13 Things to NEVER Do at the Airport Before a Flight
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
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Planning to fly in 2024? Avoid these common airport mistakes that could ruin your trip. This video covers essential tips to avoid getting ripped off at the airport, common travel scams to look out for, and major mistakes that lead to terrible flights... or worse, not being able to board the plane at all!
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00:00 Airport Mistakes in 2024
00:17 Mistake #1: Not Checking Your Gate
01:21 Mistake #2: Doing THIS at Duty-Fre
02:01 Mistake #3: Buying THIS at the Airport
02:49 Mistake #4: Using the Airport Spas
03:36 Mistake #5: Eating THIS at the Airport
04:13 Mistake #6: Drinking THIS at the Airport
05:12 Mistake #7: Using Airport Currency Exchange
05:38 Mistake #8: Using Airport Wi-Fi
06:34 Mistake #9: Forgetting to Charge Devices
07:13 Bonus Flight Hack
07:43 Mistake #10: Breaking This Airport Rule
08:17 Mistake #11: Hogging Seats at the Gate
08:49 Mistake #12: Not Getting Comfortable for Flight
09:22 Mistake #13: Not Being Ready for Boarding
09:59 About the overhead bin... yikes.
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I should have listened to you, Megan. Going to Chiangmai last month, at LAX, I was sitting next to a young woman at the gate. She asked me to watch her belongings while she went to the bathroom. I thought that she would be 5 minutes. It was closer to 30 minutes. On coming back, she said she has a tradition of being one of the last persons to board. That’s not my tradition. My zone had already boarded. When I got to my seat, the overhead compartments were filled. I had to go 15 rows back to find a place for my carryon. Never again!
Another good reason not to guard someone's luggage! It was nice that you wanted to help out and unfortunate she took advantage! Safe travels, Dean!
That happened to me. I did say yes but told her if she was not back in 8 mins that I was going to walk away from her luggage. She chose to bring her luggage with her.
Never watch someone's suitcase. Big mistake.get gate agent and tell them.they might call security and take bag away.be vigilant.
After five minutes of waiting I would have told the person at the desk a passenger left these bags with me but I need to board with my group
Never accept to watch over a bag of other passenger, what if that passenger is back and say that you have stolen money?
You can show up WAY early, breeze through security, have breakfast/lunch waiting for flight... then the airline boards late and you land with 5 minutes to make your connecting flight which is 30 gates away... Only to be rescheduled on a flight 7-8 hours later.
So no matter what you do or how careful you are, the airline issues can still screw you.
I was flying a few days ago, and with only 15 minutes till boarding they announced a gate change- across half the airport. And since I was already limping at that point, it took me 20 to get there. The fact that I got there 3 hours early to avoid issues? Completely negated.
😂 so true. I had that experience of running with bag for more than half kilomrter only to find next connection rescheduled by 2 hours.
You can choose to give your layover anoyt 2 hrs. Thats what i do.
@@LisaSoulLevelHealing On the trip the above situation happened, the goal was to get into Las Vegas before 3am. The only combinations of flights that would do that for less than a a couple thousand dollars left me with a 45 minute layover. Would have been fine had my initial flight not been 40 minutes late leaving or the gates not been a mile apart.
This happened to me a few months ago resulting in my missing a connecting flight.. I finished up spending 30 hours in Johannesburg airport!!!!!
Commercial pilot of 33 years. Single biggest screwup before a flight is not monitoring the departures board for gate changes. Never assume that the gate printed on your boarding pass will be correct. Also if there is a gate change announcement often times people may not be in the gate vicinity to hear it or witness the stampede over to the new gate. I can't tell you how many times I've finished preflighting the plane after a gate change and then gone over to the old gate to check and find a handful of people peacefully sitting in a deserted boarding lounge with their flight not listed on the gate board.
Add me to the statistic, I was 2 hours early, sitting comfortably at my gate area, 40 minutes into boarding and it was still quiet, that worry me- so I went to check the board and found out it was moved to downstairs gate, which I almost didn’t make it😮😮 my advise is to check the flight boarding time an hour before departing or boarding f
@@elychua-ticsay9829 Whew! Unfortunately it's the people who show up early who tend to get caught. People showing up at the last minute have the most recent information. Best to set an alarm about 40 minutes prior to departure time and make sure the gate information is showing correctly and you're not the only person sitting in the boarding lounge. 😜
@@pi-sx3mb it was a handful of us, like 8 to 10 the most, and we all run down to the lower gate, it was a long walk too. Whew 😅 😅
@@elychua-ticsay9829 Glad you made it! 😊
So true! We have the app for whatever airline we are traveling with, and we sign up for flight notifications, etc. We were recently traveling with an in-cabin pet and had specifically chosen our seats to give us and the pet the most comfortable flight (extra leg room, no extra equipment under the seat, etc.). As flight number one with a connecting flight had landed, we received notifications that our seats for the second flight had been changed (they changed aircraft so the seating was different). Not only were hubby and I split up, but the new seats were not really going to be advantageous for shoving a cat carrier under the seat, LOL. So, before we were even off that first flight, we were able to use the app to shuffle our new seat assignments around where we had “more leg room” seats. We were still sitting apart, but at least I had my leg room back with a good enough gap for the carrier to fit nicely.
