8 tips for a stress-free airport experience

Gepubliceerd op 28 september 2024 om 17:09
airport stress

Going through the airport can be exciting, especially when you think about all the things you need to organize: from packing your suitcase to boarding the plane. But don't worry, with good preparation and these tips, you can navigate the airport stress-free and fully enjoy your well-deserved vacation. Ready to read along?

Carry-on vs checked baggage

The pros and cons summed up:

Hand luggage is not the same as checked luggage! One is carried with you in the airplane cabin, while the other is transported in the cargo hold of the plane.

Every airline has different rules regarding baggage. For example, with Transavia, Ryanair, and Vueling, you pay extra fees for certain types of hand luggage, while with TUI or Brussels Airlines, this is included in your ticket.

Why carry-on luggage?
Why checked luggage?

Tips for liquids and electronics

Your journey doesn’t start at the airport but at home when you’re packing your suitcase. Be mindful of what you take and where you pack it. Not everything is allowed in your luggage.

Items like your laptop, power bank, or e-cigarette must remain in your hand luggage due to safety regulations, while nail clippers and scissors should go in your checked baggage and are not allowed in the cabin.

Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each and total no more than 1 liter. Place these in a clear bag and keep them within easy reach for the security check at the airport.

You may wonder why these rules exist. Find out the answer to that question in this blog: How 3 disasters permanently altered aviation.

vacation packing tips

When should you arrive?

With your suitcase packed, you're ready to go. Don’t forget your passport or ID, as you won’t get far without them. For major airports like Brussels Airport or Schiphol, it’s wise to arrive three hours before departure, while one and a half hours is usually enough for regional airports such as Ostend, Antwerp, Liège, or Rotterdam.

For Eindhoven Airport, aim to be there two hours in advance. Book a parking spot or transportation to the airport in advance to start your trip without stress. For extra comfort, you can also reserve a spot in the airport lounge.

Airport security tips

Navigating the airport

Once at the airport, head to the correct check-in counter to drop off your checked baggage. This frees you from lugging around heavy suitcases. If you have a small trolley as hand luggage, consider checking it in to avoid dragging it through the airport. Remember to keep important items like batteries, medication, and documents in your handbag or backpack.

After checking your baggage, proceed to the security check. Here, take your liquids and electronic devices out of your backpack, remove your belt, and walk through the metal detector. New technologies will streamline this process in the future, but for now, patience is still needed. Use a fast lane or fast track to avoid queues.

liquids airport

Last call for flight…

After passing through security, check the time. In a few moments, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and scents of the duty-free store, at least in large airports. In smaller regional airports, security often leads directly to the gates. Relax, as your journey through the airport is almost over.

Once at the correct gate, wait for boarding to start. If you have some time to spare, grab a quick snack. Sometimes the snack you want to purchase on board may be sold out. Didn’t find the right perfume at the airport? Continue shopping on board, as most airlines sell cosmetics and perfumes during the flight.

Without stress at the airport

Stress-free through the airport with these 8 tips:

  1. Know what you’re bringing.
  2. Keep your passport and/or ID handy to avoid surprises.
  3. Check in online beforehand and download your boarding pass.
  4. Arrive at the airport on time.
  5. Reserve a parking spot or book airport transportation.
  6. Check your hand luggage trolley as checked baggage, but keep your must-haves for the flight in your backpack or handbag. No lugging, no stress.
  7. Avoid queues with fast lane or fast track.
  8. Make sure to board the plane with a snack or drink in your backpack, just in case.

Relax, your vacation has begun. Enjoy your flight and see you soon! Curious about what the future of airport security checks will look like? In this blog you discover everything about the future end of the 100 ml rule.


By: Rico Valkenborgh | September 28, 2024


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