Travelling can often be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the airport. Today, I’m excited to share some essential secrets about airport security, airplanes, and the check-in process that are sure to surprise you. Get ready to transform your next airport experience from frustrating and stressful to smooth and enjoyable! And stick around until the end for a packing tip that will truly amaze you!
The Airport Experience: Preparing for Security
Welcome to Linke Lifestyle! I’m Mardi, and I’m here alongside my husband, Michael, to share the wealth of travel experience we’ve gathered over the years, ensuring your holidays are not just enjoyable but truly unforgettable!
Throughout my journeys, I have found that the airport experience can often be the most stressful part of travelling. But fear not! With my tips and tricks for security and boarding, along with some insider secrets about aeroplanes, you’ll be well-prepared for your next adventure.
Navigating Airport Security
Going through security can be stressful, as you juggle your bags, remove shoes, and try not to slow down the line, all while feeling that familiar pressure! To ease this process, BE PREPARED! If you’re flying from an airport you haven’t visited before, take the time to research security procedures. A quick online search can reveal what items you need to remove and what’s required.
Pro Tip: Keep any items that need to be removed from your bag easily accessible. For instance, while preparing to fly to Europe, I packed my laptop in my rollaboard suitcase, thinking it wouldn’t be an issue in Australia. Unfortunately, in Singapore, I discovered that the laptop needs to be removed from the bag! Managing that in a crowded airport can be quite the challenge!
Here’s another useful suggestion: remove anything that could be mistaken for a suspicious item. My husband, Michael, who has vision impairment, sometimes travels with a cane that he stows in his bag. We’ve encountered security issues because of this; they once mistook his cane for a weapon! Now, we make it a point to keep it visible to avoid unnecessary delays.
Additionally, don’t wait until you reach the front of the line to empty your pockets! I prepare for security as soon as I arrive at the airport, placing everything into my personal item bag. This way, when I reach the screening area, it’s simply a matter of pulling out my liquids and placing my bags on the belt. Nothing frustrates seasoned travellers more than someone fumbling at the last moment!
Water Bottles: Remember to EMPTY them! You don’t want to be that person scrambling to throw their bottle away at security.
Understanding Liquid Restrictions
When it comes to liquids, ensure they are in containers of 100ml or less—this equates to three ounces. It’s crucial to remember that it’s the size of the container that matters, not the amount of liquid inside! So, that nearly empty large tube of toothpaste? It’s unfortunately a no-go.
Shoe and Belt Considerations
If you often find yourself needing to remove your belt, consider investing in one with a plastic buckle. Michael discovered one on Amazon that allows him to keep his belt on, which I’ve also linked in the description below.
For shoes, if you anticipate needing to take them off at security, opt for ones that are easy to slip off—avoid complex zippers and buckles!
Interacting with Security
A vital reminder: do not joke with security staff. An example of this occurred at the Met Museum in New York, where a man jokingly mentioned he kept a bomb in his bag during a security check. The personnel took him seriously, leading to an unnecessary commotion. Remember, humour is not appreciated in these situations!
Once you’ve cleared security, move aside to gather your belongings without delaying the line, and don’t forget to stack your plastic bins!
Ordaining Your Valuables: When sending your belongings through the x-ray, consider sending them in order of value—from least to most valuable—so you can keep an eye on your important items.
Boarding Pass Security
Did you know your boarding pass contains sensitive information? It could potentially be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Be sure to shred or dispose of it securely once your flight is complete.
If you see “SSSS” on your boarding pass, it indicates you have been selected for additional security screening. Be prepared to arrive at security a little earlier; these selections occur randomly. Michael experienced this when we travelled from Melbourne to LA, and though it took some time, the additional checks were hassle-free.
Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities
If you need assistance due to a disability, please don’t hesitate to request help from your airline in advance! Michael uses this service when he travels alone and sometimes when I accompany him as well. Due to his vision impairment, he finds navigating unfamiliar airports easier with a guide. I also request assistance in large airports, particularly when I experience sensory overload. This service was invaluable for us during our recent travels through Heathrow!
Ready for Takeoff
Now that you’ve successfully navigated security and boarded the plane, don’t forget to check out some of my flight tips videos in the playlist that will appear when this video concludes! Right now, however, let’s delve into some fascinating secrets about the aeroplane itself!
Did you know that the cabin is pressurised to help us breathe at high altitudes? It’s more cost-effective for planes to fly at higher altitudes, but too much pressurisation can distort the aircraft’s structure over time. It’s a delicate balancing act to ensure our comfort while maintaining the aircraft’s integrity and keeping costs low.
Hidden Crew Features
Here’s an interesting fact: on longer flights, there’s often a hidden crew bedroom nestled in the roof space! If you’re curious, simply Google your aircraft type along with “secret crew bedroom” to uncover its location—you might even spot the access point yourself!
And did you know there’s a secret lock on the outside of the toilet door? Flight attendants can use it to secure the door during take-off and landing or to check during the flight if they sense a problem. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally set off an alarm after using too much hairspray—merely because they thought I was smoking! Since then, I’ve left hairspray at home. If you lift the small metal “lavatory” sign on the outside of the door, you’ll find the lock!
Viewing Window Indicators
This one surprised me: a small black triangle near some windows indicates the best spot for viewing the wing and engines, should the crew need to conduct a visual inspection. This feature helps save time in an emergency!
Consideration for Fellow Passengers
Finally, one last tip to create a more pleasant flight experience for others—try not to grab someone else’s seat to move around. I understand space is tight, and for those with injuries or disabilities, it might not be possible to avoid this. However, making an effort to get in and out of your seat without using the seat in front as leverage can prevent unexpected movements that may cause spills or disturbances for the person seated there.
Packing Tip for Shopping Abroad
Now, I’d like to share a packing tip that can significantly benefit your shopping excursions abroad. If shopping is on your agenda, consider packing one suitcase inside another! This method is like using Russian nesting dolls—perfect for optimising space.
It works well with Away hard-sided luggage—if you’re interested, I’ve included a link below that will give you $40 off your purchase! As someone who makes most of my own clothes, I like to buy fabric during my travels. On our recent trips to Singapore, London, and Frankfurt, we packed our medium-sized suitcase into the larger one, making it easier to manoeuvre at the airport and giving us extra space for our purchases on the return journey!
For shorter trips, you can also pack the carry-on size inside the medium size, helping to minimise your luggage on the outbound leg while maximising shopping capacity for the return.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to navigate the airport like a pro, be sure to check out the video linked here, where I’ll discuss minimising your onboard gear to enhance your flying experience!
Thank you for joining me today! Safe travels and happy flying!
🧳 Away luggage. Get $40 off and we get a commission if you use this link