not guaranteed access. Cover all bases by fully charging your devices before getting to the airport. You could also consider packing an extra power bank in case of emergency.
Packing valuable items in hold luggage
Though it’s not nice to think about, there is always a possibility that your hold luggage could go missing. You should therefore make sure that irreplaceable valuables are safely packed in your carry-one bag instead. This way, you can keep a close eye on them!