Posted on Thursday, 16 February 2017

Considering that the plane is such a fast mode of transport, it's surprising how long it can take to get through the airport. But with a little planning, you can reduce the time you spend getting to and from your seat – and avoid a lot of stress while you're at it.

Here are some tips for getting through the airport in record time...

1. Order the applicable currency before you leave – or you may waste a long time at the destination airport trying to find an ATM that works with your card.

2. Check flight status before you leave home. There's no point heading to the airport if your plane is delayed by five hours.

3. Check the parking situation. If you are driving to the airport, make sure you know exactly where the car park is – especially in relation to your terminal.

4. Find out about trains, buses, taxis and/or hotel shuttle services at your destination airport before you leave. If you are being picked up by your hotel, double check they know when you are arriving and where they will be waiting.

5. Pack light. If possible, just take hand luggage (and make sure it isn't oversize or over-weight – since this may attract delays and an extra fee).

6. If you do only take hand luggage, check in online so you don't have to queue at the check-in desk.

7. If you are checking your bags, consider weighing them before you reach the check in counter. This way, you will be able to move items into different bags if one or more is over the limit. It's better to do this before you're under the beady gaze of the check-in attendant.

8. Remove your belt, any jewellery – and indeed anything metallic – before reaching the security scanner.

9. Be ready to take your shoes off just in case they need to be inspected (and wear shoes that are easy to remove/put back on).

10. Be prepared to take out your laptop or other digital devices to be put through the scanner.

11. Need to fill out an arrival card? If so, a member of the cabin crew should give you one before you land. Pack a pen in your hand luggage so you can fill this out before landing – saving you a good ten minutes (or more if you can't find a pen).

12. In some countries, what you wear could impact how much attention the authorities pay you. Those dressed smartly (or who have shaved, in the case of a man) may find they are less likely to be taken aside and asked questions/have their bags rummaged through.

Don't...

13. Get frustrated or angry with any delays – it will just make the experience more unpleasant!

Get a Quote