Buying things at the airport: My watch broke in my hotel room as I was leaving and the only watch I could find at the airport was in the duty free shop for about $299. I waited until I got to my destination and got a great watch in the hotel gift shop for $14.99. It still works to this day.
Only item (other than food) we purchased at an Airport Store was a pair of EarPlanes, as ours fell out of our bag during security screening and we needed that. Yes, the price was inflated, but so is bottled water, snacks, and everything you can buy at an airport.
Glad to see that there's still people like me, who use wrist watches to check time. Not mobile phones which will give you so much more distractions besides.
As I age I find that my mobility has become more difficult. (due to work related injuries) I have swallowed my pride and now use wheelchair assistance. I am so thankful for these ‘unsung heroes’. Days before my flight, I make sure to visit my bank and get 5.00 & 10.00 bills, and I tip generously, especially at holiday time. And ESPECIALLY if my assistant has to take me on the train from one gate to another, farther away. Other passengers have always been so kind also. I am very thankful!
Me too. But they’re not always readily available at all airports. At the Amsterdam airport I was told that it would take too long and I would miss my flight if they tried to find a wheelchair. Needless to say the walk to the gate was very far. Some airports likeMinneapolis Saint Paul are wonderful. They have trolleys and plenty of wheelchairs available.
I’ve worked at an airport in a variety of roles and one of those roles was an a wheelchair pusher. It means a lot to me for somebody ti speak so highly of the people that do those duties. They are probably the most used, but most under appreciated people in the airport.
I once sprained my ankle super bad the day before a trip to Vegas. I wasn’t doing that job yet and didn’t know the particulars of requesting one, but I also know it would be a short walk to my gate so I decided to “tough it out.” By the time I got to the gate in my airport, I was in so much pain and nearly in tears. As soon as an airline employee got the gate, I requested wheelchair assistance for my other airports on the trip. It was much appreciated by me and it was embarrassing at first, but I wasn’t in pain so that was more important than my pride at that point
@@MarilynMayaMendoza I’ve had some close calls, too. We fly in and out of Sky Harbor in Phoenix, AZ twice a year. I always arrive WAY early, like 3 hours and we fly at ‘unpopular’ hours. (I’ve worked for TSA in years past and I know how things can go awry!) Flying out of Sky Harbor, I’ve waited a long time for wheelchair assistance, and have watched how the counter people have called over and over for help. A couple of times the wonderful Delta counter person came over to me and said if they didn’t show up soon, THEY (counter person) would get me to my gate personally. Assistance showed up, a very slight gentleman, and he took myself and one other wheelchair at the same time! I’ve never seen anyone so strong and agile wheeling wheelchairs. It must’ve looked comical, but we zoomed through, elevators, underground train, the whole deal. He got nice tips from both of us!
@@MarilynMayaMendozaContact airline ahead of trip, ask how to reserve a wheelchair.
@@thunderousapplause will do. Thank you. Aloha.
#1 mistake is being rude or losing patience with airport staff. Always be nice to airport staff.
I totally agree with you!
@PortableProfessional yup. Even if the delay/cancelation is the airline's fault, it's not the staff's fault. It generally results in just some good old fashioned smiles, but sometimes gets rewarded with a extra drink, snacks, and the coveted better seat
Even if you really don't want to.🤣🤣
@@TexasFury good luck with that.
It's mutual
I’m considered a pretty seasoned traveler but recently got caught by a rookie move.
While visiting family over the holiday season, I bought a few last minute gifts from an airport vendor. Arrived at my connecting city to learn that our flight was cancelled and I was rebooked on the first flight the next morning. This means that I had to leave the secure area and return thru TSA but now my gifts (jams, wines) couldn’t be carried on.
Got me! 🤷♂️
Oh no 😮
Thank You for informing. I buy nothing for others as I motive them to save and travel.
Note to self: Be careful purchasing from airport vendors if I have inter-travel flight connections. 👌
Also... don't buy liquids (alcohol, creams) with an international connection!! I once departed from Germany returning to US with a connection in Switzerland - bought duty-free in Germany and was required to go thru security again in Switzerland where they did not allow my liquid duty-free items even though still sealed in their original bag + with my tix proving same day travel/ tix. Boy was I p*ssed!! Never again!
Add me to the list who got caught buying duty-free on long-haul with international connections; should've been better prepared before hand, and should've known better. Santiago (CL) to Madrid, Madrid to Frankfurt: I purchased a nice bottle of Chilean red wine at the duty-free at Santiago airport and brought the wine on board. In Madrid after passing through Schengen/border control, I had to go through security-check to board the flight to Frankfurt, and the bottle of wine obviously exceeded the carry-on limit for fluids. I had to dump the wine 😭
Thank you for reminding people to keep their feet off the seats.
The built in head rest on the plane seats are fine for people who are of average height or taller, but when you're short they do not work. Signed, a person they do not work for...
Thanks. I'm short.
they dont really work for tall people either.
