Hi Reader,

There’s a lot to think about when you’re travelling through an airport.

Have you checked in online? Do you have a valid passport and boarding pass handy? And once you’re through security, how do you make the most of your time in the departure lounge without missing the flight?

The part we hate about an airport is security. Not because we are worried about getting stopped, but because it can be very confusing about what you should and shouldn’t do.

In the UK, most airports no longer require us to remove our electronics from our bags, and you can now carry full water bottles through security. But the procedures can be completely different in another country.

One thing that has helped is knowing what to expect at each stage and being organised before we arrive.

So how do we prepare ourselves for navigating an airport?

1 - Get organised before check-in

Before heading to the airport, it’s worth checking your airline’s requirements.

Have you checked in online? Do you need to drop off any checked luggage? And how early does your airline recommend arriving?

Knowing these things in advance means you’re less likely to be rushing around trying to work out what to do when you get there.

We’d also recommend keeping your passport, any required travel documents and boarding pass somewhere easy to reach. There’s nothing worse than having to rummage through your bag when you need something quickly!

Once you’ve checked in or dropped off your luggage, follow the signs for security.

2. - Make security a little less stressful

For many travellers, security is the part of the airport that causes the most uncertainty.

The rules can vary depending on the airport, so it’s worth checking the latest guidance before you travel, particularly when it comes to liquids, electronics and what you can take through.

If you know what needs to be removed from your bag, keep those items somewhere accessible rather than buried at the bottom.

And remember, you don’t need to rush just because other people are moving quickly. Follow the signs and instructions from airport staff, and give yourself enough time to get through the queues.

A little preparation beforehand can make this stage feel much more straightforward.

3 - Make the most of your waiting time

Once you’re through security, you can usually take a breath.

If you have access to an airport lounge, you might want to grab something to eat, charge your devices or relax before your flight. But you don’t need lounge access to make this time more comfortable.

Find somewhere to sit, get a drink, charge your phone if needed and take a moment to check your flight information.

The important thing is not to get so comfortable that you lose track of time!

Keep an eye on the departure screens and listen for announcements. If you’re planning to read, watch something or browse your phone, setting a reminder to check your flight status can be helpful too.

4 - Check your gate and give yourself time to get there

When it’s time to head to your gate, don’t rely on information you checked much earlier.

Gates can change, so check the latest departure screens before setting off. Some airports also have a surprisingly long walk between the main departure area and the gate.

Once you know where you’re going, allow yourself enough time to get there without having to rush.

It’s also worth checking your airline’s boarding instructions. Your flight’s departure time isn’t necessarily the time you should arrive at the gate, so make sure you know when boarding starts and when you need to be there.

Having your boarding pass and travel documents ready will help make the final stage of your airport journey easier.

A few things worth checking before you leave home

To bring it all together, here are a few things we’d recommend checking before your next trip:

• Make sure your passport and any required travel documents are valid and ready.
• Check your airline’s online check-in, baggage and airport arrival requirements.
• Keep your boarding pass and essential documents somewhere easy to access.
• Check the current security rules for your departure airport.
• Make sure your phone is charged, and you know how to check your flight status and gate information.

These might seem like small things, but getting them sorted beforehand can make a real difference to how organised you feel when you arrive.

The key is to think about what comes next, rather than trying to work everything out at the last minute.

You can’t predict every delay or change, of course, but knowing the next step can help you feel much more confident navigating the airport.

Over to you!

We’d love to hear from you!

Which part of the airport do you find most stressful — check-in, security, waiting around or finding your gate? Just hit reply and let us know.

And if you’ve picked up any little tricks along the way that make airport days easier, we’d love to hear those too!

Happy travelling,

Bev & Shams

Happy travelling

Bev & Shams

If you’re travelling abroad, don’t forget to sort your mobile data. We use Saily eSIM recently on our trip to Sri Lanka, it enabled us to stay connected without having to worry about expensive roaming charges, and it’s become one of our travel essentials.

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