Modern air travel is truly a blessing. The ability to pace through the sky to locations all over the world is something we can all appreciate. But it’d be a lie to say the whole process is enjoyable. The costs, the queues and the quibbles of going through an airport can be irritating at best and stressful at worst.
Although you will have to deal with some minor frustrations in order to travel the world, you can make the best of it. Here are some of the biggest problems with air travel, and simple ways around them.
Problem #1: Airport Parking
The first issue with air travel creeps up on you before you’re even inside the airport, as you realise how much you’ll be paying for parking. If you want to keep your car at the airport while you go away for the week, the costs mount up day by day.
Solution: Alternative Airport Parking
Fortunately, car parks close to airports offer airport parking with fairer daily rates. Since these are already close to the airport, you don’t have to worry about missing your flight. Other alternatives include getting a taxi or asking a friend to drive you there.
Problem #2: Luggage Limits
Don’t pack everything too quickly- most airlines put a limit on how much you can put in your suitcase. Look up the baggage allowances for the airline you’re travelling with before you pack, as your luggage will need to stay under a certain weight.
Solution: Extra Hand Baggage
You could pack less, but you need those extra outfits, right? The best way around it is to give up size in your checked baggage and make more room in your hand baggage. The size allowance for hand luggage is around the same in most airlines. A designated carry-on suitcase can fit much more than a regular backpack.
Problem #3: Check-in Queues
If you’re cutting it close to the check-in time for your flight, the last thing you want to do is wait behind a long queue of people. You just want a quick check-in so you can get to boarding!
Solution: Online Check-in
Most airlines these days offer 24-hour online check-in. Make use of this to save yourself any unneeded stress on your day of travel. You can show up to the airport later, but make sure to get there before boarding time!
Problem #4: Security
Security can also be a long, drawn-out hassle. Especially if you’re running a little late, these lines can be the most gruelling. Having to remove all your belongings just to pick them back up again is also irritating.
Solution: Get Prepared
Remove any metal items and put them in your bag in advance. You can even empty your pockets into a bag to make things quicker. If you have liquids, put them in a transparent, re-sealable bag. All of this will make the security process quicker and less hassling.
Problem #5: Airplane Boredom
You’ve finally got to the boarding, now comes the boredom. Taking in the views high up in the sky is fascinating, until 10 minutes later when the novelty’s worn off.
Solution: Bring Your Own Entertainment
You might be sitting in a small, cramped space for hours, so bring something to take your mind off it. Whether it’s books, a tablet or a portable gaming device, take something to entertain yourself with. Many airlines help you out with this aspect by offering in-flight entertainment.
Problem #6: Airline Food
Airlines are notorious for offering up unpleasant meals to passengers. Although many airlines offer multiple meal options, you might feel like you’d be better off eating cardboard!
Solution: Eat Snacks Instead
A sandwich, potato chips or even sweets and chocolate can be packed into your carry-on. Although it isn’t a full meal, it will only make your first holiday meal all the more satisfying.
Problem #7: Lost Luggage
Hopefully you won’t have to deal with this problem, but it can happen. Sometimes airlines can transport you to your destination without your luggage! This can be one of the most stressful things to deal with, especially if everything you need is in there.
Solution: Contact The Airline
Airlines will usually try to locate your luggage and get it delivered to you at your travel destination as soon as possible. They will also compensate you for any necessities you buy while your luggage is lost. This usually covers things like toiletries and clothes. Before you travel, put anything particular valuable in your carry-on as opposed to your suitcase in case of lost luggage.
Enjoy your travels!