Thanks for the warning.
May not work for tall people but at least it doesn't make your head tilt forward
I have always gone straight to my gate, then determine how much time I have, and go from there. There always seems to be a few stores and restaurants around, no matter where your gate is. I also plan to use the nearest restroom just before boarding, so I can maybe avoid having to use the airplane restroom.
🎯 💯%
Good suggestions! Some alternatives:
. As soon as you get through the security checkpoint, unless you know where your gate is (I've done a particular flight so much over the last 2.5 years that I know where the gate is), go there FIRST. After that, IF you have time, THEN you can wander around and get something to eat or drink.
. Instead of using a seat in the waiting area as a legrest, use your rolling suitcase.
. The Duty-Free store is fine for browsing, but nearly always the prices there are way higher than you'd pay at a regular store.
. Travel with a portable charger and appropriate cables in case there's no charger under your seat or the charger doesn't work.
. The stores that sell travel supplies at the airport exist for those times when you rushed out of the house and forgot something, such as your travel blanket and pillow or a cable for an electronic device. . DO travel with an extension plug that has multiple outlets. If there aren't enough outlets to go around, this guarantees that you and the people sitting in your row will all be able to plug in. It'll also make you popular. 🙂
. Don't waste your money on booze in the airport. If you MUST have alcohol, it's probably going to be cheaper on the plane (really!).
. The only way you can absolutely guarantee that you won't be forced to check your carry-on bag is if you fly in Business or First class. Depending on how much luggage you're traveling with, it may be only slightly more expensive to fly in the higher class. When I was shlepping back and forth between my house and my mother's house, it was only around $150-$200 more on an $800 airfare to fly First when I added in luggage and food costs.
. Don't worry about what you look like at the airport. Worry about what you SMELL like. Nobody wants to be seated next to someone with bad BO or an extra stinky cologne.
. If you fly more than once a year, TSA PreCheck is a MAJOR win. The amount of hassles you have to go through goes way down, as you no longer have to take your shoes off or unpack your bags.
TSA precheck only applies to US citizens (ie, less than 4% of the population). I wished they opened it up for others, I travel twice a month to the USA and I still need to wait in long lines.
What airline do you use that has 1st for only $200 more? If I fly AMS-JFK, it's $600 two way, but $4000 to $6000 for business or 1st. Occasionally I can upgrade at the gate, but even then, at least $600 one way extra.
I find it helpful to put my carry on in the bin on the opposite side from my seat so I can see it and I’d know if anyone was going in it. You never know
Last time I traveled, before covid, I was taken aback at the size of people's carry on luggage. Used to be a time when you were only allowed 5 or 10 kilos, depending on aircraft, for your carry on. Now the carry on luggage is about the size of the check in luggage.
Because they keep losing the check-in passengers luggage so people pack in their carry on. Happened to me multiple times... having to live with clothes packed in my carry on.
You may not need a neck pillow for your neck, but I’ve found them very useful to wrap around my knee to prevent pressure against an arm rest if I’m needing to sit at an angle, to get comfy.
If your device isn’t charged and working you may not be allowed to take it through security. You have to be able to prove it’s a working device, not something sinister!
Take handiwipes to wipe down your seating area.
Or wear pants 😂
Here's something I learned when travelling from Canada to Asia with connections between different carriers, there is a likelihood that the second carrier will want to reprint your boarding pass on their stationary so it is advisable to go straight to the boarding desk to inquire rather than have to be called along with all the other passengers with the same itinerary.
Yes! I had a similar problem with Qantas and Air France code share. Air France gave me boarding passes for their CDG to Hongkong flight & the two Qantas flights. The second Qantas flight boarding pass did not work at the boarding gate & they had to print me a new boarding pass for a different seat!
I like that boarding pass are on your phone these days. One airline checked me in with a face scan.
Add to the list of mistakes, thinking that your plane will pull up to a jetway just because it's an international flight. And, if your gate is changed from an upstairs gate to a ground level flight, assume there will be stairs up to the plane. My husband and I have travelled all over the world and were caught off-guard by both these problems on our recent trip. We had three long flights from Florida to Thailand. When our 3rd flight from Japan to Thailand stopped on the tarmac, near panic set in. I'd just gotten a cortisone knee injection before leaving and wasn't ready for stairs while carrying luggage. We were delayed getting off because the flight attendants had to arrange for the "elevator truck" to arrive. On the first of our return flights from Vietnam, our gate was changed from the upper to the lower floor. It should have occurred to us that this meant there would be no jetway, but we were pretty stressed and tired at that point. We didn't figure out what was going on until the bus pulled up. We held the flight up for at least 15 minutes waiting for the elevator again. So, embarrassing. We will always ask the flight attendants before landing whether the plane will pull up to a jetway from now on. Now, that we're older, checking, rather than being responsible for carrying our luggage may be smarter for us.
On a leg back from an overseas trip, I had a checked bag (it was carry-on going out, and I checked it coming in), as well as a tactical backpack (for my assignment) and a dry sack for some gear. Because we were flying a E75 to my end point, I gate checked my tactical bag because the flight was full, and there was no way I was getting that bag onto that skinny plane - and NO extra charge! If gate check is available at no cost - grab it! Your bag be at the gate waiting for you.
