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"Rakes" you shouldn't step on at the airport. Don't ever do this
Going through airport security causes people to panic. Not only the first time. It takes a dozen flights to master all the nuances of passing security. Before that, the habit of listening to "what my grandmother told me" worsens the situation, and tourists continue to repeat the same mistakes by being late for flights, creating queues and retelling mythical stories that could have been avoided. Following clear rules at the airport will help save not only psychological health but also prevent physical illness. Oboz.ua tells about this and what not to do at airports.
Arrive 2 to 3 hours before boarding
This mantra could have been learned the first time around, but passengers who were once lucky enough to pass security in an hour get in the way. If you're at the airport for the first time, you can do it in 4 hours. There are several important reasons to arrive at the airport in advance:
- To give yourself time to get your bearings;
- even if you know the airport like the back of your hand, you should not forget about passengers who are not oriented, creating queues and increasing the process of passing control;
- emergency situations at the airport during security are frequent, so allow time for them;
- the plane is waiting only for the President.
Keep in mind that there may also be obstacles on the way to the airport. Going to the airport in advance is not a whim of the airport staff, but an unbreakable rule for a good start to your trip.
Learn the English "slang" of airports
Instead of trying to ask everyone in sight for information about your flight, learn English words that will help you navigate the boards at most major airports around the world:
Flight. For example: Flight AL0038 Zagreb.
Check-in - check-in. When you see this word opposite the name of your flight, head to the check-in counter. If a numbering range of counters is indicated, for example, from 58 to 62, you can choose the one with a shorter queue.
An empty field means that you arrived early and check-in has not started. The board may indicate the time when registration will start. If the time is not specified, you should not go about your business for a long time, you can arrive first and be the last in line.
Delayed - the plane is delayed. The time is usually indicated: Delayed till 15 pm.
Cancelled - the flight has been canceled. This is accurate, but it is worth checking the information window to find out your next steps.
Boarding - check-in is complete and boarding is already underway. Unfortunately, you are late and will not be allowed on the plane. You can clarify your next steps in the information window.
Transparent bag with a zip fastener with bottles no more than 100 ml
This rule, a transparent package with a valve for bottles with a volume of no more than 100 ml, is almost 20 years old. It is aimed at ensuring that your hand luggage is not damaged and that other passengers are safe. The pressure in an airplane is high enough that the bottles can easily open and spill liquid on your clothes. What you can carry in bottles with a volume of no more than 100 ml in your hand luggage
- toothpaste
- shampoo
- deodorant or perfume, both gel and aerosol
- mouthwash
- cream
If you exceed the norms, the bottle will be confiscated and thrown in the trash. You can carry standard liquid packages in your main luggage that are not subject to airport control prohibitions in that country (the list may vary).
It is important that this transparent bag with the bottles is on the surface to speed up the passage of control.
Prepare your documents in advance
It is convenient to do this while waiting for check-in or while already in the check-in line. There can be 300 or more passengers in line at the same time. If everyone starts rummaging through folders, pockets, and wallets, it will be long, boring, and annoying for you and the security guards. Checking your documents at least 2-3 times will also save you from unfortunate circumstances.
Metal products
Remove items that are subject to metal detection in advance:
- watch
- belt with a metal clasp
- electronic devices that are larger than a cell phone
- large earrings, necklaces, bracelets made of metal, etc.
- jackets or sweaters with metal fasteners
If your shoes have laces, also untie them in advance. The simpler you dress for the flight, the fewer questions you will have when you go through the metal detector.
Summer sandals at the airport
Airports serve millions of people. No matter how hard the cleaning services try, it is simply not possible to ensure sterile cleanliness. If you have to take off your shoes for security, you'll end up barefoot on the floor. Athlete's foot isn't worth the comfort, so prefer closed shoes with light socks, even in summer.
Carrying luggage on my own
Life hacks that you can carry extra luggage on your person are partially true. For example, you can put on a pair of sweaters or pants, pack things in a pillow case under your head, etc. In some cases, this will certainly work, and you will pass these life hacks on to your friends, and they will pass them on to theirs. However, often the security service may perceive this as something strange and send you for an additional inspection, which will take up a significant part of your time.
Boarding pass
Do not put your boarding pass away, it is your main reference point after check-in. It contains the following information:
- Flight - flight number
- Gate - your gate to board the plane
- Seat - your seat on the plane
- Boarding time - the time when you have to be at the gate
- Gate closes - the time when boarding ends
You should arrive for boarding in 20-30 minutes.