How Not to Miss Your Plane: A Traveler's Guide

Posted on December 19, 2024  •  5 minutes  • 1023 words

While it’s still possible to jump on a departing train, it’s impossible to get on board an airplane, even when it’s just about to start. This is to say that being late to the airport means a guaranteed wait for a new flight and lost money. And it’s even better if the operator registers the unpunctual passenger for the next departure.

How to avoid this situation? Try to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure. This is enough time to pass passport control, check-in, quietly hand over your luggage, and make yourself comfortable on board. Here are some rules that you can follow to have time for ordering some coffee, listening to a footy prime podcast , or just looking at how the planes are taking off, even if you arrive at the place of departure 1-1.5 hours in advance.

Remember Which Airport You Are Departing From

This is relevant for big cities with several airports. They are most often located outside the city, at a considerable distance from each other. Take this into account when connecting in a large city with several airports.

Find Out How to Get to the Airport

The airport is often located outside of the city. Check public transportation schedules and find out how long it will take to get there. If you plan to travel by car, take traffic jams into account. For example, on the eve of your flight, build a route to the airport at the exact time you need to leave the next day and assess the situation on the roads at that time of day.

Get on the Road Early

Proper preparation includes several points:

• Gather everything you plan to take with you the day before departure.

• Distribute the luggage into items that will go in the hand luggage and cargo compartment 5-6 hours before the flight.

• If the weather has been cranky the last few days, put any clothes you may need in your carry-on bag right away. This will save at least 15 minutes if it rains or is windy.

• The same goes for a change of clothes. They should be put in a separate bag and packed in your hand luggage right away.

• Passport, money, and necessary documents should be at arm’s length (if you put them in a separate pocket, you won’t have to waste valuable time looking for them before you leave).

Consider the Time of Departure

Be careful if the plane departs at night. Remember that the day begins at midnight, so 00:30 is before daylight saving time, not after.

Study the Airport Layout

This will help you not get lost when looking for the right terminal. Even better, save the diagram to your phone or print it out. Find out where public transportation arrives.

Have Plenty of Time

Check-in starts 2-3 hours and ends forty minutes before departure. But there are many procedures to go through before you get on board. If you get stuck in line for inspection, even the most understanding staff won’t go out of their way to help you.

Besides checking your luggage at the airport entrance, you will have to check-in for your flight, then passport control. If you carry only hand luggage and don’t check in your luggage, you can check in through the terminal yourself and don’t stand in line to check in. Next is the baggage inspection. If you are carrying goods or money that must be declared, have time for customs control.

Find Out About Baggage Regulations in Advance

Find out how many kilograms of luggage you may take and what the allowable parameters for hand luggage are. Weigh and measure your bags at home to fit within the limit. Otherwise, you will have to pay extra for overweight and spend time on this procedure.

Choosing Transportation Wisely

How do you plan to get to the airport? There is no one-size-fits-all solution here, and you should always consider the situation.

If there are no traffic jams on the road (the day isn’t a holiday, and it isn’t rush hour), the fastest way to get to the desired place is by cab (or transfer). By calling a car, the passenger will gain up to 10% of travel time and at least 15 minutes more due to the arrival directly at the airport. Ideally, you should give money to the driver at once so that you don’t waste time looking for change.

If there are traffic jams on the roads, the cab runs the risk of taking a long time to get there, so it’s better to take the subway or electric train. Yes, you will have to deal with luggage, but the risk of being late will come to naught.

Personal transportation is good in the same conditions as a cab with only a reservation: you will have to lose at least 5-10 minutes for parking.

Public transportation (shuttle buses and cabs) is the most unsuitable option. It’s acceptable only if time isn’t limited.

If You Are Flying With Connections

Again, study the itinerary: do you have the same arrival airport for the first flight and departure airport for the second? Are the terminals the same? If not, find out where the second airport/terminal is and how to get there. When buying tickets, plan your connecting time to catch the next flight, even if the first plane is delayed. Also at the airport, when checking in for the first flight, ask if you will have to go through check-in and passport control again, as well as baggage claim and drop-off.

What to Do if You’re Late for Your Flight

If you have at least 40-45 minutes, then run to the check-in desks. In some cases, separate counters are prepared for late passengers, but more often, a representative of the airline will help you deal with the situation.

If you are seriously late, the most convenient option is to exchange tickets. Usually the airline will allow this (if you are not flying low-cost airlines).

Business class passengers are usually transferred to the next flight, while economy passengers with non-refundable tickets will have to buy new ones.