Yeah, just as long as it isn't Frontier! They charge for gate checked items!
My husband and I gate checked our carry on bags when leaving Belize. After boarding but before take off/closing the doors they announced that due to the heat they were going to offload some folks, which they did, about 5 people who I suspect were airline employees. The big surprise was they also offloaded about 20 bags. Ours were last on, so the first pulled off.
I got delayed by over an hour because someone left a suitcase unattended at CDG airport in Paris. They cleared out a large area and brought in the bomb squad. All the nearby gates were closed and all of the flights from those gates were delayed. Please don’t forget about your luggage.
I got caught there also and missed the flight back to the UK. Fortunately I was flying Air France who gave me a seat on another plane - about 10 hours later, but free of charge. They told me the budget airlines were making their travellers in the same situation pay for another seat as technically it wasn't the airline's fault, but the airport's.
I never bring luggage and always buy only a one way ticket with cash
People that spread out on 3 or 4 seats in a crowded terminal really bugs me! Spread out if the seating area is near empty but move your crap when it fills up.
Or just ask the spreader outer to move.
I almost never sit at my gate, usually there is an empty gate area nearby. SInce I also don't use the overhead bin I love being one of the last people to board (being tall and hate sitting longer than necessary in those cramped seats).
I learned the hard way about booking connecting flights close to each other. We all hate long layovers, but two hours isn't a long time when traveling internationally. It gives you plenty of time to grab a bite or use the rest room, and you never know how immigration is feeling that day. on a flight back from Africa my son and I (as well as everyone else returning from safari) got routed to a section of the airport in Atlanta. Here we stood in a long line that led into a plexiglass room where two customs officers asked us if we had any food, seeds, etc., in our baggage, and then wanted to see the boots we wore on safari. They then sprayed them down with some type of disinfectant. Our layover was only 45 minutes between flights and Atlanta is a HUGE airport. Some gentleman in line in front of us heard me talking to my son about how we may miss our flight and gave a shout out to all the other hunters in line to let us go ahead so we could make our flight. Everyone was so kind to let us jump in front and we thanked them all.
Now I make sure to leave plenty of space between these types of flights.
We had a layover of about an hour or less that got shortened because our flight got delayed , and we had to take the shuttle train to another part of of the airport which meant we had to hurry as fast as we could, even though they gave us another 15 minutes to make our next flight!
@@elouise5593 Just informing that in 2019, we had to pay $3/ each for the shuttle train to another part of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Malaysia. Fortunately my family had enough local cash, as I had finished all.
Yes, got to learn how each airport work, most airport, an hour or two is all you need, some place more. But you really don't have a choice, is either 2 hours or 13 hours. But usually if the time is really tight, there should be an airline or airport staff waiting outside your gate to speed you thru to your connecting flight. Is that not happening in the states. Or maybe you have to let the flight attendant know if you did not book the flights together.
I flew to Germany over Thanksgiving and had a layover in Amsterdam. It never occurred to me that I would have to show my passport in Amsterdam since my final destination was Germany. I expected it there but as I was standing in a long and unexpected passport control line in Schipol It made sense. This was my entry point into the EU and so I had to show my passport. Made things tight for that connection to Stuttgart but then Stuttgart was easy since at that point I was "domestic" travel.
Good tips! I make it a habit of checking where my gate is, then just hang / browse around the vicinity of my gate; if I feel adventurous I go further away but make sure I get back to my gate a half to an hour before departure time. So far never missed my flight!
Some airports, like DFW, seem to change departure gates often. So keep checking!
@@joyce3209You are 110% correct. I think my last DFW excursion was 5 gate changes...
Excellent advice! Having been a world traveler myself (33+ countries), I can tell you've been there, done that. My personal pet peeve: people who use any scents at all while aboard public transportation.
Pro Tip: Always ensure your carry-on is small enough to fit the smaller of your overhead compartment OR the slot beneath your seat.
In 30+ years of international travelling, I've never been asked to check my properly-sized carry-on.
I could not agree more about people who use scents on public transportation. It makes my blood boil. It is very inconsiderate.
Before I going to the airport I always rub an old fish all over myself and I've been to 34 countries
If you are using scent don't sit near me. I am allergic to scent. I get headaches. Please be away from me
Scents including deodorants and aftershave are a nightmare for asthmatics and people with even mild allergies. Sprays are especially bad because some people just fill the air with it . Should be banned on all travel not just planes. It is a nightmare for others.
My neck pillow is a blow up, I just pump the little button. It’s clean and only my face has been on it, it also has a washable cover. I use the neck pillow on the front of my neck, it keeps my mouth closed. 😂 I only drink water on a flight, lots of it and sometimes an apple juice as a treat before deplaning. The sugar boost helps me stay alert. I’m in my late sixties so also make sure I can lift my carryon over my head on my own. Nothing worse than frail people who can’t manage their own luggage.
