Whether you are traveling as a business traveler or with family getting through the chaos at any airport can stretch your nerves tight. Delayed flights, changes in security checks, long queues, no seating, hard to find parking space, long treks with luggage and kids to reach the terminal -need I say more?
While traveling by plane used to be a pleasure now with
lowered air fares, a large number of airlines operating
from thread thin infrastructure, competition between carriers,
the setting up of more than one airport in large metropolises
and so on has turned air travel into a nightmare.
However, you can remain calm and still enjoy your trip
by:
1) Always checking before you leave for the airport
if the flight is leaving as scheduled. Use the tele
-checking facilities to check in. If you are a frequent
traveler or traveling first class some airlines have
facilities for you to check in baggage at their city
offices. This means you can avoid lugging your suitcases
long distances. In cities like London there are, “check-ins”
at stations like Paddington. Many airlines have day
before checking too.
2) Request the airline or travel agent for a drop off.
If this is arranged you will avoid the many hassles
of airport parking. You will have the luxury of getting
off right at the terminal itself.
3) Consider opting for packages like priority check
in options or the AirportPlus package. This will grant
you the luxury of using the fast track channel from
check in to boarding.
4) Did you know you can get far away from the maddening
crowds by using a pay-as-you-enter lounge. Here you
can sit calmly, read a newspaper or book, and enjoy
food and drink that is free. Often credit card companies
also extend such luxuries, so never throw away brochures
from your credit card company without reading it.
Private lounges need no pre-booking and will take
you away from the overcrowding and din in public spaces.
5) Try the salons at airports. Get a facial, hair cut,
manicure or pedicure while you wait for your flight
to be announced. A massage will not just de-stress
it will refresh you and time will fly.
6) Enjoy the ambience of an airport restaurant. Eat
a light meal and enjoy a chilled or piping hot beverage.
If kids are will you the secret is a full stomach
means a happy kid. Treat the kids to fries and a sandwich
or burger.
7) Sit in a corner and read a book in peace. Block out the surrounding cacophony that surrounds you. Often in the rush of everyday life an hour or two of complete peace is refreshing.
If you are friendly then you can of course chat with the
people seated with you. If you are traveling with a partner,
such as your wife or husband, use the time to reconnect.
Hold hands, talk of old times, or share thoughts and feelings.
Many people choose to listen to music, knit, deep breathe,
or even meditate.
There are experts who study stress caused by traveling and offer valuable advice in books, magazines, and on the net. Read up and find your own pleasurable way to avoid airport chaos.
About the Author: Andrew Bermam is a freelance
writer for Airport
Parking, the premier website to find help on airport
parking search including cities such as Philadelphia airport
parking, Newark airport parking, Oakland airport parking,
Seattle airport parking, and many more cities. |
