How to survive airports

My least favourite part of travelling is airports and I suspect it’s the same for many people.  However, since I know I dislike being in airports, I go out of my way to enjoy the experience.  Here are some of the things I do to make my time in airports more pleasurable:

  • I dress for comfort when travelling and usually wear a T-shirt, jeans and trainers.  I once read somewhere that former editor of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld, always wore high heels to the airport – and always got stopped by immigration officers.  They simply couldn’t understand anyone wearing high heels when travelling!  I love the idea of looking glamorous all the time but when placed next to comfort and staying on the good side of immigration officials, I choose comfort.
  • I get to the airport really early.  Doing so means queues are shorter and people are less tense.  Also, I check-in online whenever possible.  It reduces the amount of time spent queuing.
  • I put a smile on my face whenever I have to deal with anyone at the airport from airline staff to immigration officials to janitors.  It brightens up everyone’s day (including yours) and makes things go easier.  I know someone who got a seat upgrade simply because she was nice and polite to the airline staff member she came across.  You never know, it could work for you too.
  • I love to read and hate being bored so I always have a book and a magazine with me at the airport to pass the time.
  • I go easy on liquids – the airport is the last place I want to start searching desperately for the loo.
  • Finally, I focus on where I’m going (usually a holiday) and think happy thoughts.  It makes me happy and I’m sure the good vibes spread to those around me too.

 

 

What about you?  How do you make your time in airports more fun?  Tell us in the comments!

 

 

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Photograph by Linda O’Dell