"Nothing worse than frail people..." what a sheltered life you live😢
I'm really glad you've mentioned allergies. I definitely have experienced allergic reactions to scents in airports and on planes, making me miserable.
Notice also that the airport/airline😢 can change gate up until shortly before boarding.
So true! I have been caught running for a flight for that exact reason!
@@PortableProfessional Me too a couple if times.
Really screws you over if you have mobility issues (mine are minor, but even being a bit slower than average on a longer walk can really screw you over)
It was not in an airport, but I once had a "sugar-free gummy bears" incident. You have my sympathy.
I have different view on the neck pillow. Yes I agree that the ones for sales at the airports are not comfortable to use but if you do research and actually get a good one that is suitable for you, it’ll be a life saver for a 10+ hour flight. I used mine for the trip from US to Korea in summer 2022, couldn’t thank myself enough for having taken it with me
Good to hear! Always helps to do a little research! Happy travels!
Travelling as a disabled person has its own slew of issues. Sometimes wheelchair assist was not available or it conflicted with my own mobile device. This definitely made getting from one gate to another a huge challenge for me. The airline changed my seat assignment a few times and without notice. I suffer from mental health issues, claustrophobia being a huge one. Also getting across the seats to the window is very difficult due to lack of mobility. I'm sure my seatmates where especially frustrated when I had to get them to vacate just so I could get in and out to use the facilities.
There are also a number of things no one tells you. I found out on my final destination I could have checked one of my bags even though I had carry-on only.
It was a huge learning experience.
The biggest lesson I learned was, make sure your charger is a good one. I spent most of my vacation with devices that wouldn't charge properly. Fortunately, I had bought 2 charging banks. They were a huge lifesaver.
I will buy a second one
Wether you are disabled or not, if you have a window seat, your fellow passengers will still have to get up and let you get out to use the toilet.
I have had good luck with my mobility issues by letting the airline know when booking my seat that I am disabled. I also check in at the main desk when arriving by at the airport & drop off my checked bag there. I carry too many meds to just do a carry on. Delta has been good. The Mpls/ StPaul airport has a special training program for personnel in dealing with the disabled.
Wild? Absolutely! Nice to see you Megan and as always a video chock-full of great tips! #1 got me, but only once. I fell for the “oh, there’s #10 so my gate is right next to it” one time. Now, I scout out exactly where my gate is, then I go exploring! Thanks 🤗
Good tips, thanks!
Some decades back, duty free shops at airports helped you often to save money, and sometimes you could also make a deal at a souvenir shop, but meanwhile they turned airports everywhere into overpriced last minute shopping malls - last shopping opportunity before the border, or something like that. Standard gift items like local specialities (art/crafts, textiles etc.), or standard branded sweets or perfumes are usually cheaper if you buy them in any local store before you leave for the airport. Really sad.
Btw, here is one more hack for your collection: Nowadays, a functional smartphone is most probably the most essential travel tool during departure (e.g. for messages about gate changes) and after you arrived. If you run out of power and forgot your powerbank, couldn't find a USB port on your seat etc., use this last option for charging your mobile: use your laptop/notebook as power source. (Pro tip: try at home and before the flight how that works and which of your cables works if you never did it before.)
What wonderful tips ~ such wisdom. Love it! Thank you. 🩵
I absolutely have to bring a neck pillow, regardless of how long or short the flight is! I have a mild kyphosis due to a wedge shaped vertebrae (it's an actual condition called Scheuermanns disease) so neck support in a bus, train, plane or car NEVER gives me any support whatsoever because of my spine. I have to have a neck pillow for support and comfort, it's my only way to even benefit from the backrest being tall enough to also support head and neck in the first place.
Only things I buy in the taxfree store at airports, are items I've planned ahead of time to buy or maybe buy at the airport due to easier access at the airport and sometimes better prices, that especially goes for something like perfume if I have any plans of buying any. Other than that I usually only buy chocolate and other candy because that's something that gets finished over time and I enjoy the larger packages available at the taxfree at a decent price (vs how much the same amount would cost in regular grocery store), it's also nice to snack on both during flight and upon arrival. It's rare for me to buy anything else than chocolate and maybe some other candy in the taxfree, think last time I bought something fancy was in my teenage years when really liking Escada's seasonal scents in the colorful bottles, so got a bottle of that a few times when flying in my teenage years or when my parents were traveling (after I stopped going with them)
Making you come to the airport early is how Duty-Free survives and makes the City or Port Authority richer. Then there are the people who feel
"rich" when they fly, suddenly developing a taste for caviar, big watches and expensive liquor when they drink bottle-cap wine at home.
Very helpful info. Thanks .
I had to use air travel 22 times for work in 2023. I am on three this far in 2024. Got it pretty dialed in, but I have learned to let much go and to quit stressing about travel.
This summer I was traveling in the Madrid airport. I had plenty of time, so I did find my gate. I still felt harried though as the bus ride from T4 to T2 was more crowded than I anticipated, and the line to check in, though moving, was long and hidden. I was able to relax before hoarding, though.
