With heightened security at all airports around the world you will find they are not the fun and exciting places they once used to be. You will need to change the way you thought about travel. You can get into trouble in airports fast these days, and so here is a guide to surviving them. When you travel, never forget good cheap travel insurance is always available.
- Bags. Just because you have good cheap travel insurance, don’t think that you don’t need to keep a keen eye on your luggage. If you leave your luggage unattended for only a minute you will find they are gone. All airport staff are on the lookout for luggage without an owner, and you might soon start a bomb-scare. If you don’t want to worry about carrying around that carry-on luggage, and you have time to kill, an airport locker is a sensible option. Just don’t forget them when you go to board. No travel insurance will cover you for unattended luggage. Always weigh your luggage before you go to the airport. Many years ago you might have been let off if you were over-weight. That rarely happens today. Over 32.5 kilograms and your luggage is considered too heavy to lift, and it is difficult to get it on even, if you pay. Understand there are also limits to the weight of carry-on luggage. Normally, around 7 kilograms.
- Walk don’t run. We tell children this all the time. In airports, you will attract a lot of attention if you are running. Make sure you know where your gate is, and as many airports have the same shops and other services near each set of gates, you should use those nearest. You can easily be seen as a criminal if you start running. Avoid putting yourself in the situation.
- Check Terror Alerts. All airports will have these messages on the screens. If there is heightened security, expect to be asked more questions than usual.
- Never Argue. Whatever situation you find yourself in, do not argue with anyone. This can be reason enough for you to be arrested. If you are asked to do something by airport staff, you should do it.
- Questions. It is always a good idea to have your answers prepared. Not that you have anything to hide, but it is highly likely that you will be asked some basic questions at some time. There is no need to tell in great detail, but make sure you have information to back up what you say. If you answer to casually and your story does not match the documents you are carrying, you will find you are in trouble before you know it. Never make jokes that could be misunderstood. This can happen easily if you forget where you are and are talking loudly on the phone. People around you might only understand a few words and get the wrong idea.
- Stay Visible. The more you try to ‘hide’ the more suspicious other people will be. Take a seat in a coffee shop and do what you need to do.
Always remember how serious airports have become. It is a sad reality of the world today. You will just have to save your good mood for when you leave, then you can start your holiday.