Don't like mad airport.air stairs on intl flights. Drag your stuff up 3 flts of stairs. I avoid mad
Ah, the maltitol in sugar-free sweets. My husband once bought me some sugar-free chocolates for Valentine's Day by mistake. What happened after eating a couple of those was not fun AT ALL. I avoid maltitol and other sugar substitutes at all costs now.
I swear, you could use them for colonoscopy prep.
Good Info... Thanks
Print out all your travel documents, your confirmations, hotel bookings etc.
I have paper versions, copies on the cloud, copies in a folder on my phone and in my email (I attach everything to one email & email it to myself & then flag it to find it easy). Some custom areas ban you having your phone out so you’re stuffed if you need to find it on the phone and can’t use it.
Number #7; I found that when I traveled to Poland and Türkiye that if I paid using my iPhone that the exchange rate was exact at that moment. No fees or additional charges. Almost everyone accepts phone payments even street vendors. When I got home and looked at my credit card statement everything was in perfect order.
I have always hated going through airports in Canada when coming home from London. The security you have to go through even after just getting off a flight is horrible This was an excellent video full of good information
Glad you enjoyed the video!
I am a happy Canadian that our security takes their job seriously.
I find many of the US agents are very rude, I’ll take Canadian security any day.
Bet Trudeau doesn’t have to do it. Canada has fallen.
Security AFTER a flight??? Don’t think so. Since when? Maybe passport control and customs. That’s normal entering any country. Don’t know how that’s “horrible”.
I always look for my next gate before looking at any stores or even the bathroom
Back here to learn more since last year’s travel. Off to Poland this year with daughter. All excellent reminders especially having currency before going to the airport. Avoid excess fees especially at the country’s ATMs. Thx Megan.
Your videos are always informative and fun to watch.
Ugh, the gate lice!! They’re so obnoxious. On a recent trip to Germany they called for boarding groups 1 &2 to line up. We got in line. As group one was nearing the end of their boarding process, some guy runs up and jumps on the end of the line. His buddy who is at the end of line 2 says, “Hey, we’re in group 2!” The first guy yells back over the rest of us waiting, “Hey just get on the end of line 1 so you don’t have to wait on line 2” Grrrrr……. The group at the head of the Group 2 line sent him packing to the back of the line.
Gate lice have no honour.🤣
Good call on the alcohol. I used to work for a multi-national company. Every three weeks I had to visit head office which meant four flights. We used to fly business class and were entitled to unlimited free alcohol during each flight. I quickly learned to have a single glass of champagne then switch to coffee or water.
A few good tips. I would certainly recommend taking inflatable cushions for sleeping comfort, especially for longer flights avoiding arriving to your destination with your neck out of joint 😖 Bulky neck cushions and the like, as was said, are definitely a no-no. Get to the airport early and get to the boarding gate early eliminating any unnecessary stress.
5:38 using the airport WiFi is only a mistake because its speed is usually horrible. Security-wise, it's a non-issue now that every single sensitive website uses HTTPS.
That "you need a VPN if you use public WiFi" message is, in 2024, nothing more than VPN vendor propaganda.
I've never used a VPN in Europe or Asia. No security issues either. I used the WiFi from an airline lounge before and enjoyed free WiFi.
Thank you, Meghan , for another wonderful video full of great information! I must say, I enjoy reading the comments of other travelers so much! The comments add so much to my travel encyclopedia about what to do and things to avoid during my very limited travel these days, and I can live vicariously through all of their wanderings… Even if some adventures have more difficult outcomes than others. Tavel on, all!!💕
That's so nice, Claudia! Like you I love reading the comments and learn so much! I have such great viewers!
I never rely on a provided energy source to charge my devices. I take a charging brick that has typically at least four full phone charges in it. I also just check my main bag even though it is carry on size. Too much stress for me hauling it around and then hoping I can get the overhead bin space. I already have some moderate claustrophobia and prefer not to add any further stress to my travel.
Nice pieces of information !!
Thank You for reminding to check the gate as it does change, speaking from experience.
My pleasure, Henry!
Very nice and useful info!! Thanks!!!
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful!
Great info. Love your channel.
Glad you enjoy it!
I totally agree with you on number 3. A complete waste of money and a drag to carry around because it’s just one more thing to remember.
I had that identical allergic reaction once several years ago. The man seated directly in front of me had over-indulged in the cologne samples---or maybe just bathed in his favorite! Made for a long, miserable flight.
If the flight isn't clear full, alert the flight attendants and maybe they can switch you to another seat if it happens again.
Regarding the overhead bins filling up quickly: This is part of why I usually choose a window seat towards the back of the plane. Fewer people prefer the back and it makes it much easier to get an overhead and get settled. As I travel with tools and equipment, I have to deal with baggage claim for my main bag, so getting off the plane last won't make a difference in my time. An exception might be if I have a short layover, but I try to allow at least 1 1/2 hours for those. Choosing a short layover is asking for problems.
Glad you added that caveat at the end!! Seems obvious but common sense is not so common🙃
There's a lot of good advice here.
I've also learned not to buy much of anything in the airport. I'll buy food that I intend to consume right away, but I bought some local coffee once in an airport. When I got to the gate, they were doing an additional security check there where they go through your carry-ons. They confiscated the coffee I had just bought as a security risk. it doesn't matter whether it was warranted or not. You are at their mercy.
Gues they needed some coffee!
Love your videos ❤
Great to know! Thanks!
Great tips! Thanks for the advice! ❤
You are so welcome, Patricia!
There is always plenty of space in the overhead bins when the airline charges the same for both carryon and checked. However, I do wish that airlines would do a better job of making people check their bags when they are flagrantly stretching the rules. I’ve seen carry-on bigger than my checked and carry-on combined. Come on!
Agreed, this is also my #1 pet peeve. Wish airlines would actually enforce the carry-on limits, both the number and the sizes but then they would have to deal with those oversized egos who think they are entitled to bring whatever they want.
Very good tips, especially the advice on foods😀
Thanks, Brent! Glad you think so!
I need a drink before I fly because I'm a nervous flyer. One 7 & 7 (Seagram's 7 and 7up), is enough to help calm me.
I had a friend watch my bag in the Dubai airport. I was only a few minutes but they started calling for us early. When I got back I was scolded by the gate agent for leaving my bag with someone else.
Thank you for an interesting and useful video
Sugar-free gummy bears 😂😂. Those are infamous for causing a "blowout".
In November, flying home from a cruise, we had a connection at Detroit. Our connecting flight was about 30 gates away. The walk seemed to take forever, but we did get there with time to spare. The plane left the gate on time but we spent around 30 minutes waiting for de-icing.
I’ve never been to Detroit before, we liked the airport. We hate our local airport
That was good advice. Once I'm thru security, I always walk to the gate that I'm flying out of, even if I have a major layover. I will continue to check for gate reassignments in the interim, but mostly I just move outward from that gate for any part of the airport I want to experience. Also, I carry an extra battery pack for my cell phone, and an interesting difference in screening was that in China I had to remove it from my travel bag, but in the US I just left it in.
I always go straight to my gate when I get to the airport. More often than not lately, when I find it I am told the gate has been changed, sometimes far from the one listed or even in a different building. I've even had to request special transportation to get there in time.
Always such great tips. Love that voice.
Thanks! Happy travels, Carl!
I just subscribed! Your channel is very helpful.😊
Yay! Thank you! Great to have you on the channel, Laura! Happy travels!
At 0:36 is that Union Station in Los Angeles? Great tips, Megan - as usual. I often wonder about high priced items in the airport stores. People must buy them or they wouldn't exist. The device power tip is SO important.
Bring a power strip with you any time you travel, the busier the airport the more popular you become. It also guarantees you will always have access to an outlet.
I made the exact same mistake you did in the Lisbon airport and very nearly missed my plane. I warn everyone I can about that airport.
Oh my God, I laughed out loud when you said get dressed up for security, etc. I've seen people wearing not much more than pajamas at the airport. I'm all for sweats and a T-shirt but dear god some people even get less formal than that.
When flying back home from overseas, make sure to go to the bathroom on the plane before you get off the plane and have to go through customs. You don’t know how long the line will be or how long the airport journey to get to customs. Arrived in Miami from Madrid recently and there were no bathrooms from what seemed like a forever walk to customs. Yikes!
Another great video Megan, the advise you offer is always very helpful. Travel Safe!
Thanks so much, Patrick!
Another great video. Thank you. You mentioned in tip number one that you stayed in a lounge. Can you do a video on lounges and how to get to them and how to use them?
With WestJet, you can trade in points from your WestJet Credit card, and use the special lounge during layovers, or prior to flying out from your home airport. I would google the airline you are curious about, see where they have lounges/which airports...then further investigate how ... possibly just an extra charge?
Thanks for the reminders Megan. Completely agree about the travel accessories - unless it is something you have used before and really need it, just don't. Duty free Chocolates otoh I am a total sucker for. I cannot resist stocking up, plus they make nice little gifts.
I lucked out on a neck pillow. I had forgotten mine and picked up one at the airport. I still use it to this day. It's the best one I've ever had.
@@NimseyLou All's well that ends well _ Glad you found a good one!
@Bravo21 Just make sure the chocolates aren't sugar-free (or at least don't contain maltitol!)
@@marnieandnoelle😂😂
I never eat food prepared at the airport. I once ate a chicken sandwich from an airport restaurant. I got food poisoning and fainted on my eight hour flight. I was ok, but cracked my tailbone. It hurt for six months afterwards.
I always bring one of those grocery store garlic chickens and put it in the overhead to eat later
I would add this - pay attention in case your gate number is changed - I have had this happen twice. Bear in mind that the gate number shown by your airline’s app may be out of date.
You make a very important point! Thanks!
Always look at the airport boards and be at your gate 30mins before boarding time, just in case there is a last minute gate change. Oh, and use common sense!! If it's 30mins before your boarding time and there are no other passengers at the gate? Re-check the airport boards and/or find a gate agent to confirm gate!
Happened to me once and now I always recheck my gate 30 mins before boarding.
Being flexible and just thinking about what you want to do is one of the major ways of dealing with issues at an airport. I do bring a neck wrap that keeps my head mostly up when flying overnight. Also pay attention. I have had flights change gates multiple times. One time the new gate was pretty far away.
I totally agree with every word you said, proceed cautiously, especially food
Glad you liked the video! Welcome to the channel and hope to see you back here!
Guess I’m good as I’m aware of all except the unexpected second checkpoint as you experienced. Something I’ll check in future.
I love your videos. Im so looking foward to my first international trip to japan
I plan on being to my flight like five hours early, only because I'll have access to the lounge. So excited!
What a great way to relax before your flight! Have a super trip, Elijah!
Re: Duty Free shopping
We were flying back from Greece with a connection in Boston. We had purchased some liquids at Duty Free in Athens, but when we went through security for the domestic flight, the Duty Free items were confiscated because they were over the TSA limit for liquids. It did not matter to the agents that they were still in a sealed Duty Free bag.
Don't buy liquids at Duty Free if you have a domestic connecting flight!
Absolutely true about alcohol. I had a large beer waiting in BNA and I felt horrible while in the air.. I had to take a few beats when I landed in CLT to drive home.
On my last trip I saw a young girl travelling on her own, leave not only her bags unattended but also her phone which was charging at the time. Luckily it was still there when she came back from the bathroom.
"Gate lice" 🤣 Love it!
They're a weird breed. And of course as soon as one moves, it starts a bit of a stampede. My most recent flights had queues past the gate and down the hallway whilst passengers were still disembarking, let alone boarding being called
Eeeewwwww...
The airport is such a lawless place. It really changes ppl.
It's like survival of the fittest.
Thank you Megan! 👍
You're so welcome!
LOVE you for the no feet advise! Thank You! 😘
You are so welcome!
You might want to get to your flight destination as soon as you can to relax but….should probably stop and think about when you arrive.
I had a shuttle that was taking me back on a 2 hour drive from the airport and they were not arriving for a couple more hours. I went ahead and passed all the restaurants and went downstairs making sure I could find it. Only to find out that I could not get anything to eat there unless I went back through security.
And I was not going to do that again
Video idea: How much minimum lay-over time should you have between connecting flights domestically and international? Factoring in time of year/holidays, which airport you are connecting through, customs and immigration etc.
I'd say at least 2-3 hours. Sometimes, the planes have slight delay, and in case it does, it's better to have a little leeway between connecting flights than having a short layover. I learned this after missing my connecting flight due to a two and a half hour delay last month. I only had an 80-minute layover, and I regretted not choosing a later flight when booking my flight at the time. Because of this, my 80-minute layover turned into an 8-hour layover.
Agree! Calculating your lay-over time would make a good video. There are a lot of factors at play. In addition to domestically vs. International...
- Is the connecting flight the last flight of the day
- How frequently is the airline servicing the connecting flight to the next destination (e.g., hourly, just once a day)?
- Are flights likely to be overbooked?
- How likely is the flight proceeding the connection to be late?
- Traveling during a period known to have bad weather?
Minimum 5 hours. Flights can be delayed causing jam in customs immigration.Luggage offloading can also take time. Always buy your international flight and connecting domestic on the same ticket as it forces airlines to rebook at no cost if a delay causes missed connection. If I buy separate tickets the delay is my fault and I will have to pay to rebook missed connections.
Yes minimum of 2 to 3... I made this mistake in Paris cdg, and well I missed my last connection to vienna because cdg had 3 lines for us passports and I'd say 1k people to get through. Ugh
Domestic flights a minimum of 2 hours. Flights are so unpredictable these days. Gates change at last minute, delayed arrival, weather issues, etc.
Many years ago when I was a teenager. My mother and I were on a international flight she had salad either the night before or earlier in the day (dont remember exact timeline) and ended up with horrendous food poisoning through out the flight. So my family instituted no salads the day before, day of, or day after, travel days LOL still stick to that to this day.
I have been doing everything you point out in the video 😊
I used to drink some wine, bc I was nervous, but not anymore (headache). I only drink water and, for a strange reason, I love tomato juice while flying. Nothing else.
My hubby is a tomato juice guy. Maybe I will opt for that next time instead of my usual coffee.
That's great! Happy travels!
Water and coffee is my choice. Completely agree with staying away from the alcohol. Some think coffee is a bad choice but for me, a day without coffee is like ... well honestly I have no idea. I never go a day without coffee.😋
I used to drink wine too because travelling is always a vacation for me. I only drink tomato juice while flying. I crave it on planes for some reason. Maybe it's the salt. :)
Foods! hahaha! Especially the chocolate in Brussels airport....and forgetting you're lactose intolerant. But by jove they're good!!!!!
I always make sure to walk right up to my gate first, even if I am there two hours early. Then I can go do something else if I want.
Hi, Megan! My typical beverage was (I haven't flown since 2009 or 2010 ... I can't remember) regular coke or juice (i.e. apple, cranberry, etc.). I'd likely opt for the same nowadays too. Though I'd now politely ask them for no ice.
I'll likely get the currency either from my credit union (bank) or AAA.